From as early as 12 pm, golfers began streaming in to Raffles Country Club (RCC) in high spirits despite the gloomy weather. Thunderstorms had been frequent in the week leading up to the SMA Annual Golf Tournament on 27 June 2018, but participants were eager and determined to play the course for it was likely the last opportunity to do so before RCC closed its doors for good.
At the sound of the shotgun, all 78 golfers headed out in their assigned flights, vying for the numerous trophies and awards that awaited them, especially the very attractive hole-in-one prize – a Mercedes-Benz E 200 AVANTGARDE. Despite the drizzle at the beginning of the tournament, many golfers commented that the weather was good (perhaps thanks to the chilli and onion spotted along the course) and that the well-maintained course was a pleasure to play on.
As the tournament came to a close, the participants freshened up and gathered in RCC's Stamford Suite, in anticipation of the dinner and prize presentation ceremony ahead. Dr Chan Kwai Onn, this year's convenor, delivered a short welcome address where he thanked our generous sponsors before announcing the commencement of dinner.
As the golfers chatted over the scrumptious buffet dinner, many regular faces were spotted, such as those of Drs William Verhoeven and Yvonne Soong. The couple has been participating in the tournament for well over ten years and this year was no exception. Always keen to spend an afternoon with friends and experience the camaraderie exuded, Drs Verhoeven and Soong would often encourage friends and colleagues to register for this yearly affair together.
Golfers also took advantage of the dinner break to visit the three booths put up by SMA eMarket, Singapore Medical Group and Bizmann System (S) Pte Ltd. Through visiting the booths, our participants learnt more about the convenience accorded to SMA Members via the SMA eMarket platform, where Members can purchase medical products from the comfort of their clinics or homes; Singapore Medical Group's revolutionary CardioScan; and the power of digitalisation, complete with a short presentation by Ms Michelle Ang of Bizmann System (S) Pte Ltd.
"I have been participating in the SMA Annual Golf Tournament since 1967, when there were only about two dozen players. I have rarely given it a miss since, because it is a good opportunity for us to associate with fellow doctors and it is where my love for both my profession and golf can come together."
- Dr James Chang Ming Yu, Trophy Sponsor
Moments later, the prize presentation took place amid much cheer and excitement. Our youngest and first-time SMA Annual Golf Tournament participant, Dr Jen Chi Loong, bagged awards for the longest drive and for coming in second place in the Stableford "A" Division. When approached, he shared that attending the tournament has given him the opportunity to not only experience the golf course at RCC, but has also connected him with other members of the profession, especially the new friends he made within his flight and over dinner. Perhaps not unexpectedly, with the many excellent GP representatives bagging the top prizes, the GP team emerged the winner of the Best Team award for the third consecutive year!
The day soon came to a close after the final lucky draw prize, a Wilson D300 Driver, was won by Dr Sim Kwang Soon. We look forward to another great afternoon of golf, fun and laughter next year with both our regular participants like Drs Verhoeven and Soong, and new friends like Dr Jen!
Congratulations to the Winners!
Best Gross:
Dr Gary Chee
Best Stableford:
Dr Leslie Kuek
Best Nett:
Dr Adrian Tan Yong Kuan
Best Senior Golfer:
Dr Lee Yew Chung, Peter
Best Senior Lady Golfer:
Dr (Mrs) Chang Li Lian
Best Lady Golfer:
Dr Soh Joo Kim
Best Team (GP vs Specialist)
Winner: GPs
Dr Adrian Tan
Dr Gary Chee
Dr Chong TatChong
Dr Soh Joo Kim
Dr Chen Sze Sin
Runner-Up: Specialists
Dr Tan Jee Lim
Dr Edward Foo
Dr Chan Kwai Onn
Dr Tay Jam Chin
Dr Chua Yang
Friends of SMA
Winner:
Mr Andrew Ng
Runner-Up:
Mr Alfred Ting