Golf is a gentlemen's game, like cricket, so the saying goes. Is it? I'm not so sure. It depends on who you play with. Take it from me - someone who had played the sport on-and-off for the past 18 years.
As in many sports, a little wager is good for the game to make it interesting, exciting and competitive. That's what it should be - a little wager to cover the costs of food & beverages shared by all at the end of the day. Not an income to take home to please the missus for leaving her all alone at home! Unfortunately, recession or no recession, that is the mindset of many golfers. They take the game so seriously they make you feel like you are in a battlefield - with them your enemies! To them it is more than pride that is at stake. It is the up-for-grabs $30 ($10 per 6-holes on the sixes format) and yes, they do want to keep this money if they win!
When it comes to handicapping at the start of the game, few golfers are like me. I would be so embarrassed revealing my true handicap of 36 that I would quickly and openly declare mine to be 24 just to get on with the game. But there will be those who insist on telling you how badly they had twisted their neck, wrist, knee and ankle the night before and then without even blinking declare their 'true' handicap, which is usually 2 or 3 higher than the official figure. Whatever for? It's only $30. Besides, we are playing the sixes format, are we not? All things should even out finally, right? Wrong. To this species of golfers, they want to win no matter who they partner. Sad to say, they are the ones who would win all the sixes (and the $30) and, if that isn't enough, rub salt into your wound by telling you this is their lucky day and they had never played like this all their lives. God, please bless them all!
There are cheats in every sport. Some big ones, some small ones. Golf is no exception, even among friends. What seemed like a lost ball and a lost cause in thick undergrowth, the ball would suddenly appear, and often times conveniently at a spot where you are entitled to a free lift.
There are also those who are simply hopeless in counting. Their count for any difficult hole is always 1 or 2 strokes lower than the actual figure. It amazes me why it is never 1 or 2 more. Some, when asked what the score is, would only start counting, stroke by stroke, not from the tee box going forward, but from the green going backwards all the way to the tee-shot!
Although I am always against the putter-length rule, I can understand the need for it to speed up games during weekends. But on a weekday when only the four of us are playing (and some monkeys watching), why is there the need to rush things? Even so, in borderline cases, shouldn't the putter be put to use to confirm whether or not the gimme rule applies? After all, the golfer is already holding a putter in his hand. So often, even among friends, I see a self-declared gimme taken unilaterally even though the ball is more than a putter length away.
I have come to terms with all these idiosyncrasies on the golf course. I try not to allow them to upset my game or spoil my day out with some good old friends, which to me is more important than just the $30 at stake. On the contrary I never fail to poke a needle or two at my good friend Thomas, and having great fun out of it, whenever I have a chance to golf with him. He is a good sport, a decent gentleman, and the only idiot I don't mind losing money to at golf!
Writer: Peter Chang
email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Man U Loses!
I literally had to drag myself out of bed this morning to watch the Champions League Final between Man U and Barcelona. I didn't have to - as neither is a team I support (or like). As there had to be a winner, I just wanted to root for the team that would cause me the least pain and heartache should it emerge the winner. To my great relief, that was exactly how it eventually turned out. Barcelona knocked the daylights out of Man U with a well-deserved 2-0 victory. The icing on the cake was seeing Man U at the final whistle wallowing in shock, disbelief and disappointment. And Ferguson almost choking as he talked to Geoff Shreeves!
Bareclona was by far the better team on the Roman night. The passing was slick, the midfield was well marshalled, and Man U was never allowed to play their usual high-tempo game. To rub salt into Man U's wounded ego, the early signs were there for all to see that this was never to be Man U's night.
- Ferguson cut a forlorn, nervous figure from the start of the game. His usual confidence and chirpiness eluded him. He wasn't even chewing his gum!
- Van der Sar wasn't in his favourite green jersey.
- Man U players also left their lucky red jerseys at home - a fatal oversight. In an all-white outfit, they played like Real Madrid under the Ramos era. They could at least have worn red underwear to swing things around.
- United's strategy backfired. Underestimating Barcelona, they rested Tevez and Berbatov, keeping faith with a lone striker (a short, stocky, bald-headed Rooney), and started with lightweights Anderson, Park and O'Shea in midfield and defence.
- Red Devils allowed ego, pomp, arrogance, over-confidence and showmanship to get into their game.
- Ferguson could have sorted out Teves' contract prior to the match, and offloaded Anderson instead of Pique to Barcelona last summer.
If there is any positive that EPL managers can draw from last night's result, it is this: Man U can be beaten if you take the game to them, and if the English referees are not intimidated by Ferguson's influence. You also don't need skyscrapers like Crouch to get the better of United's tall defenders. Just a small, nifty, nimble, hardworking Argentinian will do!
