Perfect Harmony

Leadbetter Golf Academy Tips • Masters Course Reconfiguration In the Shadow of Buddha

April to June 2019 LAGUNA NATIONAL FIVE-YEAR TERM MEMBERSHIP

Enjoy limited time offer at $45,000* • Full golfing privileges at Laguna National's two world-class courses. • Spouse and children (below 21 years of age) included under the membership with no additional fees. • Invite up to three guests for golfing. • Enjoy member prices at our award-winning restaurant, The Nest. • Access international reciprocal clubs. • Preferred rates at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Resort Hotel.

*Subject to GST

For your personalised consultation, please contact our Senior Membership Manager, Maggie Tuya at +65 6248 1706 or [email protected]

Contributors

Patrick Bowers Spencer Robinson With more than 25 years of experience, Having cut his journalistic teeth in Patrick has managed 60 high-end clubs England, Spencer arrived in Hong across 30 countries and 5 continents. Kong in 1984 to assume an editorial His career highlights include 9 years position at the South China Morning with IMG where he worked for Tiger Post. In 2002 he moved to Singapore. Woods and was appointed as Vice During the course of the past 3 dec- President of Sports & Golf for Dubai ades he has been a close observer of Event Management Corporation by His Asian sport, writing and commentat- Highness Sheikh Mohammed. ing for leading media including ESPN and Fox Sports.

Dr Jay-Lee Nair Mark Bates Based in Singapore, Jay-Lee is a sports A PGA of Canada professional, Mark psychologist with Mental Notes Con- has over 20 years’ experience in the sulting. During her college days in the golf industry and is a self-proclaimed United States she played NCAA Divi- ‘Golf Nut’ who lives, eats and breathes sion I golf with academic All-American golf. Mark has dedicated his career to honours. A Laguna National member, growing the game of golf. His passion Jay-Lee is passionate about helping for teaching the game and enhancing young golfers to achieve their full po- enjoyment of the ‘golf experience’ can tential in both golf and studies. only be described as infectious.

Mark Isley Stephen moriarTy Mark started his career in Florida and An experienced British PGA-qualified now boasts 35 years of experience in Professional and Leadbetter Senior maintaining and managing high-pro- Certified Instructor with a proven track file golf courses, private golf clubs record of establishing, developing and and major golf tournaments. For the growing the Leadbetter brand in new past 27 years, Mark has made Asia locations, Englishman Stephen enjoyed his home with extended stints in Bali spells in Korea and Indonesia before and Bintan before joining Laguna Na- assuming responsibility for the setting tional as Director of Agronomy and up and running of the Leadbetter Golf Project Manager. Academy at Laguna National. Welcome to the Family

We would like to extend a warm Lagunian welcome to the following new Members who have recently joined us.

Thor Andersen Gareth Phillips Kym Campbell His Excellency Dato Zainol Rahim Du Jing Sunam Sarkar Dana Houck Sui Sen Toru Ikuta Mark Sheldon Brian Jobson Machida Takashi Peter Kiddle Toshiro Takekoshi David Knibbs Albert Victoria Ashley Kok Voo Wei Keong Jason Leow Matthew Watson Andrew P. McGrath Wong Cheng Ho Adam Moor His Excellency Jun Yamazaki Kimiro Nagagata Mark Yap Kok Hoong Lien Nguyen Dominic Yin Kevin Ow Moh Huat Yo Ha Highlights

April to June 2019

GONG XI FA CAI! There was a flying start to the Year of the Pig with an auspicious beginning at 22 Laguna National Golf & Country Club’s 2019 Hong Bao Golf Competition.

12 WATCH THE BIRDIES! A round of golf at Laguna National means so much more than simply playing 18 holes. Thanks to the care and attention afforded to it by those who lovingly tend to the property, the land is blessed with a vibrant habitat on which a wide variety of native wildlife thrive.

AVOIDING BUNKER BLUES Stephen Moriarty, Academy Director at the Leadbetter Golf Academy at Laguna WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE 28 National, explains how to take the fear out Bring along your friends and family to of greenside bunker shots – regardless of The Nest during the second quarter of whether the sand is soft and dry or hard 502019 to celebrate a variety of noteworthy and wet. occasions. contents

April to June 2019

Front Cover: Illustrating the vibrancy of Laguna National from a bird’s perspective, Masked Lapwings happily enjoy the environment in the midst of golfing activity. Picture by Low Mun Cheng.

CLUB 30 Toptracer Media Launch 52 Chef’s Signature Specials

12 Cover Story: Watch the Birdies! PRIVILEGE 54 Japanese Liquor Pairing Dinner

16 Masters Course Reconfiguration 36 Reciprocal Club Focus: Chee Chan 55 Bottle Promotion Golf Resort

18 Power of Learning: Mark Isley REGULARS 38 Mental Approach: Dr Jay-Lee Nair Welcome to New Members PEOPLE 03 40 Titleist’s New Pro V1 Models 22 Hong Bao Golf Tournament 07 Editor’s Message: Spencer Robinson 43 FootJoy Fury 26 Laguna National Monthly Medals 34 The Global Game DINING Leadbetter Golf Academy 56 Calendar of Events 28 What's New in F&B Instruction 50 Club Directory

Mark Bates Kevin Fawkes Executive Director of Golf Operations Culinary Director Management [email protected] (Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) Team [email protected] Mark Isley Patrick Bowers Director of Agronomy Maggie Tuya Managing Director & CEO [email protected] Senior Membership Manager [email protected] Eric Piatti Sue Gan Hotel General Manager Director of Sales & Marketing Stephen Moriarty (Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) [email protected] Leadbetter Golf Academy Director [email protected] Lionel Roberts Tiffany Ong Club Manager Director of Events [email protected] [email protected] Ng Jin Tong Elizabeth Tan Finance Director Director of Sales [email protected] [email protected]

Hotel Mainline Corporate Events & The Nest T 6542 6888 Banquets (Social/Hotel) T 6248 1711 T 6248 1782 7.00 am to 9.00 pm Golf Booking [email protected] [email protected] T 6248 1777 | 778 | 779 [email protected] Corporate & Laguna Practice Tournament Golf T 6741 1111 (Main Line) Membership Sales T 6248 1780 T 6542 2204 (Management Office) T 6248 1706 [email protected] T 6542 2200 (Bunker Lounge) [email protected] Food & Beverage T 6542 2201 (Academy Office) T 6542 2202 (Flightpath Café) Membership Services T 6248 1674 T 6542 2203 (Golf Shop) T 6248 1670 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Membership Accounts T 6248 1723 [email protected] Message from the Editor

uring a thought-provoking On the topic of bio-diversity loss Mun Cheng at Laguna National Dkeynote address on ‘Sus- being a major global concern, this year which we are delighted tainability and Golf’ at the Asian Cole said that golf courses have to publish in this edition of La- Golf Industry Federation’s 2019 the potential to conserve and guna Lifestyle (see Pages 12-15). Turfgrass Management Expo- protect wildlife. “Golf courses sition in Pattaya, Wendy Cole should be designed and man- A Member since 1995, Mun challenged delegates from aged to provide quality habitat Cheng plays at the club most around the region to embrace for as wide a variety of native Saturdays. His rounds are not sustainable practices.

Addressing an audience com- The Laguna National team should feel prised predominantly of golf proud that the lakes/habitat around the course superintendents and club courses have allowed so much wildlife managers from Thailand and across Asia, Cole, Manager, Sus- to feel at home. tainability at The R&A, implored attendees at the seventh edition Low Mun Cheng of the event to act responsibly in regard to issues related to land wildlife as possible,” she said. judged by the number of strokes use, water, pesticides and pollu- he takes, but by the enjoyment tion, climate, energy, waste and At Laguna National, great pride he derives from spotting, and wildlife. has always been taken at the photographing, wildlife. vast array of wildlife on and In her opening remarks, Cole around our two courses. “Laguna is home to an abun- said: “The R&A considers sus- dance of wildlife, including a tainability in and through golf It’s certainly appreciated by mix of common and uncommon to be the sport’s contribution many Members, who savour the birds, resident breeders and to wider society and the effect sights and sounds they see and winter visitor birds,” he says. “I the game has on nature and hear when they visit Laguna Na- wanted to share some of these resources, delivered by endur- tional for a game as much as the pictures because birds don’t just ing businesses which provide a golf itself. fall from the sky. The ground positive sporting, environmental conditions need to be condu- and social legacy for future gen- One such member is Low Mun cive to encourage them to stay/ erations. Cheng, who is just as much visit. attached to his trusty Nikon “The R&A strongly advocates Coolpix P1000 camera as he is “The Laguna National team sustainability across the nature, to his favourite driver, wedge should feel proud that the lakes/ communities and resources and putter! Of the camera, Mun habitat around the courses have agenda. To be considered sus- Cheng says: “It is small enough allowed these birds to feel at tainable, the golf operation (be to tuck away neatly at the back home. As a bird watcher, my that a new development, exist- of the buggy … and has got ter- thanks to the team for their ing facility or golf tournament) rific zoom capability.” good work in creating such a should protect nature, benefit conducive environment. As you communities and conserve re- Clear evidence of that is a fine can see, sometimes it’s more sources.” selection of images taken by than just about golfing!”

