The 2019 run of the SMA Annual Golf Tournament, held on 17 July at Sembawang Country Club, was well attended by SMA Members and guests. To encourage and foster interprofessional ties, SMA extended the invitation to our friends from other professional bodies both within and outside the healthcare sector, playing host to members of the dentistry and law professions this year.
With clear skies above and gorgeous undulating greens beneath, more than 70 golfers were off to a shotgun start at 1.30 pm after a scrumptious buffet lunch. Everyone made sure to give their best shots during the tournament as they vied for the numerous challenge trophies and novelty prizes, not to mention the hole-in-one prize – a Mercedes-Benz E200 AVANTGARDE.
As dusk approached, each flight of golfers made their way back to the clubhouse to freshen up for the dinner and prize presentation. The convener of this year's tournament, Dr Adrian Tan, took to the stage to address the golfers. He thanked everyone for their participation, commenting that the event is a good way in which doctors – especially GPs and specialists – could have the opportunity to get together and interact with one another. Dr Tan also complimented the golf course's well-manicured greens, thanked the event, trophy and goodie bag sponsors for their support, and wished everyone a good evening ahead. Upon commencement of the eight-course Chinese-style dinner, the banquet hall was abuzz with chatter as golfers networked and reminisced on the day's happenings.
Shortly into the dinner, Ms Michelle Ang of Bizmann System (S) Pte Ltd, the main sponsor of the event, took to the stage to share more about the digitisation and automation of supply purchases. Attendees were encouraged to visit the booth set up by Bizmann to find out more about their company's services. Additional booths were also set up by the SMA eMarket to review how the e-procurement portal can further enhance its support for SMA Members and their clinics' needs, and by the SMA Charity Fund (SMACF) who promoted their Adopt-A-Bear campaign, a newly launched fundraising effort to support underprivileged medical students in their education journey. We would like to thank all golfers who generously donated to SMACF's cause.
The banquet hall quietened to a hush as emcee Dr Chan Kwai Onn appeared on stage for the moment everyone was waiting for: the prize presentation ceremony. A round of cheers and applause erupted from the golfers as each winner was announced. For the fourth consecutive year, the GP team was all smiles as they received the Best Team Award.
Lawyer Mr Leon Koh, who was participating in the SMA Annual Golf Tournament for the first time, took home prizes for the longest drive with a whopping record of 258 meters and for placing first in the Friends of SMA category. When approached by SMA News, Mr Koh, who is also the Law Society of Singapore's golf convener, expressed that he enjoyed the event and complimented the team, saying that "The fact that you managed to get so many sponsors is a testament to how well organised and well run the event is."
As the night drew close to an end, everyone was at the edge of their seats in anticipation for the final segment – the lucky draw. A grand total of 20 prizes, ranging from golf accessories to water filters and dining vouchers, were given out to the lucky winners. The hearty chatter wound down soon after and the tired but happy golfers bade goodbye to friends – both new and old.
SMA would like to thank all Members and friends whom we trust enjoyed their time on the greens and at the dinner. Catching up with Dr Li Man Kay, who is a regular golfer and has been participating in SMA's golf tournaments for more than ten years, he shared that "it's not so much about the competition but the friendship and the game itself" that brings him back year after year. We look forward to bridging more inter- and intraprofessional ties to build a more collegial working environment. See you at next year's tournament!
Congratulations to the Winners!
Best Gross:
Dr Chong Tat Chong
Best Stableford:
Dr Charles Tan Tse Kuang
Best Nett:
Dr Tay Jam Chin
Best Senior Golfer:
Dr Kuek Bak Lim Leslie
Best Lady Golfer:
Dr Howe Wen Li
Best Team (GP vs Specialist)
Winner: GPs
Dr Chong Tat Chong
Dr Robert Ong Chee Meng
Dr Beng Teck Liang
Dr Adrian Tan Yong Kuan
Dr Howe Wen Li
Runner-Up: Specialists
Dr Charles Tan Tse Kuang
Dr Chan Kwai Onn
Dr Kelvin Chew Tai Loon
Dr Tay Jam Chin
Dr Ng Hui Nai
Friends of SMA
Winner:
Mr Leon Koh
Runner-Up:
Mr Andrew Ng
