Captain’s Column – Oct 2024
Dear Members,
As we step into October and edge closer to the festive season, I’m excited to share some important updates about our cherished course. We’re gearing up for a significant renovation scheduled to commence by Dec 2024, which will undoubtedly elevate your golfing experience once completed. But rest assured, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to put away your clubs! Read on to discover how the club is ensuring ‘golf continuity’ throughout the renovation period.
Additionally, I’d like to remind everyone to stay mindful of the wildlife to ensure that we all enjoy a peaceful and respectful coexistence. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the game, there’s something special in store for everyone this season. Let’s dive into the exciting updates on the course!
Update #1: On-going preparations for Course Renovation
In my last column, I shared that the club has partnered with Green Dynasty and Golfplan as our renovation consultant and architect respectively. Since then, they have been working tirelessly with our dedicated staff and committee members to finalise the details I can share with you today. I’m sure many of you have two big questions on your mind: First, what will our renovated course look like? And second, what golfing options will be available during the renovation?
In essence, the new layout will retain the familiar routing configuration on the front nine, with minor updates to hazard and bunker design. However, the back nine will undergo significant routing changes to enhance safety and improve the pace of play. Most importantly, the course will be restored to pristine condition after more than a decade of heavy use. Nothing has been left to chance, including the careful selection of turf and grass for the tee boxes, fairways, and greens, ensuring optimal playing conditions.
At the upcoming AGM on 11 Oct 2024, we’ll be unveiling the course renovation display boards, and a dedicated microsite. These resources will provide a full design brief, layout plan, and a hole-by-hole description, giving you a detailed look at the exciting changes ahead.
Update #2: Golfing Continuity Plan
As part of our ‘golfing continuity plan,’ the club has developed comprehensive measures to maximise your opportunity to continue playing golf during the renovation. These plans cover everything from our booking system to special arrangements with local and regional clubs, as well as special golf tours like the Interport Games in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more updates by the club!
For now, I want to highlight how the booking system will work during the renovation. We have heard you – many of you would like to play 18 holes when you come out to the Club. That’s why we are dedicated to keeping your golfing routine as seamless and enjoyable as always! We will keep one of the 9-hole courses open while the other half undergoes renovation. The great news is that your booking experience will remain unchanged – you’ll still book a full 18-hole round, and although you’ll be playing the same 9 holes twice, this ensures you get the complete 18-hole experience you’ve come to enjoy.
Finally, to celebrate the exciting transformation of our course and to honour the cherished memories we’ve made here, I’m happy to announce that all SCC golfing members will receive a complimentary golf game to enjoy at your convenience from 05 Oct 2024 to end November. It’s our way of saying thank you as we look forward to the refreshed course ahead. Additionally, we’re finalising plans for a Farewell Game where balloted members will have the unique opportunity to play one last round on the current layout before the renovation begins. It’s the perfect way to bid farewell to the course as we know it, before welcoming its exciting new chapter.
Update #3: Course Wildlife and Members’ Safety
Rest assured, we’ve taken your feedback to heart regarding the increasing presence of otters and monkeys on our course—our ‘new and rather curious members’ at SCC. While we continue to collaborate with national agencies to manage these wildlife visitors, we kindly remind all members to stay alert to your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings during play. Interactions with wildlife can occur, and your safety remains our top priority.
To fully appreciate the beautiful biodiversity and greenery around us, it’s essential that we learn to coexist harmoniously with our wildlife neighbours. This not only ensures a safer experience for everyone but also helps protect and conserve Singapore’s natural heritage for future generations. Should you need assistance at any time, our vigilant course marshals are always ready to step in. Let’s continue to enjoy our time on the course, appreciating both the game and the natural environment, while keeping safety at the forefront of our minds.”
In closing, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of observing proper golf etiquette and avoiding dangerous play, especially as we navigate through this period of renovation. Patience and respect for your fellow golfers are key virtues of the game, and I encourage all members to embrace the spirit of gentlemanly play.
As we move forward with these exciting changes, let’s enjoy the game not just for the competition, but for the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and tradition that make golf so special. Thank you for your continued support and understanding—we’re excited for what’s ahead. More information about the complimentary golf game is available here.
Warmest Regards,
Wee Tiong, Club Captain