GONG XI FA CAI! PROMOTION FOR ISLEY LEADBETTER GOLF ACADEMY TIPS CLUB MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
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J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0 GONG XI FA CAI! PROMOTION FOR ISLEY LEADBETTER GOLF ACADEMY TIPS CLUB MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
19 - 22 MARCH 2020
ONE°15 MARINA SENTOSA COVE
PURCHASE NOW SINGAPOREYACHTSHOW.COM/TICKETS/
AND KEY IN YOUR PROMO CODE AT THE PAYMENT PAGE
TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNTED MULTI-DAY TICKET.
PROMO CODE: S20QET
SINGAPOREYACHTSHOW.COM #singaporeyachtshow @yachtshow
2 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0
LUXURY GOLF CLUB
MEMBERSHIP
MASTERS COURSE
THE NEST SWIMMING POOLS DELUXE ROOM
WEEKDAY PLUS+ MEMBERSHIP (VALID THROUGH 2040) FOR YOUR PERSONALISED
Enjoy limited time offer: Weekday Plus+ Masters: $45,000*
CONSULTATION
Weekday Plus+ Classic: $55,000* Please contact Senior Membership
Weekday Plus+ Dual: 70,000*
Manager Maggie Tuya at +65 6248 1706
• Unlimited playing privileges on weekdays with the option to select or maggie.tuya@lagunanational.com
Masters or Classic Course, or both courses at Laguna National
• Additional golfing privileges on Sundays and Public Holidays after
1:30 pm for a fee of $100 nett (subject to availability)
• Social and Recreation privileges on weekdays (excluding Public Holidays)
• Spouse and children (below 21 years of age) included under the
Membership with no additional fees
• Enjoy member pricing at our award-winning restaurant – The Nest
• Enjoy member pricing at Laguna Practice, retail outlets, Leadbetter Golf
Academy and complimentary access to the Short Game Practice Zone
• Weekday access to an extensive reciprocal and affiliated network of
international golf clubs
• Preferred rates at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
11 LAGUNA GOLF GREEN SINGAPORE 488047
W W W. L A G U N A N AT I O N A L . C O M
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 1
* Subject to GST
CONTRIBUTORS
01. 03. 05. 07.
02. 04. 06.
01. Dr Jay-Lee Nair ‘golf experience’ can only be described as 06. Stephen Moriarty
Based in Singapore, Jay-Lee is a sports infectious. An experienced British PGA-qualified
psychologist with Mental Notes Professional and Leadbetter Senior
Consulting. During her college days in the 04. Mark Isley Certified Instructor with a proven track
United States she played NCAA Division I Mark started his career in Florida and record of establishing, developing and
golf with academic All-American honours. now boasts 35 years of experience in growing the Leadbetter brand in new
A Laguna National Member, Jay-Lee is maintaining and managing high-profile golf locations, Englishman Stephen enjoyed
passionate about helping young golfers to courses, private golf clubs and major golf spells in Korea and Indonesia before
achieve their full potential in both golf tournaments. For the past 27 years, Mark assuming responsibility for the setting
and studies. has made Asia his home with extended up and running of the Leadbetter Golf
stints in Bali and Bintan before joining Academy at Laguna National.
02. Jack Wong Laguna National as Director of Agronomy
From caddie to coach and rules guru to and Project Manager. In December, 2019, 07. Spencer Robinson
tournament director, there are few areas in Mark was promoted to the position of Having cut his journalistic teeth in England,
golf which Jack has not experienced during General Manager – Golf. Spencer arrived in Hong Kong in 1984 to
more than a decade in the industry. A assume an editorial position at the South
graduate of the University of Arkansas, Jack 05. Ranndie Seah China Morning Post. In 2002 he moved to
joined Laguna National as Golf Operations A football fan and a karaoke crooner with Singapore. During the course of the past
and Member Services Manager in 2019 an eye for fashion and adventure, Ranndie three decades he has been a close observer
after two years at Keppel Club and a four- gained a Bachelor of Communications of Asian sport, writing and commentating
year stint at Warren Golf & Country Club. at Murdoch University in Perth, Western for leading media including ESPN and
Australia where he majored in Public Fox Sports.
03. Mark Bates Relations, Communications and Media
A PGA of Canada professional, Mark Studies. After 3½ years at One°15 Marina
has over 20 years’ experience in the golf Club, Ranndie joined Marina Mandarin
industry and is a self-proclaimed ‘Golf Hotel Singapore by Meritus as Digital
Nut’ who lives, eats and breathes golf. Marketing Executive. In January, 2018
Mark has dedicated his career to growing he took up his current post as Senior
the game of golf. His passion for teaching Marketing & Communications Executive,
the game and enhancing enjoyment of the Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.
2 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0
Welcome to the Family
We would like to extend a warm Lagunian welcome to the
following new Members who have recently joined us.
Rahul Bhalla Lin Moxiao
Christopher Camerieri Philip Mehl
Pierre Gaudreault Dennis Seah
Ellene Li Tang Jianhong
Li Liang Yamanaka Yasuhiro
David Liuzzo Jay Yoon
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 3
HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY TO MARCH 2020
CLUB MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS WHAT’S IN STORE
PAGE 22 PAGE 16
Honma is one of the world’s leading
premium golf brands. As Laguna National
Members are starting to discover, a host
of the Japanese company’s products
have been introduced to the golf store at
Laguna Practice.
Matt Pollard and Cindy Yap enjoyed contrasting successes in Laguna National Golf &
Country Club’s 2019 Match Play Championships.
WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE
PAGE 50
OVERCOMING UPHILL
STRUGGLES
PAGE 28
For many amateur golfers, hitting shots
To commemorate the Chinese New Year, from uneven lies tends to pose serious
‘Lo Hei’ to your heart’s content at The Nest problems. That need not be the case if
with two different versions of Yu Sheng, you follow a few key fundamentals, says
served to ensure you’re blessed with good Nigel Bark, an Instructor at the Leadbetter
luck and wealth in the year ahead. Golf Academy at Laguna Practice.
4 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0
CONTENTS
JANUARY TO MARCH 2020
CLUB PAGE 10
10 Isley’s New Management Role
12 – 13 Fix That Ball Mark!
14 – 15 Rising to the Challenges
16 – 17 What’s in Store
18 – 19 Joey Joins Academy Team
PEOPLE
22 – 23 Laguna National Match Play Championship
24 Will’s Victory Stroll: Laguna National Junior Championship
25 Plaudits for Poh: Monthly Medals
26 –27 Ace Performers
28 –29 Overcoming Uphill Struggles: Leadbetter Golf Academy
PRIVILEGE
32 – 33 The Global Game
34 – 35 Quality… and Quantity
36 – 37 Roll Out for World Handicap System
38 – 40 Putting an Emphasis on Positive Behaviour PAGE 24
41 Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball
42 Phantom X Family Addition
DINING
50 – 51 What’s New in F&B PAGE 38
52 – 53 Signature Specials from Our Chefs
54 Special Event - Italian Wine Pairing Dinner
55 Bottle Promotions
Front Cover: As well as all your
usual favourites and monthly
REGULARS Signature Specials from our chefs,
Laguna National will be pulling
3 Welcome to New Members out all the stops to ensure you
and your friends and family enjoy
7 Message from the Editor: Spencer Robinson
a memorable Chinese New Year.
