Mandopop superstar JJ Lin turns golf ambassador for SGA
Other ambassadors including popular former MP Lee Bee Wah ready to champion the benefits of playing golf
Singapore, December 12: Singapore Golf Association (SGA) has today unveiled its latest line-up of golf ambassadors who are ready to support its vision of encouraging more Singaporeans to play the sport.
Headlined by Singapore’s global Mandopop superstar, JJ Lin, the ambassadors will work closely with SGA to help implement its shared vision of bringing golf closer to the wider population of Singapore and increase the awareness of golf’s many benefits, including social, health and mental well-being.
Other ambassadors who are ready to spread the message that golf is a sport for all include retired politician Lee Bee Wah, Vice-President of Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) Jessie Phua, Albert Chiu, Executive Chairman of EFG Bank Asia and Elffy Arifin, a father-of-two and business owner, who hails from a multi-generational family that plays golf.
George Foo, Chairman of SGA Marcom committee said: “Golf has many different aspects, and each of us have our own unique connection to the game. Through the passion and stories of the SGA ambassadors, we hope to spark interest amongst the wider community to play the game of golf.”
Tan Chong Huat, President of SGA said: “On behalf of SGA, I would like to welcome our ambassadors to the family. Together, we will continue to raise the profile of golf in Singapore and make it a sport that is embraced and enjoyed by everyone.”
Lin, who started to get serious with playing golf this year, is embracing the challenges of being an SGA golf ambassador so that he can help to further promote the sport- one which he used to think is only played by seniors.
“I’m very honoured to be invited to be the golf ambassador for the Singapore golf association. Golf is a very challenging game and has a very steep learning curve. It’s a game of life. You never get to a point where you say, I’m satisfied,” said Lin.
Lee and Phua are also hoping more women can follow in their footsteps and step up to the tee.
“I would like to encourage women to take up golf. You usually spend between four to five hours on the golf course and that helps to network and build up relationships with others,” said Lee, the former MP who continues to enjoy unwaning popularity and is affectionately known as Hua Jie.
Phua added: “For our silver generation, we should and must prepare ourselves to remain socially and physically active for wellness. I’m so glad I did because golf is both challenging as well as humbling. It’s also good to be outdoors and enjoy the fresh air when you play a round of golf.”
For Chiu, apart from its social and health benefits, golf has also trained him to make strategic decisions inside the corporate boardroom.
“Every golf shot is very different. Even on the same golf course, there are weather conditions. It also trains you to be very focused and once you have made a decision on your golf shot, you need to be very committed. So that’s very good training,” said Chiu.
Meanwhile, Elffy believes that apart from its physical and mental benefits, golf has also strengthened family ties and united his loved ones in a very meaningful way after his two sons picked up the sport.
“I started golf at the age of seven and was introduced to the game by my late father. Golf has fostered the parent and children relationship even stronger. It is beneficial not only for me but for any family.
“Prior to them picking up golf, the only interaction we have with our children was only on their academics and their development on social skills. But ever since they took up golf, the bonding was even greater,” said Elffy, who has been playing golf for the past 35 years.