In conversation with Soh Wai Lin
“In conversation with …” is a series of interviews with members of Keppel Club. One member will be featured each month from August to December 2024. This month, we feature the amiable Ms Soh Wai Lin.
Ms Soh Wai Lin has been a member of Keppel Club since 2005. She is currently holding a senior position in a company which specialises in roof and facade panels for industrial and energy projects. An avid golfer, Wai Lin recently won the Club Championship in the Ladies’ Intermediate (Nett) category. Her daughter, Wong Yen Ting, is an outstanding golfer who represented Seattle University in the US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Golf Division 1 from 2015 to 2019.
Soh Wai Lin (right), with fellow members, Chew Bee Choo (left) and Jacqueline Loh at Bukit Chermin.
When we invited Wai Lin to comment on Bukit Chermin and Sime, she readily accepted as there were many good memories and thoughts that she would like to share.
Q: What are your impressions of Bukit Chermin and Sime? How do the two courses differ in terms of layout and playability?
A: As we all know, Bukit Chermin was a longer and narrower course compared to Sime. On Bukit Chermin course, numerous holes had water hazards before it reached the greens. To some golfers, those water crossings were quite intimidating. To others, these added a thrilling challenge. Personally, I find Bukit Chermin a joy to play.
Sime course, on the other hand, tests golfers with its deep port bunkers strategically located on the fairways. Playing at Sime requires careful shot placement and bunker play. It is a “thinking” course.
Both courses shared a common characteristic: They are surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees that bestow tranquillity. Bukit Chermin enchanted us with its charming sea views, while Sime offers serene lake vistas, both providing a calm and peaceful backdrop that enhances the golfing experience.
Q: What do you miss most in Bukit Chermin?
A: Firstly, I missed the exclusivity and better opportunities for us to play the course, compared to Sime which is a hybrid course now.
The next thing I truly missed was the morning and evening 9-hole walk. Morning walk on a weekday before sunrise and evening walk just when the sun was setting, were truly magical moments for me. After our weekend walking round, I would savour delightful dinners at the Tee Top with my family, cherishing the moments together.
Lastly, there were also more choices of F&B outlets. We also had a multipurpose hall with more space for larger events.
Q: What do you like best at Sime?
A: The one thing I like best about Sime is the lush greenery and the serene lake views.
Q: What is your favourite food at Tee Top?
A: It has to be the silver fish fried rice.
Q: What improvement or change would you want at Sime?
A: There are four items in my wish list:
a. More opportunities for members to play
b. Allow 9-hole walking
c. More F&B selections
d. Bring back the Monthly Medal and more Fun Games