In conversation with Larry Nelson
“In Conversation With …” is a column where members share their personal experiences and reflections about Keppel Club. Through these stories, we hope to offer readers a deeper connection with the Club, seen through a variety of unique perspectives. We invite you to join us in discovering what makes Keppel Club so special, one story at a time. If you wish to contribute, please email our Communications team at kccomms@keppelclub.com.sg. Publication of the stories received is at the discretion of the Newsletter Sub-Committee.
From the Bay to the Lion City
Finding his second home at Keppel Club: Larry Nelson’s Tale
In this edition, we meet Mr Larry Nelson, who hails from the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Larry and his wife, Tori, arrived in Singapore nearly eight years ago, trading in San Francisco’s cool fog for sandals and swapping four distinct seasons for the perpetually warm and humid embrace of the tropics. It was work that first lured Larry here—an opportunity to run Microsoft’s Education Business across Asia. It didn’t take long for Singapore’s energy, warmth, and culinary wonders to win the couple over. What Larry likes most about Singapore is the harmony of cultures, the city’s green escapes, and the unbeatable hawker fare: “There is no problem a good plate of chicken rice can’t solve”, he says.
Q: What draws you to Keppel Club? Is it the sport, the social activities, or the food and beverage?
A: Having joined Keppel in October 2018, it’s all about the golf events—the thrill of playing on the Inter-Club League (ICL), the excitement of the monthly medal tournaments, and, most importantly, the great friendships I’ve made out on the course. There’s something truly special about the camaraderie that grows over shared rounds and friendly competition. And let’s not forget my absolute favourite place to enjoy a cold Tiger beer after a game: Tee Top, where every visit feels like a celebration.
Tori says she also enjoys the Keppel experience. While she proudly identifies herself as a “perpetual beginner” at golf, she wholeheartedly embraces the camaraderie and vibrant community spirit that the Club offers. Whether she’s cheerfully practising on the range or enjoying post-game catch-ups, she’s a testament to how welcoming and inclusive Keppel Club truly is. She loves it all…except for maybe the monkeys!
Q: Do you consider the Club your second home?
A: In a word: yes! The Club is my escape from the everyday hustle—a place where work emails fade into the background and the only notifications are the sound of birds, the clink of golf clubs, and the cheerful greetings of familiar faces. It’s more than just a recreational spot; it’s a community, a second family, and, on some days, a much-needed oasis for rest and relaxation.
Q: What do you appreciate most about the Club?
A: It has to be the people. From the welcoming staff to the fellow members-turned-friends, everyone contributes to the Club’s unique, inclusive spirit. It’s the kind of place where you can strike up a conversation over breakfast and end up planning a foursome for the weekend.
Q: Do you have a memorable moment from bowling, billiards, golf, or tennis at the Club?
A: Some of my fondest memories at Keppel come from the countless friendly matches I’ve played, each one a blend of competition and camaraderie. Every round is an opportunity to build friendships and share laughs, but I must admit there’s a little extra satisfaction in those rare occasions when I managed to notch a win against President Lai Mun Onn. These moments—celebrated with good-natured ribbing and a Tiger beer at Tee Top—capture the fun, connection, and good spirits that make Keppel such a special place for me.
This October, Larry and Tori will be heading back to the US expecting to land in Charleston, South Carolina. If you spot them at the Club before they go, don’t hesitate to say hello and share a smile. We wish them the very best as they return home, carrying with them fond memories of their time in Singapore.