Golf: Singapore Golf Association opens first centre of excellence at Keppel
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(From left) Ian Roberts, director of golf at SICC; Ng Luo Yi, captain of Keppel Club; Joshua Ho, general manager of the Singapore Golf Association; and Andrew Johnston, general manager of Sentosa Golf Club signed an MOU to boost the sport's development in Singapore.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE GOLF ASSOCIATION
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SINGAPORE – In a boost for local golf’s development, the Singapore Golf Association has collaborated with Keppel Club to open its first centre of excellence.
The centre, to be hosted at Keppel’s upcoming Sime course, which will be ready in December, will serve to develop youth golfers in Singapore.
SGA will be given access to the driving range and short-game practice facilities. They will also get weekly 18- and nine-hole training slots, which would be a significant increase in course access.
SGA general manager Joshua Ho said: “This is a milestone for Singapore golf, and we look forward to building on this to eventually achieve our dream of having our very own home of golf in Singapore.”
Keppel Club captain Ng Luo Yi said: “Keppel Club has always been a strong advocate of junior golf, and we are excited and glad that we will play a part in supporting Singapore’s next generation of champions.”
The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) and Sentosa Golf Club have also strengthened their support by offering SGA squad members access to their practice facilities and golf courses.
The three clubs and the SGA signed a memorandum of understanding which took effect on Tuesday. The news was welcomed by national golfers such as Aloysa Atienza, 24, who thanked the clubs for giving players more practice opportunities.
The 2021 SEA Games individual silver medallist said: “Sentosa Golf Club has been providing access to its amazing practice facilities and golf course earlier this year due to my involvement in the major Games.
“This has allowed me to develop my game greatly. Now, also having the support of Keppel Club and SICC, it’s going to be better for myself and the rest of the squad members.”
SGA national squad member Ryan Ang said the increased course access will help players stay sharp throughout the year.
The 23-year-old said: “Regular training on course would allow us to apply what we have learnt and practised to the actual round and see how we fare. The courses are in great shape too, which makes for quality practice and development.
“I believe that this will help to hone the next batch of junior golfers, as greater access would encourage a variety of challenges and games to be played, creating a group of young golfers that are competition-ready and hungry for success.”
SICC’s director of golf Ian Roberts noted the importance of junior golf and is pleased to help SGA develop elite golfers.
He added: “With this collaboration, it allows juniors to gain more exposure and friendship through the game of golf.”
Sentosa Golf Club general manager Andrew Johnston is also looking forward to supporting Singapore’s junior golfers and help them get them ready to compete internationally.
Ho added: “The goal of the MOU is to provide SGA squad members increased opportunities to practice facilities and course access. This will improve the daily training environment for the athletes.
“Athletes will also get to experience a variety of course layouts and conditions, which is critical in their skill development. The partnership will ensure an optimal training environment for our athletes to succeed.”