7 One of more than 50 species of birds spotted at Laguna National, a White-Throated Kingfisher with its prey. Picture by Low Mun Cheng. CLUB

‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.’

Former United States President Barack Obama 10 Club

Garnering Recognition for our Membership and Club

Patrick Bowers, Laguna National’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, highlights the fact that the Club’s Masters and Classic courses are once more in the running for various notable awards.

ne of the pleasures of www.worldgolfawards.com/ Owrapping up the on- award/singapore-best-golf- course renovations is our ability course/2019 to return to some form of ‘normality’ in terms of the golf The World Golf Awards serve courses themselves. to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, Whilst we continue to be world-class courses and golf excited in anticipation of the destinations. The worldwide iconic clubhouse to come along voting is now open and ends shortly, it is a testament to our in September. Votes are made team’s planning and execution Whilst we by professionals working within that the various well-respected continue to be excited the golf travel and tourism rating and ranking institutions in anticipation of the industry – senior executives, are again coming calling at tour operators, agents and Laguna National Golf & Country iconic clubhouse to media professionals. Votes may Club. come along shortly, also be cast by the public (golf it is a testament to tourism consumers). Votes are This after an absence of several our team’s planning submitted online via the World years when it was not really Golf Awards website. appropriate to submit ourselves and execution that for international scrutiny when the various well- The winners of each national all the on-course work was on- respected rating and award go head-to-head with going. ranking institutions the winners of the other countries before the unveiling The most recent news on this are again coming of the World winners. front is that BOTH of our golf calling at Laguna courses have reappeared on the National Golf & World Golf Awards is part nomination form at the World Country Club. of World Travel Awards, Golf Awards to be considered currently celebrating its 25th for the accolade of ‘Singapore’s anniversary. Best Golf Course’. You may If you have the opportunity, recall that we did win this I would encourage you to Looking forward to updating prestigious honour previously visit the voting page, and you on some significant for the Masters Course. help us along. The address is: milestones in the journey of the Club 11

clubhouse and the hotel during remainder of the building for domain of the golfers at Laguna the next issue. the full TOP. Resort in the future and provide an incredible welcome for your I’m pleased to report that we Many of you have likely noticed daily round or those special did achieve our TOP (temporary the grand ‘golf departure guests you may be entertaining. occupation permit) for the lounge’ taking shape at the east rooms side of the building this end of the building, overlooking Thanking you for your continuing past March 1. This will now the Masters first and 10th tees. patience and support. allow the team to focus on the This will be the exclusive

Looking back down the fairway from behind the green on the sixth hole of the Classic Course. 12 Club

Watch the Birdies!

For many Members, a round of golf at Laguna National means so much more than simply playing 18 holes. Thanks to the care and attention afforded to it by those who lovingly tend to the property, the land is blessed with a vibrant habitat on which a wide variety of native wildlife thrive. Pictures by Low Mun Cheng.

ver the course of almost Birdies and eagles may have O25 years as a Member Where Laguna been hard to come by, but at Laguna National Golf & National stands during the past quarter of a Country Club, Low Mun Cheng century, Mun Cheng, a keen has played many hundreds out is that we have bird watcher and wildlife lover, of rounds. Much as he loves the opportunity to has delighted in spotting golf, by his own admission, see some birds in dozens of different species on he’s frequently found himself breeding plumage … the site. distracted while navigating his and they are not so way around the Masters and easily spotted around Rarely without his camera at his Classic courses. side when he ventures out for Singapore. a round, in recent years Mun

Dozens of different species of birds can be seen on and around the Masters and Classic courses. Club 13

Whistling Ducks and Little Grebe are to be seen in the lake between the 9th and 18th holes on the Classic.

“It’s great also that we have the Masked Lapwings at Laguna. There aren’t many places in Singapore, besides Seletar, that have the Masked Lapwings wandering around. You can find them on the Classic Course, particularly around holes 16 and 17.”

Does Mun Cheng have his favourites? “A recent one was seeing the Purple Heron when it was standing majestically, looking for food. Also, the Chinese Pond Heron, especially when their plumage colours change during the breeding cycle.”

And what about the rarest? A Zebra Dove (top) and Chinese Pond list of different bird species he “That’s a difficult question. All Herons (above left and right). has encountered at Laguna the birds that have been seen National has passed the half- at Laguna also roam around Cheng has captured many of century mark. Singapore. So, there is no ‘rare’ them on film – Blue-Tailed Bee bird per se. Eaters, Egrets, Chinese Pond “My internal list shows 53. But Herons, Grey Herons, Purple since I only play once a week, “That said, where Laguna has Herons and Striated Herons, my guess is that there are more. stood out from my birder’s Kingfishers (White-Throated While it’s safe to say there are perspective is that we have the and Collared), Lesser Whistling more than 50 species, not all of opportunity to see some birds Ducks, Masked Lapwings, Little them hang around at Laguna. in breeding plumage … and Grebes, White-Headed Munia Certainly, raptors will only fly they are not so easily spotted and Zebra Doves among them. past or when they are hunting around Singapore.” other water birds.” Mun Cheng said: “Besides the By his own admission, Mun local resident birds, Singapore According to Mun Cheng, the Cheng has also been charmed falls in the path of migratory most productive time to look by the otters that make birds from North Asia during out for birds at Laguna National their home on the course. winters. Like many golf courses, is in the mornings. “Probably my favourite Laguna attracts birds because sighting was seeing the otters it has got trees (including fruit He said: “There are many rolling in the sand bunkers a trees) and ponds (with fish and Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters, Munia, few years ago. Unfortunately, snails) that provide food and Sunbirds and other small birds they were a fair distance away shelter.” that can be found all over the and phone cameras in those Masters and Classic courses. days didn’t facilitate good At the last count, Mun Cheng’s The Herons, Egrets, Lesser pictures!” 14 Club

Lesser Whistling Ducks (left) and Grey Herons (right). Mun Cheng says the otters have Bedok Reservoir as well as they do not necessarily stay only been at Laguna for the past along the East Coast. Those permanently in Laguna. Un- 5 years. “This is a relatively new that are sighted in Laguna are fortunately, I haven’t yet had development. Part of the reason likely from these families (or any decent photos of Lagu- is that otters are beginning to dispersed members). Currently na’s otters!” find their presence in Singapore there are about 10 families that as the Public Utilities Board and reside across Singapore. These In that never-ending quest, NParks have done a great job otters seen in Laguna would Mun Cheng is planning to cleaning up the rivers. make their way through the maintain his Saturday morning drains along the Bedok Canal Laguna National ritual. He said: “These otters probably and onto Laguna. “For me, being able to enjoy a came from Johor. The rapid game of golf with my buddies development and loss of “Otters tend to move around and still feast on the sight of mangroves and other estuaries and create new holts (or used these gorgeous birds is so in Johor has resulted in the abandoned ones). Hence, therapeutic.”

My favourite sighting was seeing the otters rolling in the sand bunkers. Unfortunately, they were a fair distance away and phone cameras in those days didn’t facilitate good pictures!

movement towards Pulau Ubin and onto Singapore main island. Remember, otters are protected animals in Singapore and with the clean rivers (read food!), they have slowly grown in numbers.

“Otters have been seen in the ‘Resident’ otters frolicking in a pond on the Classic Course. Club 15

A Purple Heron standing majestically as it looks for food. 16 Club

Strategic Masters Switch

Come May 1, the respective nines on Laguna National’s award- winning Masters Course will be switched around.

ver the years, dramatic on what has been the ninth hole. for a while. “We have waited to Ofinishes have been The finishing stretch of holes 7, implement this so that it would the norm at professional 8 and 9 are more challenging coincide with the completion tournaments staged on the and offer more opportunity for of the course renovations, re- Masters Course. Indeed, the shifts in the leaderboard than rating of the Masters Course by par-4 18th has been the scene holes 16, 17 and 18,” said Bates, the Singapore Golf Association of plenty of tears – some of referencing the climatic finishes (which was carried out in mid- joy … and others of despair. to various tournaments at the March), and the considerable Just ask Zhang Lian-wei, Liang venue. investment in new course Wen-chong, Mardan Mamat, signage and scorecards.” Iain Steel, Felipe Aguilar and “Secondly, with the changes Ernie Els. to club infrastructure, notably In practical terms, what exactly the addition of The Nest and will this mean for Members? Laguna National Members, location of the putting green, Bates said: “The routing of the however, have been operational flow for events has holes remains exactly the same accustomed to playing this as also changed. – just with the nines swapped. their ninth hole. So, aside from a brief period where you and your khakis But as of May 1, the nines on the The re- may accidentally meet on the Masters Course will officially be wrong (old) tee, there will be no reversed. What was hitherto numbering of the change to movement around the back 9 will become the holes on the Masters the course.” front 9 and what previously Course will be as was the front 9 will become the simple as swapping Neither will memories fade homeward 9. the front 9 and the of the nail-biting finishes to back 9. tournaments on the Masters “The re-numbering of the holes Course. on the Masters Course will be as simple as swapping the It was on the home hole that front 9 and the back 9,” said “Without doubt, the best views Zhang Lian-wei produced a Mark Bates, Laguna National’s for a finishing hole are now gutsy birdie to defeat South Director of Golf. available on what is currently the African Els in the 2003 Caltex ninth hole. Also, for simplicity Singapore Masters and become According to Bates there are 2 of operational flow, it is better the first mainland Chinese main reasons for going through to have the first tee located golfer to win on the European this exercise closest to the putting green Tour. area, which also is the main “Any time we host major gathering area and staging area While there was joy unconfined championship events on the for buggies and events.” for Zhang and his followers, Els, Masters Course, we have always who led by one shot going to made this change as the course Bates said the switch of nines the last, completed his round actually sets up better to finish has been under consideration with an inglorious bogey after Club 17

