Singapore ready to play host to top golf amateurs at world team c’ships

For the very first time in Singapore, golf fans will get the opportunity to catch the next generation of golfing stars in action as the prestigious World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) tees off at the Tanah Merah Country Club in October.

Hosted by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and conducted by the International Golf Federation (IGF), the biennial WATC features 36 teams each as they battle for top honours for the Espirito Santo Trophy (women) from Oct 1-4 and the Eisenhower Trophy (men) from Oct 8-11 on the Tampines course.

Many of today’s golf stars, including the likes of Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Lydia Ko and Minjee Lee have played in the WATC, and the prospect of hosting golf’s future stars here was one of the compelling reasons for the SGA to submit its bid to be the host country when the bidding process started in 2022.

“We believe that hosting the WATC would be a significant milestone not only for Singapore’s golf community but also for our nation’s sporting landscape. The event will underscore Singapore’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination, while offering golf fans the chance to witness the next generation of stars in action,” said Ivan Chua, vice-president of the SGA.

Joshua Ho, chief executive officer of the SGA, still remembers vividly the rigorous application process and the elation that followed when Singapore was awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 edition at the IGF’s biennial meeting in Paris.

“The process was a detailed one, with stringent requirements around various areas like infrastructure, transportation, security, communications and venue standards among them. We were thrilled when we were awarded the bid after a vote was conducted across all national golf federations, as it validated our efforts,” said Ho.

During a recent visit to Singapore, Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the IGF, reaffirmed Singapore’s credentials as a premier global sporting hub.

“Singapore was one of the best candidates. We were impressed by the quality of the course and the strength of the bid submitted by the SGA. The IGF membership recognised its merit during the bidding process,” said Scanlon.

Fast forward three years from the historic day when Singapore won the bid, preparations for the WATC are now in their final stretch, with less than a month to go before the WATC begins.

Operational, logistical, and promotional plans are being fine-tuned to ensure a world-class event.

From coordinating the arrival of the national teams and their entourages to implementing international broadcast and media operations, every aspect of the WATC is being meticulously managed.

Volunteers have also been mobilised to support tournament operations both on and off the course, while the Tampines Course has been prepared to championship standards to provide a stern test for all players.

“Singapore has a reputation for delivering at the highest level. We are confident the WATC will be no exception – and we are ready to welcome the world,” said Chua.

SGA has named its strongest teams for the WATC.

Chen Xingtong, together with Inez Ng and Valencia Chang, will lead the women’s charge as they vie for the Espirito Santo Trophy, while Hiroshi Tai, who made history by becoming the first Singaporean to compete at the Masters in April, will anchor the men’s team alongside Brayden Lee and Troy Storm for the Eisenhower Trophy.