SGA President 1-year report

Dear fellow golfers,

It has been one year since my Executive Board members and I took office, and I am pleased to present the one-year report as the President of the Singapore Golf Association (SGA).

Over the past year, we have focused our efforts on the three key pillars I have identified in my manifesto:

  1. Developing the golf ecosystem
  2. Accelerating and ensuring high-performance
  3. Strengthening SGA’s financial position

 

Pillar 1: Developing the golf ecosystem

Our vision is for SGA to play a leadership role in strengthening the golf ecosystem from the ground up, and we have made the following progress for this pillar:

Tripartite agreement between SGA, SLGA, SSGS

A milestone agreement has been signed in a tripartite agreement between SGA, the Singapore Ladies Golf Association (SLGA), and the Singapore Senior Golfers’ Society (SSGS). This collaboration aims to promote joint golf events and activities across age groups and genders, fostering golf development in Singapore.

As part of the agreement, SGA will provide leadership, guidance and share best practices for effective implementation relating to its overall governance framework including Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest, Financial Policy and Disciplinary Process to be agreed and adopted with suitable modification, and to be complied with by SLGA and SSGS respectively. Both SLGA and SSGS will be associate members of SGA.

The three organisations will also collaborate to organise golf development activities together, and SGA will share its resources for operations and golf development activities with SLGA and SSGS, on a case-by-case basis which will be formally adopted over time for existing activities and with respect to new activities. SGA will also provide grants to SLGA and SSGS for golf development activities.

A few months after the investiture ceremony which was organised by SGA alongside SLGA and SSGS, this agreement further affirms the collaborative efforts between the three organisations towards a common objective – to grow the game of golf in Singapore. This agreement truly signifies our unity at the apex of golf’s governing bodies in Singapore working as a collective group to bring about a stronger and better golfing ecosystem.

                                  

 

SGA Golf Industry Development Task Force

SGA has formed a dedicated Golf Industry Development Task Force (GIDTF) to supplement the efforts of the SGA Executive Board and Sub-Committees.  The task force will identify and address challenges facing the industry, as well as develop and implement strategies that will foster the growth and development of the golf industry in Singapore.

Led by special advisor and former Senior Minister of State, Lee Yi Shyan, and chaired by myself, the 11-man task force was formed in April 2023 and had its inaugural meeting on 4 May 2023. The members of the task force have been specially selected to develop and implement ideas and solutions that will improve golf’s ecosystem in Singapore.

The task force consists of members from outside SGA including leaders and experts in various industries in the golf ecosystem including:

  • Dominic Wall (Director, Asia Pacific, The R&A)
  • Dato Loh Ah Joo (Managing Director, MST Golf)
  • Tay Lay Hian (Ministry of Education)
  • Lim Eng Lee (Chief Executive Officer, NTUC Club)
  • Jeffrey Bose (Manager, Wingolf)
  • Tan Ju Kuang (International Editor, Golf Digest)
  • Calvin Koh (Managing Director, The Picture Suite and Communications Professional)
  • Murali Subramaniam (Managing Editor, Newsroom Operation, SPH Media)
  • Sid Kim (Entrepreneur, GolfX)
  • Lawrence Ng (Big Fish Golf)

Athlete Development Pathway Task Force
In addition to the GIDTF, we will also be forming an Athlete Development Pathway Task Force which will provide advice to the SGA and elite golfers on their entire golfing pathway from development to competition and career opportunities after retirement.

We look forward to announcing the members of the taskforce soon.

SGA Ambassador Program

SGA has also launched an ambassador program where key opinion leaders of various backgrounds have committed to champion SGA’s mission to promote and develop the game of golf in Singapore.

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.

I would like to express my gratitude to our ambassadors who have been representing SGA and the golfing community well.

Please view the following videos where our ambassadors describe why they love golf:

1. JJ Lin: https://youtu.be/l-_l5ZdJJHI
2. Lee Bee Wah: https://youtu.be/qOuiVVh0fWE
3. Jessie Phua: https://youtu.be/vMhVJYiUtXI
4. Albert Chiu: https://youtu.be/qOuiVVh0fWE
5. Elffy Arifin: https://youtu.be/A2UeKJzjTGI

In addition, former deputy prime minister Professor S. Jayakumar, has also explained how he started golf and the benefits that he believes golf has: https://youtu.be/XEfiKfi3A2M

 

 

SGA Inter-Club League

The SGA Inter-Club League (ICL), which aims to promote camaraderie and friendship among golf clubs in Singapore, made a much anticipated return in 2022. Utilising a gross stableford format over six legs, Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) eventually emerged victorious after a brilliant team display during the final leg, where they recorded 64 points, finishing nine points ahead of defending champions Singapore Island Country Club (SICC)

We are currently into the exciting final stages of the 2023 SGA ICL season which consists of two phases. In phase one, six legs were played using a gross stableford format with division rankings decided upon the completion of the phase. The top eight teams after phase one proceeded to a knockout matchplay format in phase two where the positions for the first to eight teams will be determined.

