Originating in Munich in 1810, Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Over the years, it evolved into the world’s largest beer festival, showcasing Bavarian culture, hearty food, and a sense of community.
In the spirit of this beloved festival, TMCC put its own twist on the celebration. Members described it as an unforgettable Oktoberfest, uniting them for a day filled with golf and delectable German-inspired dining on Saturday, 28 September 2024.
The day kicked off with a lively shotgun start at 1:15pm, featuring 128 players in 32 flights. Members showcased their skills on the greens, where the green speed measured at an impressive 10 feet 5 inches. While the day was sunny and warm, a moderate breeze after the first nine holes made playing conditions more enjoyable. Fortunately, there were no rain delays, allowing the tournament to run smoothly despite the recent unpredictable weather.
As players made their way around the course, they were treated to Erdinger Dunkel and Erdinger Kristall, perfectly capturing the spirit of Oktoberfest. Adding a local twist, Prawn Vadai were served at the halfway houses located at the 5th and 10th holes, offering a delightful fusion of flavours to keep everyone energised.
As evening approached, the scene shifted to the TMCC Sports Complex’s Poolside Gallery, where dinner commenced at 6:00pm. Guests were treated to a spectacular buffet featuring an impressive array of culinary delights. The highlight was the highly-raved pork knuckles, cooked to perfection and utterly irresistible.
The buffet also included a vibrant salad and appetiser station, complemented by a selection of hot entrées: char-grilled German bratwurst sausages, spatchcock spring chicken infused with garlic, oven-baked snapper fillet with fresh herbs, honey-glazed baby back ribs, savoury sautéed meatloaf and more. A bread station showcased Bavarian dark rye loaf and warm pretzels served with herbed butter—ideal for soaking up all those rich flavours.
Dessert was a highlight in its own right, featuring traditional Bavarian treats like pumpkin pie and banana strudel drizzled with vanilla sauce, leaving everyone with sweet memories to savour.
Honouring the German roots in style was waitresses dressed to the occasion, serving up the real deal German Oktoberfest brew – Erdinger all night long. Members were seen enjoying the free-flow beer, celebrating the rich heritage and flavours that make this festival so special.
The lively tunes of the ‘SWISS ALPINE LIONS’, a popular wind band in Singapore, filled the air, encouraging guests to dance and celebrate under the stars, enhancing the joyous spirit of the evening. Members also had the unique opportunity to try their hand at the Alphorn, a straight, several-meter-long wooden natural horn with a conical bore and a wooden cup-shaped mouthpiece, adding a truly authentic touch to the festivity.
Fun was in abundance, with Ross Sarpani as the master of ceremonies engaging the crowd. In a spirited twist, Members were invited to partake in a beer chugging contest, where each member was given a 1.5-litre mug filled to the brim with Erdinger Dunkel. Separated into two teams of five, they competed in a lively race to finish their mugs first, bringing an infectious energy to the evening with cheers and laughter echoing around the Poolside Gallery.
Excitement filled the air as members eagerly awaited the announcement of the golf competition winners. TMCC General Manager Elliott Gray presented the novelty prizes, while Lady Captain Mrs. Wendy Soh awarded prizes to the top five winners in the Double Peoria format.
WINNERS
Novelty Prizes:
- Hole #2 Nearest to Pin – Ms. Deborah Yeo – 1.66m
- Hole #07 Nearest to Pin – Ms. Lee So Yeon – 0.79m
- Hole #11 Nearest to Pin – Mr. David Soh – 36 cm
- Hole #14 Nearest to Pin – Mr. Ong Eng Swee – 2.42m
- Hole #17 Nearest to Pin – Mr. Melvyn See
Top 5 Winners (Double Peoria):
- 1st – Ms. Jenny Yoo Hyo Jung – 39 pts ocb
- 2nd – Mr. Phang Wei Jun – 39 pts
- 3rd – Mr. David Wong Keng Yin – 38 pts ocb
- 4th – Mr. Mark Law – 38 pts ocb
- 5th – Mr. Steven Lee Chin Lai – 38 pts ocb
During the lucky draw segment, Vice President Mr. Chris Chiu delighted attendees as he presented 14 enticing prizes. The highlight was the grand prize of a $300 F&B voucher, which was awarded to Mr. Lee Quek Eng.
Winning and losing took a backseat to the celebrations of the day, as golfers posed enthusiastically for photos with Oktoberfest-themed props throughout the event. With laughter, camaraderie, and culinary delights, this year’s Oktoberfest at the club was a resounding success, blending traditional festivities with TMCC’s unique flair.
We look forward to celebrating again next year! Prost!
