It was a momentous occasion when Golf Asia’s Golf Experience came to a successful conclusion on May 5 2021 at Laguna National Golf and Country Club.
This past year and a half have been both a boon and a challenge for golf—the global lockdown on travel has seen the burgeoning return of past, current and new golfers eager to get outdoors and onto green fairways. And while socially distanced golf has been the norm, there remained a section of the golfing fraternity thirsting for just a little more beyond that of the usual foursome among friends.
That groundswell of desire was reason enough to stage Golf Asia’s Golf Experience, a specially curated event for readers of the magazine. Despite and because of the changed golfing landscape, it was time to reconnect for the common love of the game, and perhaps have some fun.
Safety first, golf later
Within 24 hours of the event’s announcement, 50 Golf Asia readers more than quickly seized the opportunity for a first-hand experience of the performance of Cobra Golf’s latest Radspeed drivers and Puma golf apparel, all while indulging in their favourite pastime.
The Golf Experience began with a fitting session at MST Golf’s Suntec City Superstore, where each golfer was fit to size in the latest Puma golf apparel for an elevated on-course look. This included the Pique P Polo with an all-over subtle “P” pattern with moisture wicking, breathable four-way stretch fabric; the unique Ignite NXT Crafted golf shoes with spikeless traction, and “P” caps personalised with each golfer’s name.
Using the instore golf simulator, the latest Cobra Radspeed drivers were also on hand for each golfer to experience how radial weighting technology could optimise their golf game.
Teeing up with the Puma Ignite NXT golf shoes
With stringent check-in measures and safety protocol in place to ensure the safety of all concerned, it was a cool Wednesday afternoon when all eager golfers convened at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club and got their first look at the redesigned clubhouse with upgraded and new lifestyle facilities. For most, it was also their first golf event in more than a year.
Between Laguna National’s Classic and Masters, two 18-hole courses that have won prestigious accolades and hosted international championships, the parkland-styled Masters was the course of choice that challenged the golfers to produce astute course management and accurate approach shots into fast and true Bermuda grass greens.
It was smiles all around as the golfers vied for the title of ‘Best Dressed’ and welcomed back familiar and long missed novelty challenges during the 18-hole round. Prizes ranging from Oakley sunglasses to Cobra golf equipment and The Glenlivet 18-years Scotch whiskey were highly sought after. Congratulations to the three Nearest-The-Pin winners, Ooi Wai Kin, Anthony Lee, and Alvin Tan; and to the Nearest-The-Line winner Michael Ng.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the Hole-In-One prize of a $28,000 luxury watch winder from Buben & Zorweg. A just reward for successfully navigating the difficult 8th hole, a par 3 with water bordering the front and right sides of the green. Playing it too safe to the left could leave a demanding chip shot from sand or rough back towards water onto the long narrow green.
Staying hydrated with the Golf Asia Hydro Flask
To keep coolly hydrated for their next golf game, each golfer received a Golf Asia Hydro Flask at the end of the round along with a chance to pick their own prize in the lucky draw. And the luck of the Irish definitely fell upon the final flight of golfers—congratulations to Jason Koh who went home with the top prize of a Camouflage limited edition Cobra SZ Xtreme driver, and to Peter Koh who went the extra mile to earn himself the title of ‘Best Dressed’ and the Stars & Stripes limited edition Cobra SZ Xtreme driver.
With acknowledgement for their generous contributions to the Golf Experience 2021, Golf Asia would like to thank main sponsor Cobra Puma Golf, Hole In One sponsor Buben & Zorweg, as well as partners Hydro Flask, The Glenlivet, MST Golf, Fantastic, Fruit Of The Earth, and Maro.
Do look out for the next Golf Asia Golf Experience if you missed out this time; it will be happening sooner than you think.
