Last March, I
watched my first LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tournament. Well,
okay, I only watched the last hole, but it was the first time I became
interested in the LPGA. On that hole, Paula Creamer made an incredible putt to
win the HSBC championship in Singapore. I was sold…and Hannah Grace was, too.
Fast forward to the Fall of 2014. Hannah Grace joined the girls varsity golf
team at Seneca High School. She had fun playing the sport and enjoyed the
friendships she made just as much! Last Fall, her fellow teammates were fortunate
enough to attend a charity event at Cross Creek Country Club where she was able
to meet LPGA golfers Austin Ernst and Lexi Thompson. As Hannah Grace’s love for
golf grew, and the anticicpation of our move to Manila increased, we promised
her (okay, we bribed her) with a trip to Singapore to watch the tournament
where Paula Creamer would be defending her title. Two weekends ago, we
fulfilled that promise/bribe. Here are some of the highlights from that trip.
So, as you can see, the Manila airport is pretty technologically advanced.
From the charging station at the Manila airport to this sign at the Singapore airport. Yikes!
I just thought this was funny: "Dr. Charles Rutland"
We arrived at the tournament on Saturday morning. I believe the high temperature that day was 90 degrees. Hannah Grace, though, insisted on wearing this long sleeved shirt to support Austin Ernst. Austin is the golpher she met in the Fall at the Cross Creek Charity Event. Austin is also a graduate of Seneca High.
Waiting for Austin to exit the green. The support is a little different for the LPGA as compared to the men's. There weren't many crowds to fight.
A thumbs up from Hannah Grace after getting Austin's attention with her Seneca shirt.
After about an hour, Ellis was ready to climb the trees.
The pink panther
Hannah Grace and Austin
Tony's "selfie" with Morgan Pressel...and an Ellis photo bomb.
When Paula Creamer (defending champion of the tournament) exited the green on her last hole, she gave out one signed ball. Hannah Grace could not have been more excited to be the recipient!
After the golf tournament, we headed out to explore Singapore. The luge ride was our first adventure.
The ride up to the luge.
Somehow I let them talk me into the zipline. The beach below is where we landed. Crazy high!
Tony making his way down the zipline.
Next up...the super heroes cable car.
Singapore was very clean AND expensive. Chewing gum is against the law (that was a hard one for me) and almost every cab we rode in was a Mercedes.
On our second day in Singapore we spent time at Gardens by the Bay. Absolutely beautiful! Because Chinese New Year had just passed, the Flower Dome was decorated accordingly. Apparently they change the theme of the Dome every few months.
These tree-like structures are in the middle of the Gardens. I did not realize it at the time, but these "trees" absorb and hold rain water for irrigation. They also absorb solar energy. (Thanks, Janelle, for that tidbit of info!) Although, I did not see it, these trees light up at night putting on what is said to be a spectacular light show.
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is located just off the gardens.
We ventured to the top of the hotel to take in the view.
While Singapore is very beautiful, sometimes the beauty is interrupted by the ships and shipyards. Notice all the cargo ships in the background?
The Singapore Sling is a famous drink concocted at the Raffles hotel. Outrageously expensive, but good!
We finished the night off with a trip to the Singapore Night Safari. You couldn't use a flash, so it was pointless to take pictures on the actual safari.
I was glad to have
the distraction of Singapore to keep my mind off not being with my family at
the Big South Tournament. The best wake-up call? Having Tony nudge me on the
arm and saying, “Coastal’s dancing!” While I hate missing the hoopla and jumping
up and down with my family, I will take it! Go Coastal Carolina!
For my friends that are not familiar with basketball (crazies!), it is tradition to cut down the nets after winning the championship.
My beautiful Mom, brother, sister, and my precious nephew!
