It was a welcome invitation by affiliate golf club Shinwa Golf Group’s CEO Hiromasa Kokufu seven months ago to the Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC).
During a visit in March 2022 for the official signing ceremony of the affiliate agreement between TMCC and Shinwa Golf Group, Mr Kokufu suggested that TMCC organise a members’ trip for the Japan Autumn Splendour at the Shinwa golf courses.
So, the Club led a 40-Member delegation and embarked on a trip to Osaka from November 5th to 11th, which was described as one of the best overseas trips for TMCC.
The entourage teed-off at four magnificent 18-hole championship courses – Shigaraki Country Club. Japan Classic Country Club, Cherry Hills Golf Club and Golden Valley Golf Club.
Each course offered a unique golfing experience, seamlessly blending the precision of the game with the natural beauty that the autumn season brings to Japan.
Save for the Japan Classic Country Club’s Queen Course that was designed by Lee Schmidt (Past President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects), the other three golf courses – Shigaraki Country Club, Cherry Hills Golf Club, and Golden Valley Golf Club are the proud products of renowned American course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, familiar for his work at TMCC’s Garden course.
The Shinwa golf courses, adorned with hues of red and gold, provided a breathtaking backdrop to every swing, with tee-offs amidst the finest foliage of Nikko or navigations along the challenging fairways against a canvas of autumnal ambience.
Among the notable encounters during the golf trip were the graceful herds of deer that dotted the landscape at Shigaraki Country Club, embodying a serene coexistence with nature—a poignant reminder of the region’s tranquil allure.
Members also had an enchanting encounter with the Racoon Dogs at the Shigaraki Country Club. Known as “Tanuki”, which serves as golf club’s emblematic mascot, this animal holds a special place in Shigaraki town, symbolising good fortune and luck.
On the final golfing day of the trip, the TMCC delegation visited Shinwa Golf Group’s signature course, Golden Valley Golf Club, which notably hosted the Japan PGA Championship in 2014.
The rainy weather condition discouraged certain Members from taking part in the game. However, some Members who played were effusive in their praise, expressing that this course stood out as one of the finest and most picturesque they had ever experienced in their golfing endeavours.
Since the trip was not just a sporting endeavour, for the group it was a holistic journey that blended the thrill of the game with the serenity of the season, creating memories that linger like the colours of fall.
The Members also immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture during the sightseeing tour which included visits to Nijo Castle (built in 1603) as well as the ancient Kinkakuji Temple (retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu) and Kinomizu Temples (founded in 778).
On the last day of the trip, prior to departure, the Members embarked on a shopping spree at Rinku Premium Outlet. Members capitalise on the advantageous exchange rate, acquiring numerous coveted branded merchandises to bring back as cherished souvenirs.
The Tan couple Jolene and Lionel, reflected positively on the trip saying: “The golf courses were uniquely beautiful and challenging. We got to meet many Members and made new friends. It was a privilege to be able to come on the trip.
“This was the first trip organised by the club that we have been on, and it was unforgettable.”
Member Chua Kim Leng, overflowing with praise, remarked, “Just a word of thanks for taking good care of us and trying your best to accommodate our various requests. Appreciate it. The trip was well organised, we got to play at beautiful courses, and the company is wonderful. Can’t ask for more. Looking forward to the next trip!”
Sharing positive sentiments, Gerald Seow and Christina Seah expressed, “We had a wonderful time on the golf courses, along with the pleasure of meeting and dining with very pleasant fellow members. Well done team TMCC!”
These heartfelt testimonials encapsulate the sentiment echoed by the entire TMCC delegation—a journey not just defined by exquisite golfing moments but also by the camaraderie shared among Members.
From the TMCC end, staff Members Sally Chua (Assistant Director, Sales and Marketing) and Richard Pek (Golf Marshal), gave of their best in the planning, arrangements and schedules for the trip which ran smoothly.
To complement the duo’s good work, the Shinwa Golf Group had to be credited for being great hosts and offering wonderful hospitality. The dedication and meticulous planning of Shinwa Golf Group Marketing Manager Teppei Tani san and his team were not just reciprocal gestures, but also added responses that etched Kyoto in the hearts and minds of the TMCC delegation.
Overall, it was a memorable golfing adventure, for the delegation embraced very warm hospitality, enjoyed the delicious food and stellar hotel accommodation, and found the trip to be educational and exciting.
And for the main menu of the trip – golf – the vibrant foliage of the historic courses to the tranquility of sightseeing attractions in Kyoto promised a perfect blend of golf and cultural immersion.
