Tag Archives: golf

It’s a Small World

29 Mar

When we went to Forest City Golf Resort, we thought we had the perfect getaway from it all. Little did we know, we would bump into two golfing friends who were also there for golf. It’s a small world!

The first encounter was a brief one in the pro shop when the friend was heading out as we were walking in. A quick chat was all we had. The second encounter was equally brief, but we made plans to meet up for dinner as the friend had just checked in.

On Friday afternoon after our morning tee-off, M1 and I decided to visit Legoland, located not too far from the resort. Hubby opted out since he had work to do. So the arrangement worked out well.

Both of us spent the hot and humid afternoon wandering through the attractions at Legoland. The Day Pass ticket was not cheap. But we were upgraded to an Annual Pass as the theme park is trying to retain or attract visitors. So would we visit again with the Annual Pass? Perhaps.

No crowd, no queue, it was ideal

The plus side of a semi-post-pandemic situation is no crowds in a theme park. There was no queue at all the rides, not many wailing kids to contend with, and no icky arms close to us because everyone had to maintain the one-meter social distancing. It was perfect save for the humid weather.

The mini wonders at Legoland
Sealife at Legoland

After completing the outdoor attractions and rides, we moved indoors to Sealife aquarium. I think we enjoyed the air-conditioning more than the attractions! The rain came down when we came out from Sealife. It was a short drizzle, and the umbrella came in handy as we headed to the car.

That evening, we had dinner with our friends in the next township from Forest City, followed by a bottle of lovely French wine in the hotel lobby. It was a good getaway for us to rejuvenate and reset to face our daily routine.

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Forest City Golf Resort

28 Mar

Forest City Golf Resort is a lovely golf resort. But I have to say there aren’t many choices within the resort as far as dining is concerned. Nonetheless, food is not the main highlight of this trip, as there is much to share of the two golf courses – the Legacy Course and Classic Course.

Each course has its characteristics, appeal, and challenge. Being there for the first time, we were unaware of the layout at times, as we did not have a caddy to guide us. But since buggies are allowed on the course, this predicament was not a big issue. We had all the time in the world, and at times, a short drive up to see the layout was necessary before hitting our shots.

Both courses had very pristine fairways, even the roughs along the way. The ball floats nicely on top, and it is not difficult to get out from the rough. The tee boxes were a joy as they were even and had carpet-like quality grass. As for the greens, it wasn’t as fast as touted. But all in all, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

There is hardly a blade of grass out of place on the fairways. The only thing messing up the perfect condition was an unexpected bird poop I spotted on our second day. It was indeed jarring to the overall greenery of the golf course. Even the wasteland features were immaculate.

The eye-sore bird poop on the fairway!

The only thing we did not enjoy was the annoying crows. They were very aggressive, following us throughout each game and coming in packs to hoover in our buggy, looking for food, which we did not have. I suspect they have honed their senses to zero in for grub. After all, the resort is four years old, and the crows have been around since its inception. I was glad for the sanitizer provided by the resort, and I used it on the buggy each time after shooing the crows away.

The golf course is as good, if not better, as some of the golf courses in Thailand without the price tag and long journeys that include flying and taxi rides. For us, it’s only a four-hour drive with allowance to detour for a meal and time to spare to settle down before the allotted afternoon tee-off slot on the first day.

We will make another trip down south again soon, very soon.

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A Getaway!

25 Mar

It is nice when we can have a getaway after staying put for so long. When M1 had to clear her work-leave days, we jumped at the opportunity. But the trip had to include golf for us.

So here we are, at Forest City Golf Resort in Johor, for our golfing fun and her, a relaxing escape from work stress to enjoy the other activities.

The lobby area of Forest City Golf Resort

The drive down south was pleasant, and we arrived at the resort ahead of schedule yesterday. The golf course was not busy at all, and being buggy-on-course, we thoroughly enjoyed this.

The fairways were in superb condition, likewise the greens. Even the tee boxes were excellent, level all the time, unlike our club where we find the ground not even to stand when we tee up.

We play our second game today.

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First in Two Years

15 Mar

I went for a body massage yesterday, my first after two years under lockdown because of the pandemic. And it felt so good as the masseur worked out all my kinks and knots accumulated during this time.

But it is not good to play golf the next day after a massage. Throughout the game, the after-massage sores flared, and I felt it, thus hitting quite a few errant shots.

