Singapore to Repurpose Six Golf Courses for Housing and Public Use

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Law announced on July 7, 2025, that leases for six golf courses in Singapore will not be renewed, marking a significant shift in land use policy aimed at addressing the island nation's pressing housing needs. The Mandai Executive Golf Course, Warren Golf & Country Club, Orchid Country Club, Keppel Club’s Sime course, Singapore Island Country Club’s Bukit course, and Tanah Merah Country Club’s Garden course will see their leases expire over the next ten years, with some sites being transformed into public facilities and housing developments.

The Mandai Executive Golf Course, currently Singapore's only fully public golf course, is set to close by the end of 2026. Its operations will transition into an outdoor adventure learning center, a decision supported by the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, the land occupied by Keppel Club’s Sime course and Singapore Island Country Club’s Bukit course will become a dedicated 18-hole public golf course upon their lease expiry in 2030.

Notably, the land currently used by Orchid Country Club and Warren Golf & Country Club will be repurposed for residential development, as these sites have been identified in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Draft Master Plan 2025 as critical for housing. The lease for Tanah Merah Country Club’s Garden course, which expires in 2035, is still being evaluated for future use, particularly considering its proximity to Changi Airport, with potential developments that could bolster economic growth in the area.

“This decision reflects Singapore’s ongoing challenges with land scarcity and the need to prioritize land for essential services and housing,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Law. “The government is committed to ensuring a balanced access to golfing facilities for both private club members and the general public.” Currently, there are 16 golf courses in Singapore, with eight remaining leases subject to future review.

The government emphasizes the importance of long-term land use planning, which includes maintaining sufficient land for national priorities. “As demand for land increases, especially for housing, it is inevitable that the availability of land for golf will decline over time,” the ministry representative added.

This announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the golfing community. Dr. Su Chun Wei, Chief of the High Performance Sport Institute, remarked, “While the closure of these prestigious courses may be disappointing for avid golfers, the establishment of a new center of excellence in partnership with the Singapore Golf Association aims to promote the sport and support aspiring young golfers.” The center will provide dedicated training slots for national and youth teams, ensuring that golfing continues to thrive in Singapore despite the changes.

Historically significant golf courses like the Singapore Island Country Club’s Bukit course, which has been operational since 1924, and the Keppel Club, founded in 1904, will see their storied pasts come to an end. The Bukit course hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Singapore Open and the Rolex Masters, while the Warren Golf & Country Club, established in 1962, is known for its rich history tied to Singapore’s military past.

In conclusion, while the closure of these golf courses signals a transformation in Singapore’s land use strategy, it also reflects a broader trend of prioritizing housing and public amenities over recreational spaces. The government’s approach aims to balance the needs of a growing population with the preservation of sporting activities, ensuring that Singapore remains a vibrant city-state even amid changes to its green spaces.