For 46 RSGC Members, the annual Interport Match against the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) was more than a weekend of golf. It was an opportunity to travel together, catch up with fellow Members, take on a new challenge and experience one of Bangkok’s well-known sporting clubs.
Behind the friendly rivalry between RSGC and RBSC is a tradition that dates back more than six decades. The Interport Match was first mooted in 1961 by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. The inaugural match was played at RBSC for the Erawan Cup, with players competing off the stick. In 1967, then RSGC Captain Alan Jones introduced the Seladang Cup, allowing higherhandicap players to take part through a handicap format. More than six decades later, the annual fixture remains one of the cherished traditions shared by the two Clubs.
This year, RSGC Vice Captain and Team Captain Rudy Foo led 46 RSGC Members to Bangkok for another chapter of the Interport Match. The trip began on Friday evening, when Rudy hosted dinner for those who were available to join at Lukkaithong Royal Cooking at The EmQuartier. It was an opportunity for the group already in Bangkok to come together and catch up before the competition began.
The following morning, the team headed to the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. After lunch and a group photo, the players made their way to the course for the first day of competition. The Erawan Cup was played over two days, beginning with Four-Ball Better Ball Match Play before moving into Singles Match Play on Sunday. The Seladang Cup featured Four-Ball Better Ball Match Play in a handicap format across both days.
There was also an additional challenge at the first hole. Members had the chance to take part in a special Hit the Green challenge, with an RBSC T-shirt up for grabs for those who found the green. As the afternoon progressed, dark clouds began to gather, raising concerns that play might have to be suspended. Fortunately, the clouds passed, allowing the matches to continue without interruption
RSGC made a strong start in the Erawan Cup, finishing the first day with a 6–2 lead. In the Seladang Cup, RSGC trailed 16–20 heading into the second and final day.
After a full day on the course, the team came together once again for the Welcome Dinner at The Winning Post. The evening featured good food, a live band and an unexpected highlight for the Malaysian team: a performance of Balik Kampung originally sung by the late Sudirman Haji Arshad. Hearing a familiar Malaysian favourite in the heart of Bangkok brought a taste of home to the evening and provided a memorable moment for the team.
Sunday brought fine weather and plenty of sunshine as the teams returned to the course for the final matches. With everything still to play for, RSGC fought hard but narrowly missed out on both trophies. The Erawan Cup finished 11–13, while the Seladang Cup ended 33–37 in favour of RBSC.
The Prize Presentation brought the weekend to a close, beginning with speeches from the Royal Bangkok Sports Club before Rudy addressed both teams. He also shared an update on RSGC’s future course renovation plans, giving Members a glimpse of what lies ahead for the Club. While the trophies did not make the journey home with RSGC this time, there was still plenty to remember.
From being part of a tradition that began more than 60 years ago to travelling together, catching up over dinner, enjoying the golf and listening to Balik Kampung in Bangkok, the Interport Match was a reminder that these trips are about more than the final score.
A big thank you goes to Team Captain Rudy Foo for leading the team and bringing everyone together. Our appreciation also goes to RBSC for its warm hospitality throughout the weekend.
Well done to all 46 RSGC Members who made the journey to Bangkok and represented the Club.
The trophies may have stayed in Bangkok, but the memories travelled home with us.
