If the 100-year-old Bukit golf course could talk, what would it say?

Sporting Life Assistant Sports Editor Hi, Let me introduce myself.

I'm an ancient piece of earth and my name is Bukit. To be precise I'm a golf course.

I live at the Singapore Island Country Club and last month was my birthday. In cricket 100 runs is a feat and so is 100 caps in football. But I'm 100 years old and still in fighting shape. Imagine.

I don't want to make too big a deal about my age because I have a couple of Scottish cousins who are far older. In 1552, golf was first played at St Andrews. In 1567, so it's whispered, Mary, Queen of Scots played at the Musselburgh Links.

How I was born is connected to a Scottish club-maker who worked in the army and navy stores. James Braid was talented, not just as a golfer - he won the Open Championship in 1901, 1905, 1906, 1908, 1910 - but as a course architect.

Braid didn't even come to Singapore to visit the land. He simply used topographical maps, designed me and sent the plans by ship. On Aug 4, 1924, the first club competition was held on my fairways.

I've seen things few people have.

Seve Ballesteros once walked on me and gave Lam Chih Bing, the former Singaporean pro, a few tips. The occupying Japanese forces dug me up to make trenches. And the incredible Kee Bee Khim, 73, won 36 club championships here. The earth which comprises me is rich with history.