driving right of the cart path it going out to the right and win is pretty strong, especially into the trees. drawing back into the fairway making the last one on 18. This … but I came over the top and is something very, very special. A year later, Liang Wen-chong pulled it into the water.” I was right in between clubs and emulated his compatriot, with the adrenalin you don’t coincidentally securing his Chilean Aguilar has rather want to hit a half shot. So I took victory on the very same stretch happier recollections of a hard pitching wedge and it of real estate. the closing stretch having went in!” produced a stunning 2-2 finish At the first hole of a sudden- as he came home in 28 shots to The 18th has also witnessed death play-off, Malaysian Steel snatch an astonishing victory in arguably the finest moment dunked his tee-shot into the The Championship at Laguna from a Singapore player, Mardan water and was unable to match National in 2014. holding his nerve to get up-and- Liang’s regulation par. down from thick rough at the Aguilar snared a 10-foot birdie back of the green to eke out a “I should have finished it off putt at the daunting par-3 17th 1-stroke success from England’s earlier,” said Steel. “On the after his tee shot barely carried Nick Dougherty in the 2006 16th I 3-putted and made the water. He then holed his Osim Singapore Masters. double-bogey. Into the play- approach for an eagle-2 at the off I was quite confident and last as a closing 62 saw him After tapping in to win, he broke had a picture in my mind off finish on 22-under-par. down in tears as the magnitude the tee but I just didn’t execute of his achievement started to it, simple as that. I pictured “Eight-under on the back 9 to sink in.

The May 1 switch on the Masters Course will see the current ninth hole (left) become the 18th and the current 18th (right) revert to being the ninth. 18 Club

The Power of Learning

Mark Isley, Laguna National’s Director of Agronomy and Project Manager, looks back on his trip to San Diego for the 2019 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show.

’ve been attending Golf • Managing soil health and ICourse Superintendents As- It was fascinating fertility sociation of America (GCSAA) and educational • Disease, insect and weed conferences for more than 3 to be present at management strategies decades and never tire of hav- • Water quality and conserva- ing the opportunity to learn the Golf Course tion more about my chosen profes- Superintendents • Managing turf through sion. Association of drought conditions America’s Education • Tournament management Many years ago, my brother- Conference and and preparations in-law told me: “When you’re Trade Show. green you grow … and when The focus for the conference’s you’re ripe, you rot.” As the idea I’m already opening day was Event Man- of rotting doesn’t appeal to me, implementing new agement and Golf Course Prep- I will stay green and continue techniques and aration. learning so that I can practice strategies aimed at and implement the most cur- further improving On-course event management, rent golf course maintenance the conditions of our regardless of the size and scope programmes. of an event, requires effective beautiful courses. communication, staff manage- There are many reasons why it’s ment, advanced planning and worthwhile attending the GC- Mark Isley knowledge of agronomic prac- SAA Educational Conference. tices that maximise playing con- and innovative solutions to ditions. Alejandro Reyes, Golf (1) The golf course mainte- the most challenging issues Course and Estate Manager at nance industry is constantly facing superintendents and Le Golf National in Paris, made evolving and I have a strong golf facilities today. an illuminating presentation desire to continue expand- (3) During the 2-day trade show about preparations for the 2018 ing my knowledge, sharp- there are more than 500 Ryder Cup in France. ening my skills, networking exhibitors showcasing their with industry leaders and newest products and ser- Understanding Turf Fungicides peers and discovering the vices. was the morning topic for day latest cutting-edge technol- (4) Many of the most prominent 2. I gained a comprehensive ogy and emerging trends experts, professors and in- understanding of fungicides to available to golf course su- dustry leaders are available make better disease control de- perintendents. to provide insights on sub- cisions. I also learned the impor- (2) There are over 100 semi- jects, including, but not lim- tance of communicating about nars and learning sessions ited to, the following: chemical control issues with on offer, featuring practical • Managing high quality turf administrators, employees, golf Club 19

More than 500 exhibitors showcase their newest products and services at the Trade Show. patrons and the public at large. tors and products to improve mows greens without an opera- lake water quality. While our tor. While we’re not quite ready The afternoon session was set course lakes are in reasonably for this machine, it’s gaining aside for Sure Fire Ways to In- good condition with the sub- traction in America and could crease Plant Health. This semi- surface aeration devices recent- become an option for us in the nar focused on plant health from ly installed, we continue to seek future. the perspective of products that ways to improve water quality, superintendents can apply to such as: increasing oxygen lev- Finally, I met numerous suppli- turfgrass. It was stressed how els, reducing foul odours and ers of fertilisers and pesticides products can greatly improve improving water clarity. and heard about the latest tech- turf quality, when used correctly, nologies available, which are ef- and can undermine turf health I met with several vendors ficient, safer for the environment when misused. that provide products for golf and more cost effective. course lakes, both mechanical Attention then turned to the aeration type equipment and As ever, it was both fascinating trade show on the final 2 days. enzyme type products. There’s and educational to be present a wide variety of products on at this global event. I gained As we’re planning to replace our the market. Products I focused a wealth of new knowledge aging golf course furnishings on were ones that were prac- and have already begun to im- on both courses at Laguna Na- tical and economical, would plement new techniques and tional this year, I spent a consid- meet our particular needs and strategies aimed at further im- erable amount of time looking would effectively help improve proving the conditions of our at potential products, ranging our lake water quality. beautiful golf courses. from waste bins and top-dress- ing sand bins to benches, sand Although we replaced most of In closing, a gentle reminder to bottle holder racks and starter our aging golf course machin- please repair your ball marks on clocks. ery in 2018, I also looked at a the greens. We’re still noticing few specialty pieces of machin- many un-repaired ball marks, It was also an opportunity to ery. One that stood out was the especially on Monday mornings check out golf course lake aera- robotic greens mower, which after busy weekend play. Henry Yu, Spencer Robinson, Kyle Muir and Salma Khalik won the prize for the Best Group Photo at Laguna National's 2019 Hong Bao Golf Competition. PEOPLE

‘Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.’

Zig Ziglar, late author, salesman and motivational speaker 22 People

Hong Bao Bonanza

There was a flying start to the Year of the Pig with an auspicious beginning at Laguna National Golf & Country Club’s 2019 Hong Bao Golf Competition.

Hong Bao Golf Competition

Participants in the 2019 Hong Bao Golf Competition. People 23

Hong Bao Golf Competition 24 People

ccupying the final position As well as winning a compli- Oin the Chinese Zodiac, the Staff from all mentary flight voucher for the Pig is said to symbolise such Club departments Classic Course, May claimed a character traits as diligence, dozen Titleist Pro V1 balls for compassion and generosity. participated in launching the longest Prosper- various ways, ity Drive, a mighty blow of 283 According to one myth, the rea- contributing to yards at the par-5 ninth hole. son why the Pig resides in 12th what was another spot on the Chinese calendar is fabulous day at Other novelty prize winners because Jade Emperor decreed Laguna National. were Joanna Whitley (Infin- that the sequence would be de- ity Long Drive for Ladies), Kyle cided by the order in which they Muir (Nearest the Longevity arrived to his party. Pig was late In addition to door gifts, nov- Line), Sumit Mahendra (Near- because he overslept. elty events, staff performances est the ‘Lucky 8’) and Thong and a lucky draw, attendees Tuck Seng and Rae (Nearest the Another myth says that a wolf vied for Lunar New Year glory Pineapple). destroyed his house. The Pig over the immaculately-present- had to rebuild his home be- ed Classic Course. Inspired and choreographed by fore he could set off. As such, Salma Khalik, the Best Group when he finally arrived, he was Among the men, pride of place Photo award went to her team the last one and could only take went to Nick May. A guest of that also included Muir, Henry 12th place. former Laguna National Match Yu and Spencer Robinson. Play champion David Rae, May On February 16 at Laguna Na- amassed 42 Stableford points Following a Lion Dance, mem- tional, everyone was fashion- under the Double Peoria scor- bers and guests were enter- ably on time for the Hong Bao ing system. tained by Laguna National staff, Golf Competition, traditionally headlined by pitch-perfect sing- the most popular event on the That was two ahead of Law Kam ing performances from Roma Club’s fixture list. No-one want- Tsang, who was awarded sec- Santos and Ranndie Seah. ed to miss out on the festivities. ond place on countback from Ke Yam Cheong and Frankie Chia. “Staff from all Club depart- “Once more the tournament ments participated in various was over-subscribed. There In the women’s division, victory ways, contributing to what was was a lengthy waiting list,” con- went to Lee Eet Fong with 41 another fabulous day at Laguna firmed Mark Bates, Laguna Na- points, edging out Hong Ngai National,” said Bates. tional’s Director of Golf. and Linda Cook on countback.