Bareclona was by far the better team on the Roman night. The passing was slick, the midfield was well marshalled, and Man U was never allowed to play their usual high-tempo game. To rub salt into Man U's wounded ego, the early signs were there for all to see that this was never to be Man U's night.
- Ferguson cut a forlorn, nervous figure from the start of the game. His usual confidence and chirpiness eluded him. He wasn't even chewing his gum!
- Van der Sar wasn't in his favourite green jersey.
- Man U players also left their lucky red jerseys at home - a fatal oversight. In an all-white outfit, they played like Real Madrid under the Ramos era. They could at least have worn red underwear to swing things around.
- United's strategy backfired. Underestimating Barcelona, they rested Tevez and Berbatov, keeping faith with a lone striker (a short, stocky, bald-headed Rooney), and started with lightweights Anderson, Park and O'Shea in midfield and defence.
- Red Devils allowed ego, pomp, arrogance, over-confidence and showmanship to get into their game.
- Ferguson could have sorted out Teves' contract prior to the match, and offloaded Anderson instead of Pique to Barcelona last summer.
If there is any positive that EPL managers can draw from last night's result, it is this: Man U can be beaten if you take the game to them, and if the English referees are not intimidated by Ferguson's influence. You also don't need skyscrapers like Crouch to get the better of United's tall defenders. Just a small, nifty, nimble, hardworking Argentinian will do!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Reds Coming To Town?
It is confirmed. The Reds are coming to Singapore. Liverpool fans must be happy to hear this. Right? Wrong! Not this Liverpool fan, anyway. A tour of the Far East makes sense only if the team has won something (or anything) this season. They won nothing. Not even my sympathy. I would rather watch DPM Wong Kan Seng speak on television.
The last time Liverpool came to Singapore was more than 10 years ago. Coached by the has-been manager Graeme Souness, the star attraction then was Michael Owen, a promising upstart with huge potential. Or so it seemed. My daughter presented me with a copy of his autographed picture which made me a very happy man but not for long. Liverpool languished in the doldrums for years after that visit, forcing me to give that picture away (to my garbage collector, who else?) hoping things would 'turn around' for the better. I sincerely hope Liverpool do not go through that 10-year trophy-less cycle again after their upcoming trip to Singapore.
If Rafa is serious about mounting a challenge for the League title next year, his time can be better spent working out a good strategy and action plan, which should look something like this.
- call Jose Mourinho for tips on how to become the next Special One.
- attend an intensive course on social etiquette and basic manners.
- practise buy-low-sell-high stock market policy (and remember it is not the other way around).
- fire sale the old and useless players: Lucas, Dossena, Pennant, Ngog, Skrtel and those whose names are hard to pronounce.
- bring in an additional striker: David Villa or Samuel E'to or Carlos Teves or Didier Drogba or someone as ugly as them.
- strengthen the midfield with Gareth Barry or Glen Johnson.
- sign up Dennis Wise or Joey Barton (both unemployed) to toughen up the back four.
- buy a taller goalkeeper, or find some ways to add 8 inches to Pepe Reina's present height.
- beg, borrow or steal 40 million pounds to carry out all of the above, without which Liverpool stand no chance against the top 3 next year, the following year, ever. Sigh!
The last time Liverpool came to Singapore was more than 10 years ago. Coached by the has-been manager Graeme Souness, the star attraction then was Michael Owen, a promising upstart with huge potential. Or so it seemed. My daughter presented me with a copy of his autographed picture which made me a very happy man but not for long. Liverpool languished in the doldrums for years after that visit, forcing me to give that picture away (to my garbage collector, who else?) hoping things would 'turn around' for the better. I sincerely hope Liverpool do not go through that 10-year trophy-less cycle again after their upcoming trip to Singapore.
If Rafa is serious about mounting a challenge for the League title next year, his time can be better spent working out a good strategy and action plan, which should look something like this.
- call Jose Mourinho for tips on how to become the next Special One.
- attend an intensive course on social etiquette and basic manners.
- practise buy-low-sell-high stock market policy (and remember it is not the other way around).
- fire sale the old and useless players: Lucas, Dossena, Pennant, Ngog, Skrtel and those whose names are hard to pronounce.
- bring in an additional striker: David Villa or Samuel E'to or Carlos Teves or Didier Drogba or someone as ugly as them.
- strengthen the midfield with Gareth Barry or Glen Johnson.
- sign up Dennis Wise or Joey Barton (both unemployed) to toughen up the back four.
