WHEN LOVE TURNS SOUR

Photo by Olivier GR

I’ve always loved the Nature Park Golf Driving Range. I had my first golf lessons there and since then, it has always been my place of practice. A “home club” of sorts. For the past five years or so, I’ve seen it slowly evolving from a simple place where you hit balls, into an integrated community offering a range of services to golfers.

You can buy golf equipment, fix your clubs, book a trip to Palm Springs in Batam and even enjoy a nice Japanese meal. There’s also a prawning place that is really packed during the weekends.

In addition to the amenities and services, it also has a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. As there are no silly dress codes, you can see golfers in running shorts, singlets, t-shirts, or anything they are comfortable with. Now, isn’t that fabulous?

However, I have an issue with people lighting up indiscriminately there. During my previous visits, golfers were seen smoking openly, puffing away in between their swings. Second-hand smoke is simply annoying. It stinks and it irritates my respiratory system. The smokers are flouting the law. They know it, yet they continue to do so.

Obviously, a lot of smokers there don't understand simple English or basic signs.

Irked by the situation, I made a complaint to the National Environment Agency. They followed up with a call the following day and assured me that they will send officers down to check it out. But based on my most recent visit, nothing has changed.

More disturbingly, I noticed a “Club Seven”. Looking at the congratulatory flowers, it looks like it was just opened. It has got neon lights and it plays loud thumping music. The club sure feels like a typical “you-know-what” establishment along Joo Chiat or Geylang. Based on my search on the Internet, Club Seven is a Thai Disco. It serves cheap beer and the ladies there are more than willing to chat you up, if you buy them a drink. With this, the driving range takes on a rather sleazy persona especially at night.

I am all for clubs that offer cheap drinks and pretty ladies, but I’m not too sure about having one at a driving range, in the residential area of Bishan no less.

Club Seven. "Sir, you want buy me drink?"

The night club and the smoking situation is such a huge turn-off. Now, I’d rather pay a bit more for balls at a country club, or travel further to Marina Bay for a better practice environment.

Looks like my “relationship” with the driving is going to the dumps.  

Good bye, Nature Park Golf Driving Range. You have changed. I feel that I don’t know you anymore. Till next time, and take care.

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