The sun was setting in the horizon over the ocean. Beyond the stretches of green a beautiful skyline was starting to glitter in the twilight sky. I was in my paradise playing my round of evening golf. Singapore’s best and most beautiful spots; its skyline, reservoirs, oceanfront or rain forests are best seen from its various golf courses.
Singapore is a great place to play golf. It's sunny all year round, with lush greenery and world-class golfing facilities. Despite Singapore’s size, the island boasts of over 20 Golf courses. Take your pick from large and well-equipped public courses, or enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of the golf courses at country clubs. You also have the option of making a quick weekend getaway to a neighbouring Bintan and Batam (Indonesia) or drive across to Johor (Malaysia) where most courses are large and affordable.
Singapore is a great place to play golf. It's sunny all year round, with lush greenery and world-class golfing facilities. Despite Singapore’s size, the island boasts of over 20 Golf courses. Take your pick from large and well-equipped public courses, or enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of the golf courses at country clubs. You also have the option of making a quick weekend getaway to a neighbouring Bintan and Batam (Indonesia) or drive across to Johor (Malaysia) where most courses are large and affordable.
Singapore is also home to the Barclays Singapore open which is one of the richest tournaments on Asian tour. Indian golfers like Jyoti Randhawa (2000) and Jeev Milkha Singh (2008) have made a mark for themselves by winning this tournament.
I got initiated into Golf about 8 years ago in Singapore. Couple of friends from the condominium decided to take up Golf. I don’t exactly remember what lured us into Golf. Was it Tiger Woods or the glamour of playing Golf with top corporate echelons? Whatever it was; I am pretty sure there was substantial amount of beers involved in the decision-making.
If you are considering taking up Golf; step one would be to find a Golf driving range that is conveniently located for you. For the uninitiated Golf driving ranges are to Golf what universities are to workplace. They are the place where you learn the basics, make friendships, work with your teachers (Golf pro’s) and prepare yourself to take on the challenges of the work place (the Golf course, naturally). Driving ranges are not just for beginners; even for the most accomplished players regular trips to the driving range is a must.
One is spoilt for choice when it comes to driving ranges in Singapore. Golf driving ranges in Singapore compete with each other to offer their customers the best of facilities; coaching (provided by Golf Pro’s) and even recreation facilities such as kids play areas and restaurants.
The 8 month old driving range at turf city offers “ As real as it gets” experience in the words of its manager George Wuu. Set amongst the lush green expanses of turf city with its numerous cricket, rugby and soccer fields the turf city driving range is fairly narrow and very long. The set up gives you a feeling of being on an actual fairway and helps your practise routine immensely. Its unique value proposition includes natural grass greens and facilities for chipping, putting complete with 2 bunkers. Turf city driving range also provides its customers the flexibility to bring your own Golf Pro or use the Turf City affiliated Golf Pros for your coaching.
I like to go to the driving range with my Golf Kakis (buddies) or my daughters whenever I get a chance. My practise routine includes alternating each session with odd and then even clubs so that I get used to hitting each club. I will start with the shortest club until the hits are fairly good, and then move on to the next club. At the very end of the practice session, I will start with the lowest club and hit one ball progressing to the next club with the idea of hitting a good shot with each club. If a chipping and pitching area is available, I will then practice this for a while and then move on to putting. Doing the slow swings after the range allows me to cool down.
The 8 month old driving range at turf city offers “ As real as it gets” experience in the words of its manager George Wuu. Set amongst the lush green expanses of turf city with its numerous cricket, rugby and soccer fields the turf city driving range is fairly narrow and very long. The set up gives you a feeling of being on an actual fairway and helps your practise routine immensely. Its unique value proposition includes natural grass greens and facilities for chipping, putting complete with 2 bunkers. Turf city driving range also provides its customers the flexibility to bring your own Golf Pro or use the Turf City affiliated Golf Pros for your coaching.
I like to go to the driving range with my Golf Kakis (buddies) or my daughters whenever I get a chance. My practise routine includes alternating each session with odd and then even clubs so that I get used to hitting each club. I will start with the shortest club until the hits are fairly good, and then move on to the next club. At the very end of the practice session, I will start with the lowest club and hit one ball progressing to the next club with the idea of hitting a good shot with each club. If a chipping and pitching area is available, I will then practice this for a while and then move on to putting. Doing the slow swings after the range allows me to cool down.
Golf is a great sport that you can enjoy with friends and family for years to come. Here in Singapore Golf Parivaar (www.golfparivaar.com) organizes regular events that include Golf with a whole lot of family fun.
Enjoy it!
(An edited version of this post has been published in the sports section of the TABLA! Newspaper on June 12, 2009 in Singapore. Please email me if you would like a copy of the article)