LEADING MEN’S SCORES LEADING WOMEN’S SCORES 1, Nick May – 42 points 1, Lee Eet Fong – 41 points (ocb) 2, Law Kam Tsang – 40 points (ocb) 2, Hong Ngai – 41 points (ocb) 3, Ke Yam Cheong – 40 points (ocb) 3, Linda Cook – 41 points 4, Frankie Chia – 40 points 4, Dily Ng – 40 points 5, Khua Kian Hua – 39 points (ocb) 5, Wendy Lim – 39 points 6, Nader Ken Rizvi – 39 points (ocb) 6, Jenny Chong – 38 points 7, Stephen Koh – 39 points (ocb) 7, Jamie Tan – 37 points (ocb) 8, Thong Tuck Seng – 39 points (ocb) 8, Kim Hoa – 37 points (ocb) 9, Terence Tan – 39 points (ocb) 9, Goh Kui Hwa – 37 points 10, Callum Woodward – 39 points (ocb) 11, Lee Choon Li – 39 points (ocb) 12, Andy Goh Yew Poh – 39 points (ocb) People 25

At the prize-giving dinner, participants were entertained Nick May is congratulated on his success by Club Manager by a traditional lion dance (above) and singing and dancing Lionel Roberts. performances from Laguna National staff (below).

Senior Membership Manager Maggie Tuya welcomed Members and guests to the Hong Bao Golf Competition.

A novelty putting competition was staged on the Classic Course putting green. 26 People

Glee for Gopalan

t’s becoming something of a January Medal Results habit for to I Ashwin Gopalan Men’s Division ‘A’ make a fast golfing start to a new year. Best Nett Ashwin Gopalan (75) Best Gross Dustin Wilburn (83); In 2018, the teenage schoolboy Allan Muir and topped the standings in Men’s Mike Kerr (84) Division ‘A’ in Laguna National’s Men’s Division ‘B’ Monthly Medals in both February Aaron Warnke (68) and March. Best Nett Best Gross Amos Ho (84) In 2019, the 16-year-old was even Men’s Division ‘C’ quicker out of the blocks, emerg- Fred Tay Kam Kiang (64) ing victorious in the January Med- Best Nett al, just 5 days into the New Year. Best Gross Francis Lee (92) Ladies Division Playing steadily in testing condi- Sue Yap (72, on countback) tions on the Masters Course, Go- Best Nett palan was awarded the prize for Best Gross Wendy Lim (83); Yeany Tan presents Ashwin Gopalan the Best Nett (75). with his prize. Vicky Zan Jiao (86) Matthew on the March

Matching each other blow-for- February Medal Results blow over the Classic Course, Men’s Division ‘A’ the contest between the single- figure handicappers went down 1, Matthew Pollard – 35 points to the wire. 2, Mike Kerr – 34 points

It was Pollard who eventually pre- Men’s Division ‘B’ vailed, his gross 80 translating 1, Sumit Mahendra – 43 point into 35 Stableford points. Kerr 2, Kim Shung-cheul – 39 points signed for an 81 and 34 Stable- ford points, leaving him to settle Men’s Division ‘C’

Runner-up Mike Kerr is congratulated for second place for the second 1, Justin Ng – 39 points by Mark Bates. Medal in succession. 2, Francis Lee – 37 points

atthew Pollard repelled With a handicap of 18, Sumit Ma- Ladies Division Mthe challenge of Mike Kerr hendra amassed 43 points to win 1, Cynthia Chong – 34 points to win the Men’s Division ‘A’ in La- Men’s Division ‘B’. guna National’s February Medal. 2, Sue Yap – 31 points People 27

Pollard Powers into Fast Lane

There was a bumper turnout for Laguna National’s March Monthly Medal which incorporated the Mercedes Trophy Qualifier.

atthew Pollard will lead a 7-strong Laguna Nation- Laguna National March Medal Mal Golf & Country Club contingent into the 2019 Men’s Division ‘A’ Mercedes Trophy National Final. 1, Ashwin Gopalan – 38 points With 37 Stableford points, Pollard topped the standings 2, Matthew Pollard – 37 points in the Mercedes Trophy Qualifying Round at Laguna Na- Men’s Division ‘B’ tional, held in conjunction with the club’s March Monthly Medal. 1, Poh Yee Tiong – 40 points (on countback) 2, Xavier Tay – 40 points Although he was runner-up in the March Monthly Medal, Men’s Division ‘C’ Pollard qualified from Men’s Division ‘A’ as winner be- cause 16-year-old Ashwin Gopalan is ineligible for the 1, Thomas Lim – 45 points Mercedes event, for which qualifiers must be aged 21 2, Ronald Yeo – 40 points (on countback) and above. Men’s Division ‘D’ Pollard will now move forward to the Mercedes Trophy 1, Vipul Aggarwal – 40 points (on countback) National Final, scheduled to be staged over the Singa- 2, Choong Kok Liang – 40 points pore Island Country Club on June 7. Ladies Division Joining him at the Island Course will be fellow Laguna 1, Doris Wong – 42 points National qualifiers – Allan Muir (Men’s Division ‘A’), Poh 2, Stephanie Peh – 41 points Yee Tiong and Xavier Tay (Men’s Division ‘B’), Thomas Lim and Ronald Yeo (Men’s Division ‘C’) and Doris Wong (Ladies Division). Mercedes Trophy Qualifying Round Men’s Division ‘A’ 1, Matthew Pollard – 37 points 2, Allan Muir – 36 points Men’s Division ‘B’ 1, Poh Yee Tiong – 40 points (on countback) 2, Xavier Tay – 40 points Men’s Division ‘C’ 1, Thomas Lim – 45 points 2, Ronald Yeo – 40 points (on countback) Men’s Division ‘B’ winner Poh Yee Tiong with Assistant Golf Ladies Division Manager Lynn Chia. 1, Doris Wong – 42 points 28 People

Avoiding Bunker Blues!

In his latest instructional article for Laguna Lifestyle, Stephen Moriarty, Academy Director at the Leadbetter Golf Academy at Laguna National Golf & Country Club, explains how to take the fear out of greenside bunker shots – regardless of whether the sand is soft and dry or hard and wet.

eather conditions can Wcause a wide variety of Given that challenges for you on a golf bunkers present course. For example, with rain comes a change in ground a difficult – and conditions. Often, the most sometimes affected areas are the bunkers. intimidating – proposition for most The technique required to amateur golfers, extricate your ball from wet understanding a few sand versus dry sand will vary, especially when faced with the key principles will wet, you need to make sure extremes. greatly increase your you don’t have a lot of bounce chances of mastering on your wedge. If you do, this Given that bunkers present the different lies will increase the chances of you a difficult – and sometimes you will inevitably miss-hitting your shot. Use a intimidating – proposition encounter. lofted wedge and only open for most amateur golfers, the club face a small amount. understanding a few key principles will greatly increase understand what you should For these conditions you need your chances of mastering the change. to hit closer to the ball to avoid different lies you will inevitably the club bouncing off the encounter. For soft and dry conditions, you hard surface. Make your swing need to increase the bounce of steeper and try to hit a little The fundamental differences your sand wedge. You can do closer to the ball with a smaller between the lies are as follows: this by opening the club face swing than you would normally and increasing the loft before use from this distance. • If the sand is soft and dry you grip the club. (pictured top right), the ball will come out slowly. As the ball will come out slower • If the sand is hard or wet from soft sand, you will need (pictured bottom right), the to make a bigger swing to opposite will happen and the increase your club speed, while ball will come out quickly. maintaining your normal bunker technique for this shot (pictured Now you know what is going facing page). to happen when you hit these shots, next you need to When the sand is hard and People 29

Equipment Note If you are someone who buys wedges separately from your normal set, a good option is to have a sand wedge with a high bounce (9 to 14 de- grees) and lob wedge with a low bounce (4 to 7 degrees). This will give you more op- tions for your short game and makes bunkers a much easier hazard to escape.

The Leadbetter Golf Academy (LGA) is housed at Laguna National’s state-of-the-art Teaching and Practice Facility, located at 610A Upper East Coast Road, 465404. 30 People

Toptracer Makes News!

A wave of positive media coverage has provided added momentum to Laguna National Golf & Country Club’s Toptracer Range.

Mark Bates introduces members of the media to Toptracer Range. People 31

ey individuals from local nology has certainly been well Kprint and electronic media The fact that received. Since we opened, outlets have given the thumbs we’re the first the number of Members and up to the pioneering Laguna guests who have been using Practice powered by Toptracer club in the region Toptracer Range has increased Range. to introduce this significantly. exciting technology To help spread the word about has been well “It’s been particularly encour- the new venture, Laguna Na- received. Since we aging to see many groups of tional organised a media launch opened, the number friends among them, enjoying evening at the club’s Teaching the social element as much as and Practice Facility. ofMembers and the golf. It reinforces our belief guests who have that Laguna Practice powered “Both the feedback on the been using Toptracer by Toptracer Range is not ap- evening and the subsequent Range has increased pealing just for experienced media coverage was outstand- significantly. golfers, but also families and ing,” said Mark Bates, Laguna enthusiasts who just want a National’s Director of Golf. great night out with friends and Mark Bates family.” Teeing-off proceedings, Bates ran through the main features Located in front of the Bunker Uniquely, Toptracer Range is of Toptracer Range, incorporat- Lounge, 10 Toptracer Range being offered and priced by ing games and modes suited bays have been set up on Level Laguna National on a time ba- for all ages and skill levels. 2 at the Teaching and Practice sis, rather than the traditional Facility with table service. per ball charges typical at most “We wanted to highlight that driving ranges. Toptracer Range is for eve- These bays are equipped with ryone, regardless whether a Toptracer interactive screen “This allows friends and users you’re a beginner or a skilled and a 43-inch television moni- to determine themselves how exponent. We showed how tor for the group viewing, vigorous their sessions and you can take on the world in along with a 4-seat sofa lounge practice will be,” said Bates. a long-drive competition, play and coffee table. Groups of 8 “Some users simply like to relax closest-to-the-pin with your friends can also be accommo- and take their time over drinks friends, dive into advanced dated by combining 2 of the and snacks with friends, while analytics to fine-tune your bays and their seating areas. others are purely focusing their swing, and virtually tee it up at attention on the technology some of the world’s greatest Bates said: “The fact that we’re and how it can help them to im- courses.” the first club in the region to prove their golf.” introduce this exciting tech- Close to the Chee Chan Golf Resort, the serene likeness of Chee Chan Buddha has been carved into a limestone escarpment some 110 metres high. PRIVILEGE

‘Life laughs at you when you are unhappy. Life smiles at you when you are happy. But, life salutes you when you make others happy.’

Charlie Chaplin, comedian, producer, writer, director and composer 34 Privilege

THE GLOBAL GAME

Be invited into a world of privileged access with your Laguna National golfing membership.

Indonesia’s Laguna Golf Bintan has become a reciprocal club to Laguna National.

s an esteemed Member Schloss Miel, Tbilisi Hills Golf in Aof Laguna National Golf & As an esteemed Russia and Golf Park Mallorca Country Club, not only do you Member of Laguna Puntiro and Lumine Golf Club, and your family have privileged both in Spain. access to our award-winning National Golf & championship courses and Club Country Club, not To learn more about the life- facilities, but also you are privy only do you and style and golfing privileges that to an exclusive collection of your family have you can enjoy under our ‘Af- more than 250 prestigious golf privileged access to filiate and Reciprocal Clubs’ pro- properties around the world. our award-winning gramme, please contact Club Concierge at 6248-1779. You This quarter, we have added a championship may also preview the full list of number of new reciprocal and courses and Club Affiliate and Reciprocal Clubs affiliate clubs, including McLe- facilities, but also and request for your ‘Introduc- od Country Club, Portsea Golf you are privy to an tion Card’ at http://www.laguna- Club and Links Lady Bay Resort exclusive collection national.com/golf/affiliate-recip- (all in Australia), Indonesia’s La- of more than 250 rocal-clubs/ guna Golf Bintan, Asagiri Coun- try Club and Gatsby Golf Club prestigious golf PACIFIC LINKS RESERVATION (both in Japan) and Thailand’s properties around To make a booking at Pacific Summit Green Valley Chiangmai the world. Links’ network of clubs, email Country Club. Pacific Links at plis@pacificlinks. com or visit www.pacificlinks. In Europe, there have also been Country Club in Estonia, Apre- com/bookingonline some notable additions to the mont and Chateau de Rochefort list, including Estonian Golf and in France, Germany’s Golf Club Alternatively, you can email Club Privilege 35

Concierge at [email protected] 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 connect you to the destination club via email.

IMG PRESTIGE AND SPECIAL ACCESS CLUBS RESERVATION

To make a booking at IMG Prestige or Special Ac- cess Clubs, write to Club Concierge at clubcon- [email protected] or call 6248-1779. Kangaroos roam the fairways at Australia’s Links Lady Bay Resort.

Club Concierge will contact the destination club, dates so they can assist in booking the club of make the booking and furnish you with the appro- your choice or help to suggest alternatives. priate Letter of Introduction. Please do not contact overseas clubs directly as As many of the reciprocal/special access clubs are a Letter of Introduction from your home club is booked up in advance, please note that reserva- compulsory. tion of tee-time is subject to availability. We thank you for your co-operation and hope to You are highly recommended, therefore, to con- continue making your golf journey a memorable tact Club Concierge well ahead of your travel one.

Tbilisi Hills Golf is located at the foot of the Caucasus mountains, just 15 minutes from the old town of Tbilisi. 36 Privilege

In the Shadow of Buddha Mountain

For golfers in search of divine intervention to help their game, a new golf club on the outskirts of Pattaya in southern Thailand may be just the ticket.

he latest addition to Chon- Chee Chan Golf Resort, there’s best impression for our visitors, Tburi’s golfing landscape a tremendous sense of pride at I will make sure that we have it stands out from the crowd. It’s what’s been achieved. here. I wish for everyone who not just the fact that Chee Chan visits us to get the best golf ex- Golf Resort boasts 360-degree perience. That will be the best panoramic views of the nearby We have much return on investment for us.” resort cities of Pattaya and Jom- to learn from the tien that makes it special. Buddha, who taught In a remarkable feat of skill and patience, the dominant ele- Enhanced by the omnipresence us a ‘Middle Way’ ment of the site is the Chee of the famed Khao Chee Chan between sensual Chan Buddha, whose serene Buddha, the environment pro- indulgence and likeness has been carved into vides players with a reassuring uncurbed asceticism. a limestone escarpment some sense of space and tranquillity. For golfers the 110 metres high. It’s one of the larger message is region’s best-known tourist and ‘Buddha Mountain’, as it’s devotional attractions. Today, known, was created on the unambiguous: Relax his gilt-edged visage is visible northern face of Khao Chee and keep it in the from nearly every spot on the Chan in 1996, to commemorate fairway. 220-acre property, including the His Majesty the King of Thai- entire opening hole. land’s golden jubilee. -David Dale, designer of Chee “We couldn’t afford to miss that It’s been a major domestic tour- opportunity – to start golfers on ist draw ever since – enough Chan Golf Resort their spiritual journey under the to invite subsequent develop- watchful eye of Siddhartha Gau- ment of a water park, winery Narit, whose company has in- tama,” said David Dale, Partner and shopping district. With new vested more than 1 billion baht at Golfplan, whose company accommodations and world- (about S$40 million) to create sculpted the course which was class resort golf added to the this 5-star destination, said: officially opened in mid-Decem- mix, this corner of Pattaya (just “I love golf. I know how golf- ber 2018. 90 minutes from Suvarnabhumi ers think and what they want. International Airport) is now a I know the level of service that Dale added: “The Buddha in- bona fide, fully-fledged destina- is expected, and so I built the vites a decision on the very first tion unto itself. course based on the needs of tee: play conservative to the myself as a golfer, and not just right/lower landing area and For Narit Chia-Apar, Chairman as an investor. approach the green uphill, over of Chartered Square Holding deep bunkers – or drive more Company, founder and owner of “Whatever I see fit to give the aggressively (left of the centre Privilege 37

bunker) to create a downhill ap- is unique precisely because it’s ing to shape the golf course in proach to the unguarded put- so unique to Thai culture. competition with these large ting surface. features. But I think we struck “It’s been a privilege to work the right balance. The contour “We have much to learn from again in Thailand, especially on is flamboyant but toned down the Buddha, who taught us a a site so unusual. This is flat, through the landing zones. ‘Middle Way’ between sen- coastal country here by the Gulf sual indulgence and uncurbed – but we had fully 25 metres of “There are several cavernous asceticism. For golfers the larger elevation change to work with at valleys that separate the holes, message is unambiguous: Relax Chee Chan. which tend to melt over and be- and keep it in the fairway.” tween these landforms. With the “The eye is naturally drawn to introduction of drought-tolerant By Dale’s admission, at Chee the escarpment featuring the bahia grass to frame and accent Chan, the cultural aspect was Buddha, but the property is all this, it’s a pretty stunning tab- ready-made and close by. ringed by these limestone karsts leau.” – some are 150 metres tall! The He said: “But we accentuated perimeter holes play uphill to *Some 30 minutes from Pattaya the experience over and over their bases, then back down City, Chee Chan Golf Resort is again. By my count, holes 5, 6, again. These enormous features part of the IMG Prestige net- 11, 14 and 17 all play toward give the entire course both an work, enabling Laguna National Buddha Mountain – 11 and 17 amphi-theatre feel and a pleas- Members to receive a special afford golfers excellent views of ing sense of seclusion. rate. Contact Golf Concierge for a Buddhist temple nestled into a further details. different hillside. The experience “In this environment, it’s tempt-

Name: Chee Chan Golf Resort Address: 108/18 Moo 6, Na Jom Tien, Sattahip, Chonburi, 20250 Thailand Number of holes: 18 Designer: David Dale, Golfplan T: +66 (0)3 819-655 E: [email protected] W: www.cheechangolf.com

Buddha Mountain is clearly visible from many points on the golf course. 38 Privilege

Embrace New Rules of Golf

In her latest contribution to Laguna Lifestyle, sports psychologist Dr Jay-Lee Nair says that adopting a fresh and positive perspective on the new Rules of Golf will enhance your enjoyment of the game.

hange habitually brings makeable range. If you’re in- the flag and the hole, if the ball Cwith it a feeling of uneasi- decisive about what to do in is partly below the lip, it is con- ness and often begs the ques- this instance then you may find sidered holed. You don’t need tion as to whether things were yourself second-guessing over to raise the flagstick any more better the way they were be- a putt, which rarely produces a to allow the ball to fall all the fore! positive outcome. way in.

