Singapore closes last 18-hole public golf course to make way for homes

Opened less than 18 years ago, the course hosted its final rounds for the public on Saturday as it joins others in Singapore that have closed or shrunk in recent years. Only one public course remains, a nine-hole venue in the north of the city state.

The closure is the latest example of a major push to redevelop land, especially for housing, after soaring demand pushed home prices and rents out of reach for many residents.

Golf courses in Singapore lease government land, leaving them vulnerable to changes in planning goals. Authorities have yet to announce details for the redevelopment of the Marina Bay site, which will include a memorial for the nation’s former leaders.

Other sports grounds making way for homes include the island’s Singapore Turf Club track, which is scheduled to hold its final race in October, ending more than 180 years of horse racing in the city state.

The club’s former venue in a wealthy central area was also reclaimed by authorities last year to build a new housing neighbourhood. Singapore’s only Olympic-sized ice rink closed last year to make way for condos, leaving hockey players and figure skaters with no place to go.

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“Golf was never a factor to be in Singapore,” said Mohit Sagar, an expatriate from India who works for a content platform. Despite that, the golfer who has been playing in the city state for 16 years expressed regret at the closure of the Marina Bay site. “You can play golf in Singapore, but you won’t get this backdrop ever again.”

Marina Bay has been the flagship public course since it opened in 2006, the only 18-hole track accessible to everyone. The Phil Jacobs-designed course won numerous awards, with a signature