Tag Archives: Plus highway

Same Same But Different

14 Jul

Week in, week out, the routine feels the same; yet it is different, hence the saying, same same but different. Over the weekend, it was yet another outstation golf trip, but with our golf club instead of on our own.

Last Friday, hubby and I joined our club for an Interclub golf trip to Johor. The week before, I was in Seremban with my golf buddies for a 2D/1N excursion; this time, it was a 3D/2N outing.

Our first game was at Johor Golf and Country Club, which has been undergoing massive redevelopment but is open for play. The golf course was very enjoyable; however, the clubhouse is still under renovation, so we were not able to use the facility. Nonetheless, I give it a thumbs-up and would like to play there again once the redevelopment is completed and the clubhouse is ready.

The next day, we played at Orchard Golf and Country Club. Not a very nice course, honestly. Everything that worked the day before fell flat. Putting sucked because the greens were bald! So many times, my ball skidded past the hole and didn’t roll into it; a forgettable round of golf.

The hotel we stayed at is the usual choice whenever we travel down to Johor with the club. You can tell it is an old hotel when there are no modern plug points with USB ports at the bedside for charging use. But the seasoned traveler in me brought all the necessary charging docks, plugs and cables to overcome this, having stayed here on past trips with the club.

Finally, on the last day we had our Interclub golf challenge against Palm Resort Golf and Country Club. We were slated to play the Cempaka course. The other two courses were Allamanda and Melati.

Our day did not start well. An illegally parked car blocked our bus from leaving the open space car park compound, delaying us by 20 minutes. Then, as we made our way to the club, traffic was at a standstill on the narrow road for another 20 minutes, creating further anxiety for an already delayed journey. I thought we would arrive late, but thankfully, there was some breathing space and soon the tournament started after a quick breakfast.

It was a shotgun start, and my flight started on Hole 4. All was fine and going well until we crossed over to the back nine, which was very long. All the Par 3s, my goodness! I had to pull out my driver twice and couldn’t even reach the green. So demoralizing.

Towards the last three holes, the sky turned dark and threatened with rolling thunder, and strong wind followed. Dang! I rushed through my shots. Ugh. Beaten by the weather and overall unfamiliarity of the course!

We left Palm Resort defeated in the team event, unfortunately, but took heart that our club will host them for a return match in September at our home course. The team will take revenge then and take the trophy back. Hahahaha. Moving forward, I feel I could have played better, and would like to return to this golf club. Perhaps another trip down South? Something to think about.

There were some good memories as we left Johor for home at 3.00 pm. Traffic was horrendous, doubling the travel time back, arriving at the club near midnight. What a trip, what a journey towards the end. So another one filed away for remembrance until my next golf trip!

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Extended Weekend

2 Jun

It is nice to have an extended weekend with two replacement public holidays on Monday and Tuesday. But it throws the momentum off. Monday felt like Sunday, and Tuesday felt like a Saturday! It’s a weird feeling.

I played golf on Sunday and Tuesday, and Mother Nature had a little fun with us on both days. We gave up the last three holes when the rain started for the Sunday game, while on Tuesday, playing at a course outside and with five holes left, the rain came down in a fury and we didn’t have enough time to find shelter. I was soaked to my underwear. We decided to wait it out and did manage to complete the game.

The extended weekend saw many holidaymakers travelling. Some even took leave from work to stretch the holiday break. We opted not to be part of the crowd, hence, the golf and eating out because I deemed the home kitchen closed! Heheheh.

It will be quite some time before we have another long stretch of holiday break. So, making use of it and being happy about it!

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A Mini Break

24 Mar

Last week, we had an extended weekend break for Hari Raya, as the government declared Friday and Monday as public holidays. It was a welcome mini-break for many, which was evident from the jam-packed Plus highway filled with outbound travelers, from where I could see.

