Beijing Day 2 – 17 June 2010

The Itinerary For the Day.
Stated in the programme was:
a.    Visit to Beijing Olympic Village.
b.    Visit the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).
c.    Visit the exterior of the National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube).
d.    Shopping at Silk Factory.
e.    Lunch.
f.    Visit the Elegant Summer Place.
g.    Visit the Ma Dian Mosque.
h.    Tahlil and Doa Selamat at the Malaysian Embassy.

For Golfers: Golfing at the Beijing Hua Tang Golf Club.
Being a golfer I was thus unable to follow the itinerary as set. I am thus unable to say something about the day’s activities and hope somebody could write something about it and mail it to me. I will post it on our blog.
Golf at the Hua Tang International Golf Club.
We had to leave early to be in time for the scheduled tee off time – 0830. We left at about 0700 hrs. We could used an extra hour in bed but then golf beckons. A golfer is prepared to go through thick and thin to be able to make it for tee-off time. And we were golfers.
It was a Thursday. Thus we could expect a possibly high density of traffic in a city of 20 million people. As we moved towards the clubhouse, the scenery of tree-lined road and scenario reminded us of a European setting. The weather was marvelously set at 18 degree celscius. Surprisingly we arrived quite early to be able to enjoy a cuppa.
We were met on arrival at the Club by Capt Azhari bin Abdul Rashid TLDM. Our Defence Attache in Beijing. A very jovial and pleasing character. He arrived earlier to ensure that our day would be spent well. He was the one who made arrangements for us to have ‘diplomats’ rate’ at this course.
We were able to enjoy a hot cup of drinks and later proceeded to the Caddy’s Shack. Our golf bags were already on the buggies. We proceeded to the ist tee box, After the prelims of photo taking, the first flight teed off followed by me, Apai, Billy and Rahman J. A par 4. My second shot went into the pond. What luck.

























































 

The greens were slow (to my mind) and we had bogeys and double bogeys. It was to be expected being first timers and still early in the morning. Engine belum panas lagi. The second hole was another par 4. All our shots were reasonable. We were still getting a feel of the course. The caddies were helpful but we had difficulty in communicating. Only Apai and Billy seemed comfortable. Understanding them and being a kind of interpreter for us all. At the 3rd hole we could feel a slight drizzle. Come the 4th hole the sky opened up. We were then near the clubhouse. We decided to await the rain to blow over before continuing.
Another round of hot drinks for us. We were still confident of continuing the game. After all we have the whole day to ourselves. The rain just went on and on without showing sign of letting up. After about an hour, we decided to forego continuing and decided to take a tour of the city. Disappointing but we had to be pragmatic. Rather then just waiting for the rain to stop, and we didn’t know when, we packed our stuffs and left for Beijing City.