teacher's day golf tournament at palm resort, johor

i did not realise that i have been helping out at the teacher's day golf challenge for four years already until my good friend nai ah mentioned it. for the past four years, a group of about 40 teachers, vice-principals, principals and their friends have been spending teacher's day at one of the golf courses at palm resort. they are there to take part in a friendly golf tournament initiated and organised by nai ah, formerly hod discipline in shuqun sec, now vice-principal of chai chee sec.

i have been lending a hand at this tournament since i stopped helping out at the ministry of education's permanent secretary cup, a golf tournament usually held during the september school holidays.

i assist by collecting the course and registration fees from the players, distributing the goodies, going round on the buggy to take some pictures and helping to prepare the prize table and to arrange the prizes. i also help in collating the scores to decide the winners.

we would start off early in the morning, before six, for senai. tee-off would usually be just before 8.00 a.m. two of the players - weng wah and hshieh - live in the same estate and i usually get a lift from one of them.

this morning, weng wah picked me at 5.40 a.m. at the bus stop along bukit panjang ring road. he drove me to fairway at jurong where he picked up two other players. i was transferred into nai ah's car as he had only one other passenger in his car. we travelled to senai via the second link.

when the golfers have teed off, i would have a leisurely breakfast at the golfer's terrace. i enjoy the stillness, serenity and greenery of the golf course. after breakfast, i would get one of the attendants to take me around the course on a buggy to take some souvenir shots.

when i returned from the course, i would start preparation for the prize presentation in the room set aside for lunch. i would lay out the prizes. this year, it was a relatively simple task as there were only five trophies, three for the men and two for the ladies. i would then draw up the chart to record the scores and display the results.

i look forward to doing this because it gives me a chance to relax in a scenic environment. the other reason is that the participants are so appreciative of the help and support i am giving to nai ah. they always come forward to thank me personally.