In conversation with Yip Shee Yin
“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 jovial Mr Yip Shee Yin.
Mr Yip Shee Yin has been a member of Keppel Club for about 20 years. He is a practising lawyer who loves golf and is “always eager to play a round and learn from better golfers”. Outside work, Shee Yin enjoys meeting and interacting with people. To him, the Club’s welcoming atmosphere is a great place to meet like-minded friends. Shee Yin is proud to be part of this wonderful club.
From left, Jolly Jashank, Adam Chong, Yip Shee Yin & Simon Ang.
Shee Yin shares his views from the lens of a lawyer with a deep passion for golf.
Q: What are your impressions of Bukit Chermin and Sime? How do the two courses differ in terms of layout and playability?
A: The move from Bukit Chermin to Sime requires Keppel members to adjust their play and expectations. The members and the public have interacted well to ensure a great golfing experience.
Both courses have a mature landscape, which is scenic and serene. The peace and tranquillity of Sime can cause one to slip into a slumber if one shuts his eyes to take in the calm while waiting to play.
The narrow fairways of Bukit Chermin are not replicated in Sime. However, members who played regularly at Bukit Chermin may attempt to test their laser-sharp skill of playing narrow fairways by placing their ball at certain locations to minimise walking and avoid muddy patches during rainy and wet conditions.
Q: What do you miss most in Bukit Chermin?
A: When we moved to Sime, the land area was drastically reduced. This means fewer facilities for members and F&B outlets. I would probably say I miss the various F&B options at Bukit Chermin.
Q: What do you like best at Sime?
A: As the Sime course is nestled next to Macritchie Reservoir, hole 5, with the soothing water of the reservoir, coupled with the rippling sound of water fountains, is a sight to behold. That is provided I don’t get frustrated from slicing my tee short and having the tree obstructing my attempt to get onto the green. Sometimes, you may get hikers near the hole 5 greenside bunkers watching you flop your shot, followed by a faint sound of applause for a good shot out. There is no prize for guessing what happens on a failed attempt. I think this sums up what I like best in Sime.
Q: What is your favourite food at Tee Top?
A: The kitchen team at Tee Top is doing an excellent job with their offerings. My usual go-to will be the Tuna Ribbon Salad, Fish & Chips and Crispy Fermented Pork Belly. Lately, I discovered that the Ham and Egg Croissant Sandwich, which I enjoy the most, is a go-to for a leisure brunch on a weekend or a pre-game meal.
Q: What improvement or change would you want at Sime?
A: We all have a wish list of what we want to see at Sime. I hope the Keppel Team delivers a good experience for all golfers and users, and continues to better themselves to secure a chance to continue at Sime beyond 2030.
At this point of penning my wish list, we have about six years to go to 2030 before the lease expires. Capital expenditure for improvement for Sime needs to be financially viable. To balance members’ enjoyment and revenue optimisation, I hope the Club can explore bringing back 6.30am and 5.30pm 9-hole walking for members. A “queue up, match up, pay up and Tee up” system.