Always wanted to play REAL golf at a golf course. First time I picked up a club was when I was J1 or J2. My cousin, Xianji, an insurance agent, took up 10-session golf with me. It was at Seletar Driving Range. I think we only finished 9 sessions, the last one was supposed to be a 9-hole golf game which we never got around doing. That was also the time I got my finally-am-using Shitaku golf set from a warehouse sale, $300 - $400 (not that much of a sale right?).

In uni year 1 or 2 I took up another golf lesson, this time with 4 other uni frens (James, Huifen, Edwin, Gekping) and we played somewhere at Lakeview. I don't think I picked up anything new and my skills were just as bad. It was more of a social event.

During my professional attachment at the Singapore Island Country Club in unit year 2, I got my first glimpse of a golf course. Must have been really lucky coz I heard SICC is one of the best golf courses around. I must say, the view is breathtaking and the most serene places i've ever been too. As my work involved stock-taking, we had the golf course manager, Jimmy, ferrying us around on a buggy to count buggies and other golf equipment. Who else would have had such an enjoyable PA??

Perhaps the most important reason why I have this interest in golf is my dad plays golf too. I remember when I was young (primary school), every sunday would be Raffles Country Club day. My bro and I would have our swimming lessons while my dad plays golf. After which we'll have lunch at the golf terrace. The view was like a painting. It is even prettier when the sun is about to set. At that time, i always wondered, "if the view's so good at the golf terrace, what is it like on the golf course itself? So the only way to find out was to play golf so that I can visit a golf course. 

So finally, the day came  4-5 yrs after I first picked up golf. It was 19 Nov 2005 (Saturday) -->18 hole game at Bintan Laggon Resorts. The players: my dad, Theng Theng and Lee Peng. Theng Theng and Lee Peng are my driving force, they are the ones who made my dream come true. Ever since I got to know them through a SIM competition, we have been practising golf at the Marina South driving range every week. Theng Theng also gave me many useful pointers which helped me improve my skills. After the game, they said I have officially graduated. Apparently, I had played a good game, far better than any first-timers would possibly have done. I guess it was because at least I managed to hit the ball and the ball did fly. But my putting and pitching really sucks, need to work on that.

Bintan Lagoon's golf course was very nice but not as good as SICC I would say. I remember that the 18th hole was really perfect. You tee off on top of a hill where u you face a downward slope of green lash grass which ends just in front of the golf clubhouse, behind which is a small beach area and the vast open sea. Such a pity I didn't bring my bro's digicam. The next time I go, I'll HAVE to bring it and take down that view!!

It was a great game. That was the first time ALL my tee offs were successful (only tried for last 9 holes). I've never been confident of my tee offs, but somehow under that relaxing and encouranging environment, I manged to do my best. My dad played a part again. He advised me to use only 7-iron (including tee off) first because it's the club I am most confident with and it will give me higher morale if I could hit well for the first few holes. That strategy really worked. I would say it's a must-use advice for first-time golf gamers!

When will my next game be? Let's make it March 06 or Jun 06.