From 10 to 15 November 2025, 39 members of Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) travelled from Singapore to the rolling fairways and vibrant autumn colours of Kobe, Japan. This was the third edition of the Japan golf tour, welcoming a mix of familiar faces and new members experiencing the trip for the first time with the club. The result was a perfect balance of friendship, laughter and shared passion for the game.
The trip was led by TMCC General Manager Elliott Gray, who also guided the Kyoto golf trip last year. Unlike the previous tour, which focused solely on Shinwa Golf Group courses, this edition expanded the playing field. Rokko Kokusai Golf Club and Arima Royal Golf Club delivered classic Kansai golf at its finest, while Cherry Hills Golf Club and Golden Valley Golf Club, both part of the Shinwa Group, elevated the itinerary with true championship pedigree.
Cherry Hills, fresh from hosting the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship in October, lived up to its reputation. The greens were immaculate, bunkers strategically placed, and fairways demanding yet rewarding. Each hole tested skill and patience of the members, while the autumn scenery of fiery maples, rolling hills, and perfectly manicured fairways made every swing a picture-perfect moment.
Golden Valley Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece, stole the spotlight for many. This was golf theatre in its purest form with dramatic elevation shifts, bold risk-reward lines, and wide valley vistas that stopped players in their tracks. Members found themselves pausing at each tee box to study angles, admire the contouring, and take in the golden autumn palette. The greens were slick, the routing brilliant, and the signature holes delivered the kind of wow factor that golfers talk about long after the round is done. For many, Golden Valley was the course they hope to return to.
The weather was flawless. Clear skies, gentle warmth, and temperatures between 13°C and 16°C created ideal conditions for golf. Playing conditions across the courses were excellent, with greens running true and fast, averaging speeds of 10–11, adding just the right touch of challenge to each round.
What truly set this tour apart was the effortless experience. Members stayed at the Oriental Hotel Kobe, a five-star resort offering luxurious rooms, nearby dining, and hearty breakfasts each morning. Golf bags travelled separately and were off-loaded directly at each course, with personalised lockers, buggy name tags and welcome signage waiting in the lobby. Tee times were perfectly lined up. With logistics handled seamlessly, all that remained was for members to enjoy the game, the scenery, and each other’s company.
The trip was designed to be social and friendly. Friends and families mingled freely, laughter spilling from fairways to clubhouses. During free-and-easy segments, members explored Kobe’s food scene, savoured local delicacies, and before departing for Singapore made a stop at the Rinku Premium Outlets for some light shopping. Every encounter was positive, every moment shared a memory in the making.
Behind the scenes, the Marketing team, with support from Nora Ishak, ensured that every detail ran like clockwork, while Teppei Tani-san and his Shinwa Golf Group team orchestrated on-ground arrangements with impeccable attention to detail.
Looking ahead, the club is keen to expand its horizons. Plans are already underway to explore new golfing destinations beyond Japan, offering members fresh challenges, diverse courses, and unique cultural experiences.
“I would like to thank everyone for being part of this tour. A round of applause is well deserved for Tani-san for his meticulous on-ground planning. It was truly a pleasure, with everyone cordial and all experiences and encounters positive. I would also like to acknowledge the Marketing team for their excellent publicity work and immaculate arrangements that ensured the trip ran so smoothly,” said Elliott Gray.
Members were quick to voice their appreciation. Darren Wong said, “Thanks for organising such a great event. Ling and I had fun with the golf games and made lots of new friends!” Mr Hyung Kim added, “Many thanks to the TMCC team! Thanks for organising such a wonderful golf event. Minah and I had a great time and truly appreciated your team’s hospitality. Looking forward to more great events together!”
For the 39 participants, the Kobe Autumn Golf Tour was far more than a week of golf. It offered the chance to savour the best of Kobe, from the challenge of championship courses to the delights of local cuisine and culture, and above all, to enjoy precious moments off the course and share laughter and friendship with fellow members. From early morning tee-offs to evening strolls along scenic fairways, the memories forged on this trip will linger long after the final putt.
