As a young girl, I used to dream of owning my own hair salon. Because of this childhood dream, I took up hairstyling courses for almost a year. However as fate would have it, golf replaced my interest for hairstyling and since then golf has become my life passion. Without knowing, golf invaded my daily life and became my life objective.

Whenever I reflect on my life as a golfer, I would be filled with deep feelings and memories. Nothing in words can describe these thoughts, these feelings. 

I grew up in a family with six brothers. My brothers play a big influence in my life. I roughed it out with the boys and grew up being rugged, with a big temper, playful, outspoken and always insisting on doing things my way. My guiding principal in life is doing things with a clear conscience.

My childhood was spent playing table tennis and golf with the kids in the neighbourhood. During my school holidays, I would be my brothers' caddy. I used to spend the time in the field watching the golf games and always thought that golf was a boring sport. My interest in Golf started to pick up when I challenged my friends to games and the thrills of bets and winnings kept me on my toes with excitement and anticipation. I'm an outdoor person. With the greenery, the open air and the sun, golf fits my life completely.

With the support of my family and a conducive environment, I joined a club in 1985 and officially became a full time golfer. I started with a handicap of 15. I still remember my first competition. I participated in the Jurong Ladies Open as an amateur with no experience. My competitors were all seasoned golfers. I was so scared and nervous until one of my brothers came to support me. His encouragement calmed me down and I was motivated to do my best. I did not disappoint him. I came in 3rd with a gross score of 80 strokes.

Serene with a smooth natural golf swing.

Even though I have won numerous prizes and awards, I have, in exchange, sacrificed many things in life. Whenever I win a game, the only thing that I want to do is to share the moment, the joy, the achievement with my family and friends.

Serene (4th from left), 
on a golf tour with a group of friends.

Since my father passed away, I realized that life is very fragile. I always tell my mother that "If there is a will, there is a way" and hope that she lives the rest of her life happily. To me , what is most important in life is health and happiness. That is also why I enjoy golf tours. I love the nature and the freedom. To me, life is just like a game of golf.

I used to think that being a golf instructor is easy. But I have learnt that this is not true. As golf instructors,  we must be patient and at the same time agile and flexible. We must also understand our students, and regardless of their age, occupation and abilities, adapt our teaching styles to bring out the best in them. Just like the way I must adapt my playing skills and styles in the field, I must do the same for my students. Their success in golf is my achievement.