The list of qualifiers for Tanah Merah Country Club’s Matchplay Championships read like a “Who’s Who” of the Club’s men’s and women’s competitive golfers.
So, there was an air of familiarity among the players, each knowing each other’s strengths and, of course, weaknesses.
Obviously, whoever capitalizes on this knowledge and adopt tactics to one’s benefit eventually had the better hand in the event at the Tampines course.
And close contests were the order of the day as 16 top men and eight women challenged each other on the merits of what Matchplay is all about.
In the qualifying round, Chiang Wei and Raymond Lee occupied the top two places after two-over 74s, with Chiang Wei finishing No. 1 on countback.
In the women’s strokeplay qualifying round, Meylinda Setyo was the top qualifier with a 11-over 83.
Despite being seeded No.7 Wei Guo enjoyed an impressive run, defeating Bryan Koh, Jared Tang and last year’s Matchplay runner-up Tarun Singh enroute to the final.
Although seeded No. 1 Chiang Wei, meanwhile, had a difficult route to the final, seeing off Tan Lee Hong and last year’s winner Samir Bedi, both by 1-up scorelines.
The eventual men’s contest on July 20 was a repeat of so many clashes with top qualifier Lim Chiang Wei edging out Liu Wei Guo 2-up in a ding-dong battle.
The women’s final on July 20 was also closely contested with new Millennium Term member Melissa Sim beating Nina Um 2-up.
Matchplay Champions will be celebrated during the Champions Dinner and Annual Prize Presentation on 26th October 2025.
Results: Men: 1st rd: Lim Chiang Wei bt Marcus Wong, Tan Lee Hong bt John Yak 3 and 2, Joshua Foo bt Tim Pinnegar 5 and 4, Samir Bedi bt David Soh 4 and 2, Jared Tang bt Raymond Lee 1-up, Liu Wei Guo bt Bryan Koh 2-up, Lau Wing Cheok bt Alex Thian 3 and 2, Tarun Singh bt Calvin Goh 3 and 2.
2nd rd: Chiang Wei bt Lee Hong 1-up, Samir bt Joshua 4 and 3, Wei Guo bt Jared 7 and 5 Tarun bt Wing Cheok 5 and 4.
Semi-finals: Chiang Wei bt Samir 1-up, Wei Guo bt Tarun 5 and 4.
Final: Chiang Wei bt Wei Guo 2-up.
Women: 1st rd: Meylinda Setyo bt Yeon Jin Hee 5 and 4, Nina Um bt Cheng Dee Jee 4 and 2, Yukiko Tai bt Norlia Embong 4 and 3, Melissa Sim bt Vicky Chong 2 and 1.
Semi-finals: Nina bt Meylinda 4 and 3, Melissa bt Yukiko 3 and 1.
Final: Melissa bt Nina 2-up.