56 Calendar of Events
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 5
CLUB DIRECTORY
Executive Management Team
Patrick Bowers Mark Bates Tiffany Ong
Strategic Advisor to Chairman Director of Golf Operations Director of Events
mark.bates@lagunanational.com tiffany.ong@dusit.com
Eric Piatti
General Manager - Hotel Kim Gates Elizabeth Tan
(Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) Director of Culinary Director of Sales
kim.gates@dusit.com elizabeth.tan@dusit.com
Mark Isley
General Manager - Golf Sue Gan Maggie Tuya
Director of Sales & Marketing Senior Membership Manager
Lionel Roberts sue.gan@dusit.com maggie.tuya@lagunanational.com
Club Manager
lionel.roberts@lagunanational.com Victoria Oon Stephen Moriarty
Director of Rooms Leadbetter Golf Academy Director
Ng Jin Tong victoria.oon@dusit.com stephen.moriarty@leadbetter.com
Finance Director
jintong.ng@lagunanational.com
Hotel Mainline Corporate Events & Banquets Laguna Practice
T 6542 6888 (Social / Hotel) T 6741 1111 (Main Line)
T 6248 1682 T 6542 2204 (Management Office)
Golf Booking tiffany.ong@dusit.com T 6542 2200 (Bunker Lounge)
T 6248 1777 | 778 | 779 T 6542 2201 (Academy Office)
clubconcierge@lagunanational.com Corporate & Tournament Golf T 6542 2202 (Flightpath Café)
T 6248 1780 T 6542 2203 (Golf Shop)
Membership Sales regine.ubusan@lagunanational.com practiceinfo@lagunanational.com
T 6248 1706
maggie.tuya@lagunanational.com Food & Beverage
T 6248 1674
Membership Services kevin.ling@lagunanational.com
T 6248 1670
membership@lagunanational.com The Nest
T 6248 1711
Membership Accounts 7.00 am to 9.00 pm
T 6248 1723 thenest@lagunanational.com
finance@lagunanational.com
6 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
WISHING ALL MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES A HAPPY NEW YEAR
FOR 2020 AND A PROSPEROUS YEAR OF THE RAT.
I t was a year ago that Laguna National
Golf & Country Club’s commitment
to supporting the Island Republic’s most
It’s wonderful to
see Laguna National’s
young players. As they showed at the
SEA Games, with the right support, there’s
no reason why they should not go on to
talented golfers was strengthened following partnership with achieve success in the professional game.
a ground-breaking agreement with the “Since its inauguration more than a
Singapore Golf Association (SGA). the Singapore Golf quarter of a century ago, Laguna National
As part of the new initiative with Association bear fruit. has prided itself on making a significant
the SGA aimed at promoting the game contribution to golf development. For that
and nurturing golf talent in Singapore, May this just be the start reason, we’ve been pleased to be able to
members of the national amateur Elite of wonderful golfing offer Singapore’s most promising golfing
Squad and the SGA Rookie Professional prospects the chance to hone their skills
Programme were granted access to Laguna careers for these young at our outstanding teaching and practice
National’s facilities. men – and another facility and on our two award-winning
During the course of the past 12 courses.
months, not only have these talented boys step on the road to our “It’s wonderful to see our partnership
and girls been able to play the club’s two ultimate dream of seeing with the SGA bear fruit. May this just be
courses at designated times, but also make the start of wonderful golfing careers for
use of Laguna National’s Teaching and a Singaporean golfer these young men – and another step on
Practice Facility, where National Coach win an Olympic Games the road to our ultimate dream of seeing a
Matt Ballard has his base. Singaporean golfer win an Olympic Games
At the time of the signing ceremony, golfing medal. golfing medal.”
Jerome Ng, General Manager at the SGA, Kevin Kwee Congratulations are also in order
the country’s ruling golfing body, said: to Mark Isley on his promotion to the
“We thank Laguna National for their position of General Manager - Golf and to
generosity of spirit and for all the good Matt Pollard and Cindy Yap who enjoyed
they do for the game in Singapore. It is contrasting successes in Laguna National
great to see the golfing community in Golf & Country Club’s 2019 Match Play
Singapore starting to all come together. Championships. Also to Will Drake for
“By kindly allowing access to their winning the inaugural Laguna National
courses and practice facility for our elite Junior Club Championship.
amateurs and rookie professionals, Laguna Details of their victories can be found
National will be playing an important role within the pages of this latest issue of
in their development. Importantly, too, it A few days later, Leow teamed up Laguna Lifestyle, along with other notable
will give the players the opportunity to with Nicklaus Chiam and Hiroshi Tai to Club news and events, including a listing
work together and practice as a team.” complete a memorable week for Singapore of all those who were fortunate enough to
Those words proved to be prophetic. golf at the Luisita Golf & Country Club make a hole-in-one at Laguna National
As followers of the game in Singapore in the Philippines’ capital of Manila by in 2019.
will be aware, the first week of December, capturing the team silver medal. If you haven’t yet managed to make
2019 saw James Leow become the first Kevin Kwee, Laguna’s National’s an ‘ace’, don’t give up. Perseverance pays
Singaporean since Samson Gimson in Executive Director, led the tributes to the off – and 2020 may just be the year that
1989 to win the Southeast Asian (SEA) Singapore medallists. you become a member of the ‘hole-in-one’
Games individual golf gold medal. He said: “Singapore has some outstanding club!
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 7
CLUB 8 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0
It’s a wrap! Halloween was the theme at October’s Ladies Meet Up. During the prize presentation luncheon, Karin Hesse,
Lily Chua and Celeste Ebbs, all of whom were celebrating their birthdays, were nominated as team leaders in a Mummy
Wrap game. Each team consisted of three ladies, one of whom had to be wrapped in tissue rolls. The Best Mummy Wrap
award, based on the loudest applause by participants, went to Lily Chua, Kei Imaizumi and Margaret Soh.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 9CLUB
Isley’s New
Management
Role I very much look
forward to taking on
this new role at Laguna
National. It’s an especially
exciting time for the
club with so many new
and ground-breaking
developments.
Mark Isley
Laguna National Golf & Country Club
General Manager
MARK ISLEY HAS BEEN On December 1, 2019, Isley teed-off The Membership Business Development
a new chapter in his career when he was activities shall continue to report to Patrick
APPOINTED TO THE ROLE promoted to the position of General Bowers, Strategic Advisor to Chairman
OF GENERAL MANAGER – Manager – Golf at Laguna National.
Isley will manage and oversee all the
Peter Kwee.