- buy a taller goalkeeper, or find some ways to add 8 inches to Pepe Reina's present height.
- beg, borrow or steal 40 million pounds to carry out all of the above, without which Liverpool stand no chance against the top 3 next year, the following year, ever. Sigh!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I like Hongkong!
My friends cannot understand why my wife and I keep going back to Hongkong for our vacation. The reason is very simple. We like Hongkong! This city is so vibrant and alive there is never a dull moment the moment you set foot in Hongkong. But each and every time I ask myself why Singapore, for all its so-called efficiency and meritocracy, can never be like Hongkong. Hongkong does things the simple, so often the practical way. Take transportation as just one example.
Yes, Singapore has its mass transit rail, just like Hongkong. Its network of buses and taxis, just like Hongkong. A world class airport, just like Hongkong. The similarities end here, unfortunately.
Hongkong's Airport Express offers travellers an attractive, yet economical alternative mode of transport to the city center. The smooth hassle-free ride to Kowloon Station takes only 22 minutes. Hongkong Station is another 8 minutes away. Return flight home baggages can be checked-in at either station 24 hours in advance.
MTR trains arrive promptly at 2-minute intervals during peak hours; 3-4 minutes during off-peak hours. Each station typically has 8-10 exits reaching out in all directions conveniently taking you pretty close to where you want to go without the need for crossing streets or using overhead bridges.
At The Merton Tower where we stayed the last time, we had at our disposal several modes of transport to choose, depending on where we want to go, the time of day, and the weather. The furthest option is just 80 metres away.
Taxis are easily available even during the morning rush hour. A tram ride costs a flat HK$2 and takes you to a town as remote and far away as Shaukeiwan (an hour's ride from Kennedy Town). If you take the upper deck, the experience (especially for a first-timer) is palpable.
Buses are available in several options and fares vary depending on whether they are single or double deckers, 14-, 16- or multi-seaters, whether they are "X" (or express) buses or buses that twist and turn into narrow streets of the smaller towns. The 16-seater "54" bus, for example, takes you to the Bus Interchange (next to IFC Building) for a flat fee of HK6 with fewer than 8 stops in between for the purpose of either picking up or dropping off passengers. The 14-seater "green" or "red" bus charges a fixed start-to-end fare, which is adjusted on a reducing scale along the way. The Octopus card is used for the "green" bus.
Crossing the channel is just as convenient and economical. The 10-minute Star Ferry boat ride from Sheung Wan Pier takes you right to the door step of Kowloon's Harbour City for a flat fee of just HK$4. The sight of Hongkong's skyline on both sides of the channel is simply breathtaking.
With so many modes of transport available at one disposal, who needs a car in Hongkong? Rain or shine, peak or off-peak hours, taxis are everywhere. As for the buses, there is no need for bus lanes to confuse road-users or further complicate an already complicated traffic situation in Singapore. If you ask me, we don't need a columbo-plan minister and his team of president's scholars to solve our traffic puzzle; just keep things simple and practical.
Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
Yes, Singapore has its mass transit rail, just like Hongkong. Its network of buses and taxis, just like Hongkong. A world class airport, just like Hongkong. The similarities end here, unfortunately.
Hongkong's Airport Express offers travellers an attractive, yet economical alternative mode of transport to the city center. The smooth hassle-free ride to Kowloon Station takes only 22 minutes. Hongkong Station is another 8 minutes away. Return flight home baggages can be checked-in at either station 24 hours in advance.
MTR trains arrive promptly at 2-minute intervals during peak hours; 3-4 minutes during off-peak hours. Each station typically has 8-10 exits reaching out in all directions conveniently taking you pretty close to where you want to go without the need for crossing streets or using overhead bridges.
At The Merton Tower where we stayed the last time, we had at our disposal several modes of transport to choose, depending on where we want to go, the time of day, and the weather. The furthest option is just 80 metres away.
Taxis are easily available even during the morning rush hour. A tram ride costs a flat HK$2 and takes you to a town as remote and far away as Shaukeiwan (an hour's ride from Kennedy Town). If you take the upper deck, the experience (especially for a first-timer) is palpable.
Buses are available in several options and fares vary depending on whether they are single or double deckers, 14-, 16- or multi-seaters, whether they are "X" (or express) buses or buses that twist and turn into narrow streets of the smaller towns. The 16-seater "54" bus, for example, takes you to the Bus Interchange (next to IFC Building) for a flat fee of HK6 with fewer than 8 stops in between for the purpose of either picking up or dropping off passengers. The 14-seater "green" or "red" bus charges a fixed start-to-end fare, which is adjusted on a reducing scale along the way. The Octopus card is used for the "green" bus.