So the game this morning was not as sharp. Oh well, I guess one can’t have it good all the time. But for me, the massage was more of a necessity than playing a good round today, and I’m glad I went for the much-needed pampering.

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Phenomenal Putting

14 Mar

Lately, I have been alternating my putters for my golf games. This routine started right after a club medal game in October last year when I three-putted five holes, and I was so disgusted by it. The Scotty Cameron Squareback was put aside immediately for the Peanut Putter for subsequent games.

Things worked out fine at the beginning. But when the Peanut was not performing to my dismay, making too many three-putts, I had to retire it to make way for Scotty again. So I found myself alternating my putter choice now and then, and this pattern has been ongoing since. One putter can work like magic, but when it falters with time, it makes way for the other. Putting is not just a skill by itself but also a recalibration process periodically.

Despite switching now and then, my putting has improved, and it shows. In my latest game yesterday, I was phenomenal putting from all distances, making ten one-putts! My flight mates were left speechless many a time, witnessing my clutch putting. I was, of course, elated at my ability. Not often enough do I perform so well. I hope this streak can continue.

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On a New Mission, Part 3

7 Mar

The daily walk routine is not very daily on non-golfing days. The weather has not been kind and disrupts the schedule. Thank goodness, on golfing days, the rain comes down only after the game.

Despite the disruptions, my mission to lose all that fat gained during Chinese New Year has been encouraging. Maybe it’s not just fat but water retention, and I should sweat it out?

Whatever it is, this morning’s walk showed some encouraging numbers as I have lost almost two pounds. Another three to five pounds to shed would be ideal. I have to keep it up, rain or shine, to complete this mission.

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On a New Mission, Part 2

22 Feb

This new mission to do a daily half an hour walk on non-golfing days is coming along well. But I find that half an hour is insufficient for me to even break out in a sweat. By the time I get my engine revved up, time is up, and we’re home.

This morning, I decided to do a little extra, clocking in 47 minutes and covering a distance of 3.93 kilometers. Sweated, I did, and it felt good.

Perhaps from here forth, I should walk at least 45 minutes or more; maybe even try to hit five kilometers. I believe the distance is achievable, and the set walking duration will surpass. Good progress within such a short time, I’d say.

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A Clever Hack, Part 2

21 Feb

My clever hack to salvage my broken umbrella arm was not so practical after all! The straw held up only when the umbrella was not in use.

When I did use my umbrella during my golf game, the sharp edge of the metal arm cut through the straw and compromised the strength. In the end, the hack fell apart. Oh well.

So, instead of repeating the same hack and facing the same issue, I cut away the two protruding metal pieces for safety reasons. The longer metal piece was almost poking my head when I used the umbrella.

With this modification, my umbrella now has a second lease in life. I hope this time, it will last a little longer than the initial hack. Otherwise, I’d have to replace my golf umbrella.

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On a New Mission

18 Feb

I have been snacking a lot lately. Too much, in fact. Two days ago, I stood on the bathroom scale, and the numbers horrified me! I need to do something about it.

Mind you – we have stopped our Intermittent Fasting (IF) regime ever since the pandemic broke. And it’s been a little more than two years already. Initially, my weight was stable, and it even dipped. I was pleased. But it has crept up again recently. I suspect it’s all that after-game beer and snacking on Chinese New Year cookies.

So right after the Chap Goh Meh dinner, I have embarked on a new mission to shed all those extra pounds. On top of playing my regular golf games, I will do a half-hour morning walk on days when I am not playing golf. It will be beneficial for my legs, muscles, and abs.

Let’s see how my number will be after a month on this new mission. Oh, I should also reduce my beer intake after all the golf games. Stay tuned for my progress!

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Chap Goh Meh 2022

15 Feb

Today is Chap Goh Meh, the last day to celebrate the Lunar New Year. After 15 days of celebration, today is the finale. However, it has been a lack of celebrations again this year because of the pandemic and restrictions. But despite the situation, we are planning a big feast tonight to mark the occasion.

I have to admit I have gained weight over the past two weeks, eating and snacking on all the cookies without any discipline. So after tonight’s big steamboat meal, I will start my diet. From tomorrow onwards, no more cookies, more golf but no beer, and throw in morning walks to shed those extra pounds!

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