Singapore: Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) is celebrating the official opening of its reimagined and redeveloped Tampines Course and Clubhouse with a charity tournament.

Even before a ball was struck today, more than S$500,000 had been raised to benefit three charities – Mediacorp Enable Fund; Down Syndrome Association (Singapore); and Stroke Support Station.

Joey Chang, Organising Chairman and newly appointed Events and Marketing Convenor of TMCC, said the initial target had been S$500,000.

“That TMCC was able to hit our intended target amount so quickly speaks loudly for the generosity of everyone who stepped up to donate; from corporations to golf-loving individuals with a desire to help the less fortunate. It’s also a wonderful and fitting way to usher in the lunar New Year, and the reimagined Tampines Course and clubhouse,” said Chang, singling out Konica Minolta and BMW for special praise.

While Konica Minolta came on-board as the main sponsor, donating S$100,000, BMW signed up as platinum sponsor, donating S$50,000, and the hole-in-one sponsor of the newly launched BMW X5.

Gold sponsors who pledged S$20,000 were Keppel Care Foundation, Lee Foundation, PSA Singapore, SH Design & Build and Toh Eng Hock Construction.

TMCC’s Tampines Course was redesigned by South African golf architect Phil Jacobs at a cost of S$30 million.

“Every tee shot is a distinctly different experience. On the tee box, whether its elevation, bunkering, tree line or fairway contouring, every hole is not the same as the one before. It’s as unexpected as it’s interesting,” said Ian Roberts, Director of Golf at TMCC, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

There is a particularly strong finish with the par-three island green 16th, followed by the par-four 17th and a strong par-five18th.

Lee Lian Hong, TMCC’s Captain, said: “Championship winners will be decided by the final three holes, especially the tough scoring 18th.”

The new clubhouse complements the course. Changing rooms are top-notch in finishing and concept, as are the ballroom and open space dining areas with vistas of the golf course.