Singapore Golf Community Reacts to Closure of Six Golf Courses

SINGAPORE – The impending closure of six golf courses in Singapore has sparked significant concern within the golfing community, with many fearing it could hinder the development of a sport that has garnered international accolades for local athletes. The Mandai Executive Golf Course, currently the only public golf course in Singapore, is set to close at the end of 2026, leaving a void in accessible golfing facilities until after 2030. This timeline coincides with the expiration of leases for two private courses, Keppel Club’s Sime course and Singapore Island Country Club’s (SICC) Bukit course, which will be replaced by a dedicated 18-hole public course. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) may also utilize part of this new course for its members, as the lease for NTUC’s Orchid Country Club is set to expire after 2030.

According to the Ministry of Law, Singapore currently has 16 golf courses occupying approximately 1,072 hectares of land, which amounts to less than 1.5% of the total land area. "I think people will just give up hope about playing this sport," remarked Mr. Dalston Koh, who operates the SG Golf Coach Academy at Mandai Executive Golf Course. He emphasized that the diminishing number of golf courses could reflect a lack of government support for the sport, particularly as Mandai has long served as a starting point for many golf enthusiasts in Singapore.

In recent years, Singaporean golfers have achieved notable success on the global stage, with Shannon Tan winning her second Ladies European Title and Hiroshi Tai making history as the first Singaporean to compete in the Masters Tournament. However, Koh expressed concerns about the future of golf in Singapore, predicting that many players may resort to indoor simulators or seek golfing opportunities abroad. He described the upcoming public course as a "replacement" rather than an enhancement, as part of it is intended for NTUC use, potentially limiting accessibility.

The R&A Global Golf Participation Report 2023 indicated a rise in golfer numbers in Singapore, increasing from 80,000 in 2018 to 120,000 in 2022. Notably, the number of non-registered golfers without a handicap doubled during this period. Ivan Chua, vice president of the Singapore Golf Association, acknowledged the challenges posed by the lease terminations but expressed optimism about the establishment of a new center of excellence for golf by the National Service Resort & Country Club.

While the closures have disheartened many, some golfers at private clubs understand the necessity of re-evaluating land usage in Singapore. Robin Lee, a member of Warren Golf & Country Club, noted, "I think the government is doing the right thing to prioritize this for the masses and not a few people." He suggested that if there are no immediate plans for the land after golf course closures, extending the lease would allow continued use of the space.

Vincent Wee, president of SICC, acknowledged disappointment but recognized the broader national interests at play. He committed to engaging members in transparent discussions about the future of the club as it navigates the lease expirations. Former SICC president Andrew Low emphasized the importance of collaboration with future operators of the reallocated Bukit course, suggesting that partnerships could facilitate continued access for members.

Despite the challenges, business management consultant Michael Aw highlighted the role of country clubs in attracting international talent and investors. He argued that memberships can be viewed as investments in lifestyle, offering more than just recreational opportunities. As the golfing landscape in Singapore evolves, stakeholders will need to adapt to ensure the sport continues to flourish amidst changing land use policies and community needs.