Rather than planning any trips or day excursions that would leave us stuck in traffic, we decided to stay indoors. We spent our time shopping, dining, and people-watching at the mall. Although the weather was too hot for outdoor activities, I did manage to play a round of golf. And was terrible at it! Hahaha. I think the heat got to me. Oh well, I know I’m on the downslide again as far as my golf is concerned.

There may not be another long stretch of holiday again so soon, but this is not going to stop me from planning a trip! So I am setting the wheels in motion for my next mini-break, minus the traffic and crowd.

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Wet Year-end Challenge, Part 2

25 Nov

It has been raining cats and dogs the past few days. The situation has gotten so bad that several toll gates on the main Plus highway had to be closed yesterday. Several states have experienced flooding, forcing families to leave their homes. A significant annual challenge as we approach the end of the year.

Closer to home, we typically have two issues: a garden filled with backlogged water that cannot drain due to the continuous rain, and an occasional leak in the roof. On the activity front, I have been very fortunate for the last two golf outings.

There were threats of impending downpours only to have the sun peak out, and strong gushes of wind to blow away the voluminous clouds. There was no need to bring out the raincoat, and the leather shoes held up without issues. And the rain came down only after we were all showered and sat down for lunch, for both games! Aren’t we blessed?

As I have said previously, I take each day in stride, and if the weather is unfavorable, it’s best to return to the clubhouse and be safe. If I can complete the round of golf with my friends, we return to the clubhouse to celebrate!

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Back-to-back Breaks, Part 2

16 Sep

September is a month of public holidays! We had another four-day weekend to chill and relax. So, we decided to do a KL city staycation to avoid driving along the Plus highway outstation with the two million travelers. However, the plan did not pan out.

A little past midnight on the night before our staycation, I received a WhatsApp notification informing us that our host had canceled our booking. Unfortunately, I did not see the message until the next morning. It was unbelievable, as it was the first time I had encountered such an issue on booking.com!

The poorly written message stated that the air conditioning in the apartment was not functioning. Upon testing, the electricity sparked and caused the main switch to shut down. Although the caretaker tried to fix it, the service provider decided to replace the air conditioning unit. However, they are unable to do so because it was a public holiday. Hrmph! What an elaborate reasoning! Or should I say, excuse?

By the way, I feel I need to write a bad review for this experience on the Booking app to highlight the incredulous last-minute reason and cancellation by the host. I need to navigate my way through the app or website to do this. What if I came from another state? All my plans would have been up in smoke!

We decided to still stick to our plans for all the activities and brush aside the disappointment. After all, there was a full refund for the cancellation. It was them who initiated the cancellation, not me after all.

In the end, the weekend turned out pretty relaxing. We ate, we walked, we braved the crowds, and we saw interesting things. The difference is that we came back home to sleep in our rooms, not in an apartment overlooking KLCC with faulty air conditioning.

Sunday’s eats and sights
Monday’s sights. Wait was too long Ho Kow, so we went somewhere else.

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July Interclub Down South

15 Jul

The Interclub trip down South over the weekend came and went by in a blink. Waking up at 4:30 in the morning is not something I wish to do often, but it was necessary, as everyone had to meet at the club to depart by six o’clock in two buses.

Although there were 60 players, some chose to drive instead. The journey was comfortable with fewer people on board, and traffic was manageable along the highway. Despite taking a couple of wrong exits, our group arrived on time.

Our first Interclub match was against Ponderosa Golf and Country Club. After the welcome lunch, the shotgun start matches began. It was a good fight, but our club lost out with a score of 13.5 points versus 16.5 points. However, Ponderosa, being a gracious host, declared everyone a winner! The losing team players received silver medals, while the champion host team members collected their gold medals. What a friendly way to build friendship in a golf tournament.

The next day, the entourage traveled to Singapore via Woodlands to visit the Keppel Club for our second Interclub game. The format of play was a bit different, which initially left everyone confused. It turned out to be a team event; our players were paired with the opponents, meaning we were playing with them rather than against them. The team with the best ball score for Stableford points will be declared the winner.