Kwee said: “With Mark’s extensive prior
GOLF AT LAGUNA NATIONAL golf departments as well as working experience in golf management, we are
alongside Eric Piatti, General Manager confident he will successfully lead Laguna
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB. – Hotel, to ensure the integration of the National into this new and exciting era
club’s centralised services model between with its brand-new clubhouse, hotel and
the operating divisions. wide range of club facilities.
Isley brings with him significant golf “Although we know he will be busy
A
general management experience from with managing the golf club as the General
s Laguna National’s Director of his past roles, most recently as General Manager, the conditioning of the golf courses
Agronomy and Project Manager Manager at Indonesia’s Bali Golf & will remain very high on his list of priorities.
since March 2016, Mark Isley successfully Country Club. He is confident the courses will continue to
completed four major projects. Isley has also had spells as General be in excellent condition at all times.”
As well as a renovation and Manager at Bali Handara Golf & Country Isley, who began his career in golf in
reconfiguration of the Classic Course, Isley Club and Bintan Lagoon Resort as Club 1982 in the Sunshine State of Florida,
oversaw the re-grassing of the fairways, Manager where he managed the day-to- said: “I very much look forward to taking
tees and green surrounds on the Masters day operation of the clubhouse, pro shop, on this new role at Laguna National. It’s
Course and the construction of the membership and its two golf courses. an especially exciting time for the club
state-of-the-art Golf Course Maintenance At Laguna National, Golf Operations with so many new and ground-breaking
Operations Centre. and Revenue Management, Golf Retail, developments.”
He was also responsible for managing Golf Course Maintenance, Laguna Practice Isley will work closely alongside
the construction of the Laguna Practice and Club Operations will all fall under Director of Golf Operations Mark Bates.
short-game area and driving range fairway. Isley’s remit.
10 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0SWING BY FOR
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rth At L
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$80
’S
CARN VAL
THIS MARCH!
14 March 2020, 10am to 3pm
Exclusive for Laguna members:
Early bird pricing of $12 per ticket or $20 per pair (20% off)!
Get your tickets at golfasia.sg or email marketing@golfasia.sg for more information.
GA Carnival 2019-3.indd 2 11/12/19 3:04 PM
www.lagunanational.com
SAVE
THE DATE
The inaugural event will feature a host of
activities, games and the finest facets of
our facility to all Laguna National Members,
Members’ Guests and the public.
Make sure to join us for what promises
to be a memorable family affair!
MARCH 14, 2020 (SATURDAY)
3PM – 8PM
610A Upper East Coast Road Singapore 465404
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 11CLUB
Fix That BALL Mark!
IT’S COMMON FOR GOLFERS TO JUDGE A GOLF
COURSE BY THE CONDITION OF ITS PUTTING
R especting the course conditions is the responsibility of every
golfer on every single occasion he or she steps onto the links.
Filling divots on the fairways, raking bunkers and repairing ball
SURFACES. YET FOR MANY GOLF COURSES, marks on the greens, especially, are basic golfing etiquette – and
extremely important acts to ensure a golf course is maintained in
UNFIXED BALL MARKS ON THE GREENS ARE tip-top condition.
From the moment we take up the game, learning good golfing
A PERENNIAL PROBLEM. JACK WONG, LAGUNA behaviour should be every bit as important as developing our
NATIONAL’S GOLF OPERATIONS & MEMBER playing skills.
To that end, it’s incumbent on golf professionals, coaches and
SERVICES MANAGER, EMPHASISES THE parents who are introducing their children to this wonderful sport,
to make them fully aware of their responsibilities and obligations to
IMPORTANCE OF REPAIRING BALL MARKS the course and their fellow players.
As many of you may recall, on pages 16 and 17 of the January –
(OR PITCH MARKS) ON THE PUTTING GREENS. March 2019 edition of Laguna Lifestyle we published an image of
the island green on the 17th hole of the Classic Course (pictured
above) that was as striking as it was shocking, showing a total of
478 golf balls scattered across the putting surface.
The golf balls in the picture represented ball marks that had
not been properly fixed or repaired. Sadly, it’s a scenario that our
dedicated team of greenkeepers have become accustomed to seeing
when they begin their course preparations each day.
12 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0In case you’ve forgotten or are unaware, a properly fixed ball So, don’t be surprised or alarmed when you see our Laguna
mark will usually be healed within 24 hours. Yet a poorly fixed or National team approach you and your flight-mates on any given
unrepaired ball mark will normally take between two and three green at any given time.
weeks to recover. They are there to help all golfers understand the correct way to
It should be second nature that when you walk onto a green, fix a ball mark which will, in turn, improve the course conditions
you look for your ball mark and fix it immediately. If your ball has for everyone.
gone over the green, then it’s your responsibility to check where “Fix the Ball Mark is an initiative that we’d been considering
it landed and repair any ball mark that was made. implementing for some time,” said Bates. “Ultimately, our aim at
If every golfer diligently fixed their own ball marks on every Laguna National is to offer the very best playing conditions on both
hole, then the golf course would be in far better condition and, thus, the Masters Course and Classic Course.
we’d all enjoy the game more. “No one disputes that having the greens running true and
without blemishes will help to further elevate the reputation of
‘Fix the Ball Mark’ Programme Laguna National – and also ensure you hole more putts and get
In a bid to tackle the issue at Laguna National head-on, a ‘Fix the greater enjoyment from your round.
Ball Mark’ programme was started in November, 2019, initiated by “The initial response we’ve received has been very encouraging.
Mark Bates, the club’s Director of Golf Operations. Most of the golfers who have been approached by our marshals and
Under the programme, the duties of the course marshals and golf operations team have thanked them for explaining so clearly
golf operations team include: how to correctly repair ball marks.
“Also, for showing them that with the correct technique, almost
Observing golfers as they fix their ball marks on the putting any pointed tool can be used to successfully repair a ball mark.
greens. When necessary, the team will demonstrate and “We are grateful to Members and guests for their understanding
explain to the golfers the correct way to repair ball marks. and support of the Fix the Ball Mark programme – and their desire
to improve the situation for all.
Thanking Members and their guests who are proactively “As the USGA tells us, repairing ball marks is one of the easiest
fixing the ball marks correctly. ways that golfers can help superintendents deliver high-quality
playing conditions. After hitting a great shot onto the putting green,
Repairing ball marks while golfers are on the green fixing your ball mark and a couple nearby is an excellent way to
(or approaching the green) and informing the golfers that celebrate.”
they’re on a mission to educate all Members how to
correctly fix ball marks on the greens.
HOW TO REPAIR A BALL MARK:
A few extra seconds is all it takes to keep the putting greens looking and playing their best.
Choose Wisely Push Don’t Pry Work Around Final Touch
A ball mark repair tool Starting from the back Work around the ball Use your putter to lightly
is recommended, but and sides, gently push mark until it’s filled in. tap down the mark. Fix
other pointed devices and stretch the turf to Avoid lifting and twisting other marks in addition
can be used. the centre of the mark. the turf harshly. to yours.
Courtesy of United States Golf Association
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 13CLUB
Rising to the
Challenges
TO SAY THAT 2019 PROVED TO BE A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR MARK ISLEY AND
HIS TEAM OF GREENKEEPERS AT LAGUNA NATIONAL WOULD BE AN UNDER-STATEMENT
OF CONSIDERABLE PROPORTIONS.
