Schooling to return for golf fund-raiser

Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling will be returning to Singapore next month. But instead of plunging into the pool, the swimmer will be heading for the fairways.

The 21-year-old 100m butterfly champion, who plays off a handicap of nine, will take part in a golf fund-raising event on Nov 22 at the Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden Course.

Organised by the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA), the event hopes to raise $500,000 for the "SGP Fund", which will be used to support the SSA's plans to develop elite athletes.

Comprising a round of golf followed by a dinner, the event will be graced by President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who is the SSA's Patron.

Schooling, a student at the University of Texas, said in a statement released yesterday: "Winning Singapore's first-ever Olympic gold medal in Rio was a dream come true, and I hope that this has inspired the aquatic community and shown them what we can achieve even against the world's best (athletes).

"While Singapore looks to become a world-class aquatics nation... I'm glad to have the opportunity to give back to the cause through the upcoming fund-raiser, and look forward to meeting all involved in November."

Besides excelling in the swimming pool, Schooling is proficient on the fairways and greens too.

He was introduced to the sport by his father Colin at an early age and earned his proficiency certificate when he was just six.

His mother, May, promised that Joseph would have his game face on when he tees off next month.

She said: "He's got the ball sense and he can excel in a variety of sports. He might not be the champion of those, but he can put up a good challenge." She added that the family are looking to host this fund-raiser annually.

SSA president Lee Kok Choy said: "The support will go a long way in helping us enhance our high-performance systems for elite aquatic athletes."

This article was first published on Oct 4, 2016.
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