Crossing the channel is just as convenient and economical. The 10-minute Star Ferry boat ride from Sheung Wan Pier takes you right to the door step of Kowloon's Harbour City for a flat fee of just HK$4. The sight of Hongkong's skyline on both sides of the channel is simply breathtaking.
With so many modes of transport available at one disposal, who needs a car in Hongkong? Rain or shine, peak or off-peak hours, taxis are everywhere. As for the buses, there is no need for bus lanes to confuse road-users or further complicate an already complicated traffic situation in Singapore. If you ask me, we don't need a columbo-plan minister and his team of president's scholars to solve our traffic puzzle; just keep things simple and practical.
Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Liverpool - Anger Rages On!
Liverpool is a club I have supported since my varsity days. I have nothing against the club. In fact I still love the club despite the severe heartache I get each time I watch the team play. How can you not feel pain everywhere watching the ball being passed backwards all the time, only for the goalkeeper to finally kick a long ball into the opponents' half after all the superfluous merry-go-round. I am only against the owners who know nuts about football. I am also bitterly against the manager with an ego as big (and round) as his belly.
In any sport, there can only be one winner. It is never a shame losing to a better team as long as you have done your best. What happened in the aftermath of a defeat is what set the managers apart.
Arsene Wenger acknowledged that United deserved to be champions after seeing his team draw 0-0 with United. He also congratulated Fergie for the feat.
After Chelsea trounced Liverpool 4-1 in (of all places) Anfield, Guus Hiddink said on TV: "When you win, you win with modesty; when you lose, you must accept defeat with some humility."
Rafa, in contrast, stubbornly refused to congratulate Fergie for clinching the Premier League title. He only credited the United team for a fine performance, and went on to lament that United won only because it has a bigger squad and a bigger stadium! What rubbish! With a mindset and ego such as this, how far do you think Rafa can take Liverpool? Time for a complete overhaul of Liverpool Football Club. Time for change. Time for Rafa to go. And time for Mourinho to take over.
In any sport, there can only be one winner. It is never a shame losing to a better team as long as you have done your best. What happened in the aftermath of a defeat is what set the managers apart.
Arsene Wenger acknowledged that United deserved to be champions after seeing his team draw 0-0 with United. He also congratulated Fergie for the feat.
After Chelsea trounced Liverpool 4-1 in (of all places) Anfield, Guus Hiddink said on TV: "When you win, you win with modesty; when you lose, you must accept defeat with some humility."
Rafa, in contrast, stubbornly refused to congratulate Fergie for clinching the Premier League title. He only credited the United team for a fine performance, and went on to lament that United won only because it has a bigger squad and a bigger stadium! What rubbish! With a mindset and ego such as this, how far do you think Rafa can take Liverpool? Time for a complete overhaul of Liverpool Football Club. Time for change. Time for Rafa to go. And time for Mourinho to take over.
Hotel Mao Mee - Hongkong
Our 12-day holiday in Hongkong a fortnight ago was by far the longest we had spent in the former British colony, That an entire hotel in Wan Chai was quarantined for a week did not dampen our spirits nor prevent us from having an enjoyable time. We were privileged to have the opportunity again of staying at the Hotel Mao Mee. This litlle hotel by the sea in Kennedy Town captured our imagination the first time we stayed there (albeit in another closeby locaton). It is a 15 minutes' tram ride from Sheung Wan Station. Perched high up on the 30th floor of The Merton Tower, the guest room overlooks the sea with fishing boats and trawlers criss-crossing the waves throughout the day. Fireworks from Disneyland can be seen lighting up the skyline in the horizon every night at 8 o'clock sharp. Hotel Mao Mee is run by a local Singaporean who works full-time in Hongkong's Dow Jones office. It was started as a hobby and will remain as just a hobby according to the lady owner notwithstanding its growing popularity. Guests are screened and 'by invitation' only. A simple 'thank you' does not do justice for the enjoyable time we had at the Hotel Mao Mee, so we have decided to say it in a few short little verses.
Hotel Mao Mee, We Revisited Again
Few Months On, Much Has Changed
From Humble Start, In Budget Class
To 3-Star Status, Hope It Lasts
Sofa Bed, Once Considered Best
Ikea Bedsets Now, For Complete Rest
Toilet Room, Once Crammy & Tight
Power Trips, You Get A Fright!
New Shower Room, Breezy & Bright
Makes Daily Bath Such Sheer Delight
So Much More One Can Write
We're Saving Them All, Till Next Flight!
...... Thank you, Tracy.
Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
Hotel Mao Mee, We Revisited Again
Few Months On, Much Has Changed
From Humble Start, In Budget Class
To 3-Star Status, Hope It Lasts
Sofa Bed, Once Considered Best
Ikea Bedsets Now, For Complete Rest
Toilet Room, Once Crammy & Tight
Power Trips, You Get A Fright!
New Shower Room, Breezy & Bright
Makes Daily Bath Such Sheer Delight
So Much More One Can Write
We're Saving Them All, Till Next Flight!
...... Thank you, Tracy.
Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
Another Liverpool Heartbreak!
No, my world didn't crumble when Manchester United beat Arsenal 0-0 on Saturday to clinch its 18th English Premier League title. Even hardcore, brainless Liverpool fans like me expected it to happen. United had been the most consistent team throughout the season and won crucial games when all odds were stacked against them, often times on the brink of full-time whistle. That is the mark of a true champion. Even Fergie's long-time arch rival Arsene Wenger acknowledged that United had an excellent season. But what did Liverpool's Rafa Benitez had to say about it? He said United is not necessarily the best team. Come on, Rafa, wake up from your deep slumber and face the harsh realities. You fell short not because of injuries suffered by Gerrard or Torres. Not because Liverpool played more games than United. Not because United had better luck than Liverpool. Not because most referees happened to be United fans. In fact, you fell short because of other reasons - most important of which , because of you.
Liverpool's season started to decline from the time you bought Robbie Keane, and only started to turn around after you offloaded him. You went out to buy Barry but came back with Keane. What happened? You didn't know what your best line-up was, and experimented with different combinations. When Fergie made his substitutions, he brought on heavy weights in the likes of Berbatov, Teves, Scholes and O'Shea. When you made yours, you brought on light weights like Lucas, Insua, Skrtel and Ngog. My goodness, where on earth did you find them? Liverpool may have lost fewer games than United, but as long as the rules continue to award 3 points for a win, you'd better accept the fact that it is still better to lose two games and win one, than lose one game and draw two. Simple maths, Rafa! You also have to discard some of your superstitions - in particular, the one about making a substitution only after 70 minutes of play no matter how badly the game had gone before that. If that is not superstition of some kind, then it must be your hard-headed stubbornness of the worst kind.
You said Liverpool will come out even stronger next season. We heard that four years ago. In fact we heard that from your predecessor, that Frenchman Houllier, even before that. Turning the corner, he said without batting an eyelid; only he didn't know how many more corners there were to turn. Rafa, are you expecting United, Chelsea and Arsenal to be coming out weaker next season while you 'strengthen' your team?
Take heed of what Fergie had said. He is talking about knocking Liverpool 'off that bloody perch'. He is already gunning for the 19th League title. Knowing Fergie and United's way of getting things right, it may very well happen, and pretty soon too. This is why I am having this terrible heartbreak the past few days!
And by the way, Rafa, get rid of that stupid stubble of yours, will you? It may be one reason why you miss that League title by a whisker this season.
Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
Liverpool's season started to decline from the time you bought Robbie Keane, and only started to turn around after you offloaded him. You went out to buy Barry but came back with Keane. What happened? You didn't know what your best line-up was, and experimented with different combinations. When Fergie made his substitutions, he brought on heavy weights in the likes of Berbatov, Teves, Scholes and O'Shea. When you made yours, you brought on light weights like Lucas, Insua, Skrtel and Ngog. My goodness, where on earth did you find them? Liverpool may have lost fewer games than United, but as long as the rules continue to award 3 points for a win, you'd better accept the fact that it is still better to lose two games and win one, than lose one game and draw two. Simple maths, Rafa! You also have to discard some of your superstitions - in particular, the one about making a substitution only after 70 minutes of play no matter how badly the game had gone before that. If that is not superstition of some kind, then it must be your hard-headed stubbornness of the worst kind.
You said Liverpool will come out even stronger next season. We heard that four years ago. In fact we heard that from your predecessor, that Frenchman Houllier, even before that. Turning the corner, he said without batting an eyelid; only he didn't know how many more corners there were to turn. Rafa, are you expecting United, Chelsea and Arsenal to be coming out weaker next season while you 'strengthen' your team?
Take heed of what Fergie had said. He is talking about knocking Liverpool 'off that bloody perch'. He is already gunning for the 19th League title. Knowing Fergie and United's way of getting things right, it may very well happen, and pretty soon too. This is why I am having this terrible heartbreak the past few days!
And by the way, Rafa, get rid of that stupid stubble of yours, will you? It may be one reason why you miss that League title by a whisker this season.
Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com
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