Echoes on the Green - A Trilogy of Hole-in-Ones

For Mark Wong Thye Hiam, golf is more than a sport – it is a lifelong companion, and a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life. Over the past 38 years, Mark has walked the verdant and undulating greens with quiet joy, drawn by the vast expanse of the open skies, and the serenity and tranquility offered by the lush landscapes. He relishes the challenges involved in playing the game.  

“It’s a sport where you challenge yourself. Every golf course is different; each presents a different set of challenges. I enjoy playing at NSRCC as there are two scenic courses- NSRCC Changi and NSRCC Kranji,” Mark said.

Bonding with Friends

Indeed, every fairway offers a different story. Beyond the draw of the personal challenges and the scenery, the camaraderie brings him back week after week. For him, playing golf offers a platform for him to strengthen the rapport with his school friends, who are also NSRCC members, a rhythm that knits together past and present.

“I play golf regularly with my friends; twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. Golf is a game of great enjoyment and a good way to bond with friends and forge new friendships. It is a sport you can continue to play even in your 70s or 80s,” he said.

Attaining His Third Hole-in-One

Most golfers aspire to achieve the highly coveted Hole-in-One, which could prove to be a surreal experience. Mark has attained the Hole-in-One, not once, but thrice. His most recent feat came on 28 May at NSRCC Changi’s Hole 12, a momentous moment etched in his mind as one of his cherished memories.

He recounted his maiden Hole-in-One with a tinge of nostalgia. Mark attained his first Hole-in-One in 2001 at the NSRCC Changi Army Course, a parcel of land that subsequently made way for the expansion of Changi Airport and the adjacent roadworks.

“Achieving a Hole-in-One depends a lot on luck. But you also need to pick the right club and aim towards the flag stick. That gives you a better chance of dropping the ball into the hole,” he said.

In Mark’s works and journey, we find a gentle reminder. While precision and preparation play significant roles, sometimes the rarest triumphs in life are gifts of timing, instinct and grace.