Published July 17, 2008 on January 17, 2019

Sentosa Golf Club’s Dragon’s Tail Set to Help Keep Things Green on the Serapong Course

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Local junior golfers are set to be rewarded this week by SMBC Singapore Open host venue, Sentosa Golf Club, based on how many shots under par a unique stretch of holes, called the Dragon’s Tail, is played.

The trio of acclaimed holes, steeped in history on the Serapong course, will go under the spotlight as Sentosa Golf Club continues its #KeepItGreen campaign, designed to increase awareness of the game to juniors in the local community, as well as drawing attention to sustainable practices within golf.

The Dragon’s Tail is the name coined for a special section of Sentosa Golf Club’s famous Serapong course, recently named Singapore’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards.  To launch its #KeepItGreen campaign for this year, Sentosa Golf Club will be offering free rounds of golf to a number of local juniors for every shot under par the Dragon’s Tail is played over the four days of the tournament.

The long, narrow and snaking stretch of holes from the 4^th to the 7^th bare an uncanny resemblance to the mythical creature, earning this stretch of golfing paradise its adopted name. Players will have to tackle the ferocious Dragon’s Tail stretch with much respect this week – “It not only looks like a Dragon’s Tail, it feels like you have to creep your way cautiously around it to avoid waking or annoying the beast,” as many past champions of the SMBC Singapore Open will attest to.

The first sign of danger comes at the 576-yard Par-5 4^th hole, where a carefully guided tee shot is required over water, with the Serapong Lake on the left and dense rainforest on the right.  With a fairway that doglegs in the middle only the bravest of player will be rewarded for any risk on this hole.

The Par-4 5^th hole is arguable Sentosa’s most iconic hole, playing towards the high-rise towers of downtown Singapore with bunkers lining the fairway right up to the green.  The Dragon’s Tail continues at the Par-4 6^th with the Singapore Straits down the right showcasing one of the busiest harbours in the world. Picking up a shot or two on this stretch and players should feel positive as they head into the back nine.

Commenting on the Dragon’s Tail and the initiative this week from Sentosa Golf Club, defending champion, Sergio Garcia, said: “This is certainly a stretch of holes on a golf course I will never forget.  As well as requiring accuracy and care, it’s simply stunning.  I’m not sure I’ve played a stretch of holes anywhere in the world quite like it.  The initiative from Sentosa is great – to reward junior golfers and help grow the game by challenging us guys to play the Dragon’s Tail under par is a neat idea.  I hope we can all do it justice to get as many juniors involved as possible.”

Andy Johnston, Sentosa Golf Club General Manager and Director of Agronomy, said: “With Keep It Green we aim to continue making a difference to the future of the game, by targeting relevant issues that need addressing.  Taking something like Dragon’s Tail, ingrained deep in the history of this great club, and giving something back to junior golf here at the SMBC Singapore Open is something we believe will not only resonate with the local community but also on a global scale.”

Sentosa Golf Club’s #KeepItGreen has been given welcomed praise by some of the game’s most influential stakeholders, including The R&A, players in the SMBC Singapore Open field, spectators and its membership. The campaign seeks to amplify crucial messages which are of increasing importance to the sport.  As one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world, Sentosa Island, upon which the golf club and its two courses are set, is uniquely placed to contribute on two very topical subjects within the game.

Dominic Wall, The R&A Director Asia-Pacific, said: “Sentosa is the location of our Asian Headquarters and we have seen first-hand what a great year the club had both on and off the course.  It made some serious headway in demonstrating the need for sustainability in the game and drawing attention to matters that are so crucial right now in golf, growing the game and sustainability.  Their Keep It Green initiatives are currently going a long way to growing the game in Asia and secure the future of this great game.”