BY JEREMY THESEIRA WITH BUDDHA AS A BACKDROP - SPH GOLF CLUB
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29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND
Top THAI RESORT
WITH BUDDHA AS A BACKDROP
BY JEREMY THESEIRA
‘DISCOVER GOLF’ RETURNS
FOR A THIRD TIME
BY GODFREY ROBERT
MARDAN MAMAT AIMS TO BE
WORLD’S NO. 1 SENIOR
BY BENNY TEO
S
IN TIME WITH
BY
BENNY TEO
FIRE THAT KEEPS BURNING
ingapore’s number one golfer for numerous years, veteran fessed.
As for the future of professional golf
professional Mardan Mamat, now 51 years old, is still going strong in Singapore, he offered a stern warn-
as we caught up with him at the Staysure Tour’s (formerly Senior ing.
“Sorry to say that we are in the
European Tour) MCB Tour Championship event early December. wrong country to build up this game.
It’s not that I don’t like Singapore but
to build up your game here is very dif-
“I just turned 51 and there’s not earning $10,000 for his effort. How- ficult, whereas in Thailand, Philip-
many senior tournaments in ever, he finished the season at 48th pines, Malaysia, Indonesia or India,
Asia, so to get an opportunity to on the money list after 10 events and they have their own domestic tour, so
play in a European senior is a good ex- missed the trip upwards the Indian even when they are not playing on the
perience. First time in Mauritius was Ocean for the finale. Asian Tour, when they go back home,
three years back (at the tri-sanctioned Nevertheless, he credited former they have their own tour to play.
AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open) and I Asia number one Thaworn Wiratchant “Here in Singapore, we don’t have
played well, came in top five. as motivation to do well at Mauritius. that. Most of my career, I have to trav-
“It’s different playing the main tour “I spoke to Thaworn about a week el a lot. The only thing we play in Sin-
and the senior tour. It’s more relaxed before we came here and he told me gapore is the Singapore Open and last
here, even the players, while still com- he shot 10 under in the last round to time we had the Singapore Masters
petitve are more relaxed,” said the win the tournament last year. That’s but now, we only have the Singapore
veteran golf professional over break- very impressive. So I asked about the Open.
fast at the Constance Belle Mare Plage golf course and he said it was short, it “Look at Thailand. Every year they
where he had been staying for the was easy. It’s just a putting competi- produce an up-and-coming star. Why?
week of the event. tion, so if you putt good, you can win.” Because they have their own domes-
His first attempt at the 450,000 eu- While he did not follow suit by win- tic tour (All Thailand Golf Tour) and
ros ($705,000) season-ending double ning, Mardan was glad to see familiar in a year, they have 15 to 20 events.
billing that included another week in faces from when he competed on the Next year, the Thai tour will be all
Seychelles for the senior tour’s top 30 European Tour in his younger days, world ranking events. That’s how the
players saw him finish a respectable particularly the time after his momen- Thai players can develop very fast and
tied-17th in a field of 50 players, and tous victory on home soil at the OSIM that’s why they are very competitive.
Singapore Masters. “That’s already proof that this is
“We competed at the same age and what you need to do if you want to
it’s great to see all of them as seniors produce future Asian top players.”
again. Not many players get this op- As to his own future, he looked to
portunity to still play golf at 50 years the past for an answer.
old and make some money, so I’m “Golf is a struggle. My only mistake
very blessed,” he said. that I made, at nine years old, I told
At his age, Mardan is still not let- myself I want to be the top profession-
ting up, competing in the Asian Tour al in Singapore and I got it. That’s the
with exemption earned from a strong mistake I made. I didn’t wish myself
career money list ranking, as well as to be world number one,” he reflect-
playing a series of events on the Stay- ed wistfully.
sure Tour. “It’s a bit emotional for me, when I
“Beginning in summer, I spent four think of the past, it’s always that way.
weeks in Europe playing in Switzer- I don’t know, I’ll see my body, I’ll see
land, Germany and British Seniors how it goes. I hope to continue playing
and Scotland. Then I came back for till I’m 60 but now I give myself up to
two weeks before going back for an- 55 and see how my fitness is.
other four weeks to play two tourna- “If my body allows me, I aim to be
ments in England, one in Bulgaria and the number one senior in the world.
Mardan Mamat one in Scotland. So I spend about two I’m quite fortunate to still compete at
photo by Mark Sampson
(left) in action months in Europe. It’s good. the highest level. Some of my old col-
at the MCB Tour “It’s just that sometimes it gets real- leagues have already left the tour and
Championship in ly lonely being away for months, but I still have my career money in the
Mauritius. when I play golf, I don’t feel that way. Asian Tour, which means I can play
I’ve been playing for so many years, there for another two or three years,”
but I’m still getting used to it,” he con- said the proud Singaporean athlete.