The new rules amendments to This mental dilemma was first Quick and Simple the game of golf, that came presented to me while follow- Many• of the new rules amend- into effect at the start of 2019, ing some of the professionals ments have been designed to are no exception to this com- during a practice round at Jan- simplify your decision-making mon and unsettling reaction to uary’s SMBC Singapore Open. process and speed up the change. game.

However, with the right mind- Many of the new From now on, there should be set, all golfers can benefit from rules amendments no second-guessing and de- the most important changes have been designed bates about repairing spike that have been introduced to to simplify your marks on the green. You can the rules of the game. decision-making now repair all damage on the greens, including spike marks Leave it in! process and speed up (excluding natural imperfec- In• my opinion, the most signifi- the game. tions). cant rule change concerns the flagstick. Hitting the flag while Jay-Lee Nair • Change to Play in Water you’re on the green now goes Hazards without penalty. This means Chatting afterwards with Dan- One of my favourite rules you can leave the flag in the iel Chopra, he shared how in amendments is the change to hole, even for short putts. his first tournament of the year play around water hazards. You in Thailand he watched one of can now ground your club in This rule is designed to speed his playing partners hit every penalty areas. You can even up play. However, it requires putt with the flagstick in. It was settle the club down behind some mental commitment and a change he wasn’t ready for. the ball in the water. consistency in terms of your For Chopra, it seemed bizarre approach to putting. and frustrating … and it affect- • Water Hazards = Penalty ed his focus on the greens. Areas What I mean by this is that Water hazards are now called you need to be decisive about Another rule amendment asso- red and yellow penalty areas whether to leave the flag in or ciated with the flagstick is when and no longer have to contain take it out for putts within your a ball gets wedged between water. This means that golf Privilege 39

clubs are free to mark other ar- you’ll incur a 1-stroke penalty. more than once during a single eas around the course as pen- stroke there is no penalty and alty areas with a red stake (such In the Bunker the ball is played as it lies. as thick bush near the rough), Marks• can now be smoothed enabling players to take a side- out in bunkers, as long as it Club Length Simplified ways drop into the rough and doesn’t improve the lie of the A• club length is now defined as speed up the game consider- ball. Also, you are now per- the length of the longest club ably. mitted to lean on the club in a in a player’s bag (except for bunker, such as when you are the putter). The relief area for Plugged Balls stepping in or out of the sand. dropping a ball is a fixed size of You• can now take a free drop Practice swings or grounding either 1 or 2 club-lengths, de- for balls embedded anywhere the club behind the ball in the pending on which relief Rule is in the general area (formerly bunker is still not allowed. being used. ‘through the green’) – except when embedded in sand. • Unplayable Ball in the • Drop from Knee Height Bunker Until 1984 you had to drop Previously, you only received Previously, if you declared your backwards from over your relief from balls embedded in ball unplayable in a bunker you shoulder, then from shoulder the ground when it landed in had 3 dropping options, each height. This has been simpli- closely trimmed areas like the incurring a 1-stroke penalty. fied. Now ‘the only require- fairway and the fringe. Now 1) The ball could be dropped ment is that the ball be let go you can take relief from all em- in the bunker 2 club lengths from knee height so that it falls bedded balls in the general from where the ball originally through the air and does not area, including the semi-rough lay; 2) You could take the ball touch any part of the player’s and rough. back behind you along the line body or equipment before it running from the flag through hits the ground’. • Maximum Search Time where your ball lies, as long as From 2019, you now have only you dropped in the bunker, or • No More Assisted Align- 3 minutes to search for a lost 3) You could return the ball all ments ball. Previously it was 5 min- the way back to your previous Under the new rules, a caddie utes. To make this rule effec- shot position. is not allowed to deliberately tive and avoid dispute, be sure stand on or close to the ex- to look at your watch and note Now you have a fourth op- tended line of play behind a the exact time before you start tion – to take relief outside the player while the player is taking searching. bunker, back on the line from his or her stance until the stroke the hole through where the is made. As we’ve already seen, A Clean Slate ball was at rest, with a 2-stroke this rule mostly impacts profes- Loose• impediments can now penalty. sional players. be removed everywhere on the golf course, including pen- No More Double Hits I hope this helps to break down alty areas marked with red and Previously,• if your club got the most important new rules yellow stakes and bunkers. stuck and you accidently hit for you. Take advantage of But proceed with caution! If it twice on the follow through these changes to simplify and the ball moves in those areas it was counted as a penalty speed up your game for more while lifting loose impediment, stroke. Now if the player’s enjoyable golfing. the ball must be replaced and club accidentally hits the ball

Visit Dr Jay-Lee Nair at the Singapore Sports Medicine Centre to learn how to shape your performance process.

LOCATION 10 Sinaran Drive Novena Medical Center, #08-07 to 11, #08-32 to 33, Singapore 307506 | TELEPHONE 6737 1000 40 Privilege

Titleist’s New Pro V1 and Pro V1x Models

Faster from core to cover, the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls have been designed to leave the clubface with more ball speed and lower long game spin for more distance, while providing the best short game control to help golfers shoot lower scores.

he advancements of 2019 golfers at every level are ex- “Through the prototyping pro- TPro V1 and Pro V1x under- traordinarily satisfied with the cess, our chemists and engi- score the Titleist R&D and Op- performance of their Pro V1 or neers discovered a way to cast erations teams’ relentless mis- Pro V1x. At the same time, golf- an even thinner urethane cover, sion to continuously improve ers keep telling us they would and therefore increase the per- the best performing, most con- still like more distance – as centage of speed-enhancing sistent golf balls in the game. long as they don’t have to give materials in the overall con- anything else up,” said Michael struction. Pro V1 and Pro V1x “When we set out to develop Mahoney, Vice President, Golf are now even faster, as a result, the 2019 models, we found that Ball Marketing. all the while maintaining the

The new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. Privilege 41

scoring performance and feel tion – high optic yellow. as the prior generation mod- characteristics that golfers de- els. Both Pro V1 and Pro V1x mand from these golf balls.” Following a Tour seeding and deliver increased ball speed validation period in early 2019, and lower long game spin for Innovations in Titleist’s indus- the new high visibility colour maximum distance, consist- try-leading multi-component option was due to be available ent flight, drop-and-stop short technology and precision in golf shops from mid-March. game control and long-lasting manufacturing process have durability. combined to deliver the most “As the demand for yellow Pro advanced Pro V1 and Pro V1x V1 and Pro V1x started to grow, Pro V1 provides optimal flight models yet – available for the our material scientists got to and spin for most golfers, flying first time in both white and work on what we knew would lower than Pro V1x with a pene- high optic yellow: be a significant R&D undertak- trating trajectory, with very soft ing,” Mahoney said. “The per- feel. Pro V1x flies higher, spins • 17% thinner cast Urethane formance and durability char- more on iron shots and has a Elastomer cover system de- acteristics of our cast urethane slightly firmer feel. livers more ball speed. The are the best in the industry. advancement of Titleist’s The continued investment in thermoset urethane cast- “It’s because we formulate and advanced technology and qual- ing technology has allowed manufacture the cover our- ity control at Titleist Ball Plants its engineers to cast a thin- selves that we are able to con- 3 and 4 – where every Pro V1 ner layer of the proprietary and Pro V1x are manufactured cover formulation, devel- by Titleist associates to the in- oped exclusively for Pro V1 When we set dustry’s highest performance and Pro V1x, while retaining out to develop the and quality specifications – en- its trusted Drop-and-Stop 2019 models, we sures that every new genera- greenside control and soft found that golfers tion of Pro V1 and Pro V1x are feel. the best performing and most • Faster ionomeric casing at every level are consistent models ever. layer increases ball speed extraordinarily and lowers long game spin. satisfied with the Consistency from ball to ball, Beneath the thinner cover, performance of their and dozen to dozen, a founding the speed enhancing cas- Pro V1 or principal of the Titleist golf ball ing layer has thickened by Pro V1x. business, is critical to allowing 14% on Pro V1 and 11% on golfers to consistently execute Pro V1x, creating higher ball the same types of shots, round speeds with lower driver Michael Mahoney after round. and long game spin. • New 2.0 ZG Process Cores trol the material with such pre- The introduction of new Pro V1 are formulated for more dis- cision and consistency. While and Pro V1x in November 2018 tance. The outermost por- it may seem pretty straightfor- across the worldwide Tours re- tions of the solid core Pro ward, recreating those proper- sulted in immediate validation V1 and dual core Pro V1x ties in yellow required a new and success. Playing new Pro have increased in stiffness and complex chemistry with V1 for the first time in competi- while maintaining their soft considerable iteration until we tion, Charles Howell III won the centres, creating faster en- got it just right.” RSM Classic in a sudden-death gines with higher ball speed play-off for his first PGA Tour and lower long game spin. When it comes to choosing be- victory in 11 years. tween the total performance of The improved performance of Pro V1 and Pro V1x, Titleist says “The 2019 Pro V1 for me is a 2019 Pro V1 and Pro V1x will golfers will notice similar differ- home run,” said Howell, who also have a new preference op- ences in flight, feel and spin made the switch from 2017 Pro 42 Privilege

