I remembered blogging about crap December weather early this year. December 2006 was shit for golfing. It rained every other day and it really deprived us of golf. Even when it wasn't raining, the fairways were waterlogged and muddy.
But, December 2007 was simply excellent. I managed to play at 2 Mickey-Mouse courses in Singapore and twice at Batam.
Mickey Mouse Course 1 - Jurong Country Club Executive Course
Couldn't remember the exact date that I played here, but it was with SW and Alfred. This was the day when I found out that a 60 degree lob wedge is a pretty cool club to have in your bag. It gave me good short game control and got me out of trouble rather easily. Got to practice with it though, otherwise you'll have a topped-the-freakin'-ball-fly-to-the-other-bunker experience. Kept my scores to pars, bogeys and double bogeys. Well, except for a par 3 that I completely bombed, which I limited the scores at double par. Couldn't say the same for an off-color SW though.
Scores:
Mickey Mouse Course 2 - The Royal Tanglin
After playing here, I felt that The Royal Tanglin is the Mickey-Mousiest course here in Singapore. I've always wanted to go for a round there because of the convenient and hip location. However, like my experience with stinky blue cheese, after trying it, I won't be hankering for it anymore.
I played there with SW and Joe. Initially we kept scores. But after a while, as there was no one playing (due to the overcast and drizzling weather), we used the course as a practice ground for chipping and putting. If we've played properly for the entire 9 holes, we would have been done in 45 minutes or faster. I wouldn't recommend Royal Tanglin unless you are an absolute beginner or if you are bringing your kids out. Drinks at Dome, located at the somewhat pretentious Dempsey Hill was pretty good though.
Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort
Palm Springs, the place where it all began for me! Armed with much better skills and confidence 2 years on, I played a pretty decent round. Pwa and I shared a buggy, while SW and Hazeman shared another one. Nothing much to say about this course, except that the fairways and greens are still pretty well-maintained, the caddies give excellent advice on distances and techniques, and the shower rooms sucked. Oh, and my drives were "like a pro". That didn't come from my, but from my flight mates and caddies. Aiyah, OK only lah. :p
Scores:
Southlinks Country Club
All these while, we were holed up in the Nongsa part of Batam, thinking that Batam only has 2 courses worth going to, Palm Springs and Tering Bay. Then, we found out about Southlinks Country Club.
This place has the most expensive green fees in Batam. For weekday golf, be expected to fork out around $110. That's weekday mind you. And for weekends, if what is stated on the website is correct, it's around $140 for 18 holes. That's equivalent to a round at the luxurious Ria Bintan! Well, with the slightly higher fees, we expected a better quality club house, better greens, better fairways, and better service. Luckily, we weren't disappointed.
Without going into too much details, Southlinks offers the best golfing experience in Batam compared to Tering Bay and Palm Springs. I was particularly impressed with the changing and shower rooms, which has all kinds of stuff in there. Sauna, steam bath, and even a Japanese Ofuro! As for the fairways and greens, they are excellent. Nicely textured and manicured, comparable even to Ria Bintan!
The best thing about this course? I hit one of my lowest scores here! A 96!
Scores:
