It began with a vision and a handshake.
In 2018, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort and Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) formalised a partnership built on a shared love for golf and hospitality. The 2024 renewal of this affiliation did more than extend an agreement. It reaffirmed a bond between two golf clubs across borders.
That spirit of camaraderie was fully evident this June, as 47 TMCC members packed their clubs and set off for the 6D5N Kunming Autumn Golf Tour 2025. What awaited was an immersive escape into the highlands of China’s Yunnan province, where golf, nature and culture intersect in the most elegant of ways.
A Legacy Forged in the Highlands
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, perched beside the glassy expanse of Yangzong Lake, is not simply another name on China’s golfing map. It is a dream that took shape in 1992, when Singapore’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Goh Keng Swee, visited Kunming and saw in its mountain air and scenic vistas the perfect canvas for a golfing destination. That vision materialised in 1998, the result of a collaboration between Keppel Corporation and the Kunming city government.
Since then, Spring City has evolved into one of Asia’s premier integrated golf resorts. It is home to two award-winning championship courses: the Mountainview Course by Jack Nicklaus and the Lakeview Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The courses are set against a dramatic natural landscape of rolling hills and alpine lake views. Combined with luxurious villas and golf lodges, the resort offers an experience that is as refined as it is relaxing.
Four Rounds, Endless Memories
Over the course of six days, the TMCC contingent played four rounds at four top golfing destinations: Spring City’s Mountainview and Lakeview Courses, Sunshine Golf Club, and Kunming Yulong Bay Golf Club. Each course presented distinct challenges and unforgettable scenery, with fairways flanked by rich foliage and greens shaped by world-renowned designers including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr and Lee Schmidt.
Rain had loomed large in the forecast, threatening to disrupt the itinerary. Yet, fortune smiled on the group. All scheduled games were played with minimal interruption. The only pause occurred during the final round at Yulong Bay Golf Club, when a heavy downpour sent players off the course. Taking shelter at the clubhouse’s Lakeview Restaurant, members enjoyed Kunming’s signature Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles (过桥米线). Once the skies cleared, play resumed, allowing the group to finish strong and in high spirits.
A Journey in Comfort and Style
The journey was designed with both play and pleasure in mind. The first two nights were spent at Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, where members enjoyed serene surroundings, premium lodgings and easy access to the courses.
Upon arrival on Day 1, the group enjoyed a sumptuous welcome dinner at the resort’s Eagle’s Nest Restaurant (鹰巢餐厅), offering a delicious introduction to Yunnan’s rich culinary heritage. The feast featured signature appetisers, Simiao Bamboo Shoot and Chicken Soup, and highlights such as Steamed Egg with Baby Lobster, Black Truffle Braised Pork with Abalone, and Yiliang Roasted Duck. A selection of local mushroom dishes and desserts like Peach Gum with Snow Pear rounded off a warm and flavourful start to the trip. It was a warm and flavourful start to what would become an unforgettable adventure.
On Day 2, after a rewarding round of golf at Spring City’s Mountainview Course in the day, members gathered for the official Welcome Dinner, a standout highlight of the trip. Held at Eagle’s Nest Restaurant, which also features a scenic outdoor alfresco terrace, the evening offered live BBQ stations, a live band, and a vibrant salad bar showcasing produce from the resort’s own farm. Grilled favourites like roast chicken, Argentinian sirloin, local tilapia and sausages were served with house-made sauces. Freshly baked breads, cold-pressed juices and signature Yunnan desserts including fig pie and tomato cake rounded off a truly memorable evening.
The night came alive with a live band performance, which set the tone for a lively and heartwarming celebration. Members took to the floor to dance, and a few were even invited to sing, adding to the cheerful spirit. The evening was made even more special with a birthday celebration for June-born members Toh Sin Huey, Ray Ang, and Lee Phatt Yong, bringing a joyful and personal touch to an already festive occasion.
The final three nights were spent at the Grand Hyatt Kunming, a contemporary luxury hotel offering sophisticated comfort in the heart of the city. Its central location made it easy for members to enjoy their free and easy time, with many heading out to explore Kunming’s famous local food, shop for souvenirs, or unwind with a relaxing massage.
Between rounds, there was time to explore Kunming’s cultural and natural wonders. On Day 2, after their round, some members returned for additional play on the Lakeview Course, while others joined a guided visit to the famed Stone Forest (石林), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its otherworldly karst formations. On Day 4, 17 members attended the celebrated performance Impressions of Yunnan (印象云南), a visually spectacular showcase of the region’s ethnic traditions, presented through music, dance and light.
Meticulous Planning and Exceptional Hospitality
Behind the smooth execution of the tour was a team of dedicated professionals. TMCC’s Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing, Sally Chua, and Assistant Marketing Manager, Ryan Chia, led the group with attentive care and excellent organisation. Supporting them was a strong behind-the-scenes Marketing team. From coordinating flights and accommodation to arranging tee times, transfers and meals, their meticulous planning allowed members to focus fully on enjoying the experience.
Integral to the success of the trip were Spring City’s Overseas Sales Manager, Sue, and his team. Their local knowledge, warm hospitality and prompt assistance made a meaningful difference, adding a personal and memorable touch to each day.
Moments Remembered: In Their Own Words
For many TMCC members, this journey was more than just a golf getaway, it was an experience to cherish. Here’s what some had to say:
“All the arrangements were thoughtful and well organised. I’m sure a lot of preparation went into making it such a smooth experience. Well done! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and had a great time. Thank you,” shared Mr Ko Kum Chuan.
Mr Chua Kim Leng echoed that sentiment, saying, “I had a great time and even made a couple of new friends. The courses were both beautiful and challenging. Everything from the briefings, reminders to transport and meals was thoughtfully arranged. You were both so helpful and accommodating. Thank you for everything.”
For Ms Caroline Lim, the attention to detail left a lasting impression. “Just wanted to say a huge thank you both for organising such an amazing trip with TMCC. You did a fantastic job and we all had an absolute blast. Your hard work really made the trip special. Thanks again for creating unforgettable memories.”
Gratitude also came from Ms Catherine Wong, who remarked, “We must thank Sally, Ryan and the backend team for organising this trip. It was thoughtfully planned with the golfers in mind. The courses were stunning, and the location of the Grand Hyatt was fantastic. We couldn’t have asked for more. Looking forward to many more trips together!”
And as Mr William Wong so aptly put it, “Sally and team, thank you for an extraordinary trip made possible only by your extraordinary efforts. It wasn’t just the golf, but also the food, transport and the way you catered to our various whims and fancies, all with such good grace and humour. Truly appreciated.”
Where Golf Meets the Landscape
Kunming, known as “The Spring City”, sits at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level, offering cool temperatures and fresh air all year round. Its subtropical highland climate, combined with breathtaking natural scenery, makes it an ideal golf destination. Whether navigating the contours of a challenging fairway or simply soaking in panoramic lake views, every moment was a reminder of how golf can be both a sport and a sensory journey.
The 6D5N Kunming Autumn Golf Tour 2025 was not just about scoring birdies and pars. It was about shared laughter, cultural discovery, and the quiet satisfaction of standing on a tee box surrounded by nature’s grandeur.
Buoyed by resounding success and heartfelt feedback, this tour is set to become a cherished annual fixture on TMCC’s golfing calendar, one that members will eagerly anticipate, year after year.
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