V1x. “I’m getting all the ball ponent technology with a thin- speed I had with the prior gen- The continued ner cast Urethane Elastomer eration Pro V1x and more. Plus, investment in cover system, faster ionomeric the new Pro V1 feels softer to advanced technology casing layer, new 2.0 ZG Pro- me around the green, which I and quality control cess Core and spherically-tiled prefer. Ball speed off the driver at Titleist Ball Plants 352 tetrahedral dimple design. is a pretty hard and fast meas- 3 and 4 ensures that urable whereas touch and feel PRO V1x TECHNOLOGY: Pro around the green is player de- every new generation V1x is a 4-piece, multi-compo- pendent. I go through a fairly of Pro V1 and Pro nent technology with a thinner rigorous testing process when V1x are the best cast Urethane Elastomer cover it comes to new equipment, performing and most system, faster ionomeric casing but it did not take long for me consistent models layer, new 2.0 ZG process dual to put this ball into play see- ever. core and spherically-tiled 328 ing it gives me the best of both tetrahedral dimple design. worlds.” to a 2-shot victory in January’s Also playing new Pro V1, Thai- SMBC Singapore Open. Titleist's new Pro land’s Jazz Janewattananond V1 and Pro V1x golf posted a pair of 6-under par PRO V1 TECHNOLOGY: 2019 balls are available at 65s on the weekend en route Pro V1 is a 3-piece, multi-com- Laguna National Golf and Country Club's Pro Shop with special pricing for Members.

To meet demand, the improved performance of 2019 Pro V1 and Pro V1x has a new preference option – high optic yellow. Privilege 43

FJ Unleashes its Fury!

FootJoy has launched the all-new FJ FURY. The athletic-infused styling, combined with the most feature-laden component package in its class, has resulted in a product that was designed, developed and engineered to deliver all-around comfort and performance.

FitBed, comprised of 2 We’re excited densities of foam – an with the new Open Cell PU Foam that J FURY is the latest addition FJ Fury. It’s maintains its mechanical Fto FootJoy’s performance an exceptional properties and cushion line-up and is highlighted by a combination of throughout its life cycle, number of unique performance and an Impressions Foam features, including an internal athletic styling with that takes an impression fit system that focuses on fit, outstanding athletic of your foot, creating a comfort and support. performance and custom fit. infused with superb “With FJ FURY, we created a in-shoe comfort. The all-new D3 Outsole on product that was designed from FJ FURY ensures a solid, rigid the inside-out,” said Richard Timothy Yoong platform for lateral in-swing Fryer, Director of Product stability and turf-grabbing Management, FJ Footwear. providing stability where traction, while the FTF+ (Fine “As a result, FJ FURY’s TruFit golfers need it and comfort Tuned Foam) infused midsole System balances lightweight, where they want it. delivers outstanding comfort responsive support with a • Inside the shoe is a soft, and cushioning. new dynamic outsole that stretch, one-piece Inner Fit delivers comfort and stability Sleeve lasted underneath The Liquid Metal-inspired Flex throughout your round.” the insole board to provide Layer of TPU and Dynamic Low a secure fit with no tongue Profile Pulsar Cleats deliver Timothy Yoong, FootJoy’s slippage, enveloping the heel-to-toe walking Regional Brand Manager, foot in comfort and control. flexibility and added: “We are really excited • The external FlexGrid crouch flex with the new FJ FURY. It’s an MLC cage system adds when reading FootJoy’s new FJ FURY shoes are exceptional combination of structure to the upper and putts. available at Laguna athletic styling with outstanding locks the golfer in as they National Golf & Country Club’s athletic performance and lace up, offering medial Pro Shop with infused with superb in-shoe and lateral support and special pricing for Members. comfort. Everything that the motion control through athletically inspired golfer is the swing. looking for to help him play his • FJ FURY generates best round ever.” custom comfort with an OrthoLite Designed from the inside- Impressions out, FJ FURY features the proprietary TruFit System, FJ FURY is the latest addition to FootJoy’s performance line-up. at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Timeless Moments

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Surrounded by stunning, lush green landscapes, this stylish and elegantly refined luxury urban resort offers unique and splendid alternatives for those who wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.

Create your dream wedding with our collection of classy indoor and beautiful outdoor venues. For an additional touch of glamour, charm and luxury to mark your special day, we’ll collect you in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce.

Housed in the heart of the resort, the 8,073-square foot (750 square metre) Laguna Ballroom is the largest ballroom in its precinct. Standing two storeys high, it can be partitioned into three separate sections with its high ceiling, spacious and column-free design enabling all guests to have an unobstructed view of the bridal couple and the centre stage.

Welcome your guests for pre-meal cocktails at our exquisite pre-function area. Adjoining to the ballroom, this more than 2,200-square feet (210 square metres) of open space is complemented with a viewing gallery highlighted by floor-to-ceiling hexagonal window panels overlooking Laguna National’s award-winning Masters Course.

At Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, guests can look forward to experiencing gracious hospitality inspired by our Thai heritage and culinary excellence at its finest where Timeless Moments are created for you… and with you.

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, 11 Laguna Golf Green, Singapore 488047 Tel: +65 6841 8888, Email: [email protected] Gem of the East: A wedding destination like no other, creating Timeless Moments for you … and with you.

Celebrations & Parties Package A S$3,888.00++ for upto 30 guests Subsequent guests at S$110.00++ per person

Package B S$4,888.00++ for upto 30 guests Subsequent guests at S$138.00++ per person

Weddings One & Only S$1,388.00++ per table of 10 persons / S$138.80++ per person Minimum guarantee of 25 tables / 250 persons (Applicable on Mondays to Thursdays, excluding auspicious dates, eve of and public holidays)

Two of a Kind S$1,588.00++ per table of 10 persons / S$158.80++ per person Minimum guarantee of 25 tables / 250 persons (Applicable on Mondays to Fridays & Sundays, excluding Saturdays, auspicious dates, eve of and public holidays)

Luxe S$1,688.00++ per table of 10 persons / S$168.80++ per person Minimum guarantee of 25 tables / 250 persons (Applicable on Mondays to Sundays including auspicious dates, eve of and public holidays)

Royal Thai S$198.80++ per person Minimum guarantee of 250 persons (Applicable on Mondays to Sundays including auspicious dates, eve of and public holidays)

Brunch of Love S$198.80++ per person Minimum guarantee of 250 persons (Applicable on Saturdays & Sundays including auspicious dates, eve of and public holidays)

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, 11 Laguna Golf Green, Singapore 488047 Tel: +65 6841 8888, Email: [email protected]

Inspiring Meetings

Journey through the Dusit Thani’s many distinctive spaces that inspire the senses into a reverie. The hotel offers excellent venues overlooking the golf course for private meet- ings, breakout sessions, offsite retreat or a product launch.

Choose from a selection of over 15 venue options: • 3 Event Lawns for Outdoor Function • 1 Laguna Ballroom • 1 Boardroom • Albatross Meeting Room • Birdie Meeting Room • 8 Pavilions

For enquiries on meeting packages and venues, email [email protected]

Half-day Meeting Meeting package from S$65.00++ per person Full-day Meeting Meeting package from S$85.00++ per person

Min booking for 10 guest rooms per night for 2 nights Valid till December 2020 (except blackout dates)

Accommodation Deluxe Laguna City View Room from S$290.00++ (single) per room per night

Privileges include: Complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Laguna Pool View Room Complimentary daily breakfast at The Greenhouse and high speed internet connectivity Complimentary one (1) guest room for every 30 guest rooms per night for 2 nights, up to a maxi- mum of two (2) complimentary rooms per group

Privileges include: Enjoy S$10.00++ off meeting package rate (per person) Complimentary welcome coffee & tea with one (1) snack item Complimentary use of LCD projector and one (1) wireless microphone

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, 11 Laguna Golf Green, Singapore 488047 Tel: +65 6841 8888, Email: [email protected] Join us at The Nest on Sunday, May 12 for a special Mother's Day Set Meal. DINING

‘The dinner table is the centre for the teaching and practicing not just of table manners but of conversation, consideration, tolerance, family feeling, and just about all the other accomplishments of polite society, except the minuet.’

