Here are the various activities at the Orchid Country Club to look out for this week.

Blind Golf Challenge,
Aranda Course
Tuesday, 7 September, 3-4pm

Watch the professionals from the Asian Tour take on blind golfers in a three-hole golf challenge at the Aranda course. This is an initiative driven by International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) Chairman Dr. Haruhisa Handa, who hopes to raise awareness for golfers who have partial or complete visual impairment through his sponsorship of the Handa Singapore Classic.

"It is really important that everyone can enjoy the sport regardless of their age or ability.  Blind golfers are an inspiration to me and professional players alike.  They understand the course in different ways and it's amazing to see them strike the ball so well." - Dr. Handa

FusionExcel Long Drive Challenge
10-11 September

The longest drivers of the game will come together in an attempt to win the FusionExcel Long Drive Challenge. The competition will run for six months in four countries with qualifiers and finals in each country leading up to a Grand Final for the Country Champions.

Qualifying legs will be run in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore with approximately US$25,000 cash up for grabs in the Grand Final. Approximately US$30,000 worth of prizes will also be given away during the course of the competition. 

Eye Testing by Eagle Eye Centre
Clubhouse
11 September, 11-3pm

Get your eyes checked as the Eagle Eye Centre (EEC) comes to the Orchid Country Club. EEC is a one-stop specialist centre for Presbyopia and LASIK in Singapore that was officially opened in 28 November 2006 by Dr. Vivian Balakrishnam, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and is one of the first eye clinics to integrate ophthalmic and optometric eye care and offers a comprehensive range of services for eye care treatment.

Public Exhibition Village

Be entertained by Cheating Sons, a homegrown Singapore-based band who will be performing all their greatest hits at the end of play on Saturday and Sunday at the public exhibition village. The carnival-like atmosphere will be enhanced by the presence of the Singha Beer garden and several key partners that include BlackBerry, Orchid Country Club, Pan Pacific Singapore, Fenix, Johnnie Walker, FusionExcel, Golf Greedy, my golf kaki and Golf Punk Singapore.

Lucky Draw
11-12 September

Stand a chance to win a smartphone by BlackBerry, official mobile partner of the Asian Tour. There are also many other attractive prizes to be won each day including complimentary golf games at the Orchid Country Club and Marina Bay Golf Course. Simply fill in your details and drop them into the lucky draw for a chance to win.

The draw will be conducted on 11 September at 4:00pm and 6.30pm on 12 September. Winners will be announced on the spot and will be notified by phone or email.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MONDAY	Sep 6, 2010	Official Practice Day
TUESDAY	Sep 7, 2010	Official Practice Day Meet The Players Press Conference (Local players) 2pm: Lam Chih Bing, Quincy Quek, Murugiah Location: Media Centre 3-Hole Blind Men Challenge 4 - 6pm
WEDNESDAY	Sep 8, 2010	Meet The Players Press Conference (International players) 10am: Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand) 10.30am: Marcus Fraser (Australia) 11.30am: Gaganjeet Bhullar (India) Location: Media Centre Pro-Am Tournament Morning Session: 7:30 Shotgun Afternoon Session: 1:00pm Shotgun
THURSDAY	Sep 9, 2010	1st Round of HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC
FRIDAY	Sep 10, 2010	2nd Round of HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC Cut: Top 65 & ties Unveiling of the Order of Merit Trophy by Royal Selangor Time: Afternoon Location: Media Centre
SATURDAY	Sep 11, 2010	3rd Round of HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC
SUNDAY	Sep 12, 2010	Final Round of HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC Prize Presentation -AT's appreciation plaque Adjacent to clubhouse immediately after last group @ 3.45pm

International Business and Golf Networking Evening, 10 September 2010

The International Business and Golf Networking Evening is a great chance to meet and mingle with fellow businessmen from 12 Chambers of Commerce in Singapore!

All who register for the cocktail networking evening are entitled to a free ticket to the "Handa Singapore Classic" on Friday, but tickets need pre-booking, so sign up now!  In addition, a complimentary ticket for either Saturday or Sunday (your choice) will be available for you to pick up at the cocktail on Friday night.  This is a great way to spend your Hari Raya holiday!  Watch top class golf played by Asian Tour Pros, and enjoy a quality networking evening with free flow drinks!

