Tag Archives: Malaysia

LPGA Action in Malaysia

27 Oct

The LPGA Tour returns to Malaysia after a six-year absence, and I’m excited about it! Right in our backyard instead of on TV in another continent far away. Yesterday, hubby and I joined many golfing enthusiasts to watch the Day One of the tournament at KLGCC. What an experience!

However, I have to admit that the day did not start well. We opted to take public transport instead of driving directly to the venue for the tournament. Unfortunately, we waited for quite some time for the courtesy van. There was no proper pick-up point signage at the MRT stop. We ended up hailing a ride instead. But being at the venue made up for this little cumbersome detail.

A delight to see Rose Zhang at the Par 3, Hole 15

It was surreal to see all the LPGA players in person, although not quite as close but enough. We stayed at the Par 4, Hole 14, and Par 3, Hole 15 most of the time because they were side by side and had a great view. Separately, it was too hot to venture to the other holes. It was weird to see a call-on situation for a Par 4. Hole 14 was 364 yards (333 meters) but reachable for these pros.

The Par 4, Hole 14 was crowded with two flights for the call-on situation

Typically, a call-on would be on a Par 3, where the flight in front would step aside to allow the flight behind to tee off because of the short distance. But this was a Par 4, 364 yards, no less. Yet, several times, the call-on was initiated because these ladies could put their balls on the green! Some even flew past the green.

Atthaya Thitikul assessing her tee-off plugged ball several feet off the green at Hole 14.

We saw many birdies made on that hole, and it was very entertaining. But when they landed their balls in the rough, it wasn’t an issue. They were able to recover and make par. I learned a new thing or two from watching their approach strategy.

The thing that amazed me most was their putting. Every single player that I saw made putting so easy. I wish I could do the same, or at least half of their ability. My putting is, ugh, a constant battle.

Nellie Korda was all smiles with her one putt for a birdie on Hole 14.

Sadly, I did not attend Day Two of the tournament this morning, and on Saturday, I have a game lined up. I hope I have been inspired enough by the LPGA pro ladies to play a good round of golf or return with some good putting stats.

DIY Project #31, Part 2

29 Sep

It was a public holiday yesterday and a rare occasion that I did not play golf. Instead, I caught up with my crafting. Finally, DIY project number 31 is a wrap! It took six weeks, but there were days when I did not touch the project at all. Nevertheless, I’m pleased with the pace I took for it.

Light off, light on
Details of the kitchen

And thank goodness the set can sit inside the Ikea display cabinet. But I had to move some around earlier to fit in project number 30. I will take a short break from crafting, as usual, before starting number 32, which I am still undecided about which one to take on.

There is the super tiny walnut kit that I recently purchased, or I could work on the Molan House, which is equally minuscule. Let’s see what my mood will be on decision day.

Celebrating the Country

18 Sep

Last Saturday was Malaysia Day, and it was a good reason to celebrate the occasion. We opted for a meal in the city center so that after dinner, we could drive around town to see city skyscrapers lit up.

Malaysia Day dinner

We were not disappointed, as KLCC was illuminated in the Malaysian flag colors beautifully. The iconic towers never cease to take my breath away each time we go into the city, and that night was a sight to remember. A toast to my country, and Happy Malaysia Day!

Approaching the towers, a sight to behold
The iconic KLCC in Malaysian flag colors!

Celebrating the Anniversary

1 Sep

Every year, when our wedding anniversary comes around, it is a public holiday. We chose the date to coincide with the country’s Merdeka Day celebration, 31st August, so we don’t have to work on this special day. When Malaysia celebrates her birthday nationwide, we celebrate our anniversary with a trip or a dinner.

This year, we decided to have a low-key dinner. We didn’t even order a bottle of wine to pair with our meal, just a glass each. But it was just as lovely despite the boisterous ambiance of the restaurant.

Lovely anniversary dinner

I have lost count of the years, but does it matter? Happy anniversary, and a toast to us!

Bonus Holiday

14 Aug

It is a Monday but a public holiday today, a bonus one. Over the weekend, it was Election Day for six states in the country. Our state of Selangor was one of them, delayed from November because of Covid, although the federal election went on.

I voted for the State Elections

With the outcome of the state elections maintaining the status quo, the nation has to move on now that this is over. I feel so tired because of this.

Or could it be that the neighbor’s dogs are the culprit of my lack of sleep? Every morning before my alarm rang, without fail, they would bark the street down and spoils the sleep-in. So this bonus public holiday is pointless because the dogs were at it again. Grr.

Day 2: Jakarta

7 Aug

Last night, we had dinner at PIK2, a new development with a lot of dining choices, as well as tourist attractions. The place was just so happening! So much to see, so much to eat.

People were dancing and enjoying themselves

After a simple meal, it was time to head back to the hotel and rest for golf the next day.

It was 4.45 am when the morning call woke me up. Goodness, such an ungodly hour, but then again, the time is about right because of the time difference. Jakarta is an hour behind KL.

My personal passport at RJGC
Very scenic
The only aircraft I managed to capture

Royale Jakarta Golf Club was an enjoyable course situated next to the airport. Now and then, we could hear the roar of an aircraft’s engine in the background. I was trying hard to capture an image of an airplane descending with my iPhone whenever the sound came about. Not easy when it was rather smoggy in the air. I could only manage a helicopter instead!

Everyone had a caddy each, so a flight of four players had four caddies! For the record, I did 39 putts. Horrid is the only word to describe my efforts, but I enjoyed the outing and the company thoroughly. A good day to remember fondly.

Break in Momentum

21 Jul

Public holidays are always a welcome occasion! We had a public holiday in the middle of the week. A break in momentum from golf, work, and routine, so hubby and I took in a movie which was a welcomed change.

So far, it is the only break for July; the next public holiday is at the end of August. Perhaps another movie during that time? Hmm.

A Welcomed Holiday

5 Jun

I thought this month we would not have any public holidays to enjoy after all the long stretches in May; well, I thought wrong! Today is a public holiday, being the King’s birthday. Long live our King!

It’s also a welcomed opportunity to recuperate from yesterday’s tediously long drive back from hubby’s hometown. After this, it’s back to the grind and daily routine.

It is a Monday

1 May

When a public holiday falls on a Monday, I lose track of time. I thought yesterday was a Saturday and today a Sunday. But, no, this is a second Monday public holiday, two weeks in a row already for April. I better not get used to this! But wouldn’t it be nice if our life schedule could be like this, with a three-day weekend and just four days for work?

Let’s not be complacent and get used to the lull because there are no long stretches of public holidays anymore in May. Reality sinks in tomorrow but with one last hurrah for another public holiday on Thursday. Then, it is full steam ahead for a regular ho-hum month.

Is It a Monday? Part 2

25 Apr

You could say the chill and fun period of the holiday break is over for now, until next week, the holiday break repeats! Unbelievable. Malaysia is a country full of public holidays. So what’s going on next week?

Well, Labor Day is Monday, followed by Wesak Day on Thursday. That’s two days of public holiday again. But the holidays are between two working days during the week, thus a tad disruptive to the week. Am I complaining? Of course not! Hehehe. I should enjoy such breaks whenever they occur.