Singapore golf in a good place, says SGA president

The Singapore Open made its welcome return to the country’s golfing calendar for the first time since 2022 this week, with Kweichow Moutai coming on board as its newest title sponsor.

Golf fans can catch some of the region’s best players in action this weekend at the Singapore Island Country Club.

It has been a banner year for Singapore golf, with fans being treated to world-class golfing action all year long.

From the HSBC Women’s World Championship to LIV Golf Singapore, the Porsche Singapore Classic, and the recently concluded World Amateur Team Championships, the golf scene has never felt more vibrant.

In a wide-ranging interview, Tan Chong Huat, president of the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), shares his views on how the golf ecosystem has evolved since he took the helm in 2022 and what the future holds for the sport here.

Q: How excited are you to welcome the return of the Singapore Open this week?

A: I’m very excited and, honestly, also very happy. The Singapore Open is our national men’s professional championship, first played in 1961 right here at the Singapore Island Country Club.

So bringing it back isn’t just about another tournament, it’s about honouring a legacy.

We’re pleased to work with the Asian Tour to elevate the event and to welcome Kweichow Moutai as the new title sponsor.

Q: Golf in Singapore feels more active than ever. What’s driving this vibrancy?

A: Interest in golf spiked during Covid and has continued to grow since. The number of on-course golfers has risen from about 80,000 in 2018 to over 140,000 today.

What’s also encouraging is the rise of alternative formats, such as indoor golf, short courses and simulators.

Around 75,000 people are now engaged in these formats, which really shows how adaptable the sport has become in an urban setting like Singapore. We’ve also seen more big tournaments being held here.

Q: How pleased are you with Singapore’s growing reputation as a golf destination?

A: Hosting the World Amateur Team Championships for the first time was a huge milestone for us. It reiterated the fact that Singapore can successfully stage world-class events, and it supports our Government’s vision of positioning the country as a premier sports and tourism destination.

Q: How is SGA helping to grow the game on the ground?

A: Our role is to develop golf from the ground up. That means introducing the game at schools and through community programmes, nurturing junior and national squads, and hosting international events.

We’re constantly looking for ways to make golf more accessible, whether that’s through indoor golf, short courses, or overseas playing opportunities.

The idea is simple. We want to make sure anyone who wants to play golf has the chance to do so, while still developing elite players who can compete at the highest level.

Q: We’ve seen Singaporean golfers making headlines overseas. How do these achievements impact the sport locally?

A: Our players’ successes have been a source of great pride and inspiration. Take Hiroshi Tai, for example. He won the NCAA Championship and then teed up at The Masters and the US Open, which was a breakthrough moment for Singapore men’s golf.

On the women’s side, Shannon Tan qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics and already winning three times on the Ladies European Tour to lead the Order of Merit is just remarkable.

These successes would not be possible without the steadfast support of local golf clubs, who continue to provide vital training access to our athletes.

Q: There will obviously be the elephant in the room with the perennial question of land scarcity in Singapore and how it will affect the sport. What is your take on this?

A: We fully understand the Government’s broader need to balance land use in Singapore. But even with those challenges, we’re optimistic.

The golf community is resilient, and we’ve continued to thrive with the support of partners like Sport Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board and our local clubs.

Even though a few courses have closed over the past decade, participation and interest in golf are still growing. That says a lot about the sport’s adaptability.

Q: In what ways is the sport adapting to a smaller footprint?

A: We’re finding creative ways to keep golf accessible. Many clubs are supporting our athletes with training access, and we’re advocating for hybrid models that allow both members and the public to enjoy the game.

Land-efficient formats like indoor simulators are also part of the solution. For example, Greenbox, the new public indoor golf facility by NTUC Club, is a great example of innovation in action.

It’s making golf available to more people, especially in communities where access used to be limited. This is the direction we want to move in. To make golf more inclusive, urban-friendly and future-ready.

Q: Finally, what is SGA’s vision for the future of golf here in light of such challenges?

A: Our focus is clear. And that is to strengthen the golf ecosystem, raise performance standards and enhance the sport’s social impact in line with national goals.

We’ve got a strong team at SGA, and a robust succession plan supported by our executive board and governing council.

On the partnership front, we’re very pleased to have the support of sponsors like Radar Tyres, Lexus, BFG, EFG Bank, ONERHT Foundation, CLA Global and HSBC, brands that share our long-term vision and commitment to growing the game.

We have also recently launched the SGA Distinguished Donors Programme, which is a key initiative under our Athlete Development Pathway Task Force, which is designed to provide both financial and professional support to our elite local golfers – not just during their competitive years, but also as they transition to life beyond the sport.

It’s a pioneering effort for Singapore golf, and one that we believe will make a lasting difference. With everyone working together, our athletes, partners, clubs, and the wider golf community, I’m confident that Singapore golf will continue to thrive.