From May’s Sumatra Squall (left) to unusually lengthy dry spells, 2019 saw numerous weather extremes.
D uring a presentation to golf course superintendents around
the region at a recent turfgrass seminar, Mark Isley outlined a
few of the situations he, and many neighbouring golf clubs, had to
By recycling organic waste such
as tree branches, thousands of dollars
contend with last year. are being saved on hauling services.
“In 2019 at Laguna National, we experienced no fewer than three
extremely unusual and challenging weather-related conditions,” he Fewer trips to our site by diesel
said. “It’s a great credit to all of our grounds staff that we’re ending guzzling garbage trucks also reduces
2019 with our two beautiful courses in such good shape.
“To have maintained excellent conditions during the year our carbon footprint.
when faced with so many difficulties is a tribute to the talent and Mark Isley
dedication of our team, who often went above and beyond the call
of duty in carrying out their tasks.”
Fuelling concerns related to global warming and climate change,
the year began with a dry spell that extended from mid-January to
mid-April.
Having coped admirably with those circumstances, the next
curve ball arrived in the form of a weather phenomenon, known
locally as a Sumatra Squall in early May, the week that Laguna
14 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0Laguna National’s vegetable, fruit and herb garden is flourishing.
National was hosting the inaugural Asia Pacific Junior Amateur Furthermore, soil health is improved with the addition of
Championship, a Singapore Golf Association-sanctioned event. organic matter to the landscape beds, significantly reducing the
The storm began its journey over the island of Sumatra and need to use brush cutters around trees. This means less manpower,
intensified as it passed over the Malacca Straits heading towards the less petrol, less wear and tear on equipment and better utilisation of
west coast shores of Singapore and continued to do so as it tracked staff in other areas.
eastward across the island. By the time it reached Laguna National Isley said: “By recycling organic waste such as tree branches,
at around 4 am on May 8, it had evolved into a powerful storm. thousands of dollars are being saved on hauling services. Fewer
As well as intense lightning and heavy rain there were strong trips to our site by diesel guzzling garbage trucks also reduces our
gusty winds, around the 60 kilometre per hour mark. carbon footprint.
“What I saw upon my arrival at the course looked like “All in all, recycling our organic waste has been a win-win
something right out of a horror movie. Our beautiful Masters scenario for the club’s bottom line and for the environment.”
Course looked like it had been ravaged by a hurricane or a On another positive note, 2019 saw the birth of Laguna
tornado,” recalled Isley, shocked to find some 20 mature trees National’s very own vegetable, fruit and herb garden.
completely blown over and another 25 or so ripped apart. Located on the left side of the seventh hole on the Masters
Once the storm abated, the daunting task of clearing away Course, the garden required sub-soil drainage installation, sand
trees, branches and leaves on greens, tees and fairways began. capping and the installation of raised garden beds using recycled
Remarkably, the tournament teed off at 2:30 pm after a 6½-hour materials.
delay. Against all odds, the 54-hole tournament proceeded without The garden is now flourishing with Malabar spinach, okra,
major disruptions. egg plant, cucumbers, lemongrass, chili padi, Pandan and curry
Once the tournament was over, an exhausting and dangerous leaves, shallots, ginger, mint, banana, papaya and mango all being
three-week clean-up effort was undertaken by Isley’s team, requiring grown there.
the use of boom lifts, lorry trucks, excavators and chain saws. “Given the challenges we’ve been faced with, we’re proud of
By the start of June, something resembling normality had what’s been achieved in 2019,” said Isley. “We’re also ready for
returned – but not for long! whatever 2020 decides to throw at us!”
With July, August and September going down in the annals as
the hottest and driest months in recorded history in Singapore,
Mulching
water levels in the club’s lakes and ponds fell to previously unseen gardens
low levels. around golf
Constant monitoring and astute management of resources course signage.
was required to successfully negotiate a path through this testing
period.
Also of note in 2019 were the club’s mulching and recycling
programmes.
Mulching supresses weed growth in landscape beds which
results in numerous benefits, including less manpower to hand
weed, less water and less herbicides to apply, thus saving costs on
product and manpower.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 15CLUB
WHAT’s In
STORE
LISTED ON THE MAIN BOARD
OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE W idely regarded as being among the
most prestigious and iconic brands
in the golf industry, mere mention of
OF HONG KONG IN 2016, Honma conjures mental images of intricate
craftsmanship, dedication to performance
HONMA IS ONE OF THE excellence and distinguished product
WORLD’S LEADING PREMIUM quality.
Established in Sakata, Japan in 1959, the
GOLF BRANDS. AS LAGUNA company predominantly designs, develops,
manufactures and sells a comprehensive
NATIONAL MEMBERS ARE range of aesthetically-crafted and
STARTING TO DISCOVER, performance-driven golf clubs, under
three major product categories – Beres, the
A HOST OF THE JAPANESE flagship of Honma, which is now into its
We’re delighted
COMPANY’S PRODUCTS HAVE seventh generation, BeZeal and Tour World.
BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE
Each targets specific consumer segments.
Less well known is that Honma Golf also
to announce
GOLF STORE AT LAGUNA offers customers a complete golf lifestyle the introduction
experience through an extensive portfolio
PRACTICE. of golf balls, apparel, accessories and other of Honma into
related products.
According to research and consulting
our store at
firm Frost & Sullivan, Honma ranks among Laguna Practice.
the top 10 golf product brands in the world
Ben Skeet
and is the number one brand for premium
Laguna National Retail Manager
golf clubs, in each case in terms of retail
sales in 2015.
16 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0The idea of having a hand in the
collaborative design process for my set of
clubs was extremely exciting. Working with
the Honma master craftsmen to create
an iron that felt and looked great for me
was one of the biggest thrills of my career.
Justin Rose
It was also the fastest growing brand the first time a big-name Tour player was
within the top 10 golf products brands signed, in the shape of England’s ex-US
as measured by year-on-year retail sales Open champion and 2016 Olympic men’s
growth from 2014 to 2015. gold medallist Justin Rose.
Honma Golf’s products are sold in Within the TWorld family are putters,
approximately 50 countries worldwide, wedges, four different irons, hybrid, fairway
primarily in Asia and also across North wood, driving iron and driver.
America, Europe and other regions. Rose has said that part of his reasoning
And with effect from late 2019, a variety for signing with Honma was the
of Honma products have been showcased opportunity to have direct input in the
at Laguna Practice, Laguna National’s design of his clubs. “The idea of having a
acclaimed driving range that is home to the hand in the collaborative design process
Leadbetter Golf Academy and a haven for for my set of clubs was extremely exciting.
Singapore’s elite amateurs. Working with the Honma master craftsmen
“We’re delighted to announce the to create an iron that felt and looked great
introduction of Honma into our store at for me was one of the biggest thrills of my
Laguna Practice,” said Ben Skeet, Laguna career,” said Rose.
