SOCIAL GOLFER CHRISTABEL CHUA
Popular influencer Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly) shares how golf has opened up a whole new world for her.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO GOLF?
I was first introduced to golf about three years ago when friends around me started picking it up during the pandemic That was when the question popped up for the first time – “Do you want to learn golf?” My answer was no, and the idea of it felt daunting for some reason. It was not until I was on a trip to Bali two years later with my husband that I decided to pick it up after sitting in the buggy for three to four hours around the beautiful course.
I remember my first lesson with coach Elizabeth (Lizzie) at National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC). I did not even know how to grip a golf club. It was pretty funny!
WHY DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT GOLF?
What keeps me going is how challenging it is. Somehow you can never let your guard down, be complacent or be too impatient. You have to constantly seek out ways to improve and to keep yourself optimistic when your game differs drastically from time to time. I also love how it allows me to spend hours a week in nature away from crowds, and provides this reset I need before diving back into work. Not to mention that the outfits, like those from adidas Golf, are pretty cute as well.
I usually play with close friends at Warren, Laguna, NSRCC and Marina Bay before it closed. I love discovering new courses too when I go abroad, it’s been the highlight of every trip.
AS AN INFLUENCER, DO YOU NEED TO BELIEVE AND LIKE THE PRODUCTS THAT YOU WEAR AND ENDORSE?
Reflecting on more than 10 years of experience in this industry, you definitely need to believe and like the products that you wear and endorse. Your followers are truly savvy, so integrity is important and being objective is key.
I’m really thankful for being able to work with many of my favourite brands for more than a decade now – adidas, SK-II and Fresh Beauty being some of them. I believe this consistency boosts integrity as those who follow your socials will know your usual selections, the change in your product choices across the years, and in turn learn how to select the products best suited for them based on your tips.
The one question I always ask myself before working with a brand is, “Would I buy this for myself, my friends and my family?” There is so much joy when you see more people trying out the product you are such a big fan of. I want to plug the best lip balm that I have purchased at least 10 of – Drunk Elephant’s Lippe Balm.
As an influencer, it’s also important to keep finding new ways to connect with your audience in this ever changing social landscape. Broadcast channels in Instagram are a great way these days.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE WHEN IT COMES TO GOLF APPAREL AND WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GOLF SHOES?
My style when it comes to golf revolves around one word – SPF.
I lean towards long sleeved tops for better sun protection. I work on a lot of beauty content, so it’s important to keep the skin tone of my arms and face as similar as possible. As for a choice between skirts or pants, my decision often depends on what matches my top best.
For golf shoes, I love shoes with the BOA mechanism. It’s such a fuss-free perk and I absolutely adore it. The new CODECHAOS range is amazing with a wide range of colours and the cute design. It’s also super comfortable and springy, gives you a nice lightweight feel when walking about on the course.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR UNIQUE APPEAL?
Every influencer brings something unique to the table – be it in the golf industry or elsewhere. I think for me, it’s a combination of the commitment I have to this new sport and my growing passion now that I am into the second year of learning more about the game. My golf content revolves around charting my progress as a beginner and
I believe people resonate with that. I’m not at the stage where I’m sharing tips and insights but I hope to be there in a few years’ time. I hope that my golf content would make my audience see the appeal and take the leap to try out a brand new sport.
My personal goal here is to improve on my game, work on my swing and keep my score consistently below 100 (then 90, that’s my next challenge). Thank you for following my journey, it’s a long road ahead and I’m excited for it!