The championship final will be played on 30 July where SICC will take on Warren Golf & Country Club for the overall title. We look forward to an enthralling and fair match!

 

Community engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

SGA will expand our Get Golfing! program and continue building on our existing relationship with NTUC Club, People’s Association, as well as collaborate with other stakeholders such as indoor golf simulators to further promote the game of golf in Singapore.

CSR is another area where SGA aims to develop to highlight golf’s ability as a force for good. Held in conjunction with the National Day, SGA organised an inaugural two-day event named “Golf Celebrates National Day” from 4-5 August 2022. This island-wide ground up activation was held with a strong purpose of continuing to reach out to a mass audience and to increase the accessibility of the game of golf.

All clubs in Singapore participated in this event and golfers with no club memberships were given the opportunity to play a round of 18-holes at a discounted rate. Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour alongside sponsors, donors and beneficiaries. $50,000 was raised from this event and all proceeds were donated to the following five beneficiaries:

  • APSN
  • Asian Women Welfare Association
  • Life Community Services
  • Food from the Heart
  • Clarity Singapore

SGA would also like to take this opportunity to thank all golf clubs for their participation and the following sponsors and donors for their generous contributions:

  • Lexus
  • Olam
  • FTAG
  • LHNGroup
  • RHTLaw Asia
  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • Luxasia

SGA will also be setting up our CSR vehicle to maximise the positive impact for all participants, donors and beneficiaries.

 

Collaboration with NTUC Club and indoor golf facilities

In 2021, SGA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTUC Club to promote golf by making the sport more affordable to the community. Leveraging on the technical expertise of SGA and the golf facilities owned by NTUC Club, the U Golf Academy was launched at Orchid Country Club where members of the public could undergo beginner training sessions which were in line with the curriculum developed by SGA. Over 100 participants have undergone these sessions and have obtained their Proficiency Certificate (PC) upon the completion of the ten-session programme. SGA and NTUC Club will continue building on this foundation to attract more golfers by further lowering the barriers to entry to the game.

SGA has also observed the recent increase in the number of indoor golf facilities. Equipped with technology, indoor facilities provide a convenient alternative form of golf which golfers of all skill levels – from beginners to elite golfers – can enjoy and benefit from.

We recognise indoor facilities as an opportunity to grow the number of golfers in Singapore and have organised a dialogue session with all indoor golf operators in Singapore where SGA invited representatives from all indoor golf facilities to share about their establishments and exchange ideas on how SGA can collaborate with them to introduce golf to the community utilising the attraction of modern technology.

SGA is also working with NTUC Club to explore installing indoor simulators at public spaces to attract new golfers.

 

New Affiliates

SGA welcomed two new affiliate members who are committed to furthering the interest of the sport of golf in Singapore:

1) Golf Referees Association of Singapore (GRAS)
With a total of 79 members, GRAS complements SGA’s efforts in furthering the development of golf by setting and establishing standards and policies relating to the professional development of golf referees and the conduct of golf tournaments.

2) Olympique Gaulois
Founded in 1991, Olympique Gaulois Singapore is today the largest and most iconic French Club in Singapore with over 200 registered members from all nationalities distributed over 5 main sports (Football, Golf, Padel Tennis, Pentanque, Tennis). Olympique Gaulois actively promotes the game of golf by organising weekly golf sessions across various courses and driving ranges in Singapore.

 

Pillar 2: Accelerating and ensuring high-performance

SGA recognises the importance of developing talented young golfers and providing them with the support to achieve their golfing dreams. Apart from strengthening our high-performance program, we also aim to attract more elite level tournaments to Singapore. This will enable our athletes to be exposed to top-level competition and learn from the best players in the world.

Centre of Excellence and Memorandum of Understanding

We are pleased to inform you that SGA has established our Centre of Excellence at Keppel Club. This is a testbed for our SGA Home of Golf Version 1.0 where our athletes have increased valuable access to the golf course and practice facilities. Sincere appreciation to Keppel Club for their strong support and we look forward to working closely with them to develop our future champions.