To spice up the evening, we will have a Lucky Draw with quality golf premiums including the "Customized Golf Driver" along with the unique opportunity to mingle with the Asian Tour Pros!

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore has partnered with 11 Chambers of Commerce -The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, The Australian Chamber of Commerce, The British Chamber of Commerce, The Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Dutch Chamber of Commerce, The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, The Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry & Commerce, The Italian Chamber of Commerce (Singapore), The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Singapore, The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and The Singapore International Chamber of Commerce for this event. "Santa Fe Relocation Service (s) Pte Ltd" is also supporting this event as a sponsor.

To register, kindly fill in the attached registration form and send the form together with payment  to "Asian Tour (TPD) Pte. Ltd. 108 Pasir Panjang Road, #03-06, Golden Agri Plaza, Singapore 118535.  Attention: Khine Khine (Katherine) Zaw.  Alternatively, you can download the registration form at: Current Events | Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

Numbers are limited.  Register now so you won't miss this great opportunity to watch top class golf,  mingle with top Pros, and network with 12 different Chambers of Commerce in Singapore!

The Event Details:

Date      : Friday, 10 September, 2010

Time      : 06:00pm - 08:00pm

Venue    : The Asian Tour Club (Emerald Suite)

               Orchid Country Club, 1 Orchid Country Club Road, Singapore 769162

The Registration Fees for non-members is SGD 75.00. 

Please click here for the registration form.

STARS TO LIGHT UP HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC

Singapore, August 27: Multiple Asian Tour winners India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Philippines’ Angelo Que have confirmed that they will tee up alongside Asia’s number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand at the inaugural Handa Singapore Classic next month.

Siddikur who made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi player to win a title on the Asian Tour at the Brunei Open will also make his way to the island republic where a star-studded field is expected to challenge for top honours at the full field Asian Tour event.

The US$400,000 Handa Singapore Classic is one of the four new events on the Asian Tour Schedule this season and will take place at the highly-rated Orchid Country Club from September 9-12.

Que will be aiming for another grandstand finish after enjoying a welcome return to the winner’s circle when he secured his third Asian Tour victory at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters a fortnight ago.

The 31-year-old Filipino plans to adopt a relaxed approach as he goes in search for another win at the Handa Singapore Classic. When he broke through on the Asian Tour in 2004 and subsequently won for the second time in 2008, Que said he put too much expectation on himself to achieve good results at every event.

“One mistake that I made was that I was so full of confidence but I kept missing cuts right away. I think one reason why it happened was that my expectations went up sky high. Winning a tournament doesn’t mean that you’re going to be hitting perfect shots all the time,” said Que.

“I’m going to play it like I haven’t won anything. I won’t expect so many good shots and will just play it as it is,” added Que.

Bhullar who reinforced his growing reputation as one of Asia’s brightest prospects when he produced a brilliant final-day course record of 64 to win his second Asian Tour title in Bangkok at the start of the year is also expected to be among the contenders at the inaugural event.

The promising 22-year-old Indian has been touted as one of the stars of the future and he will be eager to cement his status with another commanding performance.

Meanwhile Thongchai, whose success across the region includes triumphs in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar is hoping to add Singapore onto his list of conquests.

The 40-year-old Thai has become one of Asia’s living legends with his rapid success across the region and abroad. He is the first man to win three Order of Merit crowns and also holds the most number of victories on the Asian Tour with 12 titles.

“To win a tournament is the goal for every golfer and to win in Singapore is one of my challenges. Definitely, I will set my eyes on the Handa Singapore Classic trophy and I hope to become the first champion of the Handa Singapore Classic,” said Thongchai.

Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing together with rising star Quincy Quek is also expected to feature strongly and provide the local challenge against the host of Asian Tour stars.

The Handa Singapore Classic is title sponsored by the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), which is headed by Dr Haruhisa Handa. The Japanese philanthropist also hopes to raise awareness for golfers who have partial or have complete visual impairment. The official charity for the event is the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA).