MARKETING AND
SWING SUPERVISING EDITOR
S. Murali
EDITOR
Benny Teo
CONTRIBUTING
EDITORS PARTNERSHIP ENQUIRIES
TEAM muralis@sph.com.sg benny.teo@sphpacom.com Godfrey Robert
Spencer Robinson
Vivien Cham Business Director
9746 0379, champs@sph.com.sg
CREATIVE EDITOR WRITER Ven Sreenivasan Daphne Tay Business Director
Jacqueline Wu Jeremy Theseira Rohit Brijnath 9620 1418, taykhd@sph.com.sg
wuyej@sph.com.sg Rahul Pathak
SUB-EDITOR
Ida Karsia
2 | SWING BY SPHGOLF | 29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND
A
DISCOVER GOLF IS THE WAY
TO KEEP THE GAME BUZZING
SGA WILL HOLD ITS THIRD SUCH CARNIVAL DURING
SMBC S’PORE OPEN WEEK
bout five years ago,
the sport of golf,
which is said
to be one of the oldest pastimes, suffered an “identity
crisis”. Golf, which is said to have had its origins in
Scotland in the Middle Ages, hit a rough patch when a
series of happenings gave it a body blow. The number of
golf courses was dwindling, with closures in parts of the
United States and Europe and land acquisition by the
government in China.
The biggest name in world golf then,
Tiger Woods, ruined the sport and
his own image when he suffered
from knee and back injuries and en-
dured a traumatic personal life with
his marital problems and romantic
affairs.
That double blow led to millenni-
als shunning the sport, leading to a
big drop in the golf playing popula-
the biggest projects they have been
working on is the programme aptly
named Discover Golf.
Its game plan is to inject fun into
the game with the long term pros-
pect of even reducing the number
of playing hours for the game by en-
couraging nine-and 12-hole events.
The Singapore Golf Association
has also taken up the cudgels and
BY
GODFREY ROBERT
The best
way to
enjoy golf is
to see it as
a fun event,
as seen in
the Discover
Golf events
(right).
tion globally. has organised its own Discover Golf
Singapore was not spared either. Carnivals.
In the last three years, the island lost And although in its two previous
clubs ( Jurong Country Club and Raf- carnivals, there have been a reason- There will be a Kids Zone where This competition is
fles Country Club) and three courses. able number of children who have the younger ones can get to try activ- open to all amateur players, and
And now there is speculation that taken up the game, the SGA feels that ities and win prizes. participants will compete in one of
more courses face the doom with there is still much work to do. There will also be a skills challenge four divisions, Men’s Open, Wom-
land leases expiring and the Gov- In partnership with event promot- area aimed at individuals who are en’s Open, Boys’ (amateurs aged
ernment’s intention to turn golf land er Lagardere Sports, it will hold its more proficient in the game. 18 and under as of Jan 1, 2019) and
into areas for industrial develop- third such carnival in conjunction Held during the week of the Singa- Girls’ (amateurs aged 18 and under
ment. with the SMBC Singapore Open on pore Open, the event will be held at as of Jan 1, 2019).
It is also said that Singapore’s golf Jan 13. the Lower-Tier Driving Range at Sen- The participants will go through
playing population has aged and the Encouraged by the response at the tosa Golf Club from 2pm to 6pm and the qualifying rounds and the top
number has dropped from a high of previous one held at the upgraded admission is free. five longest-hitters in each division
90,000 to about 70,000 with fewer Executive Course in Mandai on Sept There will also be a SGA Long will enter the final round.
youngsters taking up the game. 23, the carnival will again have many Drive Challenge where golfers get Also held at Sentosa’s Lower-Tier
However, the golf administrators golf-themed activities for the public to try out their tee-shots and be Driving Range, there will be an entry
here and abroad are not taking that to get them excited and inducted to crowned the first ever Long Drive fee of $10 per try (limited to two tries
setback sitting down, and one of the game. champion in Singapore. per person) for this challenge.
photos courtesy of Lagardere Sports, Singapore Golf Association
IN SEARCH OF A LOCAL WINNER FOR SINGAPORE OPEN
Every year when golf’s Singapore Open bolder and tighter as the entrants these tough Serapong mance last year as an amateur, finish-
comes to town, local golf is so burdened days — unlike the days of yore when course from Dec ing joint-16th against a top-class field.
that the national association feels like most of the players came from Asia and 1, so that they can Joining Foo are Quincy Quek, John-
an albatross is hanging around its neck. Australasia — are world-class players familiarise them- son Poh, Jesse Yap, Mitchell Slorach,
For no Singaporean has ever won the such as Jordan Spieth, Sergia Garcia, selves with the Choo Tze Huang and Koh Dengshan
title, with the competition dating back Adam Scott, Davis Love and the likes. course and know (with SPGA spots) and the evergreen
to the heady days of 1961 with its inau- Yet the Singapore Golf Association is the terrain better. Mardan Mamat, now a senior at 51 (on
guration. catching the bull by its horns by doing And the associa- an Asian Tour career money ranking).
