The 2017 edition of the SMA Annual Golf Tournament was an eventful one for the 143 registered SMA Member and guest golfers. Unlike past years, this year's tournament took place over two Wednesdays – 5 July and 30 August.
On 5 July, many participants arrived as early as 11 am at Seletar Country Club (SCC) in anticipation of the afternoon of golf ahead. However, as the golfers were enjoying the buffet lunch, the sky began to darken and soon the lightning alert was sounded. Still, everyone hoped for the best and many were convinced that the game could proceed. As the suspension continued to be extended, it was soon apparent that the game could not be played that day and participants were visibly disappointed. Nevertheless, the participants made the most of the afternoon and took the opportunity to catch up and mingle with fellow golfers instead.
Dinner commenced in SCC's Seletar Room promptly at 6 pm with this year's convener, Dr Chong Tat Chong, delivering his welcome speech. He thanked the golfers for their support despite the poor weather and proceeded to thank the various sponsors for their efforts and sponsorships. Amid the words of appreciation, Dr Chong also persuaded one of our Hole-in-One sponsors, ASA Holidays, to offer the return air ticket to Hong Kong as a lucky draw prize for the dinner guests instead!
Tokens of appreciation were then presented to our valued sponsors, before Ms Michelle Ang, representative from the main sponsor Bizmann System (S) Pte Ltd, took to the stage for a short presentation on their firm's services. She also took the opportunity to introduce everyone to the SMA eMarket portal, an SMA initiative that allows our members to purchase medical products easily and conveniently. Dinner continued and the participants enjoyed the delectable dishes and wine while they awaited the highlight of the evening – the lucky draw segment.
Many participants were eager to hear their numbers being called out, for there was a generous range of prizes that included various electronic products, shopping and dining vouchers, and even four bags of premium durians! The evening then concluded with the presentation of the much anticipated lucky draw prize – the return air ticket to Hong Kong – which was won by Dr Goh Swee Heng.
The dinner soon came to a close, but that was not the end of this year's event as Dr Chong announced that the golf tournament was postponed to 30 August and encouraged the participants to return for their shot at winning the trophies and prizes.
On 30 August, 136 excited golfers streamed in from 11.30 am onwards and were looking forward excitedly to the tee off scheduled for 1.30 pm. With a clear sky and bright sunlight, the shotgun sounded promptly and the golfers set off for the greens. Unfortunately, as evening drew near, the weather took an unexpected turn and the lightning alert was sounded once again. This caused the tournament to come to an abrupt end for many golfers who were still giving their best out on the course.
Nevertheless, the participants returned to the clubhouse and washed up in preparation for the prize presentation. Convener Dr Chong Tat Chong took to the stage, as participants enjoyed some light refreshments, to commence the prize presentation with a short welcome address. Since the 18-hole course was not completed, Dr Chong announced that the Best Gross and Best Nett positions were undeterminable, before proceeding to award the rest of the prizes.
This year, a new trophy – the Best Senior Lady Golfer: The Goh Swee Heng Challenge Trophy – was included in the list of prizes and it was won by none other than Dr Goh herself! When she received the trophy and prize on stage, Dr Goh explained that she had sponsored this trophy to encourage more senior women golfers to join the tournament. She also shared that it is a precious opportunity for GPs and specialists to spend an informal afternoon networking, especially with the younger participants.
The event came to an end with loud applause and cheers from the golfers in support for the tournament. We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces in next year's SMA Annual Golf Tournament!
Congratulations to the Winners!
Best Stableford
Dr Chan Kwai Onn
Best Senior Golfer
Dr Leslie Kuek
Best Senior Lady Golfer
Dr Goh Swee Heng
Best Lady Golfer
Dr Howe Wen Li
Stableford Men's Division
First: Dr Gary Chee
Second: Dr Chong Tat Chong
Third: Dr Bernard Lim Yon Kuei
Fourth: Dr Tan Jee Lim
Stableford Ladies' Division
First: Dr Yvonne Soong
Second: Dr Soh Joo Kim
Senior Men's Division
First: Dr Lim Chong Sian
Second: Dr Wong Teck Sin
Best Team (GPs versus Specialists)
Champion: GP Team
Dr Gary Chee
Dr Chong Tat Chong
Dr Peck Ming-Hsin Stanley
Dr Adrian Tan Yong Kuan
Dr Howe Wen Li
Runner-Up: Specialist Team
Dr Chan Kwai Onn
Dr Bernard Lim Yon Kuei
Dr Tan Jee Lim
Dr Charles Tan Tse Kuang
Dr Goh Swee Heng
Friends of SMA
Men's First: Mr David Soh
Men's second: Mr Xavier Tay
Men's Third: Mr Thean Tsin Piao
Ladies' First: Ms Gillian Sim
Ladies' Second: Ms Vicky Zan
Ladies' Third: Ms Wendy Soh