National’s recently-installed Retail Manager. John Kawaja, Honma’s Chief Marketing
“At Laguna Practice, we’ll hold demo Officer, said: “Going into this, we knew
products for Members to trial before they how particular and discerning Justin is
buy. As well as the T World 747, we’ll be and we had a feeling he’d be interested in
holding the new T World XP1 Collection. contributing to the design of his clubs.
Furthermore, we’ll also be stocking a range Justin and our craftsmen worked together
of Honma golf bags and accessories to seamlessly and we’re thrilled for the golfing
complement the golf club range,” he added. community to experience what Justin did.”
Honma ushered in a new era at the end
of 2018 with the 747 TWorld Series. For
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 17CLUB
Joey
Joins
Academy
Team
IN HIS LATEST CONTRIBUTION TO
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE, STEPHEN
MORIARTY, THE LEADBETTER
GOLF ACADEMY DIRECTOR AT
LAGUNA PRACTICE, WELCOMES
A NEW INSTRUCTOR TO HIS
TEAM AND LOOKS AHEAD TO
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOME
EXCITING PLANS IN 2020.
Joey Poh in action during the 2012 HSBC Women’s Champions. Picture courtesy HSBC.
18 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0After a decade, from junior to The programme will predominantly cater to those who are
pursuing a career in golf or are planning to play competitive
professional golf, I’m looking collegiate golf. The programme will offer more than 100 hours
forward to creating more of supervised tuition per month, and will encompass all the key
elements required to become an elite golfer.
memories and passing on what As well as technical, tactical, physical and mental training, there
I’ve learned to the golfing will be regular on-course practice sessions, tournament support
and performance evaluation. Combining all these elements will
community at Laguna National. ensure that any golfer who goes through this programme will be
Joey Poh presented with the best chance of success.
LGA Instructor From the outset when we opened our doors in 2018, one of the
main visions of David Leadbetter and all of us associated with the
Academy was to create a full-time programme that would allow
local and international students the same opportunities that have
been available elsewhere around the world.
By utilising the phenomenal training facilities that we are
blessed with at Laguna Practice, along with the welcoming and
safe environment of Singapore and the highly-regarded education
system, we’re confident that we’ll be able to create a programme
T
that rivals anything else in the marketplace.
he Leadbetter Golf Academy (LGA) at Laguna National Golf For anyone interested in learning more about this programme,
& Country Club is thrilled to have recruited Joey Poh to our please make sure to speak to our friendly staff at the Academy.
team of talented instructors. Alternatively, you can call us at +65 6741-1111 or email to
As many of you will be aware, Joey has been one of Singapore’s lga.singapore@leadbetter.com
most high-profile female golfers for the best part of a decade. One other initiative that you should consider taking advantage
During an illustrious playing career, Joey, an ex-Singapore of in the months ahead is Laguna National’s ‘Play with a Pro’
Sports School student and a former member of the HSBC Youth undertaking.
Excellence Programme, distinguished herself as both an amateur Each month, our resident professionals are allocated a tee-time
and professional. on either the Masters Course or Classic Course at which they are
As well as representing Singapore in women’s amateur joined by three Members.
events around the region, Joey twice won national qualifying Whether you’re simply interested in meeting our team, gaining
tournaments to earn the honour of flying the flag for her home a few tips on the course, or just wanting to play a fantastic round of
country in the LPGA Tour’s HSBC Women’s Champions. golf, the coaches are available to accompany you.
Joining the LGA coaching team at Laguna National, Joey’s Between them, our instructors have to date been fortunate to
career has now come full circle. play with more than 100 Members. We very much look forward to
“After a decade, from junior to professional golf, I’m looking meeting more of you in 2020!
forward to creating more memories and passing on what I’ve In order to give everyone a fair chance to enjoy this experience,
learned to the golfing community at Laguna National,” said Joey, Members may only sign up for one session per month and may
who is fluent in both English and Mandarin. only book with each professional once a year. Please sign up at the
Through years of experience as a player, Joey’s main concepts Customer Service desk.
for her students are to keep the golf swing natural and to focus on On behalf of all of us at the Leadbetter Golf Academy, may I wish
sound fundamentals and good basic movements. all Laguna National Members a memorable golfing year ahead.
At the LGA, Joey will be working closely alongside David
Bradshaw to help grow our junior programmes, thus allowing
greater availability on weekends.
Over the course of the past three years, Joey has introduced the
game to dozens of juniors, who have become budding golfers. It’s
a path that Joey looks forward to continuing along in her new role
at Laguna National.
With Joey on board, we’re also committed to offering more
extensive holidays camps in 2020, as well as weekly on-course
tuition for academy students. The Leadbetter Golf Academy (LGA) is housed at Laguna
In another exciting and far-reaching development, the LGA is National’s state-of-the-art Laguna Practice, located at
planning to launch the most extensive tuition programme offered 610A Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 465404.
to golfers in Singapore by mid-2020.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 19PEOPLE
Hands up for the Classic Course! Poh Yee Tiong (far left), Tay Ngee Joo (second left), Jeffrey Ho (second right)
and Christopher Lee (far right) enjoyed the outstanding conditions on Laguna National’s Classic Course
during November’s Monthly Medal.
20 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0Pictures by Dwayne Mason.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 21PEOPLE
Majestic Matt and
Ice-Cool Cindy
Matt Pollard and Cindy Yap are congratulated on their match play triumphs
by Mark Bates, Laguna National’s Director of Golf Operations.
MATT POLLARD AND CINDY YAP ENJOYED
CONTRASTING SUCCESSES IN LAGUNA S triking a rich vein of form, Matt Pollard swept to an imperious
victory in Laguna National’s 2019 Men’s Match Play
Championship.
NATIONAL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB’S 2019 With an assured one-over-par 73 on the Masters Course, the
long-time Laguna National Member topped the standings in the
MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS. October Medal qualifying round.
After edging out Allan Muir one-up in the match play quarter-
finals over the Classic Course, Pollard savoured a 7 & 6 semi-final
stroll against Aaditya Alok.
Oozing confidence he then powered past Prasad Gopalan by a
similar 7 & 6 margin in the 36-hole final.
Gopalan’s passage to the final was rather less clear-cut. In the
quarter-finals he ousted Puneet Matta one-up before eliminating
Jayaditya Saluja at the 19th hole in a tense semi-final clash.
Remarkably, not one of the eight male qualifiers from 2018
made it through to the knockout phase in 2019.
It was a different tale among the women with recently-crowned
Ladies Club Championship winner Edina Szalkai easing through
to the match play final for the third year in succession.
Having lost to Paula Chepelsky in 2017, Szalkai made amends
by pipping Zan Jia at the 19th hole in 2018. But her hopes of
retaining the title were thwarted by Cindy Yap in a thrilling 18-hole
1.
final contest that went down to the wire.
