![Professor S. Jayakumar Teeing Up Strong](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/6287/390190/5def56e790dc1/Professor-S-Jayakumar-Teeing-Up-Strong.jpg)
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?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October - November 2019-Ausgabe von GOLF VACATIONS.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October - November 2019-Ausgabe von GOLF VACATIONS.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
![Miguel Angel Jimenez - The Everlasting Mechanic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def685f25f99/crp_Miguel-Angel-Jimenez-The-Everlasting-Mechanic.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def667521721/crp_Darren-Clarke-The-Jovial-Champ.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def55a24bdd7/crp_The-Cornerstone-Of-Life.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def6ee4be901/crp_The-Ten-Best-Golfers-In-Hollywood.jpg)
The Ten Best Golfers In Hollywood
Hollywood glitz meets endless rolling fairways in the ultimate list of top celebrity golfers.
![Pairing Perfection](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def6c6f4328c/crp_Pairing-Perfection.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def54cd5e835/crp_Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Sea-Dweller.jpg)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller
Introducing the eternal watch of the deep sea.
![Professor S. Jayakumar Teeing Up Strong](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6287/390190/5def56e790dc1/crp_Professor-S-Jayakumar-Teeing-Up-Strong.jpg)
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.