Celebrating Women The World Over Through Golf

Women in golf have been changing the game ever since Mary Queen of Scots played almost 500 years ago. Her love of golf drove her to pioneer the concept of caddies, commission the St. Andrews Links of Scotland, and take the sport to France.

In celebration of International Women’s Day and commemorating the achievements of women worldwide, the Ladies First: International Women’s Day tournament was held on March 9, with The Masters Course once again the venue for the event that was a partnership between the Singapore Ladies Golfers Association and Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

128 golfers of the fairer sex turned up for the ladies only event that had a carnival-like atmosphere right from the moment of registration. Sponsor’s booths set up in Laguna’s Golfer’s Lounge were abuzz as they showcased their wares and handed out door gifts that included Stonebarn truffle craft beer, a choice of Titleist golf balls and Footjoy products, as well as green fee vouchers for return play at either the Masters Course or Classic Course.

Themed to celebrate international culture, the ladies were colourfully dressed to the nines and co-ordinated as a flight, gamefully vying for the best dressed special prize.

At the turnaround, a pair of well chiselled male models welcomed ladies back for a short respite and a photo opportunity. Live food stations kept tummies sated with soft-serve ice cream, popcorn and wagyu beef sliders, while spirits were kept festive with refreshingly ice-cold vodka watermelon and mojito cocktails.

Out on the course, besides the more familiar Nearest To Line and Longest Drive, there was the more uncommon novelty game of a Hole-In-Two on the shorter par 4s with the hole the size of a soup plate. And there were chances for three Hole-in-One prizes on each of the Masters Par 3s – the Car Times sponsored Honda Vezel, a Laguna National Golf Resort one-year term membership, and guaranteed weekly flight slots at Laguna for a whole year.

Immediate gratification awaited participating golfers on their return in the sure-win lucky draw, with an aesthetics package by Cambridge Therapeutic, and a set of diamond and gold earrings and pendant sponsored by Vihari Jewels among the top lucky draw prizes.

Format of play was stableford (double peoria) for tournament. In Division A, the champion was Marie-France Paquet, 1st runner up was Jaclyn Ng, and 2nd runner up was Ha Jiyoung. In Division B, the champion was Kim Hoa Nguyen Thi, 1st runner up was Agnes Chan, and 2nd runner up was Chrystelle Serrant.

Congratulations to all winners.