22 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0MEN’S CLUB MATCH PLAY Third Place Play-Off Semi-Finals
CHAMPIONSHIP Jayaditya Saluja beat Aaditya Alok 1-up Edina Szalkai beat Sue Yap 2 & 1
Cindy Yap beat Wendy Lim 3 & 1
Leading Qualifying Scores Final
73 – Matt Pollard Matt Pollard beat Prasad Gopalan 7 & 6 Third Place Play-Off
Sue Yap beat Wendy Lim W/O
75 – Dustin Wilburn
78 – Puneet Matta (ocb) LADIES CLUB MATCH PLAY Final
CHAMPIONSHIP Cindy Yap beat Edina Szalkai 1-up
78 – Aaditya Alok
80 – Brian Cook (ocb) Leading Qualifying Scores
80 – Prasad Gopalan 81 – Edina Szalkai
81 – Jayaditya Saluja (ocb) 82 – Wendy Lim
81 – Allan Muir 86 – Marie-France Paquet
88 – Debbie Tan
Quarter-Finals
Matt Pollard beat Allan Muir 1-up. 89 – Sue Yap
Aaditya Alok beat Brian Cook at 19th hole 94 – Cindy Yap
Jayaditya Saluja beat Dustin Wilburn at
105 – Margaret Soh
19th hole
Prasad Gopalan beat Puneet Matta 1-up 108 – Agnes Cheong
Semi-Finals Quarter-Finals
Matt Pollard beat Aaditya Alok 7 & 6 Edina Szalkai beat Agnes Cheong W/O
Prasad Gopalan beat Jayaditya Saluja at Sue Yap beat Debbie Tan W/O
19th hole Wendy Lim beat Margaret Soh 7 & 6
2.
Cindy Yap beat Marie-France Paquet 6 & 5
It was a memorable one-up win for Yap, who had been given
little chance of overall victory having finished sixth among the
eight qualifiers following a round of 94.
Confounding the odds, she then proceeded to show off her
match play prowess by swatting aside the challenges of the top
three contenders.
After seeing off Marie-France Paquet 6 & 5 in the quarter-
finals, Yap inflicted a 3 & 1 semi-final defeat on Wendy Lim to
book her final slot.
For her part, Szalkai, the leading qualifier with an 81, received a
3.
walkover in the last eight and then overcame Sue Yap 2 & 1.
Despite her tag as favourite, Szalkai was unable to shake off
her tenacious final opponent as a new name was inscribed on the 1. Matt Pollard teeing-off during
Ladies Match Play Championship trophy. the final.
Mark Bates, Laguna National’s Director of Golf Operations,
said: “Congratulations to Matt on his well-earned victory. Only 2. Edina Szalkai receives her
eight strokes separated the eight men’s qualifiers, but when it came prize from Mark Bates.
down to the match play segment, Matt was too strong.
3. Men’s runner-up Prasad
“Meanwhile, for Cindy to beat the leading three qualifiers and Gopalan with Mark Bates.
win the Ladies Championship was a marvellous achievement.”
4. Cindy Yap hits her drive
at the par-five 13th on the
4. Classic Course.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 23PEOPLE
Will’s Victory Stroll!
WILL DRAKE KEPT HIS FEET Despite a stumble on the 18th where “For their development, it’s important
he ran up a quadruple-bogey eight, Drake, for juniors to experience what it’s like to
FIRMLY ON THE GROUND TO who became a Member in April and has walk a course and pull their own trolley
TAKE TOP PRIZE AS LAGUNA a handicap index of 7.4, signed for a first-
round 82. That gave him a one-shot lead
in true tournament conditions. They may
not thank us now – but they will in a few
NATIONAL’S JUNIORS FACED- over Lin Xi Yang and Noah Tisdall with years’ time!”
Ong Qi Heng in fourth place following
OFF IN TOURNAMENT PLAY an 89. Leading Final Scores
FOR THE FIRST TIME. With Lin and Tisdall struggling on day
two, Drake took control, touring the front
159 – Will Drake (82-77)
nine in one-over 37. With victory assured, 166 – Ong Qi Heng (89-77)
Drake was able to coast home, making sure 170 – Davian Tan (90-80)
to keep high numbers off the card.
184 – Mason Sui (101-83)
Although Ong matched Drake’s 77 on
A
day two, he had to settle for second place 184 – Ella Yokota (93-91)
n opening-day eagle helped Will Drake overall with Davian Tan third and Mason
to fly high in the inaugural Laguna Sui and 12-year-old Ella Yokota, the sole Will Drake teeing-off on the 18th hole (top)
National Junior Club Championship. female in the field, sharing fourth spot. and being presented with the Junior Club
Championship trophy by Jack Wong.
With a closing five-over-par 77 on Tan had the consolation of taking first
the Masters Course, Drake succeeded in prize in the nett division, followed by
distancing himself from his rivals, finishing Lin Xi Yang and Tisdall, both of whom
seven strokes clear of his closest challenger significantly surpassed expectations on
in the two-day event in which competitors day one.
had to negotiate their way around the “Congratulations to Will on a solid
award-winning layout on foot. performance,” said Jack Wong, Laguna
But it was a three at the par-five 15th on National’s Golf Operations and Member
day one that provided the 13-year-old with Services Manager.
the momentum and the belief that victory “We’re delighted to launch the Laguna
in the 36-hole event was within his grasp. National Junior Club Championship and
After a booming drive, Drake needed hope to see it grow in the years ahead –
only a five-iron for his second shot, which and to see more Laguna National junior
came to rest 10 feet from the flag. He duly members go on to play competitive
rolled home the putt. amateur golf.
24 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0Plaudits
for Poh
POH YEE TIONG CAPPED A
MEMORABLE YEAR WITH VICTORY
IN DECEMBER’S GOLD MEDAL.
I n golfing terms, the year 2019 was an annus
mirabilis for Poh Yee Tiong. As well as winning
the Men’s Intermediate Division of the Club
NOVEMBER MEDAL
Championship, Poh also had the distinction of
making two holes-in-one last year, on the fourth Men’s Division ‘A’
and seventh holes on the Classic Course. 1. Sumit Mahendra – 38 points
Not content with that, Poh once more showed 2. Declan Byrne – 36 points (ocb)
his liking for the Classic Course with a rock- Men’s Division ‘B’
solid winning performance in December’s Gold 1. Mark Peh – 40 points
Medal, held annually near the end of the year. 2. Shahid Sen – 38 points
Open to the divisional winners and runners- Men’s Division ‘C’
up at all Monthly Medals throughout the year, 1. Garry Crossley – 29 points
the Gold Medal attracted a field of 34 with men 2. Matthew Sturgess – 28 points
teeing-off from the hybrid tees and the ladies Ladies Division
from the red tees. All qualifiers played off their 1. Petra Jarosilova – 39 points
lowest handicap index, from the month they 2. Susie Seow – 34 points
qualified until the month in which the Gold
Doris Wong and Poh Yee Tiong
Medal is staged. celebrate their victories in DECEMBER GOLD MEDAL
As ever, 13-handicapper Poh was a model December’s Gold Medal. Men’s Division
of consistency, touring the Classic Course in 85
Leading Nett Scores
with nines of 41 and 44. That translated into a 72 – Poh Yee Tiong
nett 72 and a one-stroke success from Mark Peh. 73 – Mark Peh
In the Ladies Division, pride of place went to 75 – John Ng; Gersom Vetuz
Doris Wong who finished with a par on the 18th 76 – Sumit Mahendra; Rhee Sang-bo; Xavier Tay
For the third
to sign for a nett 71 and a three-stroke victory Leading Gross Scores
margin from Edina Szalkai. year in succession, 80 – Sean Lee
83 – David Rae
With a round of 80, Szalkai, the 2019 Ladies the number 85 – Sumit Mahendra; Darryl Tan; Poh Yee Tiong;
Club Championship winner, posted the best
gross score among the females.