The best local finisher was M. Muru- all it can in search of a national hero. tion also managed Three amateurs, Joshua Ho, Lucius
giah, who finished fourth in 1995 in the And the first thing the SGA did was to secure an additional spot for rookie Toh and James Leow, complete the lo-
event won by Australian Steve Conran to allow all local qualifiers for the 2019 professional Gregory Foo (above), who cal list of entries for the 53rd Singapore
at the SICC’s Bukit course. SMBC Singapore Open free access to will be competing for the first time as a Open from Jan 17 to 20.
Of course, the challenge has become train at Sentosa’s highly-recognised professional after a magnificent perfor- — Godfrey Robert
THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND | 29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | SWING BY SPHGOLF | 3
SPH GOLF
TRAVEL FAIR
2019 SET
TO BE THE
BIGGEST EVER
Since the inaugural SPH Travel Fair
held earlier in the year at Marina
Square Shopping Mall, interest
among the golf and travel industry
has piqued towards the second
iteration of the highly successful
golf-centric travel fair.
In anticipation of more offerings and increas-
ing visitorship, the SPH Golf Travel Fair 2019
will take place at Takashimaya Square and, in
addition to the bigger venue, will see the fair
stretch across four days from March 21 to 24.
Within this month alone, even more golf
clubs from around the region have confirmed
their participation such as Foison Golf Club
(CHN), Thana City Country Club (THAI) and
familiar names among the local golfing com-
munity such as Indonesia’s Bintan Lagoon Re-
sort, Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort, Hori-
zon Hills Golf & Country Club and Kota Permai
Golf & Country Club in Malaysia.
AccorHotels’ Hotel Baraquda Pattaya MGal-
lery by Sofitel and Mercure Pattaya Hotel, lo-
cated within the increasingly popular beach-
side destination of eastern Thailand, add to the
list of hoteliers that will be present at the up-
coming fair.
Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indone-
sia and Tourism Malaysia will also be present,
where they will feature various golfing destina-
tions within the four Country Pavilions at the
fair.
However aside from golf, the SPH Golf Travel L J
RENAISSANCE
PATTAYA RESORT & SPA
BY
JEREMY THESEIRA
ocated south of Pattaya City and its main attractions sits a
stunning hotel with uninterrupted ocean views amidst a peaceful
and tranquil setting, just
slightly more than 90
minutes away from
Suvarnabhumi
Airport.
HOTEL BARAQUDA PATTAYA
AND MERCURE PATTAYA HOTEL
ACCORHOTEL CATERS TO A FULL
SPECTRUM OF PATTAYA VISITORS
AT ITS CENTRALLY-LOCATED
DEVELOPMENTS
As part of the Eastern Economic Cor-
ridor (EEC), Pattaya makes up part
of the three eastern provinces of
Thailand that is slated for develop-
ment at an investment of over US$40
billion over the next five years.
Of the many areas that will be fo-
cused on, the expansion of U-Ta-
pao Airport in the Rayong province
will faciliate the already increasing
amount of tourist arrivals.
Furthermore, plans for a High-
Speed Rail linking Suvarnabhumi,
Don Mueang and U-Tapao have also
been approved, with Pattaya being
the first stop from U-Tapao Airport.
Situated in the Chonburi Province,
the resort city that overlooks the
Gulf of Thailand is a vibrant metrop-
olis that is popular for its beaches,
attractions, shopping and nightlife.
Pattaya is also a great destination
ust 90 minutes from
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi
Airport, Pattaya is fast
becoming one of the hottest
beachside destinations in the
region.
that are suitable for travellers across
the board, including those who trav-
el with their pets.
Although a myriad of activities and
dining options are available starting
from the foot of the hotel, Mercure
Pattaya Hotel is packed with ameni-
ties to keep the family occupied on
a rainy day.
Activities available range from
sweat-inducing sports such as Aqua
Gym classes, volleyball, water polo
and golf chipping and putting, to
more relaxed games such as bil-
liards, darts and foosball. There is
also a library and outdoor cinema
for guests to sit back while the kids
run wild.
