Singapore Golf 2025: Booking Tips & Green Fee Guide

Quick Overview

MBGC Closure: Marina Bay Golf Course closed on June 30, 2024. Keppel Club (Sime Road) is now the primary alternative.

Handicap Required: Most 18-hole courses require a valid USGA handicap index to play.

Booking Wars: Popular courses fill up within 5 minutes of tee times opening, so be ready for a competitive booking process.

One of the most common questions for newcomers to Singapore is: "I heard Singapore is great for golf, but where and how do I actually book a round?" Many people arrived counting on Marina Bay Golf Course, only to be caught off guard by its closure last year.

Don't worry! While the landscape has shifted, Singapore still offers plenty of fantastic courses. Based on 2025 data, here is a comprehensive guide to green fees, booking methods, and insider tips specifically for residents.

1. Public and Hybrid Courses Available Now

The most important update is that Marina Bay Golf Course (MBGC), formerly the only 18-hole public course, permanently closed on June 30, 2024. These are the top alternatives currently available:

Keppel Club (at Sime Road): Taking over the former SICC Sime course, this is currently the hottest 'hybrid' course in Singapore. While it is membership-based, they open a significant number of tee times to the public.
Mandai Executive: A 9-hole course that is perfect for beginners or practicing your short game. It is very affordable, making weekend bookings nearly impossible to snag without a plan.
Orchid Country Club: This is a semi-private club that allows visitor rounds. It is well-maintained and remains a favorite for the local community.

Course	Weekday Green Fee (Visitor)	Weekend Green Fee (Visitor)	Booking Window
Keppel Club	SGD 155 ~ 220	SGD 270 ~ 346	15 days in advance
Mandai (9-hole)	SGD 38	SGD 55	11 days in advance
Orchid CC	SGD 229	SGD 338	7 ~ 10 days in advance

2. Premium Private Courses for Special Occasions

For those special days when you have guests or want to treat yourself, Singapore has world-class premium courses. However, the barrier to entry for visitors is high, both in terms of price and availability.

Sentosa Golf Club: Famous for the Serapong and Tanjong courses. While it offers world-tier maintenance, green fees are approximately SGD 501 on weekdays and SGD 643 on weekends. Booking requests must be made via email 10 days in advance.
Laguna National: Generally member-only, but non-members can play by booking a 'Stay & Play' package at the Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore hotel located on-site.

Note that these premium clubs have strict dress codes. Collared shirts must be tucked in at all times, and cargo pants or denim are strictly prohibited.

3. Essential Pre-Round Checklist

Golfing in Singapore involves specific rules that differ from other regions. Failing to prepare these could result in being turned away at the clubhouse.

Handicap Index: Most 18-hole courses require an official USGA handicap. Generally, the limit is 36.6 for men and 40.4 for women. Mobile handicap cards from recognized golf associations are usually accepted.
Golfer's Insurance: Singapore courses are strict about insurance. If you don't have an annual policy, you must pay a daily insurance fee of approximately SGD 5.45 during check-in.
Lightning Warning System: Singapore has frequent lightning. When the siren sounds, you must stop play and seek shelter immediately. Unlike some regions where you might play through light rain, safety protocols here are non-negotiable. Refund policies for lightning interruptions can be strict, so check them beforehand.

4. Practical Insider Tips for Residents

Here are some pro tips to make your golfing life in Singapore more affordable and enjoyable:

Join My Golf Kaki (MGK): This is a golf community under NTUC. For an annual fee, they manage your handicap and provide access to 'Affiliate' rates at courses like Orchid CC, which are significantly cheaper than visitor rates.
Tee Top Restaurant at Keppel: The restaurant at Keppel Club (Sime) is famous for its excellent Korean food. The Jeyuk-bokkeum (spicy pork) and Kimchi-jjigae after a round are legendary among local golfers.
The Friday 8 PM Rule: For Mandai Golf Course, tee times open every Friday at 8:00 PM. You need to be logged in and ready by 7:55 PM; weekend slots usually vanish within 60 seconds.

Golfing under the tropical sun can be intense, but the reward of a cold Tiger beer after a round makes it all worth it. I hope this guide helps you navigate the 2025 Singapore golf scene with ease!