of Members Ashwin Gopalan
That return was matched by Sean Lee, participating in Ladies Division
although the Singapore National Squad member
was left to rue an uncharacteristically poor finish.
the Club’s monthly Leading Nett Scores
71 – Doris Wong
One-over through 16 holes, Lee came unstuck medals increased. 74 – Edina Szalkai
75 – Vicky Zan Jiao
on the island green 17th where he ran-up a We hope to see 77 – Wendy Lim; Petra Jarosilova
quadruple-bogey seven. A triple-bogey seven
followed at 18. that trend continue Leading Gross Scores
80 – Edina Szalkai
In November’s Medal, Petra Jarosilova in 2020. 85 – Vicky Zan Jiao
marked her club tournament debut by claiming
86 – Wendy Lim
first prize in the Ladies Division, while Sumit Mark Bates
Mahendra, Peh and Garry Crossley topped the Director of Golf Operations
standings in their respective men’s divisions.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 25PEOPLE
LAGUNA’S ACE
PERFORMERS
IN A NEW FEATURE TO
COMMEMORATE THE
S ad to say, the stark reality is that the
majority of us will go through our
golfing careers without ever experiencing
you are, the more times you’ll hit onto the
green on a par-three and the more balls
you’ll put closer to the hole.
the unadulterated joy of making a hole- Tiger Woods, for example, has had
START OF A NEW YEAR, in-one. a total of 20 holes-in-one. Yet even the
WE REVEAL ALL THOSE WHO Just consider that the United States Golf
Register estimates that the odds of a high-
great man himself had to wait 20 years
between ace number 19 at the now-
HAD THE DISTINCTION OF handicapper hitting an ‘ace’ are anywhere
from one in 20,000 to one in 33,000.
defunct International at Colorado in 1998
and number 20 in the company of his son,
ACHIEVING A HOLE-IN-ONE These are guesstimates based on estimated Charlie, and Fred Couples, at the Madison
rounds played and estimated hole-in-ones. Club, in La Quinta, California in late 2018.
AT LAGUNA NATIONAL Of course, most of us would settle for
Other estimates are as follows: just one. But that’s far from easy.
DURING 2019. Odds of a professional golfer making
LiveAbout.com says if you’re a low-
an ace: 2,500-to-1 handicapper and play 1,000 rounds in your
life (an average of 25 rounds for 40 years),
Odds of a low-handicapper making you have a 20 per cent chance of making at
a hole-in-one: 5,000-to-1 least one hole-in-one.
And how many rounds do you have to
Odds for an average golfer on a
play to make the odds even at 1:1? If you’re
200-yard par-three: 150,000-to-1
a low-handicapper who plays 5,000 rounds
(100 rounds a year for 50 years), you’re
While it’s inevitable that there’s an even-money to have at least one ace.
element of good fortune in making a hole- Naturally, the odds are much higher for
in-one, it helps if you’re a decent player. average golfers.
It stands to reason, after all, that the better At Laguna National, there were 23
26 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0Ace Performers at Classic Course Ace Performers at Masters Course
February 1: Poh Yee Tiong March 15: Loh Wai Fun
7th hole, White Tee (167 yards), 8-iron, Titleist Pro V1 17th hole, Red Tee (113 yards), 8-iron, Titleist Pro V1x
February 23: Gregory Chirieleison March 23: Chai Kim Yin
7th hole, White Tee (167 yards), 9-iron, Titleist Pro V1 12th hole, Blue Tee (184 yards), 5-iron, Srixon
May 25: Chong Sek Sing April 10: Lim Heng Kok
7th hole, Blue Tee (178 yards), Hybrid 19 degrees, Titleist 17th hole, Blue Tee (183 yards), 3-wood, Srixon
August 12: Poh Yee Tiong May 11: Tan Kwee Hiang
4th hole, Blue Tee (147 yards), 9-iron, Titleist Pro V1 17th hole, Red Tee (113 yards), Utility 5, Volvik
September 29: Francis Lee May 23: Toru Ikuta
4th hole, White Tee (123 yards), Pitching Wedge, Titleist Pro V1x 8th hole, White Tee (128 yards), 9-iron, Titleist Pro V1
October 5: Lee Soon Hiang May 24: William Low Chee Wee
4th hole, Blue Tee (147 yards), 9-iron, Srixon 2 Z Star 8th hole, Blue Tee (163 yards), 5-iron, Srixon
October 12: Sam Ahmed May 25: Wilson Siow Chee Chean
4th hole, Blue Tee (147 yards), Pitching Wedge, Titleist Pro V1 17th hole, Blue Tee (183 yards), 6-iron, Callaway Chrome Soft
October 13: Chin Koon Yew September 9: Ng Kee Hock
4th hole, White Tee (123 yards) 9-iron, Callaway 17th hole, White Tee (152 yards), 7-iron, Callaway
October 20: Takao Shima September 26: Freddy Tan Mong Kai
4th hole, White Tee (123 yards), Pitching Wedge, Maxfli Noodle 5th hole, White Tee (155 yards), 7-wood, Srixon
October 24: Craig Ross October 21: Peter Browning
4th hole, White Tee (123 yards), Pitching Wedge, Titleist Pro V1 5th hole, Blue Tee (186 yards), 5-iron, Titleist AVX
November 2: Masao Nishimura
8th hole, White Tee (128 yards), 7-iron, Srixon
November 11: Rhee Sang Bo
8th hole, Blue Tee (163 yards), 6-iron, Titleist
November 17: Edina Szalkai
12th hole, White Tee (139 yards), 7-iron, Titleist Pro V1
confirmed cases of holes-in-one from the
start of 2019 through to mid-November. TELL US ABOUT
Of those, 13 occurred on the Masters YOUR HOLE-IN-ONE
Course and 10 on the Classic Course.