Over at the Aqua Pool Bar & Café,
an eclectic menu consisting of light
bites, main courses and kid-friend-
ly offerings can be enjoyed along
Clockwise from above: The S.E.A.
Restaurant at Hotel Baraquda
Pattaya features all-day dining
with an international spread
to cater to a multitude of
taste buds; The “fish-shaped”
swimming pool is surrounded
by a large selection of lounging
options, with a Pool Bar for
refreshing cocktails all day long;
The rooftop restaurant offers
stunning views of the Pattaya
sunset.
Fair 2019 will also place an equal emphasis on for sports with its close promixity with the finest cocktails prepared by
the other aspects of golf tourism. Opened in September 2017, the Renaissance Pat- to crystal clear diving sites and in- skilled mixologists.
Visitors to the fair can also expect exhibitors taya Resort & Spa is a luxurious beachfront re- ternational standard golf courses And for the sweet-toothed, Ga-
such as Royal Brunei Airlines, China golf tour sort, perfect as a romantic getaway for couples such as Siam Country Club, Pattana teau Maison Bakery offers a deli-
operator HaiKou Nice Golf Co. and Sakura Res- or a well-rounded holiday destination fit for the Golf Club & Resort, and the recently cious selection of cakes, pies and
idence — Malaysia’s first luxury prefabricated entire family. opened Chee Chan Golf Resort with breads prepared under the watchful
landed property that utilises Japanese technol- The first of its kind for the Marriott Internation- it’s breathtaking views of the famed eye Frederic Guison, a French native
ogy, nestled in Sunway Iskandar, Johor. al owned hotel chain in Pattaya, the Renaissance Khao Chee Chan Buddha. and former pâtissier at one of Bang-
— Jeremy Theseira Pattaya Resort & Spa has just over 250 rooms that Opened in 2015, Hotel Baraquda kok’s most famous bakeries “Le Bou-
range from a 40 square metre Deluxe room, to a Pattaya is a luxurious boutique hotel langer”, along with his team of bak-
Beachfront Pool Villa with direct pool access, a that is mere minutes from the beach. ery artisans. — Jeremy Theseira
private jacuzzi and a king size bed within the re- One of the many boutique hotels
sort’s only 285 square metre villa. of Sofitel’s MGallery Collection, the
Facilities within the property consists of two 72 rooms of the five star hotel fea-
outdoor swimming pools, a well-equipped fitness ture a contemporary and stylish de-
centre with 24-hour access, a luxury spa, as well sign across three different categories
as Treasure Kids Club and its separate kid’s pool — the Deluxe, Baraquda Suite and
to keep the young ones entertained. Grand Baraquda Suite.
Guests can also choose from a range of food Hotel Baraquda Pattaya also has
and beverage options, each with its own unique an in-house spa, an outdoor pool
set of offerings. with lounging beds, restaurant with
The 609 Kitchen is the go-to place for all-round all day dining and the Sunset Lounge
dining whereas The Pebbles Bar & Grill serves up for cocktails while enjoying the sun-
premium steaks and seafood. After which, post- set on Pattaya Bay.
meal drinks can be enjoyed at the R Bar, a great
place to sit back, relax and take in the beauty of MERCURE PATTAYA HOTEL
the resort. For a family orientated getaway, the
For the golf traveller, Renaissance Pattaya Mercure Pattaya Hotel is the perfect
should be next on the list and for a good reason. choice and is located within a short
Just a short 10-minute drive away is the newly walking distance away from Hotel
opened Chee Chan Golf Resort, an 18-hole cham- Barraquda Pattaya.
pionship golf course which overlooks by the fa- Located in the attractive and tranquil district of Na The 247 rooms of the Mercure Pat-
A familiar name among the local golfing mous Khao Chi Chan — a 110-metre golden carv- Jomtien, the low-rise resort offers a fashionable taya Hotel are divided into superi-
community is Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club ing of Buddha that is a must-visit attraction when beachfront retreat within easy reach of the city’s or and deluxe rooms, corner suites, A whole host of dining options and family activities can be found within Mercure Pattaya’s Aqua Pool & Bar Club.
