The Birth of An Idea

From generations and beyond

I was in charge of building the new Changi Airport at the time. I happened to be in the helicopter with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (then Prime Minister of Singapore), when he came up with the idea to develop the piece of land adjacent to the Airport into a golf course.

Sim Kee Boon, Founding Chairman of TMCC

And just like that, planted was the seed that would flourish to become the multiple-award-winning Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) today. Sculpted from a barren piece of reclaimed land, TMCC has been nurtured to excellence to be one of the most distinctive country clubs in Asia today, and home to two resplendent golf courses, Garden Course and Tampines Course.

In the very year that TMCC was officially launched in 1984, work had already begun to improve the Club by adding its second course, the Tampines Course. Every year since, either on or off the courses, the Club has striven to constantly improve itself and to deliver its promise to its members to be among the best in Singapore and in the region.

The Club is indebted to the enthusiasm, perseverance and passion of a number of people who have unstintingly devoted their time and experience to realise the vision. While it is not possible to recognise everyone, there are a few exceptional people who deserve special acknowledgement.

Sim Kee Boon, Founding Chairman, was a consistent force and source of motivation and inspiration in the development and progress of the Club. Many have been moved by his visionary leadership and innovative ideas. Other pioneers whose contributions were instrumental in giving form, shape and character to the Club include Wong Hung Khim, then Deputy Chairman; Lee Kim Yew, then-President; A Vijiaratnam, Vice President (1984); Tan Puay Huat, then Club Captain and K K Teoh, then Vice Captain (1984).

In addition, members of the Club’s Pro-Tem Management Committee, including Lim Hock San, Treasurer; Dr Harold Chan, Patrick Chan, K R Chandran, Cheong Thiam Siew, Chua Lian Ho, Chung Kek Choo, Foo Kok Swee, Goh Keng Chew, Dr Anthony Ong, B K Wong and Wong Yew Kwan, are remembered for their singular zeal and devotion to the building of this world-class institution.

There is no such thing as perfection. Our goal is excellence.

Sim Kee Boon, Founding Chairman of TMCC
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