In addition, SGA has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with Keppel Club, the Singapore Island Country Club and Sentosa Golf Club to further provide SGA squad members with access varying conditions and layouts to improve their skills. This is a huge boost to the program and allows the squad members to have more on-course exposure and develop their scoring abilities. Together with Sembawang Country Club, our squad members have access to four different courses throughout the week.

 

2023 SEA Games, Asian Games and new high-performance squad structures

Although the 2023 SEA Games results were not what we were hoping to achieve, our athletes prepared well and played their hearts out at the Garden City Golf Course in Cambodia.

Setbacks present us with invaluable opportunities for growth and self-reflection. Upon the completion of the event, SGA’s high-performance team immediately reviewed the performance. The coaches and SGA Training and Development Sub-Committee spent considerable time analysing the performance, and came up with revised structures and strategies to make the necessary adjustments to set SGA’s High-Performance Program on a path towards success. The revised program, which will be in effect on 1 January 2024, will be announced soon.

In addition, SGA will be sending both men’s and women’s teams to the 19th Asian Games which will be held in Hangzhou, China at the West Lake International Golf Course in September 2023. This edition of the Asian Games will be an exciting one, where we will witness both professionals and amateurs compete at the same event. We wish our teams all the best as the fly our Singapore flag high.

 

Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open

The highly anticipated Singapore Women’s Open (SWO) took place at the Tanah Merah Country Club from 9 to 11 December 2022 after two postponements due to the pandemic. Hana Financial Group, known for its continuous support of women’s golf in the Asia Pacific region, was the event’s title sponsor. The tournament, a part of the Ladies Asian Tour (LAT) Series, carried a substantial prize purse of SGD$1.1 million and was jointly sanctioned by the SGA and the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA).

Held on the challenging Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club, the championship welcomed a field of 102 players, including members of the KLPGA, invitees from 12 APAC countries, promising talents, and amateur participants. Among the local contenders were professionals Koh Sock Hwee and Amanda Tan, and amateurs Shannon Tan, Aloysa Atienza, Jaymie Ng, Hailey Loh and Inez Ng.

The 54-hole event was unfortunately shortened to 36 holes due to bad weather on the final round. Ji Young Park from South Korea was declared the winner of this inaugural event, capturing her fifth KLPGA Tour title after recording remarkable rounds of 66 and 67 for a total score of 11-under-par 133, one shot ahead of a trio of South Koreans Hyun Kyung Park, Jung Min Hong and So Young Lee. Singaporean Shannon Tan was the low amateur after tying for 53rd place at a total of one-under-par 143.

Please view a recap of the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoyOLbQyU0

 

Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP)

Another example of an international event held in Singapore was the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) which was developed by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) to inspire future generations of women golfers and also provides the champion with a launchpad into international golf through exemptions into multiple women’s major championships and other elite amateur championships. Past participants include LPGA stars Yuka Saso, Patty Tavatanakit and Atthaya Thitikul.

The championship’s fifth edition was held at The New Course of The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) from 9-12 March 2023, where the region’s top amateur women golfers competed in a four-day, 72-hole battle. Eventually, Thailand’s Eila Galitsky won the championship in commanding fashion after a closing four-under-par 68 in the final round, giving her a four-day aggregate of 14-under-par, five shots ahead of Korea’s Minsol Kim.

Hailey Loh was Singapore’s best performer, finishing at three-over-par for the week which placed her in a tie for 22nd position. Inez Ng, Jaymie Ng and Aloysa Atienza also made the cut at the event.

It was indeed a great opportunity for Singapore to host the event, and for our players to experience competing in the event on home soil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Amateur Team Championships (WATC)

On 29 August 2022, I attended the International Golf Federation’s Biennial Meeting at Le Golf National in Paris and I am pleased to report that SGA has been awarded the bid to host the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC). Held biennially, the prestigious WATC consists of two events – the Espirito Santo trophy (women) and the Eisenhower Trophy (men). First held in 1958, WATC includes up to 72 countries competing in 72 holes of stroke play competition. Each country fields two or three players with the two lowest scores counting per round. SGA will work closely with Sport Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board to deliver the best experience for all participants.

In addition, our men’s team consisting of James Leow, Hiroshi Tai and Ryan Ang recorded Singapore’s best ever finish at the 2022 Eisenhower trophy played in Paris. They finished in 21st position out of 71 countries and was the second-ranked Asian country behind Japan.