(above). visiting Pattaya. attractions. family suites and two exclusive suites
4 | SWING BY SPHGOLF | 29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND | 29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | SWING BY SPHGOLF | 5
BY JEREMY
THESEIRA
CHEE CHAN
GOLF RESORT
The newly opened Chee Chan Golf Resort features 18 holes of championship
golf designed by David Dale of Golfplan and is situated on 88 hectares of
land in a stunning location next to the famed Chee Chan Buddha Mountain.
in China and several courses in the greens of Chee Chan Golf Resort. “I love golf. I know how golfers
An hour and a half’s drive think and what they want. I know
South Korea, are also part of David However, what stands out most
from Suvarnabhumi Dale’s portfolio. is the inspiration behind the name the level of service that is expected,
World-renowned golf of the golf resort. Khao Chi Chan, and so I built the course based on
Airport, Chee Chan Golf management company IMG has the needs of myself as a golfer, and
also known as The Big Buddha
Resort is the newest been appointed to provide golf mountain, that overlooks the golf not just as an investor,” says Narit
marketing and operations services course with its 110-metre golden Chia-Apar, chairman of Chartered
addition to one of to ensure Chee Chan Golf Resort is carving of Buddha. Square Holding Company and the
Thailand’s hottest golfing of world-class standards. An iconic landmark in Pattaya, founder and owner of Chee Chan
A massive clubhouse greets the giant golden carving can be Golf Resort.
destinations. golfers upon arrival and a luxurious seen clearly from anywhere on the Narit adds: “Whatever I see fit
experience awaits in the locker course, complementing the peace to give the best impression for our
rooms. The View restaurant features and tranquillity at Chee Chan Golf visitors, I will make sure that we
an international spread to please Resort. have it here. I wish for everyone
With over 20 courses to choose every palate and just outside, are A generally flat layout, the who visits us to get the best golf
from and a host of luxury hotels sweeping panoramic views of the course features wide-open fairways experience, and that will be the best
within close proximity, the opening Pattaya skyline. with plenty of elevation changes, return on investment for us.
of Chee Chan Golf Resort is a cherry Spanning across 550 rai (88 challenging for the avid golfer and “We are proud to stand behind
on the cake for Pattaya. hectares), the par-72 course is one yet welcoming enough to newbies of our vision: Chee Chan Golf Resort
The 18-hole championship course of the first in the region to utilise the sport. — A Dream Golf Destination in
at Chee Chan Golf Resort was Zemet Zoysia grass, which translates Chee Chan Golf Resort represents Pattaya.”
designed by David Dale of Golfplan, into almost carpet-like fairways one of the three biggest projects by Rates at Chee Chan Golf Resort
a leading golf course architecture that require far less water than property management company, are 4,000 baht ($167.41) on
firm that has projects in over 60 typical courses. The highly weather Chartered Square Holding Company weekdays and 5,000 baht ($209.26)
countries around the world. resistant characteristics of Bermuda with an investment of over one on weekends for 18 holes, with an
Indonesia’s New Kuta Golf Club, TifEagle grass will ensure excellent billion baht ($41,861,323) to build additional 1,200 baht ($50.22) in
as well as Weihai Point Golf Resort year-round putting conditions on the five-star golf resort. caddie and cart fees.
LAGUNA NATIONAL TO BE ENHANCED BY TOPTRACER RANGE
Singapore’s only proprietor-owned instant shot replays and statistical bays are set up in front of the Bunker
golf club, Laguna National Golf and feedback on interactive in-bay Lounge on level two and comes
Country Club has recently opened a screens at 20 driving bays. with table service. These bays are
state-of-the-art golf range along Upper Toptracer is already popular with equipped with a Toptracer screen
East Coast Road some 10 minutes major golf television broadcasts and a 43-inch TV monitor for group
from the main clubhouse. using it to trace the shots of top viewing, along with a four-seat sofa
In the new year ahead, the public professionals playing in high lounger and coffee table. by Toptracer Range officially opens
access golf range will be relaunched profile events such as the US Open, Groups of eight can also be on January 1, 2019, and together with
as Laguna Practice powered by The Open and even the recently accommodated by combining two the David Leadbetter Academy, is a
Toptracer Range, a technologically concluded Ryder Cup in France. bays and their seating areas into one partner of the SPH Golf Card.
advanced system that provides At the range, 10 of the Toptracer large space. Laguna Practice powered — Benny Teo
6 | SWING BY SPHGOLF | 29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND
BY
BENNY TEO
HONMA TW-W PING GLIDE FORGED
One of the world’s most expensive golf brands has now
Made of 8620 carbon steel,
released a new player’s wedge. Actually, two of them.
PING’s first fully forged wedge in
Introducing the TW-747 (TW to denote Tour World, its better-
years offers incredible feel and
player series) I-sole and C-sole wedges configured to provide
forgiveness due to the tungsten toe
accuracy from approaches within the 100-metre range, as well
weight that is added in this blade-
as spin control around the greens.
style product.