THE FATHER OF BLIND GOLF

ISPS Chairman, Dr Haruhisa Handa is passionate about blind golf and hopes that the Handa Singapore Classic which will make its debut on the Asian Tour from 9-12 September will raise awareness and encourage more people to take up the sport. 

Dr Haruhisa Handa does not take holidays, and it does not come as a surprise that the Japanese philanthropist and businessman is dedicated to ensuring the success of his businesses and charitable organizations. 

He owns various corporations such as publishing companies, travel agencies, consulting companies and pharmacies and despite a jam-packed schedule, Dr Handa still finds time to give back to society, largely through the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS). 

ISPS has a global golf sponsorship portfolio which includes events on the European Senior Tour, Faldo Series Asia, Legends Tour, Japan Golf Tour and now the Asian Tour with the inaugural Handa Singapore Classic from 9-12 September. 

“As Chairman of ISPS, I am delighted to be supporting the inaugural Handa Singapore Classic.  Singapore is a wonderful place and this event promises to be another fantastic spectacle on the Asian Tour,” said Dr Handa. 

ISPS’s sponsorship of the event however is not about ‘business’, it does not have a product to make profit on.  Instead ISPS’s product is about awareness and participation, especially for its charitable partners. 

“ISPS has a long standing commitment to get more people into sport”, said Dr Handa. 

“We want to encourage more juniors, seniors and people with disabilities to get involved with golf and that is the main aim of our sponsorship.  We have a very strong relationship with the blind golf community and it has been a passion of mine to help foster the development of this format of the sport across the world.”

Known as the ‘father of blind golf’, Dr Handa is the founder of the Japanese Blind Golf Association and also helped to establish the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA), which oversees the rules and international competitions for blind golf across every continent around the globe.

He knows many people are not aware of blind golf and is hoping that the Handa Singapore Classic will educate more people about the sport. 

“Spreading the message of blind golf is very important to me.  When I took up the game myself I had the opportunity to play with a blind golfer.  He had such a positive outlook on life which I was so impressed with that I decided to get involved in promoting the sport,” said Dr Handa. 

“From then on I thought it was important that we should do more for blind golfers.  I set up the Japanese Blind Golf Association 23 years ago and I have supported the IBGA for a number of years and have developed a long term collaboration between ISPS and the IBGA to help raise awareness of blind golf and to encourage more people with visual impairment to take up the sport.”

“It is really important that everyone can enjoy the sport regardless of their age or ability.  Blind golfers are an inspiration to me and professional players alike.  They understand the course in different ways and it’s amazing to see them strike the ball so well.”

Dr Handa does not just want to raise awareness about the sport, he also has specific goals about the sport including Paralympic aspirations.   

“Golf has been accepted in the Olympics at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and we hope that blind golf can be accepted into the Paralympics in due course as well,” said Dr Handa.

“The International Paralympic Committee is currently considering a bid to include disabled golf into the Paralympic programme and I sincerely hope that they give this the go-ahead.  This would really help to springboard blind golf as well as other disabled disciplines of the sport to a global audience,” added Dr Handa. 

It is clear that the ‘father of blind golf’ continues to play an active role in the sport and has ambitious plans about the sport’s potential.  Through his passionate philanthropy it is likely that ISPS’s commitment in the Handa Singapore Classic and Dr Handa’s hopes for blind golf will continue to be met with a warm reception across the globe.

The Handa Singapore Classic will be held at the Orchid Country Club from 9-12 September with a prize fund of US$400,000.  The event will be preceded by a Pro-Am tournament on September 8 which will field a team of blind golfers showcasing the appeal of sport.

 *Ticket sales will commence on 1st August 2010 at Orchid Country Club and Marina Bay Golf Course.

Thursday, 9th September - $10

Friday, 10th September - $10

Saturday, 11th September - $20

Sunday, 12th September - $30

Season Pass (4days) - $50 (Public)

                                 $30 (NTUC members)
Free Passes:

- Students with valid student card

- Youths 18 years old or below

ASIA’S NO. 1 THONGCHAI COMMITS TO HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC

The reigning Asian Tour number one will headline a strong line-up of top names at the Orchid Country Club from September 9-12, 2010.

