Golf on upswing during pandemic, driving up club membership prices

With players unable to go abroad due to curbs, some turn to local greens, join more golf clubs

A membership at Sentosa Golf Club (above), which fetched $263,000 in March last year, was priced at $325,000 as at last Tuesday. A hefty hike was similarly seen at the Singapore Island Country Club over the same time period, with membership increasin
A membership at Sentosa Golf Club (above), which fetched $263,000 in March last year, was priced at $325,000 as at last Tuesday. A hefty hike was similarly seen at the Singapore Island Country Club over the same time period, with membership increasing in value from $185,000 to $225,000. Brokers expect the price appreciation to continue until travel restrictions are lifted. PHOTO: SENTOSA GOLF CLUB
Fintech company founder Kelvin Chng, who was already a member at two clubs, recently joined two other clubs to indulge his passion. PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Fintech company founder Kelvin Chng, who was already a member at two clubs, recently joined two other clubs to indulge his passion. PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

When travel became impossible and all but essential economic activity was put on hold, golfers - and businessmen with time on their hands - turned their attention to playing at home, driving up the price of golf club memberships.

The cost went up by as much as $60,000 between March last year and this month, said brokers, with the heftiest hikes for the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) and Sentosa Golf Club memberships.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 10, 2021, with the headline Golf on upswing during pandemic, driving up club membership prices. Subscribe