Journalist, author, and etiquette authority Judith Martin, better known by the pen name Miss Manners 50 Dining

WHAT’S NEW IN F&B

Make sure to bring along your friends and family to The Nest during the second quarter of 2019 to celebrate a variety of noteworthy occasions.

t’s always celebration time at At The Nest, you can commem- differentiation from Heineken’s Ithe Nest! orate Songkram throughout the classic green branding. month of April where we’ll be With the Chinese Lunar New presenting one of our Signature There’s also a mouth-watering Year and the season of Lo Hei Specials – Som Tum Gai Tod Easter promotion in April com- already behind us, it’s now time Grà-tiam. prising a combination of lamb to re-awaken your taste buds rack baked with pistachio nuts and usher in Thailand’s New The dish has been prepared and 72-hour slow cooked lamb Year with our special Songkram exclusively for Laguna National shoulder with red wine glaze. Set Meal. by Kevin Fawkes, our Director of Culinary. Given his extensive Further family celebrations will The word ‘Songkran’ de- experience living and work- be in order in May and June rives from the Sanskrit word ing in the Land of a Thousand with both Mother’s Day (Sunday, saṃkrānti or ‘astrological pas- Smiles, you can be sure this has May 12) and Father’s Day (Sun- sage’, meaning transformation an authentic Thai appeal. day, June 16) being marked at or change. The Nest with enticing set meal Laguna National Members offerings. Make sure to secure The term was borrowed from are encouraged to discover your reservations in advance. Makar Sankranti, the name of a the infinite possibilities of Hindu harvest festival celebrat- holding your business or Meanwhile, from June 1-14, a ed in India in January to mark social events at the Club. Hari Raya promotion will be the arrival of spring. It coincides Our dedicated team at The served up at The Nest. with the rising of Aries on the Nest is able to customise astrological chart and with the your event right down to Hari Raya literally means ‘cel- New Year of many calendars the smallest detail. Come ebration day’, and Hari Raya of South and Southeast Asia, and talk to us next time you Aidilfitri is the day that marks in keeping with the Buddhist/ pay us a visit or call Kevin the end of Ramadan, the Islamic Hindu solar calendar. Ling at 6248 1674. holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. While Songkran officially falls on To complement the crispy fried April 13 every year, the holiday garlic chicken served with Thai The Festival of the Breaking of period traditionally extended Bok Bok papaya salad, sticky the Fast is being celebrated for two further days. Last year, rice in bamboo basket and Thai at The Nest with a sumptuous the Thai cabinet extended the chili sauce, we’ll be serving a meal including Nasi goreng festival nationwide to five days bottle of Heineken 0.0, an alco- kampung istimewa, spicy fried (April 12-16), to enable citizens hol-free malt beverage brewed rice served with fried chicken, to travel home for the holiday. using only natural ingredients, fried egg, papadam and archa This year, the holiday will be ob- containing less than 70 calories and homemade fizzy Bandung. served from April 12-16 as April per bottle. Blue labelling on the 13 falls on a Saturday. bottle is used to create a point of Bon Appétit! Serving up a treat: Chef Kent Neo with Kevin Fawkes, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Culinary Director. Picture Mave Liau 52 Dining

Japanese Liquor Pairing Dinner

Lovers of Japanese cuisine and spirits are in for a rare treat at Laguna National.

f you like Japanese food and Kevin Ling, Laguna National’s sake, shochu and liquor or Jap- Iliquor, then you don’t want to Assistant Food & Beverage anese wine. miss out on what promises to Manager, said: “All our previ- be a memorable evening at The ous special dining and pairing Shochu is a Japanese spirit usu- Nest. events have been well support- ally distilled from barley, rice or ed. As there are limited spots sweet potatoes, though it may be On Saturday, April 27, Laguna available, we advise those wish- produced from anything includ- National Members and their ing to attend to make their res- ing sugar and chestnuts. Typi- guests will be treated to a ervations as soon as possible.” cally, it is drunk neat, with ice, or 7-course Japanese Liquor Pair- mixed with tea or fruit juice. ing Dinner. Each course will be comple- mented by a specially chosen Following is the menu:

Zensai Agemono Morokyu, Onsen Tamago & Fugu Mirin Boshi Kaki Furai Chilled Japanese cucumber with bean paste, (Deep-fried oyster) half boiled egg with chef’s special sauce (Sake: Ginrei Gassan Setchu Jyukusei Junmai topped sea urchin and grilled dried puffer Ginjyo) fish with Tobiko mayonnaise (Sake: Tamanohikari Yuzu Liquor) Gohan Wagyu Kalbi Jyu & Miso Shiru Sashimi Moriawase Grilled Wagyu short ribs marinated in chef’s Shake, Kanpachi, Maguro, Mekajiki & Amaebi homemade sauce on Japanese steamed rice Salmon, Yellow Tail, Lean Fat Tuna, Swordfish Served with bean paste soup and Sweet Shrimp (Sake: Kamoshibito Kuheiji Junmai Daiginjyo) (Sake: Momokawa Junmai Sake) Dessert Owanmono Matcha Ice cream Sakana Osuimono (Green tea ice cream with red beans) Clear soup with white meat fish (Sake: Kakushi Gura Mugi Shochu) 6.30pm to 9.30pm Member $98.80 Mushimono Standard $108.80 Ikura Chawanmushi Steamed egg custard topped with Salmon roe (Sake: Kogane no Imo by Iichiko Shochu)

Dining 53

bottle Promotions

BELVEDERE WINE VODKA PROMOTION THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 YEARS

Beronia Tempranillo Belvedere Vodka Noche Y Dia Cava Crianza 2 Bottles @ $308 Single Malt $68 per botttle Special Production Scotch Whisky $88 per bottle 2 Bottles @$368

BUCKET DEAL

ESTRELLA GALICIA CERVEZA ESPECIAL – BUY A BUCKET @ $45 (BUY 5 BOTTLES AND GET 1FREE)

Pale golden colour. Clean and bright. White, soft and creamy head. A perfect balance between the aromas provided by the hops and by the light flavour of malt. Fine texture with a subtle bitter note that lingers in the mouth. 54 Dining

Signature Specials from our Chefs

To give our Members even more variety in their menu selection, we are pleased to present a series of Monthly Specials, lovingly created by our chefs. Available during lunch and dinner.

APRIL 15 - 21 APRIL 1 - 30

Truly Lamb Som Tum Gai Tod Grà-tiam Combination of lamb rack baked with Crispy fried garlic chicken served with Thai Bok Bok pistachio nuts and braised lamb shoulder papaya salad, sticky rice in bamboo basket and Thai with red wine glaze. chili sauce. Served with a bottle of Heineken 0.0 alcohol-free beer. Member $28.80 Standard $30.80 Member $22.80 Standard $24.80 Dining 55

Mother’s Day Father’s Day

MAY 1 - 31 JUNE 15 - 30 Lobster Set Meal Set Meal • Braised bee hoon with half lobster, mushroom, • Eight treasures duck leg. sliced ginger and springonions. • Braised duck leg stuffed with chestnut, lotus • Crispy egg noodle with half lobster, mushroom, seed, trio of mushrooms, carrots. chye sim and carrots in oyster sauce. • Bamboo shoots and broccoli in superior oyster sauce served with steamed rice. Set inclusive of homemade drink of the day and homemade mini Tiramisu. Member $26.80 Standard $28.80

Member $32.80 Standard $34.80

JUNE 1 - 14

Hari Raya Special Set Meal • Nasi goreng kampung istimewa. • Spicy fried rice served with fried chicken, fried egg, papadam and archa. • Soup: Soto ayam. • Shredded chicken served with chicken broth, Chinese celery. • Homemade fizzy Bandung.

Member $19.80 Standard $21.80 Golf Fixtures 2019

April to June

6 Apr AM Sat April Medal Masters

14 Apr - Sun Junior Medal -

19 Apr - Fri Public Holiday Good Friday -

23 – 27 Apr - Tue - Sat Perth Golf Trip -

28 Apr - Sun Easter Bunny Festival -

1 May - Wed Public Holiday Labour Day -

1 – 8 May - Wed - Wed Company Day (Labour Day Promo) -

4 May AM Sat May Medal Masters

17 May - Fri Men’s Member-Guest -

19 May - Sun Public Holiday Vesak Day -

23 May AM Thu Ladies Meet Up Masters

5 Jun - Wed Public Holiday Hari Raya Puasa -

5 Jun - Wed Hari Raya Golf -

8 Jun AM Sat June Medal Masters

21 Jun - Fri Regional Golf Trip - Joondalup LNGCC

Laguna-Magazine-175x246mm-04b.pdf 1 2/28/2018 3:18:25 PM

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