The TMCC–Sheshan Inter-Club Match (Home Leg), held on Saturday, 17 January 2026, unfolded under a bright January sky, accompanied by a gentle breeze that whispered across the fairways, with the Tampines Course looking pristine and ready for action. More than a friendly contest, this annual fixture is a highlight of Tanah Merah Country Club’s golfing calendar, celebrating 17 years of enduring friendship, shared passion, and a partnership that spans borders.
The event traces its origins to the inaugural 22 August 2009 match at TMCC’s Garden Course, and the 2026 Home Leg echoed the same spirit as that first encounter. Over the years, the fixture has grown into a signature event, with the last Home Leg held in June 2023, and the most recent Away Leg at Sheshan in April 2024, where TMCC members experienced the renowned hospitality of their affiliated club.
The Sheshan team received a grand welcome at Tampines Course, greeted by the TMCC General Committee and management. Lockers were smoothly assigned, and players were escorted to lunch by a team of local officials. Just before lunch, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Patron of TMCC, graced the event, warmly greeting players and adding a touch of prestige to the 2026 series.
The day was kickstarted with a lively ethnic percussion performance by Rhythm Masala, blending Indian, Malay, Chinese, and contemporary rhythms, a vivid reflection of Singapore’s multicultural tapestry and the upbeat energy surrounding the friendly match. TMCC General Manager Elliott Gray welcomed members from both clubs, highlighting the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that have defined this fixture for nearly two decades.
Lunch offered a Peranakan-inspired buffet, featuring Traditional Mee Siam, Bakwan Kepiting, Ayam Buah Keluak, Babi Pongteh, Otak Otak, Nonya Chap Chye, and Udang Masak Lemak Nenas. Guests enjoyed the spread while watching a video montage of highlights from the 2023 home leg at TMCC and the 2024 interclub match at Sheshan, reminiscing memorable moments and friendly rivalries.
After lunch, players were introduced by flight numbers, helping everyone familiarise themselves with teammates and opponents. A tournament briefing outlined the Fourball Match Play (Better Ball) format and the novelty holes, setting the stage for the afternoon’s friendly yet competitive round.
A total of 116 players, 58 from each club and competed across 29 flights. The Tampines Course was presented in pristine condition, with greens rolling at 11.2, fairways fair but testing, and strategic hazards prompting thoughtful course management. Members of
both clubs showcased precision and skill, with Sheshan players particularly noted for their accuracy and consistency, keeping TMCC competitors on their toes.
At 1:15 pm, the shotgun start signalled the beginning of the match. Drives thundered down fairways, approach shots found the heart of greens, and putts from long range dropped to cheers. Players refuelled at halfway houses with traditional Nonya kuehs and freshly pressed sugar cane drinks, a sweet and refreshing nod to local heritage.
By the final holes, the TMCC team edged out a narrow victory, but the final score mattered little as players gave their best for their respective teams. The day was defined by sportsmanship, camaraderie, and shared love of golf, punctuated by massive drives, deft approach shots, and near to perfection sunk putts.
The evening carried the day’s energy into a plated dinner service, officially commencing after the day’s golfing action. Members were indulged in a sumptuous seven-course dinner, featuring Singapore favourites, allowing friends from Sheshan to experience the cultural and unique charm of Lion City’s culinary delights.
In keeping with the Peranakan-themed dress code, the evening was a visual delight, with many members from both clubs dressed to the occasion, men in traditional batik shirts and ladies in elegant kebaya ensembles. A cocktail reception beforehand included a booth offering traditional garments for both men and women, adding a vibrant cultural touch. A cocktail reception beforehand included a booth offering traditional garments for both men and women, adding a vibrant cultural touch.
Dinner was complemented by fine wines sponsored by Penfolds and Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, courtesy of TMCC member and owner of Interlocal Exim, Mr David Lee. Entertainment was on-point, with Happy Band taking the stage, a local up-and-coming live band performing both English and Chinese songs. Members from both clubs were seen taking the mic to sing along, adding a lively, interactive element to the evening.
Master of Ceremony Arabelle Chia welcomed TMCC President Ronald Ong for a speech, followed by Sheshan International Golf Club Chairman Richard Cheung. Both emphasised the significance of this enduring partnership, noting that it began 17 years ago with the inaugural inter-club match and that 2026 marked the 10th encounter, a testament to the friendship and shared values between the clubs.
The ceremonial exchange of mementoes reaffirmed and symbolised this bond. Mr Ong presented Mr Cheung with a 2026 Year of the Horse memento representing strength, perseverance, and success, while Mr Cheung gifted Mr Ong a limited-edition plaque featuring a 24K gilt horse, symbolising aspiration, endurance, and lasting friendship.
During the dinner, novelty prizes for nearest to the pin, nearest to the line, and longest drive were presented by Sheshan Club General Manager Roger Foo and TMCC Deputy Chairman Ashok Kumar.
Video highlights also celebrated key milestones: Sheshan International Golf Club’s achievements, including being ranked first in the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in China’ for eight consecutive years and among the Top 10 Golf Clubs and Communities in China, alongside TMCC’s hosting of the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships, a prestigious event attracting the world’s top amateur golfers to compete for the Espirito Santo and Eisenhower Trophies, a momentous occasion celebrating these two significant milestones of both clubs.
The challenge trophy was then presented by Sheshan Chairman Mr Richard Cheung to TMCC Captain Dr Goh Hoon Pur, who shared a few remarks on the team’s narrow win, expressing gratitude to Sheshan and celebrating the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.
The evening concluded with a lively lucky draw, featuring attractive prizes sponsored by Sennheiser and Taylormade, presented by TMCC Deputy Chairman Ashok Kumar, leaving members in high spirits.
Looking ahead, TMCC members are eagerly anticipating the next Away Leg at Sheshan International Golf Club, continuing this enduring tradition of friendship and shared love of golf.
While TMCC had clinched the match, the true victories lay in friendship, camaraderie, and the spirit of the game, marking the 2026 Home Leg as yet another memorable chapter in this enduring inter-club friendship.
