RSGC’s Historic Win of the Tan Sri Hashim Ali Challenge Trophy at SICC

A historic moment unfolded on August 24 and 25, 2024, when 46 Men and 20 Ladies of the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) travelled to Singapore. This contingent, led by RSGC Captain Raymond Yeoh and Lady Golf Captain Ai-Leen Tan, set out to bring back all the trophies won during the home game in June 2024—the Tan Sri Hashim Ali Trophy, Dato’ Loke Wan Tho Memorial Trophy, and the C.C Tan/Leong Hoe Yeng Challenge Trophy.

 

Group photo with everyone from RSGC and SICC

 

As tradition dictates, the first day of the Interport Matches with Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) began with an afternoon game, followed by a morning game on the second day. However, this year brought a slight twist to the arrangement. Unlike last year, where the first day was played at the Island Course and the second day at the New Course, this year saw the changes whereas the first day at the New Course and the second day at the Bukit Course. In keeping with tradition, exchange gifts were part of the event, with RSGC players receiving golf balls and SICC players being presented with a special RSGC Pin set.

The event kicked off on Saturday, August 24, with a golfers’ lunch at 10:30 AM in Ballroom 1 & 2, followed by a group photo at noon. The shotgun start for all three trophies commenced at 12:30 PM on the new Millennium/Peirce Course. The day concluded with a welcome dinner at 6:30 PM in Ballroom 1 & 2, featuring a delicious spread that included soya sauce chicken with steamed rice, rojak, gado-gado, bread with Kambing Soup, Kueh Pie Tee, three treasures, a salad platter, desserts, and a fruit platter, all accompanied by live band entertainment.

On the second day, August 25, the action started bright and early with a 6:30 AM golfers’ breakfast at The Habitat. A group photo was taken at 7:30 AM, followed by a shotgun start for the Interport Matches at the Bukit Course at 7:45 AM. The event culminated in a lunch and prize presentation at The Habitat at 12:30 PM, where participants enjoyed a variety of dishes, including steak, mixed salad, nasi ayam, steamed chicken with sauce, Singapore laksa with shellfish, popiah, spaghetti, mixed vegetables, a cake assortment, fruits, and bubur kacang hitam.

The event was undoubtedly a success, but what made it truly exceptional was our triumph in reclaiming the Tan Sri Hashim Ali Challenge Trophy. It is often said that the home club has the advantage in Interport Matches, but after 14 years, we managed to bring the Tan Sri Hashim Ali Challenge Trophy back home from SICC—a feat that filled us with immense pride. This trophy was contested by 9 RSGC members, and their remarkable performance ensured that we returned victorious. Though we narrowly missed out on the Dato’ Loke Wan Tho Memorial Trophy and the C.C Tan/Leong Hoe Yeng Challenge Trophy, we are equally proud of the members who competed for these honours.

This is just the beginning, and we will continue to strive for excellence and make our home, RSGC, proud. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to SICC on the 100th anniversary of their Bukit Course—a milestone worthy of celebration.

Kudos to all the players, and here’s to more victories in the future!

 

THE MEMBERS’ VIEW: RSGC MEMBERS SHARE THEIR INTERPORT EXPERIENCE AT SINGAPORE

What a fabulous event! Captain How and his team at SICC did a fantastic job making us all feel welcome and at home at the club with everything from the golfing arrangements to the F&B meticulously prepared and organised. Winning and taking home the Tan Sri Hashim Ali Trophy with us for the first time in more than two decades was surely the icing on the cake. Congratulations too are in order for our Captain Raymond Yeoh and our winning scratch team. The SICC vs RSGC Interport away match is something not to be missed in one’s lifetime at the club.

• Toh Hock Siew

I’d like to first thank the captains of SICC and RSGC as well as the supporting staff members who organised and executed a thoroughly memorable and enjoyable weekend of golf. This was my foray into international club events with RSGC, but will certainly not be my last.

Although based in competition, as with other interports, there was a great sense of camaraderie and the strengthening of old bonds and formation of new bonds between both sides. It was a pleasure to experience both a new course and to meet great people which is the beauty of golf.

• Fuad Asgari Stephens

 

Enjoyed my first interport game at SICC. Nice track, good food and good company.

• Adrian Teo Sze Hsien

 

My first Interclub Match with Singapore Island Country Club was a great experience! The course was challenging but very enjoyable, with new and great friends and support. The club was easy to navigate, making it a stress-free weekend. Overall, it was a fun and memorable experience especially when you can win novelty prizes.

• Cashreyn Maisara

 

 

It was such a great weekend. Nice meeting everyone! Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you all who organise this wonderful event.

• Jasmine Foo

 

First interport game and definitely not my last! Amazing experience at both courses (the New Course and Bukit Course) and what made it even better were the people I got to meet that made me feel welcomed. The event was well organised from both sides of the clubs, course conditions were great and the food and facilities were also applauded for. I had a lot of fun, what a great weekend getaway!

• Lee Mei Yen

 

It was an honor to represent Royal Selangor in the Tan Sri Hashim Ali Trophy at SICC. Won both matches alongside Hong Nung and Adrian Ng, contributing to our team’s success. The SICC members were exceptionally gracious hosts, offering outstanding hospitality that made our visit even more special. Bringing the trophy home was a privilege, and the camaraderie shared with our hosts made the experience unforgettable.

• Justin Heah

 

 

Out of 20 (2 played only 1 day) lady golfers who participated in the Interport with SICC, 8 were newbies. I didn’t go with much expectation and told our ladies to just have fun. I would have been happy if we won 2 games out of 9 played each days but the ladies surpassed my expectations by winning 3.5 games on day 1 and 3 games on day 2. We couldn’t have asked for better weather over the 2 days. We played, had fun and were not white washed. What else could we ask for?

• Ai-Leen Tan, Lady Golf Captain

 

It was great pleasure participating in my first interport game! Weather was perfect; the gentle breeze set the tone for great golf!

My fellow golfers were friendly but I could feel their competitiveness! The atmosphere was electric, with everyone eager to tee off and showcase their skills. Throughout the tournament, I was struck by the sense of camaraderie among the players. Despite being competitors, we supported and encouraged each other, sharing tips and advice between holes. The game itself was a thrill, with moments of triumph and moments of learning. I cherished every shot, every putt, and every moment spent on the beautiful green.

We gathered to share stories and laughter, reliving the highlights of the tournament. Winning wasn’t everything – the joy of playing, the beauty of nature, and the warmth of new friendships made it a truly special experience. I left the course with a heart full of memories, already looking forward to my next interport game!

• Joyce Tan