MY PAPER AsiaOne 23 Feb 16;
Photo: LIANHE WANBAO
Four youngsters used the seaside of Pasir Ris Park as a driving range on Sunday by whacking golf balls into the sea, according to a financial consultant who ran into the group and their apparent trainer that morning.
The man, who wanted to be known only as Mr Low, told the Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao he was bothered seeing the public coastal park being used for golf practice and was concerned that the balls would contribute to the pollution of the sea.
A man stood at one side and watched as the youngsters took turns to swing their clubs and send golf balls into the sea, said Mr Low.
The 60-year-old, who has been visiting Pasir Ris Park on weekends over the past 15 years for walks, said he had never seen golf being played in the area before.
After watching the group for about 15 minutes, Mr Low took out his phone and recorded a 28-second footage of the "seaside" drill.
The group realised that they were being filmed but went on with their activity after throwing a glance at Mr Low and smiling at each other, Wanbao was told.
"As the footage showed the children hit one ball every 15 seconds, more than 200 balls must have gone into the sea in 15 minutes," said Mr Low.
"So how is this different from damaging the marine environment by dumping garbage into sea water?" he asked.
"And what a waste of money, even if they were rich," he added, pointing out that a dozen golf balls could cost up to $25 in Singapore.
Briton Nigel Dark, who has taught golf for 12 years and is currently here on a coaching contract, told Wanbao that it is not uncommon for golfers abroad to train at the seaside, one famous example being the late Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros.
"Perhaps some people took inspiration from these instances, which provide a more convenient alternative to going to a range," said Mr Dark.
But he pointed out that a flying golf ball could threaten lives and properties as it could hit someone in the sea or deviate and head towards the shore.
According to the National Parks Board website, users of parks in Singapore should keep all facilities clean and take care not to endanger the safety of others, reported Wanbao.