2022 Nomura Cup

At the Nomura Cup (Asia Pacific Team Championship) played in Philippines, Team Singapore was represented by James Leow, Ryan Ang, and Brandon Han. In the team event, Singapore finished in 2nd place with a total of 17 under-par, finishing ahead of other golfing powerhouses such as Australia, India and Korea. Japan won the team event by seven shots at a total of 24 under-par. This is the highest placing Singapore has ever achieved in this event.

In the individual event, James Leow also finished in 2nd place after a four-round total of 12 under-par, two shots behind the winner. This event has displayed Singapore’s ability to contend at the Asia-Pacific level.

 

Arnold Palmer Cup

James Leow flew the Singapore flag high at the Palmer Cup, which was held at Golf Club de Geneve at Geneva, Switzerland. He was selected together with 11 other men to represent the winning Team International against Team USA. Team International won the Cup with a final score of 33-27.

In addition, James was also awarded the Michael Carter Award, which is presented to the player who best represents the qualities and ideals of a competitor at this event. This is a testament to the mission of SGA’s High-Performance Program (HPP) to not only develop golfers that can compete at a high level and represent Singapore, but also to develop people that embody the attributes of golf such as respect, integrity and perseverance.

 

SGA Professionals

SGA continues to support professional golfers through the SGA Professional Program. These professionals have previously represented Singapore at an elite amateur level and SGA aims to guide them as they navigate the initial transition to professional golf. These professionals have access to training conducted by the National Coach, as well as financial support for tournament-related expenses when they compete to travel.

In 2022, Amanda Tan earned full status on the Epson Tour, the developmental tour of the LPGA. She earned it through LPGA Q-series, finishing 70th after a gruelling 8-day qualifying tournament. This was the first time a Singaporean had qualified for a full card on the Epson Tour. She will be looking to go one better in 2023 and qualify for the LPGA. Furthermore, Gregory Foo and Nicklaus Chiam earned their full China tour cards, giving them a full schedule to play on for 2023. James Leow and Abdul Hadi has earned their Asian Development Tour cards through Asian Tour Q-school, while Koh Sock Hwee earned her LET Access card through Ladies European Tour Q-school.

 

Junior Inter-Club League

In order to produce top golfers, it is important for SGA to provide platforms for young talented junior golfers to develop their skills. SGA organises a range of junior tournaments from the Singapore Junior Golf Championship for elite juniors, to the SGA-Mandai Junior Golf Series for 6-12 year-olds held at Mandai Executive Golf Course every Wednesday.

One of SGA’s recent initiatives was the inaugural Junior Inter-Club League held from August to September 2022. This was a four-leg stableford series organised which featured junior golfers 14 years old or younger who proudly represented their clubs. The participating clubs were Keppel Club, National Service Resort & Country Club, Seletar Country Club, Singapore Island Country Club and Warren Golf & Country Club. SGA Future Squad members, aged 9-12 also had the opportunity to represent SGA in this event. Congratulations to Singapore Island Country Club who emerged victorious after finishing narrowly ahead of National Service Resort & Country Club.

The Junior Inter-Club League provides budding juniors with a platform not only to develop their skills in a competitive environment, but also to forge valuable friendships with fellow juniors along the way.

 

Pillar 3: Strengthening SGA’s financial position

The last pillar is to improve SGA’s financial position to ensure sustainability of our existing and upcoming programs.

SGA Fundraising Golf 2023

The Singapore Golf Association’s (SGA) Fundraising Golf 2023 was hosted at Sentosa Golf Club’s spectacular Tanjong Course, on 29th & 30th March 2023.

It was the first time SGA organised its fundraiser over two days and it saw more than 300 donors and guests across both days, including Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Mr. Goh Chok Tong, who graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour.

SGA Ambassador and international Mandopop star JJ Lin also shared a special video message thanking everyone for their contributions and support.

Over $360,000 was raised at this event, which was further matched dollar-for-dollar by the government through the One Team Singapore Fund (OTSF). As an Institution of Public Character (IPC), SGA is allowed to issue 2.5 times Tax Deductible Receipts for all individual and corporate donations.

It is very gratifying to know that the total of $720,000 in contributions will go towards further strengthening SGA’s high-performance and junior development programs, providing the athletes with the resources and training to reach their full potential. These include valuable opportunities such as overseas competitions and training camps to hone their skills.