The Handa Singapore Classic will offer a prize fund of US$400,000 where Singaporean leading professionals Lam Chih Bing and Quincy Quek are poised to challenge for top honours as well.

Thongchai, 40, has become one of Asia’s living legends with his rapid success across the region and abroad. He is the first man to win three Order of Merit crowns and also holds the most number of victories on the Asian Tour with 12 titles.

“First of all, congratulations to the Asian Tour for bringing on board a new tournament for their players. I am really looking forward to returning home and competing on the Tour with my friends again in Singapore,” said Thongchai.

Thongchai’s success across the region includes triumphs in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar and the former Thai paratrooper is hoping to add Singapore onto his list of conquests.

“To win a tournament is the goal for every golfer and to win in Singapore is one of my challenges. Definitely, I will set my eyes on the Handa Singapore Classic trophy and I hope to become the first champion of the Handa Singapore Classic,” said Thongchai.

A return to the highly rated Orchid course will bring good memories as he finished eighth in the 1999 Singapore Open in what was his rookie season in Asia then.

“I remember the course as being was very hilly and the greens were tough. I am excited to learn they have renovated the golf course by adding a few bunkers and the new greens are firm and fast. I hope that I will play well on the new greens especially since I have been working on my putting,” he said.

Thongchai is presently ranked eighth on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit following two top-10s while he has also achieved a considerable amount of success overseas, with a quarter-final appearance at the WGC-Accenture Match Play being another highlight this season.

He believes a victory in the Handa Singapore Classic could well provide the spark required to launch a record bid for a fourth Merit title when the Asian Tour goes into its business end of the season.

“I’ve been pleased with my performances. It is the reward of the hard work that I have put in. However, I am still trying to improve my overall game especially my putting. It has been a bit off lately.

“Moving back into the world’s top-50 is also a goal as it will give me the chance to play in big events, especially the Masters Tournament at Augusta National (next year). Therefore I need to play well both in Asia and overseas. And I’m thinking about a win!” said Thongchai.

The Handa Singapore Classic is title sponsored by the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), which is headed by Dr Haruhisa Handa. The Japanese philanthropist also hopes to raise awareness for golfers who have partial or have complete visual impairment. The official charity for the event is the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA).

“I highly appreciate Dr. Handa’s devotion and his support for blind golfers. They are a great inspiration as they teach us not to give up on life and persevere on despite their challenges,” said Thongchai.

DUDLEY SEEKS NEW VISION FOR BLIND GOLFERS

76-year-old believes the inaugural Handa Singapore Classic will fuel interest and develop blind golf in the region



It was a lazy Monday afternoon and Ron Dudley was seated at the MaxSwing Indoor Golf centre taking a break from his golf lesson.

“I was told by Alan that when you hit the ball, it is not necessary to look at the ball. As long as you get the swing, it’s not necessary to look at the ball,” said Dudley of the instructions by renowned Australian swing coach Alan Murray, before taking another sip of water to quench his thirst.

The affable 76-year-old is just like any other social golfer who tries hard to enjoy the game of golf in his spare time. However, the only difference is that he carries along a walking cane wherever he goes as he is blind.

Despite his limitations, Dudley is adamant in getting on with life just like any other able bodied person. And he intends to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle that includes playing golf.

“I look forward to going out to the golf course as being outdoors helps me to improve my golf swing. Walking the course can be helpful too as it enhanced my muscle movements,” said Dudley, who has been blind since the age of 17 due to a freak rugby accident.

It is through blind golfers like Dudley that International Sport Promotion Society (ISPS) Chairman Dr. Haruhisa Handa, a Japanese philanthropist, hopes will eventually introduce golf to the visually-impaired community in Asia.

Dr Handa has been on a mission to raise awareness for golfers who have partial or complete visual impairment through his sponsorship of the upcoming Handa Singapore Classic where the Asian Tour’s finest golfers will battle for top honours at the Orchid Country Club from September 9-12, 2010.

The event is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Singapore Professional Golf Association with a total prize fund of US$400,000. The official charity for the event is the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA).

While blind golf may be relatively unheard of in Asia, the landscape may change if more like-minded people like Dudley come together.