Keppel Club is not an easy course to play. It may look short, but the distances to the pins were deceiving, especially with the undulating terrain. I felt so drained after the game despite the cool and cloudy weather. The early confusion on the game format aside, I would say everyone left Keppel feeling satisfied and happy.

On the final day, we had a casual game amongst ourselves at Palm Resort Golf & Country Club (Cempaka course), which was not an Interclub match. I played with my regular group, and it was quite an enjoyable round of dueling to see who would end up contributing less money for lunch! Hahahaha.

I’m just glad to be home after the hectic and tight schedule for three rounds of golf.

Keppel Club with a glaring OB spelled out guarding the Par 3; approaching Woodlands on the Causeway, and sights of the other golf courses.

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Timely Change

8 Jul

Recently, I made some changes to the clubs in my golf bag. After that horrible sticky phlegm health issue that took forever to recover from, I lost distance with my driver and woods. And golf was not fun and very trying.

I decided to fix my problems with a few changes. I replaced my XXIO MP900 12.5-degree L-flex driver with an XXIO Prime 10.5-degree R-flex driver. Then I removed both the MP900 3-wood and 5-wood and replaced them with my old Cleveland Launcher woods.

After several games, I’m pleased to say the changes have worked out well. I am gaining 30 to 50 meters more, especially with the driver! Second and third shots become easier with more choices when the distance gained is so much.

Slowly but surely, I feel my game is coming back! Yay. I am very pleased, as it is a confidence booster ahead of the upcoming Interclub golf trip that I will be going with my club to Johor and Singapore. I hope the weather will be kind when the entourage makes its way down south. We leave this Friday.

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Reunion Dinner 2025

28 Jan

Today is Chinese New Year’s Eve and the Reunion Dinner night. This year, we will have our Reunion Dinner at home because of circumstances. In other words, we did not return to hubby’s hometown and avoided driving a long and arduous journey. Phew. Nor did we gather at my sibling’s place for this auspicious celebration.

Nonetheless, the Reunion Dinner, here or otherwise, is a time to be thankful for our family’s unity and bond. As both girls are now grown, I am most thankful they can be with us to usher in the Year of the Wood Snake together!

We count our blessings and would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Year ahead. Gong Xi Fa Cai / Kong Hey Fatt Choy / Kiong Hee Huat Chye!

This year, we added this festive decor besides the customary New Year red cloth at the main entrance to the house.

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Being Away

27 Aug

Last week, hubby and I escaped the doldrums of our daily routine for four days of golf! You would say that the golf part is the same, so how can this be different from the usual routine? When we play at other courses outstation, it’s exciting because the anticipation and expectation are different.

We left on a Thursday for Forest City Golf Resort. The drive was pleasant without too heavy the traffic. We detoured to a nearby town for a simple lunch at a coffee shop. Contented, we headed to Forest City for the 1.00 pm tee-off.

Played Legacy on Day 1, and Classic on Day 2

The golf course was pristine and in tip-top condition. We had a competitive round and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Dinner after the game was a good choice of chunky chicken satay and grilled fish. We requested that the spicy sauce be on the side instead of over the fish. We topped off the meal with hot ginger tea instead of beer. Nice.

Satay and grilled fish on Day 1, and burger and wrap for Day 2

On the second day, the situation changed though. We had an 8.45 am tee-off, and the pace was horrible. Every other hole and every shot, we were kept waiting. My momentum was out, I was angst to the core, and it was the worst game I played in a long while. Sigh. How can this be fun? Dang. I couldn’t wait for the game to be over. Double dang.

It got worse after that. Dinner was too heavy, and I was bloated. Ugh. An early night might be the remedy for the shortcomings. Thank goodness, the next day, we are checking out and headed to Desaru.

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Going Away

23 Aug

We decided to go away because our routine had been so monotonous. And I’m too busy having a good time to write about the escapade.

Details when we return!

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