Singapore’s first and only 18-hole public golf course, Marina Bay Golf Course (MBGC), closed its doors on Sunday, June 30, 2024, as its land lease expired. The course, owned and managed by NTUC Club, enjoyed an illustrious 18-year history, welcoming the public to experience its world-class facilities. MBGC garnered numerous accolades, including Best Public Golf Course in Asia Pacific and ranking among the Top 3 Best Golf Courses in Singapore. Over the past 18 years, MBGC hosted more than 1.3 million visitors and dispensed over 419 million driving range golf balls.
Despite the closure of MBGC, NTUC Club remains committed to making golf accessible and affordable. The club is focusing on its estate-less golf club, My Golf Kaki (MGK), providing more slots for members during weekdays and increasing the availability of night golf at Orchid Country Club (OCC). MGK recently expanded to include a portfolio of local and overseas courses in Indonesia and Malaysia, offering members easier planning and booking processes, along with a greater variety of golf courses to choose from.
NTUC Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lim Eng Lee, stated, “Even with the closure of MBGC, we aim to keep golf affordable and accessible. We have been promoting the affordable MGK membership to golfers, resulting in community growth from 7,000 to over 9,000 members in the past year.” Mr. Lim also emphasized that NTUC Club has worked closely with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to ensure golf remains an inclusive sport for all.
The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) recognizes the impact of MBGC’s closure on the golfing community. “The closure of Marina Bay Golf Course will significantly impact Singapore’s golfing community,” commented Mr. Tan Chong Huat, President of the SGA. “We acknowledge the challenges posed by land scarcity in making golf accessible.” As the national custodian of the sport, the SGA remains committed to developing a robust golf ecosystem that promotes the game for all Singaporeans. The SGA will continue to uphold its commitment to making golf inclusive and beneficial for the physical and mental well-being of Singaporeans, and looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders, including NTUC Club, to achieve outcomes that align with urban growth and the development of golf in Singapore.
NTUC Club, equally dedicated to growing Singapore’s golfing community, is in discussions with authorities about potential sites for new golf courses under the Labour Movement (LM). Future LM golf courses are planned to be inclusive, featuring integrated recreational spaces for family-friendly activities like cycling tracks, nature trails, and areas for picnics and performances. These future golf courses will welcome not only golfers but also the general public, catering to people from all walks of life.