“I don’t think you can find a lot more people like me in Singapore, probably a couple more and that’s it. However, if we had a Southeast Asian group, probably with other golfers from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, the interest in Singapore might come up,” said Dudley.

It has been many years since Dudley lost his sight but he is determined to embrace life to the fullest and besides playing golf, he is now devoting his time to help other unsighted people through his speeches and lectures as a motivational speaker.

“Setbacks can occur to anyone but it’s how one picks themselves up and move on. They must have an ambition and not just sit back and wait for everything to fall into their lap,” said Dudley, before getting up and continuing with his golf swing again.

“Ron’s a great student and he’s very motivated and passionate in everything that he does, including his golf lessons. It certainly gives me a sense of satisfaction when I’m able to bring out the best in my students, whether they are able-bodied or not,” said Murray, who has coached many of Asian Tour’s players including Malaysia’s Danny Chia who made history recently by becoming the first Malaysian to play in all four rounds at The British Open.

About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.  This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Pan Pacific (Official Hotel) and Srixon (Official Ball).

About the Handa Singapore Classic
The Handa Singapore Classic is sponsored by Dr. Haruhisa Handa, a Japanese philanthropist and businessman involved with numerous international golf tournaments on the European Seniors Tour, the LPGA, the Australian Tour, the Legends Tour and the Japan Golf Tour. Supported by the Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Golf Association, Singapore Professional Golf Association, Singapore Ladies’ Golf Assocaition, SPH Magazines, my golf kaki and the First Tee Singapore, the event promises to be a popular highlight on Singapore's sporting calendar.

About the International Blind Golf Association
The International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) promotes golf as a sport for blind and people with impaired vision. The IBGA establishes the rules and conditions for international competitions and organises a World Championship every two years. 

The IBGA was officially founded in 1998, through the efforts of Dr. Haruhisa Handa (now Honorary Patron of IBGA) who arranged meetings in Australia and the United States in 1996 and 1997. The number of member countries has grown steadily up to sixteen official members. http://www.internationalblindgolf.com

QUEK MAPS OUT STRATEGY AHEAD OF HANDA SINGAPORE CLASSIC

The 23-year-old will tee up against best from the Asian Tour at the inaugural Handa Singapore Classic at the Orchid Country Club from September 9-12, 2010.

Having won five titles during an impressive amateur career, Quek is now looking forward to carry on that winning form in his professional career on the Asian Tour.

The Handa Singapore Classic will be played at the Vanda and Dendro courses and Quek gives his insights on the key holes on the two nines which he believes will prove decisive in his title quest.

Dendro:

Hole Two, Par-four, 325m

This is a short par four with a slight dog-leg left. It looks easy but requires some strategic play. Off the tee, one could either try to fly the ball as far down as possible with the driver and leave himself with a 70m to 80m pitch. Alternatively one can choose to go with two full-shots and hit an iron off the tee instead. This is because the green is slightly elevated and anything over is a no-go. This is a great hole to test your short iron accuracy as a slight misjudgement can turn a good birdie opportunity into a bogey.

Hole Six, Par-five, 437m

This hole has a canal running across the fairway, so longer hitters might have to go with the three- wood off the tee. If you hit a solid tee shot, you'll be left with 200m to a deep green well surrounded by bunkers. It’s not a very tough approach shot considering the size of the green, which makes a birdie on this hole very attainable. It is definitely a good hole to capitalize upon.

Vanda:

Hole Two, Par-three, 204m

This hole will call for an accurate iron play. The swirling cross winds from the neighbouring reservoir will make this hole even tougher. The green is probably the largest one on this golf course. If you hit one off-course, you'll likely be left with a monstrous putt. The green slopes away from the tee so the front pins are much harder to get close to as the balls tend to feed to the back. This is definitely a very good scoring hole.

Hole Nine, Par-four, 390m

This is actually a par-five which will be converted to a par-four for the tournament. The distance will make this hole a strong challenge, especially as it is played into the wind. The green is quite big and front to back could be a difference of three clubs due to the elevation. Anything short or left of the green will be met by bunkers. Par will be a good score here.

*Article courtesy of Asian Tour