Targeted First - Ever World Record For NUS - NUSS Centennial Golf Challenge

Singapore, 08 November 2005 - The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) Centennial Golf Challenge will be played on Sunday, 8th January 2006 at 13 golf clubs throughout Singapore. Officially launched today at the Kent Ridge Guild House, the Centennial Golf Challenge is presented by DBS Bank, a long time supporter and partner of NUS.

The Centennial Golf Challenge will be targeting to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of golfers teeing off simultaneously for a one-day golf event. While the presenting sponsor is DBS Bank, both Prudential Insurance and Tiger Beer have also agreed to be sponsors at this tournament.

His Excellency Mr S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore, will be officiating at the tournament. Mr Nathan is also Chancellor of NUS, Patron-in-chief of the NUS Endowment Fund, and was the Patron of the NUSS 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

On a given signal, a large number of participants will tee off simultaneously on their first hole in a shot gun start at all of the 13 major golf clubs in Singapore. All participating golfers who hit their ball a minimum of 100 yards (91 metres), and within a certain designated target area will be counted. The total number nation-wide will be validated and passed onto the Guinness World Records office in London with supporting evidence for the creation of a totally new record entry.

During the day of the tournament, all participating golf clubs will be linked through broadband web cast technology. Regardless of location, all participating golfers will be able to witness President Nathan officiate at the tournament, deliver his welcome address and flag them off for the mass tee-off. Later that evening, President Nathan’s official announcement of the individual winners at each of the respective clubs, as well as the overall winners of a national level Inter-Club trophy will be beamed live to all locations. There are also plans to have an inter-Faculty challenge at this tournament.

The University celebrates its Centenary this year, marking 100 years of tertiary education in Singapore. Beginning in June 2005, a series of celebratory events spanning 12 months will commemorate this significant milestone in NUS' history. One major element of many of the varied events undertaken is scaling sporting heights. This attempt to create a new world record follows other sporting achievements by members of the NUS community - the successful NUS Centennial Everest Expedition involving a five-man team from the university, and Dr William Tan’s record-breaking conquest of 10 marathons in seven continents in 70 days.
To reflect the strong links between NUS, NUSS and its surrounding communities, the University and the Society are pleased to extend participation of this golf tournament to all golfers. NUS will also use this nation-wide golf event to establish and build on the relationships between past and present students, and highlight the important contribution of NUS to Singapore by leading this truly national event. NUSS, the largest organised alumni group of the University, will play the pivotal role as coordinators and organisers of this event.

Participating golfers will comprise golf club members; members of the NUS community of alumni, students and staff; NUSS members and the wider golfing public. All participants can be proud to be part of this national, historic and one of its kind event. For their participation, they will receive a certificate confirming their contribution towards the world record attempt and quality golfing souvenirs. There will also be food and beverages provided for this fun filled event that promises to be a golf tournament that is different, entertaining and totally unique.

Registration for participation in the NUS-NUSS Centennial Golf Tournament will open from today and interested golfers can register through any of the 13 participating golf clubs.

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For more information, please contact:
Mr Alan CLARKE
Director of Sales & Operations
ATD Management Pte Ltd
Tel: (65) 66235 9138
E-mail: alan@atdmanagement.com.sg

Mr Lawrence CHAI
Manager, Media Relations
Office of Corporate Relations, NUS
Tel: (65) 6874 1355
E-mail: ocrlc@nus.edu.sg

Ms Monica KHOO
Corporate Communications Manager
The National University of Singapore Society
Tel: (65) 6586 3745
E-mail: monicakhoo@nuss.org.sg