On the Masters Course, there were
aces at all four of the short holes. On the Recording a hole-in-one is
Classic, holes-in-one were recorded only something to shout home about.
at the fourth and the seventh. The fact that So, don’t be shy! We’re asking
not a single ace was recorded at either the Poh Yee Tiong (above) anyone who makes an ace at
11th or the island green 17th serves to Laguna National to share that
underline the degree of difficulty of these struck aces on the fourth and special moment, either with a
two par-threes. seventh holes of the Classic picture of your celebration or a
The fourth hole on the Classic yielded description of how you achieved
the most holes-in-one with a total of seven, Course in 2019 while Edina your feat (in not more than 100
four of which were made from the white Szalkai (below) savoured a words). We’ll publish the best
tee and three from the blue. of them within the pages of
Congratulations are in order to each hole-in-one on the 12th hole Laguna Lifestyle.
and every one of the individuals who of the Masters Course.
pulled off a masterstroke in 2019 – and Please email your images and
very special plaudits to Poh Yee Tiong. hole-in-one accounts to
Not only did Poh take top prize in the editor@lagunanational.com
Men’s Intermediate Division of the Club
Championship, but also he managed to
snare two holes-in-one last year. No doubt
he’ll be looking to close the gap further on
Tiger during 2020.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 27PEOPLE
Ov e r c o m i n g e s !
S t ru g g l
Up hil l
FOR MANY AMATEUR GOLFERS, HITTING
SHOTS FROM UNEVEN LIES TENDS TO D uring any given round of golf, it’s unrealistic to expect that
every shot you’ll be challenged to play will be from an even
or flat lie. Indeed, considering the undulations on the majority of
POSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. THAT NEED golf courses, it’s likely that you’ll be faced with hitting shots from
uphill lies, downhill lies and sidehill lies.
NOT BE THE CASE IF YOU FOLLOW A FEW Invariably these shots cause difficulties for amateurs who rarely
get to practice from such lies.
KEY FUNDAMENTALS, SAYS NIGEL BARK, So, how should you approach these shots? In this issue of
AN INSTRUCTOR AT THE LEADBETTER Laguna Lifestyle, I’m going to focus on uphill lies – and what you
need to do to take away the fear when you find yourself in this
GOLF ACADEMY AT LAGUNA NATIONAL situation on the course.
The first things to consider are the impact this lie will have
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB. on the launch of your golf ball and how you’ll be able to make
clean contact.
On an uphill lie, the slope is going to provide an increased
launch angle. This, in turn, will lead to a higher ball flight and,
consequently, a loss in distance.
Therefore, when you find yourself with an uphill lie, you’ll
generally need to ‘club up’. How much extra club you need to take
will be influenced by the steepness of the slope, as well as the lie.
28 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0Once you’ve decided on an appropriate club, you’ll need to
adjust your stance. The ball should be played a little forward Nigel Bark
compared to your normal ball position with your shoulders LGA Instructor
parallel to the slope.
Having your shoulders parallel to the slope is vital to allow a Nigel started coaching when aged 19.
clean strike. If you lean into the slope with your shoulders at their After graduating from the University
normal angle, you’ll be at risk of stuffing the club into the slope. of Birmingham in 2007 with a PGA
Think of it as playing with the slope, trying to position your body Foundation degree, he became Head
with the slope and swinging up the slope (pictured facing page). Professional at his hometown club.
The other thing to consider is your balance. Your body is going Nigel continued his education, graduating with a degree in Psychology
to want to get pulled down the slope, so you should widen your with Sports Science from Nottingham Trent University. In 2015,
stance for stability. It’s difficult to shift your weight during the he moved to Singapore, working at Heartland Golf School. Nigel has
downswing, which means you should lean a little into your front been instrumental in developing a programme at Stamford American
leg and try to stay centred with your weight during your swing. International School and launching the first international schools
Shots from an uphill lie are likely to fly left due to your weight golf championships in Singapore as well as the Monday Night Golf
being held back, leading to the club face closing more through League. Nigel is a certified Trackman and Smart2Move coach, as well
impact. Take this into account when you’re aligning. as holding qualifications in bio-mechanics and physiology.
When faced with an uphill lie,
the ball should be played a little
forward compared to your normal
ball position with your shoulders
parallel to the slope. The Leadbetter Golf Academy (LGA) is housed at Laguna
Nigel Bark National’s state-of-the-art Laguna Practice, located at
610A Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 465404.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 29PRIVILEGE 30 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0
The spectacular beachfront ninth hole at Vietnam’s award-winning Laguna Golf Lăng Cô.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 31PRIVILEGE
The Global Game
l f C l ub T O R I G o l f C l ub
e a n G o IN A
Bl ue O c
n ay G o l f C l ub
C h a rd on
32 J A N U A RY T O M A R C H 2 0 2 0BE INVITED INTO A WORLD OF PRIVILEGED ACCESS
WITH YOUR LAGUNA NATIONAL GOLFING MEMBERSHIP.
A s an esteemed Member of Laguna National Golf & Country Club, not only do
you and your family have privileged access to our award-winning championship
courses and Club facilities, but also you are privy to an exclusive collection of more
than 400 prestigious golf properties around the world.
This quarter, we’ve added a number of new reciprocal and affiliate clubs, including
a trio of outstanding venues in Indonesia – Borobudur International Golf & Country L AGUNA AFFILIATE AND
Club, Gading Raya Padang Golf & Club and Jababeka Golf & Country Club – as well as RECIPROCAL CLUBS
Japan’s Appi Kogen Golf Club and Inatori Golf Club, boasting four nine-hole layouts. Scan here for Affiliate and Reciprocal Clubs.
Other notable additions to the list are Qatar’s Doha Golf Club, Dubai’s The Track
Meydan Golf Club, New Zealand’s Christchurch Golf Club and a quartet of Australian
venues including Melbourne’s Club Mandalay and New Terry Hotel & Golf Resort
in Adelaide.
Those travelling to North America might like to consider a visit to Blue Ocean Golf
Club in Sechelt, British Columbia and the evocatively named Chardonnay Golf Club,
an 18-hole semi-private Napa Valley golf facility located southeast of the city of Napa in
Jameson Canyon at the gateway to the world-renowned Napa Valley wine district.
To learn more about the lifestyle and golfing privileges that you can enjoy under
our ‘Affiliate and Reciprocal Clubs’ programme, please contact Club Concierge at
6248-1779. You may also preview the full list of Affiliate and Reciprocal Clubs and
request for your ‘Introduction Card’ at http://www.lagunanational.com/golf/affiliate-
reciprocal-clubs/ PACIFIC LINKS
Scan here for Pacific Links.
IMG Prestige and Special Access Clubs Reservation
Please contact Club Concierge at 6248 1779 or email
clubconcierge@lagunanational.com with your date of visit, preferred tee-time,
choice of golf course, name of players, membership number(s) and any other
special requests.
Club Concierge will contact the destination club, make the booking and furnish
you with the appropriate Letter of Introduction. As many of the reciprocal/special
access clubs are booked up in advance, please note that reservation of tee-time is
subject to availability.
IMG PRESTIGE AND
You are highly recommended, therefore, to contact Club Concierge well ahead of SPECIAL ACCESS CLUBS
your travel dates so they can assist in booking the club of your choice or help to
suggest alternatives. Scan here for IMG Prestige.
Please do not contact overseas clubs directly as a Letter of Introduction from your
home club is compulsory.
We thank you for your co-operation and hope to continue making your golf journey a
memorable one.
LAGUNA LIFESTYLE 33You can also read