The I-sole version offers a thinner face for lower centre of
Patented, precision-milled,
gravity hits and ideal turf interaction that suppresses spin so
wheel-cut grooves, first introduced
the ball can stop where it is aimed at.
in the Glide 2.0, gives a sharper
Where spin is desired, however, is around the green and
edge radius, which increases
the C-sole inspires confidence with feedback from Japanese
interaction with the ball at impact,
professional Hideto Tanihara.
creating more friction for improved
With a thicker design on the upper portion of the face, the
spin and trajectory control.
C-sole offers a mid-to-high centre of gravity that when struck,
It has a sole design with a
will let the club glide across the ground, and thus
rounded lead edge and more heel-
providing more spin for shot-
toe camber to allow for creativity
stopping reaction.
around the greens and a gooseneck-
The I-sole is available
tapered hosel to ensure a smooth
in 48, 50 and 52-degree
transition through grass and sand.
loft options while the
Available in four custom graphic,
C-sole offers 56, 58
three stamping and 12 paint-fill options
and 60-degree lofts
at PING Golf outlets in Orchid Country
at Honma Golf
Club Driving Range and Champions
Singapore at #03-
Golf at Fairways Drive.
03A Wheelock
Place.
CLEVELAND RTX4
Over 40 years, Cleveland has
built wedges to suit every level
of golfer. This time, with the
fourth generation of the RTX, it
has engineered a tour-level club that
RED MONSTER ULTRA SLIM RAZOR focuses on blade-like performance rather than
Rated as one of the world’s thinnest power delivery power cavity-back safety.
bank, this flagship 2019 model is, as its name suggests, A true wedge player’s dream, the RTX4
ultra slim. offers tour-preferred shaping, four grind
At merely 138mm by 68mm by 12.99mm, it has an offerings and three finishes to choose
output of 10,000mAh to power a variety of devices from from.
smartphones to tablets, gaming consoles and laptops. Simply termed ‘XLow’, ‘Low’, ‘Mid’
Using Power Delivery (PD) technology that supports and ‘Full’, these four sole grinds can
fast charging at high power over USB-C produce all kinds of shots. The XLow,
connection, it comes in a sleek design with the lowest bounce, is perfect for tight
with quality PMMA acrylic and oxide lies and extreme open faces, while ‘Full’ is
finish in Matt Black, Piano Black, a traditional mid-bounce model for full-shot
Piano Gold and Piano Red. performance.
It will be available in On the face, an aggressive Rotex Face Milling
January 2019 exclusively at turns out the sharpest Tour Zip Grooves for more
all Challenger stores and stopping power, and finished using laser milling
comes with one-year to roughen up the face to the limit of USGA
warranty and product regulations.
liability insurance. Available in Tour Satin, Black Satin and Tour
Raw at all Pan-West outlets.
MARUMAN RENAMED AS MAJESTY WITH MST GOLF AS KEY PARTNER
MST Golf is now the official built for the senior golfer. From far left: KP Low,
distributor for the Majesty brand of While remaining within the legal managing director of
golf equipment from Japan. When USGA limits, it utilises a lightweight MST Golf, Dato Loh Ah
the products arrive, targeted at next clubhead and proprietary shaft built Joo, chairman of MST
February, they will distribute it across in collaboration with Mitsubishi Golf Singapore, Alex Qi,
managing director of
Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Chemical, to help carry the extra
Greater China and SEA
Formerly known as Maruman, yards. of Majesty Golf, and
Majesty’s rebranding is in line with The Royal range will appeal to a Tsukamoto Shunsuke,
their focus towards manufacturing younger, but still mature set. And while chief marketing officer
premium golf clubs. similarly built, it is slightly heavier and of Majesty Golf.
In Southeast Asia, they will launch comes with stiffer shaft options. The
two series, Royal and Prestigio. The Royal range is also used by some Japan
Prestigio is a high-end, high COR range LPGA professionals.
THE BUSINESS TIMES WEEKEND | 29-30 DECEMBER 2018 | SWING BY SPHGOLF | 7
Mardan MAMAT
AIMS TO BE WORLD’S NO. 1 SENIOR
BY BENNY TEO
'DISCOVER GOLF' RETURNS
FOR A THIRD TIME
BY GODFREY ROBERT
TOP THAI RESORT WITH
BUDDHA AS A BACKDROP
BY JEREMY THESEIRA
S
IN TIME WITH
BY
BENNY TEO
FIRE THAT KEEPS BURNING
ingapore’s number one golfer for numerous years, veteran “Golf is a struggle. My only mistake that I
made, at nine years old, I told myself I want to
professional Mardan Mamat, now 51 years old, is still going be the top professional in Singapore and I got
strong as we caught up with him at the Staysure Tour’s (formerly it. That’s the mistake I made. I didn’t wish my-
self to be world number one,” he reflected wist-
Senior European Tour) MCB Tour Championship event early fully.
