A brief history of DIV Golf

 In the illustrious world of sports, where grand tales of triumph and victory often take centre stage, there exists a unique phenomenon known as DIV Golf. Born out of the ashes of two retired 11-a-side football enthusiasts – Richard Sellers and Phil Doyle – DIV Golf is not just a sport; it's a testament to friendship, laughter, and a desperate need to avoid spending unnecessary time with your family.

Richard and Phil, having reluctantly hung up their football boots due to various reasons, found themselves yearning for a new outlet. The Botanical League was formed, a group  that involved an array of challenges (pub golf, darts, challenge nights etc). Although the group created some excellent events there was a lack of regular competition and focused a little too much around beer!

Before we dive into the history of DIV Golf, let's give credit where it's due. A special thanks goes out to Oliver Brown and the Saint Joseph's Institution International PE department, whose parting gift of golf clubs to Richard set the stage for the birth of DIV Golf. Little did they know, they were unknowingly sowing the seeds of a golfing revolution.

Phil Doyle, an avid golfer since his youth, developed the art of "gripping it softly and stroking it smoothly" during outings with his father on the local pitch and putt course, which would become pivotal to DIV Golf due to his love of rules and his unrivalled ability with a spreadsheet.

Richard and Phil's first foray into the world of golf was organising the 'Singapore Swingers Scramble,' which was held on October 5th, 2022. It brought together a motley crew of individuals, including Tom Chambers (now the illustrious host of DIV TV), Aidan Crowley, Oli Brown, Phil Doyle, James Russell, Richard Sellers, George Rhodes, and Gary (father-in-law). Richard and Tom clinched the first-ever trophy, which now resides at the hallowed grounds of ManDIV Executive Course, the official home of DIV Golf.

The tournament itself may have been forgettable, but the evening of revelry left lasting memories, particularly for poor George, who found himself tucking Gary into bed and accidentally stumbling upon a rather unexpected sight involving Tom's mother-in-law.

From this spirited start emerged the 'Golf Snobs' WhatsApp group, where games at ManDIV Executive Golf Course were organised, and ventures to Forest City in Malaysia were embarked upon. However, the true spark ignited DIV Golf came during the Chinese New Year Scramble hosted by Richard & Phil on January 21st, 2023. Dressed as Chinese New Year animals, participants battled it out for the ultimate prize – a signed Tiger Woods picture!

As the months rolled on, the 'Golf Snobs Whatsapp group participants expanded their horizons. Oli Brown's brilliant idea to join the Monday night Golf league at Orchid Country Club brought excitement and disappointment. While the commitment, cost, and skill levels proved insurmountable for most members, the disappointment was short-lived......

Enter a fateful evening at Rubicon Steak House, where Richard and Phil hatched the ingenious plan to organise a regular tournament between friends that would create competition and fun in equal measure. DIV Golf was born and with it the glorious founding fathers' reign of supremacy began.

Four teams were created (The Big Sticks, The Rough Riders, The Sultans of Swing and The Birdie Boys) and 12 friends began to battle it out on a monthly basis. DIV Golf officially launched on Thursday, 10th August 2023. Handicaps were issued on 31st August 2023 with the first round on 1st September 2023.

A sporting legacy was born.....

In December 2023, a new team, The Pin Pirates, was introduced to DIV Golf in preparation for the start of Season 2.

DIV Golf always evolves with the times and expanded its horizons at the end of 2023 by introducing a social team ‘The Barbarians’. A team which will not compete in the regular season but will be invited to scrambles, friendly games and the all important socials. Team players who leave Singapore or retire from DIV Golf will automatically be inducted into the ‘BAA BAA’S’.