By Gladys Oh (25S03G) and Jayden Loh (25S03P)
Golf CCA in Raffles often flies under the radar. With only four Year 5 members and two in Year 6, we are a small but dedicated group. Golf is all about precision and strategy: it involves using various clubs to navigate a series of 18 holes, aiming to complete the course with the fewest strokes possible. Each hole presents its own set of challenges, from picturesque fairways and greens to strategically placed water hazards and sand bunkers. A round of golf typically takes around 5-6 hours, and each competition spans 3-4 days, demanding both endurance and skill.
The simple goal of hitting a ball with as few strokes as possible becomes surprisingly complex when you actually step up to play. The sport is filled with technical terms like swing plane, attack angle, smash factor, and spin rate, which can easily overwhelm beginners. Golf has a steep learning curve and a high skill ceiling, making it challenging to develop a playable swing. At its core, golf is a game of patience and discipline. The struggle and frustration along the way are merely obstacles that make eventual breakthroughs all the more rewarding.
“Isn’t golf just about lifting your club and then relaxing in a cart while you ride to the next hole?” This is a common misconception we have heard repeatedly. However, golf is a far cry from that simplistic view!
Golf is a sport that demands a blend of physical skill, mental focus and endurance, especially during multi-day competitions. Arnold Palmer once said, “Golf is a game of inches. The most important are the six inches between your ears.” This highlights the crucial role of mental fortitude in the game. Each shot requires precise technique and strategic thinking, while maintaining concentration over several rounds is key to performing consistently. The sweltering heat, treacherous rain, and fierce winds amplify the game’s difficulty and simultaneously test a golfer’s stamina and resilience. Embracing these challenges makes golf not just a sport, but a comprehensive test of an athlete’s overall capabilities.
Our Golf CCA stands out with its unique, flexible approach to training, allowing members to tailor their practice to their individual skill sets and coaching arrangements. Unlike most CCAs, we do not hold formal weekly training sessions. Instead, our golfers have the freedom to design their own training schedules, fostering personal growth and mastery of the game.
Despite this flexibility, our team’s cohesion is strong. Our Year 5 and Year 6 golfers frequently organise training sessions together, especially in preparation for the highlight of the year, the National School Games (NSG). This event, held in the first week of April, features both individual and team competitions, with the latter being particularly prestigious. It provides a stage for our golfers to demonstrate their year-long dedication and to strive for excellence both personally and for our school. This year, the boys’ team, featuring Ryan Ong (24S06L) and Jayden Loh (25S03P), secured the championship title in the Boys ‘A’ Division with exceptional performances. In the individual event, Ryan achieved an impressive second place with a score of 71 (-1). Meanwhile, Sheng Rui (24S06N) and Jayden tied for 6th place, and Gladys Oh (25S03G) finished strong in 5th place.
While golf is often seen as an individual sport, our CCA thrives on a deep sense of camaraderie and teamwork. The small size of our team ensures that no one is ever left out; we all support each other in the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is not to beat one another, but to conquer the course together and enhance our collective skills as a team.
If you are passionate about golf and looking for a supportive, dynamic team environment, do not hesitate to reach out. We are eager to welcome new members and share our love for the sport!
