Singapore’s only Olympic Games gold medallist Joseph Schooling has been the sports poster boy of Tanah Merah Country Club for many years.
After all, the TMCC swimming pool was where the 28-year-old had his aquatic baptism as a three-year-old toddler.
His parents Colin and May have been club members for more than 30 years, and Joseph was given honorary membership after he won the 100 metres butterfly gold medal in Rio, Brazil, in 2016.
Testament to the club’s longtime tradition of helping and encouraging sportspeople — especially golfers because of TMCC’s two world-class courses in Tampines and Garden — the Club has always been on the lookout for promising golfers.
A year ago, it adopted James Leow, an Arizona Tech graduate who won the SEA Games gold medal in 2019 and who has made great strides in the region.
Currently he is third in the Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association’s 2024 rankings, behind Marc Ong and Nicklaus Chiam.
Recently, TMCC adopted another budding star in Irvyn Tan, 18, who finished tied-second and top amateur in the DP World’s Porsche Singapore Classic 2024 qualifying competition at Laguna National in February.
He first picked up the game at five at the heartlands, graduating from KinderGolf to the Mandai Executive Golf Course and then to the Singapore Golf Association’s (SGA) training programmes since 2017.
Talent-spotted by TMCC, Irvyn’s adoption falls in line with the club’s purpose and objective to take Irvyn’s game to a higher level, mainly through allowing him access to the club’s two courses and practice facilities.
TMCC is also working in tandem with the SGA to prepare Irvyn for the South East Asian Amateur Golf Team Championship 2024 at Seletar Golf Club in July.
The club, a strong supporter of junior golf, has also revamped its programme for youngsters to include and welcome at least 40 per cent of non-members.
TMCC President Mr Ronald Ong, a strong believer in junior golf, said: “At TMCC, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering the sport of golf and nurturing the next generation of talent.”
“The Club is committed to expanding its pivotal initiatives aimed at fostering and enhancing the community’s passion for golf as well as cultivating golfers with exceptional potential.”
Club Captain Dr Goh Hoon Pur, a key player in bringing local and regional tournaments to the reputed club, said: “TMCC’s decision to sign Irvyn, recognising his promising potential in the regional golfing scene, underscores the Club’s commitment to elevating the standards of local golfers.”
“Our reputation as a leading golf and country club comes with a responsibility to nurture talent and contribute meaningfully to the broader community, aligning with Singapore’s Sports Vision 2030. This vision aims to cultivate a supportive environment where talented athletes can thrive and represent us on the world stage.”
Irvyn, a member of the SGA Development Squad since 2021, has set himself the goal of qualifying for the US PGA Tour to put Singapore on the golfing map by doing so.
Irvyn, a third-year diploma (business) student at Republic Polytechnic, said: “As a competitive golfer, progress is something we all strive for, however, not having a club in Singapore has greatly hindered that progress, from not having course access to proper practice facilities like a practice green.
“Therefore, I am truly grateful to TMCC for granting me this privilege as I truly need on-course practice.
“No doubt, with SGA’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various clubs, I have been able to hop around these various clubs to practise under SGA, but, with club adopting, I would now be able to have a club I can call home and call my main base of operations.
“As I have been golfing for more than 10 years, throughout my golfing journey, I have developed a
profound appreciation for the values and traditions that define the sport.
“As an avid golfer deeply passionate about the sport, I am eager to contribute to the club’s growth and success while representing its values with enthusiasm and dedication. I believe that my skills, experiences, and personal attributes make me an ideal candidate to serve as an ambassador.”