We would like to thank SGA partners, as well as all the generous donors and sponsors for their support towards the success of SGA Fundraising Golf 2023.

I am also pleased to share the video which was played at the gala dinner of the fundraising event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99WN8nhwYyg

 

Corporate partnerships

Apart from fundraising, SGA has also setup a workflow to develop win-win collaborations with corporate partners, to provide value to them while ensuring the financial sustainability of SGA.

Over the past year, SGA has secured the following corporate partnerships:

ONERHT Foundation: Three-year donation of S$60,000 per year to support high-performance and junior development programs.
EFG Bank: Three-year sponsorship of S$100,000 per year including individual scholarships for athletes and overall support for high-performance and junior development activities.
BFG Golf: Three-year sponsorship of a total of close to S$250,000 for junior activities including new junior events which will be made affordable.

We are also finalising an extension of our collaboration with Lexus who has been a strong supporter of SGA.

SGA would like to sincerely thank all corporate partners for their unwavering support. SGA will continue providing opportunities for companies to showcase their brands by becoming title sponsors of our national golf events, sending marketing collaterals to a community of golfers who have expressed interest to receive these updates, or by advertising in GOLF:SG, SGA’s bimonthly e-magazine.

 

Moving forward

The past year has been marked by significant progress in developing the golf ecosystem, accelerating high performance, and strengthening SGA’s financial position. It has been an exciting first year where SGA achieved new milestones, while facing challenges along the way.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to the continued growth and success of golf in Singapore. We will continue to press on and I am confident that SGA will achieve the following nine strategic goals under our three pillars. The abovementioned activities are a testament to SGA’s efforts towards achieving strategic goals 1 to 6 below:

  1. Increase the number of golfers and the frequency of play by promoting inclusiveness and accessibility.

    2. Establish a thriving and engaged stakeholders fraternity by promoting stakeholders engagement and ESG leadership.

    3. Build golf’s reputation as a force for good by providing CSR leadership.

    4. Develop and establish a leading golf training & development infrastructure and framework for juniors, teenagers, amateurs to professionals to ensure golfing performance and excellence.

    5. Increase the appeal and profitability of SGA’s professional and amateur events by collaborating with leading regional and international bodies.

    6. Focus on Sponsorships and Commercial Assets, and diversification to enable SGA to strengthen its financial position.

    7. Increase the regional and international impact, influence and reputation of SGA.

    8. To develop the bench strength of the secretariat to enable SGA to fulfil its mission and vision, and achieve its strategic goals.

    9. Govern responsibly to ensure integrity, wellbeing, sustainable development, and enjoyment of golf.

    For strategic goal 7, SGA has been actively participating in international events such as attending The Masters, R&A International Golf Conference, Asia Golf Leaders Forum meetings and regional events such as national amateur and professional tournaments such as the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific, Taiwan Amateur Open and Korea Open. We have also met with our counterparts in Chinese Taipei region, HongKong SAR, Korea and Malaysia. We aim to continue strengthening our relationships with international governing bodies and golf federations to enhance the international reputation of SGA.

Strategic goal 8 is with reference to developing the Secretariat. We have taken strides in strengthening our Secretariat by strategically expanding our team with the addition of a senior finance and a senior operation staff to ensure efficient financial management and smooth operational functions. SGA will continue to professionalise the Secretariat by having dedicated professionals in critical areas, to ensure it operates at the highest level of professionalism and efficiency, to support and guide our associate organizations, namely the SLGA and SSGS.

As a National Sports Association (NSA), it is paramount to ensure that SGA operates with proper governance in order to promote transparency, accountability, and compliance with the relevant regulations and standards (strategic goal 9). We have been proactive in undergoing internal audits to review processes and identify areas of improvement in relation to best practices and compliance with the Code of Governance for Charities, Sport Singapore’s regulatory requirements, and Registry of Societies guidelines. These thorough exercises have identified potential risks and areas for improvements. We have developed and implemented mitigating strategies, set  timelines for implementation and identified risk owners who are accountable for these areas.

Overall, it has been an exciting and fulfilling first year in office as President of SGA. I look forward to continue working with my Executive Board colleagues, as well as the Governing Council, sub-committees and the Secretariat team to take Singapore golf to greater heights.

My heartfelt gratitude to the golfing community for your trust in SGA and I look forward to seeing you on the greens soon.

Yours Sincerely,

Tan Chong Huat
President
Singapore Golf Association