Call it a reconnection of sorts. A renewal of friendship. Re-establishment of ties. They just mean one thing: that Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) and Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai are inseparable.
The history between TMCC and Sheshan International Golf Club runs deep. Over the years, both clubs have maintained a strong bond built on mutual respect and a love for the game of golf. The Inter-Club Match serves as a platform for Members from both clubs to come together, compete in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere, and strengthen the ties that bind them.
When TMCC led a delegation of 60 Members to Sheshan-TMCC Inter-Club Match from 14th to the 20th of April, it was a resumption of the event at Sheshan Golf Club home ground after seven years. The event, inaugurated on 22 Aug 2009 at TMCC’s Garden course, had all the resemblance of the first match.
In preparation for the Inter-Club match, TMCC Marketing Department collaborated closely with the Management Team from Sheshan International Golf Club to organise the trip independently, bypassing the need for a travel agency and ensured a seamlessly enjoyable experience for Members.
Upon arriving in Shanghai, TMCC Members were filled with a palpable sense of pride and excitement. The beautiful spring weather served as a welcome gesture for the TMCC Members, and perfect for golf and enjoyment around the country’s biggest and vibrant metropolitan city.
It was also a great honour to have TMCC Club Patron, ESM Goh Chok Tong, and TMCC Chairman, Mr Ng Kee Choe, joined the delegation.
TMCC Members settled in for a 6-night accommodation at the Ascott Huaihai Road Shanghai, which proved to be exemplary in every aspect. Under the guidance of the General Manager, Mr. Shawn Ong, who is also a fellow Singaporean, the Ascott team ensured that all Members’ needs were met with utmost care and attention to detail.
As part of the planned itinerary, Members were hosted at a welcome reception featuring a sumptuous 8-course dinner at Fairmont Peace Hotel, an iconic building and one of the oldest hotels at the Bund. During the dinner, Ms. Sally Chua, TMCC’s Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing, shared meaningful anecdotes about the Inter-Club Match’s history and offering insights into the upcoming activities that the trip beholds.
Following that, a leisurely stroll along the Bund provided a breathtaking night vista of the Huang Pu River and the impressive city skyline, offering Members of both clubs an opportunity to engage with one another and cultivate new friendships.
The first day of golf on 15 April was devoted to a Practice Round at Sheshan International Golf Club after being greeted with great hospitality from the Sheshan management team. Spanning over 7,226 yards with 18 holes playing to a par of 72, the premier private golf club in Shanghai stands as a testament to excellence in golf course design. Having hosted the World Golf Championship event in 2009, which featured top PGA Tour players including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Lee Westwood, this prestigious club maintains a consistent position among the elite high-end golf courses in Asia.
The Practice Round provided TMCC Members with the perfect opportunity to familiarise themselves with the course’s layout and nuances. As they navigated the lush fairways and contoured greens, they were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty, further enhancing the overall golfing experience.
On Day 2, TMCC Members enjoyed a leisurely social round at the picturesque Shanghai Links Golf & Country Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Characterised by its flat terrain, the course offered a unique golfing experience amidst stunning natural surroundings.
The well-manicured links course at Shanghai Links Golf & Country Club presented Members with a delightful challenge, particularly as they navigated the windy conditions characteristic of coastal golfing. Members embraced the opportunity to test their skills against the backdrop of rolling fairways and panoramic views.
Anticipation for the main Inter-Club match reached its peak on Day 4 as Members enjoyed a social round at Enhance Anting Golf Club, home to a stunning Robert Trent Jones Course. Distinguished by its abundant water features and appealing bunkering, presents an enticing yet challenging layout, celebrated for its risk-reward dynamics. As Members navigated the course, they were met with breathtaking vistas and strategic challenges at every turn. The combination of water hazards and well-placed bunkers tested their skills and decision-making abilities, ensuring an exciting and memorable round for all.
On Day 5, the Inter-Club Match commenced with Members being warmly welcomed at the lunch reception. The emcee formally introduced the Members of both teams, building anticipation for the exciting competition ahead. For the main match, 60 TMCC Members were paired in a mixed format with 60 Sheshan Members.
After the introductions, the Members of both clubs were led to the golf starter, where an enthralling drum performance preceded. Dancers, adorned with the flags of TMCC and Sheshan, moved with seamless coordination to the rhythm of the drumbeat, their movements intertwining in a graceful dance. This symbolic exchange, as they waved their flags in unison, embodied the close-knit bonds and unyielding friendship shared between these two esteemed clubs.
