Page 16 - 54th UM-NUS INTER-UNIVERSITY TUNKU CHANCELLOR GOLF TOURNAMENT PHOTO BOOK

From Humble Beginnings to a Prestigious Tradition
In the early years, players had to be persuaded to take part.
Today, the problem is the opposite — the tournament is so
popular that numbers must be capped. It has welcomed
Heads of State, Chancellors, Ministers, Ambassadors,
distinguished alumni, and friends of both universities.
The roll call of notable figures is illustrious: HRH Sultan
Azlan Shah, President Wee Kim Wee, President Ong
Teng Cheong, and President S. R. Nathan among them.
Prestigious courses have hosted the games — in Malaysia,
Kelab Golf Negara Subang, Royal Perak Golf Club, Kota
Permai, Clearwater Sanctuary; in Singapore, the Singapore
Island Country Club, Sentosa Golf Club, Orchid Country Club,
and Tanah Merah Country Club.
In 1988, women joined the tournament, bringing glamour
and a new spirit of inclusivity. Ladies’ flights are now a proud
and competitive feature.

Accommodation
In the early days, accommodation was generally with
friends or in the university hostels arranged by the hosts.
When in Singapore, players stayed in Raffles Hall as
guests of Professor Kiang Ai Kim, who was then Master of
the Hall. Yap Peng Giak, a non-resident fellow, hosted the
functions. In UM, players bunked with friends, stayed at
Rumah Universiti, or found their own hotel accommodation.
Functions were at the Staff House. Now, times have
changed. Accommodation these days is arranged in hotels
or at chalets at golf courses.

More Than Just Golf

What has kept the UM–NUS Tunku Chancellor Inter-
University Golf Tournament alive for over half a century is
not merely competition, but connection. Each tournament
is woven with formal dinners, Istana receptions, cultural
performances, and warm post-game camaraderie. The
scorecards fade, but the friendships endure.
Under HRH Sultan Azlan Shah’s Chancellorship, the event
reached its peak of prestige. A passionate golfer, he not only
played in the tournament but also hosted dinners at Istana
Iskandariah. When the original trophy was filled with names,
he personally donated a new one, crafted in Sheffield — a
city famed for its steel and metalwork.

Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuff Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah,
a passionate golfer.

14 54th UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament