It was a reunion of sorts.
In fact, it was a get-together that endorsed – or rather cemented a longstanding partnership that could bring back some great memories of two golf clubs with rich history.
Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) and Sheshan International Golf Club are well-renowned establishments in the Asia-Pacific region. They have prestige, ooze tradition and, best of all, are hallmarks of clubs that have staged some of the biggest events in the region.
The two clubs have a storied past and present, and when they get together, another page of history is written because of their high reputation in the world of golf.
And that is what happened when the Sheshan International Golf Club from China set foot at the Changi Coastal layout for yet another cordial meeting on June 10.
It was more significant than in past meetings, because of the renewal of friendship and camaraderie after six long years.
The annual inter-match series was disrupted by Covid as well as the Garden and Tampines redevelopment works, but memories of their last meeting at Sheshan Club’s home ground in 2017 flashed back to many of the golfers.
It was notable that Emeritus Senior Minister, Goh Chok Tong, the patron of TMCC, joined in the proceedings to raise the ante for the 2023 series.
The two teams – 60 players from TMCC and 56 from Sheshan – were easily identifiable with TMCC players wearing red and the Sheshan team donning white.
So, there was a starking contrast that meshed into one solid contingent because the colours are truly complementary and almost inseparable.
And, unsurprisingly, this was evident in the manner the players got together and blended, the past friendships renewed in handshakes, embraces and high-fives.
The Sheshan team were given a grand welcome at Tampines Course by the TMCC General Committee and Management personnel, led by Club Chairman, Ng Kee Choe.
Proceedings were smooth as the lockers were assigned, and the players were led to lunch by a posse of local officials. Just before lunch, ESM Goh made his special appearance and greeted the players.
At the lunch reception, the team members of both clubs introduced, followed by a tournament briefing to familiarised with the competition format. The format of play being 4-ball better ball matchplay, the results were tabulated based on pairs.
Following a group photo to capture this momentous occasion in lens, the action teed-off. While there was an air of friendly rivalry bated in sportsmanship, the best was brought out from the players.
The Sheshan team won the match, but the final result mattered little as the players gave of their best for their respective teams.
Of course, the match brought out many talking points, like the massive drives, great approach shots and the sinking of long-range putts.
The conversations continued because there was action galore, and even the well-sequenced War Drum performances by the Yi Wei Athletic Association (Singapore) could not drown the banter about the earlier goings-on on the fabulous course which drew plentiful praise from the visitors.
Master of Ceremony, Cavin Soh then welcomed Sheshan International Golf Club Chairman, Richard Cheung, and the whole party to dinner, and then TMCC Club Chairman, Ng Kee Choe gave his welcome speech. Significant in his speech was the fact that the clubs were meeting again after six years.
Sheshan Chairman, Richard Cheung, returned the compliment to Mr Ng and all present before the exchange of mementoes.
During the memento exchange, Mr Ng presented Mr Cheung with an oriental style plaque that depicted a shoal of gold koi swimming among the lotus, symbolising an everlasting abundance of wealth and success with positive outcomes to new endeavours.
Mr Cheung gifted Mr Ng with an exquisitely crafted plaque adorned with two intricately designed gold rabbits which represent the year’s calendar Chinese zodiac, symbolising harmony, growth, and new beginnings.
Dinner officially commenced after and Members were indulged in a sumptuous six-course dinner, featuring authentic Singapore cuisine, allowing friends from Sheshan Club to experience the cultural and unique charm of Lion City’s culinary delights.
The presence of fine wine from Saint-Emilion and John Walker & Sons XR 21 whisky sponsored by TMCC Members, Mr Melvin Choo and Mr David Lee, certainly made the dinner event merrier.
Also at the dinner, Regina Han entertained the diners with her song rendition, spiced by singing entertainment by some Sheshan members too.
As the event drew closer to an end, Sheshan Club General Manager, Roger Foo, presented the novelty prizes to winning TMCC members while TMCC Captain, Dr Goh Hoon Pur, returned the favour to Sheshan members.
Overall, the feedback was that players of both clubs had a truly unique experience on and off the golf course. The successful event saw players of Sheshan Club and TMCC satisfied with their golf games, and their adrenaline-filled afternoon winding down with everyone bringing home fond and happy memories.