December. “It’s a bit emotional for me, when I think of
the past, it’s always that way. I don’t know, I’ll
see my body, I’ll see how it goes. I hope to con-
“I just turned 51 and there’s not many senior “We competed at the same age and it’s great tinue playing till I’m 60 but now I give myself
tournaments in Asia, so to get an opportunity to see all of them as seniors again. Not many up to 55 and see how my fitness is.
to play in a European senior is a good experi- players get this opportunity to still play golf “If my body allows me, I aim to be the num-
ence. First time in Mauritius was three years at 50 years old and make some money, so I’m ber one senior in the world. I’m quite fortu-
back (at the tri-sanctioned AfrAsia Bank Mau- very blessed,” he said. nate to still compete at the highest level. Some
ritius Open) and I played well, came in top five. At his age, Mardan is still not letting up, of my old colleagues have already left the tour
“It’s different playing the main tour and the competing in the Asian Tour with exemption and I still have my career money in the Asian
senior tour. It’s more relaxed here, even the earned from a strong career money list rank- Tour, which means I can play there for another
players, while still competitve are more re- ing, as well as playing a series of events on the two or three years,” said the proud Singapor-
laxed,” said the veteran golf professional over Staysure Tour. ean athlete.
breakfast at the Constance Belle Mare Plage “Beginning in summer, I spent four weeks in
where he had been staying for the week of the Europe playing in Switzerland, Germany and
event. British Seniors and Scotland. Then I came back
His first attempt at the 450,000 euros
($705,000) season-ending double billing that
for two weeks before going back for another
four weeks to play two tournaments in Eng- SWINGTEAM
included another week in Seychelles for the se- land, one in Bulgaria and one in Scotland. So
SUPERVISING EDITOR
nior tour’s top 30 players saw him finish a re- I spend about two months in Europe. It’s good. S. Murali
spectable tied-17th in a field of 50 players, and “It’s just that sometimes it gets really lonely muralis@sph.com.sg
earning $10,000 for his effort. However, he fin- being away for months, but when I play golf,
ished the season at 48th on the money list af- I don’t feel that way. I’ve been playing for so CREATIVE EDITOR
ter 10 events and missed the trip upwards the many years, but I’m still getting used to it,” he Jacqueline Wu
wuyej@sph.com.sg
Indian Ocean for the finale. confessed.
Nevertheless, he credited former Asia num- As for the future of professional golf in Singa- EDITOR
ber one Thaworn Wiratchant as moti- pore, he offered a stern warning. Benny Teo
vation to do well at Mauri- “Sorry to say that we are in the wrong coun- benny.teo@sphpacom.com
tius. try to build up this game. It’s not that I don’t
“I spoke to Thaworn like Singapore but to build up your game here is WRITER
about a week before we very difficult, whereas in Thailand, Philippines, Jeremy Theseira
came here and he told me Malaysia, Indonesia or India, they have their SUB-EDITOR
he shot 10 under in the last round to win the own domestic tour, so even when they are not Ida Karsia
tournament last year. That’s very impressive. playing on the Asian Tour, when they go back
So I asked about the golf course and he said it home, they have their own tour to play. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
was short, it was easy. It’s just a putting compe- “Here in Singapore, we don’t have that. Most Godfrey Robert
tition, so if you putt good, you can win.” of my career, I have to travel a lot. The only Spencer Robinson
Ven Sreenivasan
While he did not follow suit by winning, Mar- thing we play in Singapore is the Singapore Rohit Brijnath
dan was glad to see familiar faces from when he Open and last time we had the Singapore Mas- Rahul Pathak
competed on the European Tour in his young- ters but now, we only have the Singapore Open.
er days, particularly the time after his momen- “Look at Thailand. Every year they produce
tous victory on home soil at the OSIM Singa- an up-and-coming star. Why? Because they MARKETING AND
pore Masters. have their own domestic tour (All Thailand Golf PARTNERSHIP ENQUIRIES
Vivien Cham
Tour) and in a year, they have 15 to 20 events. Business Director
Next year, the Thai tour will be all world rank- 9746 0379
ing events. That’s how the Thai players can de- champs@sph.com.sg
velop very fast and that’s why they are very Daphne Tay
competitive. Business Director
A
photo by Mark Sampson
Mardan Mamat (left) “That’s already proof that this is what you 9620 1418
in action at the MCB need to do if you want to produce future Asian taykhd@sph.com.sg
Tour Championship top players.”
in Mauritius. As to his own future, he looked to the past
for an answer.
