Across Singapore, there are more than a dozen golf clubs, enjoyed by around 80,000 golfers. That means the country has more holes-per-mile than just about anywhere (we ought to get some sort of certificate for that). However, many of the courses require an expensive membership to play, which can be tough to justify, particularly if you’re new to the tee. But don’t fear, we’ve tracked down a number of cheap golfing options in and around Singapore, where you can shoot under par with going over budget.
PRICE RANGE: $25 – $100
Mandai Executive Golf Course
Opened in 1993, this is a 9-hole, par-29 public course located next to Upper Seletar Reservoir. There’s a variety of par 3s and par 4s of different lengths that make it great for beginners, or for those looking to improve their short game. It also has a 40-bay driving range.
Green fees
Weekdays: $25 (+GST)
Weekends and Public Holidays: $35 (+GST)
Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Road Track 7 | 6456 6533
Changi Golf Club
Changi Golf Club has a long history, with its origins stretching back to RAF Changi military staff, who first built a basic course on the site in the 1940s. In 1971, the club was privatised, and the course has been upgraded continually since then. The eighth fairway was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the narrowest fairway in the world!
Green fees
Weekdays: Walk-in visitors can play 9 holes for S$48.15, and 18 holes for S$96.30
Weekends: Social members can play 18 holes for $90.95, after 4pm
20 Netheravon Road | 6543 5210
Champions Golf
Described as Singapore’s “friendliest” course, this par-34 9-hole course (formerly known as Green Fairways) in Bukit Timah is the island’s most centrally located course. It has a 66-bay driving range with a pro shop and on-site restaurants.
Green fees
Weekdays: Early Bird and Twilight fees are $25
Weekends: Sunday Special fees (1pm onwards) are $45; other times are from $60
60 Fairways Drive | 6463 0332
PRICE RANGE: $100 – $200
Sembawang Country Club
This club was established in 1967 as a 9-hole course, with the opening officiated by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. It became an 18-hole course in 1977, before being fully refurbed – clubhouse and course alike – between 2010 and 2013. There’s a pro shop, a driving range and full facilities and F&B options for members.
Green fees
Weekdays: Visitors can play 9 holes for $85, and 18 holes for $160
Weekends: Visitors can play 9 holes for $100, and 18 holes for $200
Rates for guests of members are considerably cheaper.
249 Sembawang Road | 6751 0331
Marina Bay Golf Course
Opened in 2006, Marina Bay Golf Course was Singapore’s first 18-hole golf course open to the public, and the first to introduce a Par 6 hole on the island. It’s right in the heart of the city, with a picturesque view of the city skyline by day or night. Bring your sand wedge: there are 85 bunkers!
Green fees
Weekdays: Fees for visitors are $82.50 and $130 for 9 and 18 holes respectively
Weekends: Fees for visitors are $120 and $225 for 9 and 18 holes respectively
There is a lighting charge for night golf
80 Rhu Cross | 6345 7788
Keppel Club
This is Singapore’s oldest club in its original location, with over a century of golfing history. Today, it’s a tight and tough 18-hole course located very close to the CBD with bunkers to challenge everyone from beginners to pros. There’s a 52-bay driving range here too.
Green fees
Weekdays: $150 for guests of members, $200 for walk-in visitors
Weekends: $220 for guests of members, $320 for walk-in visitors
10 Bukit Chermin Road | 6375 1818
National Service Resort & Country Club
This golf and country club opened in the 1990s and was set up to recognise the contributions of Singapore’s NSmen. The 18-hole championship golf course in Changi was originally designed by renowned golf architect Max Wexler, with additions from other prominent designers. There’s a 36-bay driving range on site.
Green fees
Weekdays: $169+GST
Weekends: $259+GST
10 Changi Coast Walk | 6540 8500
FURTHER AFIELD: Malaysia & Indonesia
You’ll also find a selection of well-priced courses just across Singapore’s border – both in Malaysia to the north, and via a boat ride to Indonesia to the south. So, grab some golfing mates and head off for a day away from the city. Try these for starters!
Royal Johor Country Club
This 18-hole championship course north of Singapore has hosted three Iskandar Johor Opens, with big names such Retief Goosen and KJ Choi among the winners. It’s possible to get to the course via public transport from Singapore, though obviously a car is more convenient for carrying clubs.
Green fees:
Weekdays: Visitors can play 18 holes from RM105
Weekends: Visitors can play 18 holes from RM210
3211 Jalan Larkin, 80200 Johor Bahru, Peninsula Malaysia
Tering Bay Golf & Country Club
This is one of several courses around the world crafted by leading golf celebrity and former world number one Greg Norman. The par 72 course is laid out amidst rolling hills, greenery and lakes overlooking the bay north of Batam. Be warned: there are plenty of water hazards! Get here via ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
Green fees
Weekdays: Visitors can play for $93, including two-way ferry tickets and land transfers
Weekends: Visitors can play for $132, including two-way ferry tickets and land transfers
Jalan Hang Lekiu Km. 4, Nongsa Batam | 6214 0560
Palm Springs Golf and Beach Club
The first nine holes opened here in 1989, increasing to 27 holes by 1995. The club’s beautiful and challenging Palm Course was redesigned in 2002. To reach the course, it’s a 30-minute ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Batam Nongsa Ferry Terminal and another 3 minutes to the resort.
Green fees
Weekdays: Visitors can play 18 holes for $108, including two-way ferry tickets
Weekends: Visitors can plat 18 holes from $125, depending on tee times, including two-way ferry tickets
Jalan Hang Lekiu, Nongsa, Batam | 6276 1027
Indah Puri Golf Resort
Established in 1993, this 6,000m golf course in Batam shares the same design pedigree as Singapore’s Tanah Merah and Sentosa Serapong courses. It’s a 40-minute boat ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal, then seven minutes by car from the Sekupang ferry terminal in Batam.
Green fees
Weekdays: Visitors can play unlimited golf on all weekdays except Tuesday for $90, or $140 including ferry tickets; land transfers to the course are included.
Weekends: Sunday afternoon golf is available for non-members for $105
Jalan Tr. Sutami, Patam Lestari 24922 Sekupang, Batam | 6270 0533
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