Singapore closes top public golf course

The golf course was opened in November 2006. It was the first and only public 18-hole golf course in Singapore.

The move is part of the plan to redevelop land in Singapore, as home prices and rents now exceed the financial capacity of most people, according to Bloomberg.

Similar to Marina Bay, many sports venues have or will have to end their run, such as the Olympic-sized ice skating rink last year and the Singapore Turf Club track with a history of more than 180 years, which is scheduled to close in October.

All sports centers in Singapore are located on land leased from the government. In 2014, Marina Bay was notified to stop operating when its contract with the government expires in 2024.

Last Sunday was the day this course said goodbye to the golf community.

Marina Bay has won many international awards. It has a signature par-three island hole and a rare, par-six hole for a more challenging experience, along with night golf service.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore closed most of its public venues. But at that time, Marina Bay was crowded with golfers thanks to its unique operating space.

At its peak, the course served up to 10,000 rounds per month, up from 7,800 before Covid. Some golfers who wanted to play at Marina Bay had to make reservations for midnight.

By the end of this year, Singapore will no longer have public golf facilities. The remaining public golf course, Mandai, a mostly par-three-9-hole site, is due to close at the end of this year.

After Marina Bay closed, as of July 1, 2024, Singapore still has about 10 golf courses, each with at least 18 holes but they are all private courses.

This type of course often charges high entry fees. For example, a membership at the 36-hole Sentosa Golf Club costs $370,000 for locals and nearly $850,000 for foreigners.