BY IN SEARCH OF A
GODFREY ROBERT LOCAL WINNER FOR
SINGAPORE OPEN
DISCOVER GOLF IS THE WAY
Every year when
golf ’s Singapore Open
comes to town, local
TO KEEP THE GAME BUZZING
golf is so burdened
that the national as-
sociation feels like an
albatross is hanging
SGA WILL HOLD ITS THIRD around its neck.
SUCH CARNIVAL DURING SMBC For no Singaporean
has ever won the ti-
S’PORE OPEN WEEK tle, with the compe-
tition dating back to
the heady days of 1961
bout five years ago, the sport with its inauguration.
of golf, which is said to be The best local finisher was M. Murugi-
ah, who finished fourth in 1995 in the event
one of the won by Australian Steve Conran at the SICC’s
oldest pastimes, suffered an “identity crisis”. Golf, Bukit course.
Of course, the challenge has become bold-
which is said to have had its origins in Scotland in er and tighter as the entrants these days — un-
the Middle Ages, hit a rough patch when a series of like the days of yore when most of the players
came from Asia and Australasia — are world-
happenings gave it a body blow. The number of golf The best way to enjoy golf class players such as Jordan Spieth, Sergia
courses was dwindling, with closures in parts of the is to see it as a fun event, Garcia, Adam Scott, Davis Love and the likes.
as seen in the Discover Golf Yet the Singapore Golf Association is catch-
United States and Europe and land acquisition by the events (right). ing the bull by its horns by doing all it can in
government in China. search of a national hero.
And the first thing the SGA did was to al-
low all local qualifiers for the 2019 SMBC Sin-
The biggest name in world golf then, number has dropped from a high of there is still much work to do. tosa Golf Club from 2pm to 6pm and gapore Open free access to train at Sentosa’s
Tiger Woods, ruined the sport and 90,000 to about 70,000 with fewer In partnership with event promot- admission is free. highly-recognised tough Serapong course
his own image when he suffered youngsters taking up the game. er Lagardere Sports, it will hold its There will also be a SGA Long Drive from Dec 1, so that they can familiarise them-
from knee and back injuries and en- However, the golf administrators third such carnival in conjunction Challenge where golfers get to try out selves with the course and know the terrain
dured a traumatic personal life with here and abroad are not taking that with the SMBC Singapore Open on their tee-shots and be crowned the better.
his marital problems and romantic setback sitting down, and one of Jan 13. first ever Long Drive champion in And the association also managed to se-
affairs. the biggest projects they have been Encouraged by the response at the Singapore. cure an additional spot for rookie profession-
That double blow led to millenni- working on is the programme aptly previous one held at the upgraded This competition is open to all am- al Gregory Foo (above), who will be compet-
als shunning the sport, leading to a named Discover Golf. Executive Course in Mandai on Sept ateur players, and participants will ing for the first time as a professional after a
big drop in the golf playing popula- Its game plan is to inject fun into 23, the carnival will again have many compete in one of four divisions, magnificent performance last year as an am-
tion globally. the game with the long term pros- golf-themed activities for the public Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Boys’ ateur, finishing joint-16th against a top-class
Singapore was not spared either. pect of even reducing the number to get them excited and inducted to (amateurs aged 18 and under as of field.
In the last three years, the island lost of playing hours for the game by en- the game. Jan 1, 2019) and Girls’ (amateurs aged Joining Foo are Quincy Quek, Johnson Poh,
clubs ( Jurong Country Club and Raf- couraging nine-and 12-hole events. There will be a Kids Zone where 18 and under as of Jan 1, 2019). Jesse Yap, Mitchell Slorach, Choo Tze Huang
fles Country Club) and three courses. The Singapore Golf Association has the younger ones can get to try activ- The participants will go through and Koh Dengshan (with SPGA spots) and the
And now there is speculation that also taken up the cudgels and has or- ities and win prizes. the qualifying rounds and the top evergreen Mardan Mamat, now a senior at 51
more courses face the doom with ganised its own Discover Golf Carni- There will also be a skills challenge five longest-hitters in each division (on an Asian Tour career money ranking).
land leases expiring and the Govern- vals. area aimed at individuals who are will enter the final round. Three amateurs, Joshua Ho, Lucius Toh
ment’s intention to turn golf land into And although in its two previous more proficient in the game. Also held at Sentosa’s Lower-Tier and James Leow, complete the local list of en-
areas for industrial development. carnivals, there have been a reason- Held during the week of the Singa- Driving Range, there will be an entry tries for the 53rd Singapore Open from Jan 17
It is also said that Singapore’s golf able number of children who have pore Open, the event will be held at fee of $10 per try (limited to two tries to 20. — Godfrey Robert
playing population has aged and the taken up the game, the SGA feels that the Lower-Tier Driving Range at Sen- per person) for this challenge.
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