The Dragon Year in the Lunar calendar is all about positive vibes and qualities.
So conversations surround wealth, health, good luck, wisdom and blessings of early parenthood, namely in China.
It was also the case at the Chinese New Year Golf Challenge 2024 when 140 members attended the Chinese New Year-inspired dinner and revelled in all things positive.
The Lion Dance is the staple cultural performance that is always popular, but this time the LED (light-emitting diode) of a Dragon took centrestage at the dinner on February 18 at the Tampines Banquet Room.
Setting the stage for the celebratory evening, the thunderous beats of The War Drum reverberated throughout the Tampines Golfers’ Terrace for two minutes, while the agile lions danced atop high poles in the Pre-Function Room for an exhilarating 10 minutes, delighting the crowd.
The pinnacle of excitement came with the live performance of the lion dance (Cai Qing) in the Pre-Function Room, leaving the crowd enthralled and eagerly wanting more. The Members of the General Committee stand in a single file, receiving auspicious couplets with dignified reverence, symbolising the harmony and prosperity of the upcoming year.
Members were then guided into the dinner venue to be seated, setting the stage for an anticipation-filled prelude before dinner commenced.
As the LED Dragon assumed its position and the emcee signalled to dim the lights, the show began in exhilarating fashion. The LED dragon weaved through the crowd, its vibrant colours illuminating the space, captivating the audience with its graceful movements and mesmerising display.
The appearance of the God of Fortune from the lion dance troupe filled the well-decorated, colourful banquet room with thunderous roars, bringing the crowd to their feet and energising the atmosphere.
The dress code of colours of Chinese New Year was perfect, and the red being the dominant colour, the room was filled with kaleidoscopic colours.
Once the diners took the seats at 7.15pm, it was all about fun and camaraderie.
“Lo Hei” is a fixation at all such CNY dinners, and the diners tossed the food amidst a cacophony of noise and wishes.
The delectable seven-course dinner – soup, main course, and dessert – satisfied the 140 attendees, 107 of whom were golfers who enjoyed a great round on a pleasant afternoon at the pristine, challenging Tampines course.
The emcee Regina Han engaged the crowd to participate in all the activities and the mass games that was exhilarating.
The golf novelty prizes were presented by Member Melvin Choo. Club Captain Dr Goh Hoon Pur presented the prizes for the winners of the Men’s Division while Club Vice-Captain Chris Chiu presented the prizes for Ladies’ Division.
Member Tan T.Kiang (37 points) topped among the winners, claiming a $500 Hugo Boss voucher.
In the Ladies’ Division, Lee Eet Fong was the winner on 34 points on countback, also taking home a $500 Hugo Boss voucher.
There were 15 lucky draw prizes presented by the Club President Ronald Ong and Senior Honourary Advisor Ho Beng Huat.
The top prize of a Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver went to Victor Mok.
The Prosperity Prize of Hugo Boss Boston Bag went to Goh Hock Seng.
It was a relatively early Home Sweet Home at 9.45 pm, but a handful stayed a little longer to savour the great day.