After which, a memorable group photo session took place, expertly captured by the Sheshan Team using a drone, setting the stage for the shotgun tee-off.
In preparation for the inter-club match, Sheshan Golf Club elevated the golf course to tournament standards. The greens were fast, recording a green speed of 10.5, the fairways narrow, and the tees meticulously maintained.
The course boasts tree-lined fairways and gentle rolling hills, complemented by serene waterways and a breathtaking natural quarry that serves as the true signature of Hole #16, a challenging par-4. TMCC Members graciously expressed their appreciation for the pristine conditions of the course.
Following a competitive display of skill from both the Sheshan and TMCC teams, TMCC emerged as the winner, securing the Champion trophy by a narrow margin.
After the exhilarating Inter-Club Match, Members were invited to a delightful cocktail reception held at the beautifully decorated Event Hall. Amidst the ambiance of celebration and camaraderie, attendees savoured refreshments and shared stories from the day’s events. Throughout the reception, Members were observed joyfully capturing photographs, eager to immortalise the cherished memories and camaraderie shared during this special occasion.
Prior to the dinner, was the memento exchange as TMCC Chairman Mr Ng Kee Choe presented Sheshan Chairman, Mr Richard Cheung with a Gold Dragon memento, exquisitely crafted from pure 24k yellow gold and clutching a crystal ball.
The memento embodies the essence of grandeur, strength, and success. Beyond its radiant exterior, this golden masterpiece not only symbolises an everlasting abundance of wealth but also reflects the shared unity between the two clubs, promising a future filled with positive outcomes.
Mr Cheung gifted Mr Ng with an exquisitely crafted plaque adorned with a majestic dragon, which represent the year’s calendar Chinese zodiac, symbolising harmony, growth, strength, and new beginnings.
During the dinner, ESM Goh Chok Tong candidly shared insights into how the game of golf serves as a catalyst for fostering friendships among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and nations. He cited his rounds of golf with the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and China’s Top Diplomat, Wang Yi, as examples to assimilate how the sport has played a pivotal role in nurturing relationships and strengthening ties between the two clubs. Additionally, he pledged his participation in future matches, underscoring his commitment to the continued camaraderie between the clubs.
TMCC Chairman Mr Ng in his speech, said that the outcome of the match was not of primary importance. What is more important, he said, is the renewing of friendships, the forging of new ones, the strengthening of ties and the camaraderie among Members of both clubs.
He added: “The relationship between Sheshan and TMCC is a special one. It started with the first inter-club match 15 years ago and today is our ninth encounter, no thanks to the temporary disruption caused by COVID.
“We at TMCC therefore look forward to welcoming Richard and Sheshan Members to TMCC next year, and to not only reciprocate the hospitality extended to us but to also strengthen further the relationship between our two clubs.”
“I would like to thank ESM for making time to honour us with his presence, and TMCC Members for participating in this event. And once again, Richard and Members of Sheshan we very much appreciate your friendship and hospitality.”
The gracious hosts elevated the occasion with a gala dinner to be remembered for. Members indulged in a delectable fin-course dinner, fine wines and serenades in live music performance and novelty prizes. There was also a special segment to celebrate the birthdays of the April celebrants from Members of both clubs at the dinner party.
As the event drew closer to an end, Sheshan Chairman, Mr Richard Cheung, presented the Champion trophy to TMCC Chairman, Mr Ng. The Sheshan team eagerly anticipates the opportunity to reclaim the Champion trophy at TMCC’s home game and bring it back in 2025!
Members provided positive feedback regarding the organisation of the trip, acknowledging the exemplary efforts of the TMCC Marketing Team, with support from Sheshan General Manager, Roger Foo, and his team.
Among the numerous expressions of gratitude, a couple of remarks were particularly noteworthy.
“As a new member, we are delighted to be balloted to join this trip. It was a wonderful experience, and I’ve made many new friends and we enjoyed ourselves very much” said Shee Fong Ling.
Additionally, reflecting on the trip’s success, Simon and Jasmin Chew remarked, “This trip was great and successful. All members were very cooperative. We look forward to the next event.”
Overall, the feedback was that players of both clubs had a truly unique experience on and off the golf course. Members who joined this trip enjoyed themselves tremendously and TMCC looks forward to welcoming Sheshan team next year.
