New Equipment to usher in 2007

Yes, it's the end of the year, and people are generally more generous to themselves or otherwise. And expectedly so, I've spent some money to get myself new golf equipment!

I read that center-shafted putters are more suited for golfers who putt along the line instead of an arc (do correct me if I'm wrong). So, I bought the center-shafted TaylorMade Monza Corza putter. It's a beautifully-made putter, with its clean lines and smooth finishing. Technology-wise has the much-marketed Anti-Skid Groove System Insert (AGSI), which "negates backspin and promotes forwardspin for a smooth, tight roll, improved distance control and accuracy". There's also the Movable Weight Technology (MWT) for you to customize the feel. And, the putter is highly rated as it is included in Golf Digest's Hot List for 2006. Got it for SG$275 at MST Golf in Far East Shopping Center.





Next, I bought a new pair of shoes. You may wonder why, as I already have a pair. Well, I lost my old pair. Nuff' said. Anyways, I've got another pair of Adidas. This time, it's the Adidas Tour Traxion, A.K.A Tour 180, as it looks just like the Tour 360, but half the price. I've wore it a few times at the driving range. So far, so good. It feels more comfortable and it seems to grip better compared to my old ones. Love the gold stripes. Cost me SG$133 at Heritage Sports & Golf, Far East Shopping Center.




Finally, I bought a 60-degree Nickent Genex ARC wedge. Why? Because I don't have a club that lofty in my bag, and it costs only SG$65 at Golf Zone (also at Far East Shopping Center). I think it's a great deal because the N.S Pro 950 GH shaft costs $80 alone (well, according to the shop assistant). I'll probably use it for deep bunkers and extreme slopes. Tried this club at the range, and I have to say, it lifts the ball up rather easily. I know it's not as good as Titleist or Cleveland wedges, but hey, it's only $65!




Happy holidays and have a great 2007 ahead. Let's hope we can get a single-digit handicap before 2008. Haha!

Khaki Kakis go international

Nongsa, Batam - For this leg of the Khaki Kakis Tour, 3 golfers sailed across the Straits of Singapore to go to the Palm Spring Golf and Beach Resort. What's at stake is bragging rights, and a free beer at Wala Wala.

2 out of the 3 9-hole courses were selected for this tournament - the ironically named Island Course, which is mostly inland, and the beautiful Palm course. The Palm course features the signature 6th hole, whose tee-off area oversees the South China Sea.

The Hazeman did not capitalize on his home ground advantage, hitting scores that are consistently bad on the first and second 9. Although he did improve his overall technique, course management is another aspect that he needs to improve sooner than later.

SW tried to focus his energy into his swing using tai-chi techniques. As beautiful as his swing was, the ball mostly landed at the unintended part of the golf course. Putting, as usual, gave him some problems. But, after some refinement, he should be the golfer to look out for.

CE started off badly with wayward shots at the 2nd hole. Balls flew into the lakes, they didn't fly and they didn't roll. However, after he stopped making fun of his flight mates and started concentrating on his game, he managed to submit better scores. One bright aspect of his game is his accurate drives. They aren't the furthest, but most of them land on the fairway.

Expectedly, CE won this tournament, and by a rather large margin.

"It was really exciting as we had the chance to go overseas. As much as I like to win, the fun we had playing golf on well-maintained courses with great kakis was the highlight for me," CE said. "I'll really look forward to another of such trips in the future."


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Quotable quotes

My shoes are water proof!
Seng Wee, commenting about his new FootJoy shoes


Eat snake and play golf. Shiok man!
Richard, while eating snake and playing golf


You should learn to use the driver, it hits further than any of your irons.
Richard, just before he drives a mere 100m into the trees


Must use the driver mah, more fun!
Cheow Eng, just before he drives a mere 110m into the rough


Technology lah!
Seng Wee, on why Richard can hit further than him


F*ck!
Cheow Eng, after missing a 3 ft birdie putt


I need to send my wife to the waxing parlor.
Richard, on why he can't join us for dinner


F*cking greens!
Cheow Eng, on the sandy and holey condition of the greens


Na B*i
Cheow Eng, after he realizes that he lost to Richard by a single stroke again


I'm going to beat you guys later, after I had my Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Seng Wee, before the golf game


I don't think you guys can count
Seng Wee, after losing by more than 10 strokes


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