As the saying goes, “I know him but he does not know me”, and little did I expect our paths to cross because of golf. Like many Singaporeans, I knew of Professor S. Jayakumar as politician, diplomat and our previous Deputy Prime Minister.
I had seen “Prof ” numerous times at the golfer’s terrace at Sentosa Golf Club on weekends, and one day, a common friend called and asked if I would be interested in joining them for a game as another friend had pulled out.
Due to the golfing official secrets acts, I will have to withhold the various candid conversations and stories we had. However, I can honestly say that for someone who just celebrated his 80th birthday, I found him exceptionally sharp, witty and genuinely kind.
Still very competitive, there is always a small wager on our game which starts with the usual negotiation of strokes.
I was very excited when Prof agreed to be featured in our Interview Series as I felt that looking at the game from the lens of a diplomat would be something different from the lens of a business leader or professional golfer.
What can be seen from the interview was how golf was instrumental in helping advance diplomacy for Singapore.
GV: How did you get started in golf?
Prof: I took up golf around 1987 when I was Minister of Home Affairs. I had thought golf was an awful waste of time. However, I had a problem on my hands. I had many visiting dignitaries, especially from ASEAN countries, who were very keen to play golf.
I had to plead with other Cabinet colleagues to host games for them. Mr Goh Chok Tong then advised me to take up the game as it was a good way to forge closer links with our foreign counterparts. I heeded his advice and that is how I got started in golf.
Did golf really prove to be helpful then, in terms of courting diplomatic relations?
This story is from the October - November 2019 edition of GOLF VACATIONS.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October - November 2019 edition of GOLF VACATIONS.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Miguel Angel Jimenez - The Everlasting Mechanic
If nothing else, Miguel Angel Jimenez has epitomised all that represents golf, both as a competitor and a lover of life. At 55, he takes his success from the main European Tour to now the PGA Champions Tour.
Darren Clarke - The Jovial Champ
Reaching the age of ‘Champions’, the convivial Darren Clarke remains passionate about golf, and yes, Guinness stout.
Thailand's True Paradise - Chiang Mai
The northern city of Chiang Mai is Thailand's true paradise.
Czech Republic Is A Delightful Combination Of Pilsner, Golf And Spa
Pilsner, golf and spa makes a visit to the Czech Republic a delightful combination that can be experienced over and over again.
Clinton Ang Shares Traditional Values, Future Growth And Golf
Clinton Ang, current head of an 81-year-old family business, shares traditional values, future growth and golf.
The Ten Best Golfers In Hollywood
Hollywood glitz meets endless rolling fairways in the ultimate list of top celebrity golfers.
Pairing Perfection
Diageo recently unveiled two incredibly rare and exceptional whiskies: Brora 40-year-old and Talisker 41-year-old - both under the brand’s Rare & Exceptional range.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller
Introducing the eternal watch of the deep sea.
Professor S. Jayakumar Teeing Up Strong
His role in nation building cannot be over-estimated, yet Professor S. Jayakumar, former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore has the benefit of golf to carry him through life in politics and now, simply a life well deserved.
Highland Fling
The recently opened Parahyangan Golf Course outside Bandung, West Java, sets a new standard for this popular region which is about three hours' drive from Jakarta.
