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Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
As Singapore faces golf course shortage, the irony is more players are picking up the sport
[SINGAPORE] It is somewhat ironic that at a time when the number of golf courses in Singapore is experiencing a steady decline, there is an upward trend when it comes to the popularity of the sport here. The Ministry of Law announced recently that leases for courses at Orchid Country Club, Warren Golf and Country Club, Tanah Merah Country Club's (TMCC) Garden course and Mandai Executive's nine-hole course will not be extended. The Mandai Executive course, a popular destination for many young and aspiring golfers that has groomed several champions, will close at the end of 2026. In 2030, the leases for Orchid (Dec 31) and Warren (Oct 31) will expire. And on the final day of 2035, the lease for TMCC's Garden course – the venue for several global tournaments in the past such as the Lexus Cup and the HSBC Women's Champions – will be taken away. With the loss of Jurong Country Club, Raffles Country Club, Keppel Club and the Marina Bay Golf Resort in the past decade, only about 1.5 per cent of Singapore's land will remain dedicated to golf courses. Transpose this fact against the reality that the number of on-course golfers has seen a dramatic increase in recent years – 80,000 in 2018 to 120,000 in 2022 and 140,000 in 2024 – and a dilemma unfolds. While just over 40,000 of them are officially registered, the question remains as to where will the players who are not part of clubs after 2030 find the opportunity to play regularly? NTUC Club, established in 1986 and a part of the labour movement, has been doing its best to keep golf ticking for as long as possible. Under the leadership of chief executive officer Lim Eng Lee, the club has addressed part of the problem with the enhancement of its My Golf Kaki programmes. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Since late 2024, golfing sessions have been arranged in Batam every weekend where, for just S$128, one can play 18 holes at the Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort. This fee includes a return ferry ticket, buggy use, a caddie, lunch and express immigration clearance. My Golf Kaki has seen its membership rise from 6,000 six years ago to almost 13,000 today. Recently, it signed agreements with the Ria Bintan Golf Club and the Els Club Desaru Coast for exclusive green fees. NTUC Club has also launched GreenBox – My Golf Kaki's indoor golf simulator facility – which has 15 driving range bays and facilities for immersive realistic virtual play on over 200 iconic local and international courses. But are these enough to satiate the thousands of golf-hungry players after 2030? The impending closure of more courses has put the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) in a quandary. The SGA has been working hard on two fronts: to produce top-class golfers through its high-performance programmes and to raise the golf population. The first objective has been on course with the successes of Singaporeans Shannon Tan, Hiroshi Tai, Brayden Lee and Chen Xingtong. There are plans for a new Centre of Excellence at the National Service Resort and Country Club at Kranji. But the second objective has hit a wall, with the reduction of golf courses in the near future. No doubt, the priorities in land-scarce Singapore are in housing, economic activities, security and essential infrastructure. But 'green lungs' such as a golf course also enhance a country's ecosystem. Therefore, there is a need for another thorough study on the recent announcements to close more courses. There is a chance that golf will return to its elite status of the 1960s and 1970s when it was mostly the members of clubs who could afford to play and the 'hoi polloi' were mere spectators. It is a tough call to make. But maybe, for a start, a relook at the lease for Mandai's Executive course can be considered. Current plans are for the Ministry of Education to develop an Outdoor Learning Centre to be built by 2032. That's seven years from now, so could the highly utilised course's lease be extended for a few years beyond 2026? Also, it is a great idea to ensure that there will be an 18-hole public course at Singapore Island Country Club's (SICC) Bukit location. With SICC's Sime to continue as a hybrid facility (60 per cent public, 40 per cent member), the public can make the Bukit location their main playground. And when My Golf Kaki's 9,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility with public bays at Downtown East leads to more members craving for on-course golf, the crunch will be felt even more. Golf courses have long been a source of major revenue from corporate events, and the money has often been generated for community projects and the needy. The last survey done by SGA in 2018 stated that S$60 million was generated from charity events for worthwhile causes. Even as more courses are set to be shut, there is still time to take a second look at golf's merits as a sport and the impact on the wider community.
CNA
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Golf: Australia's Grace Kim wins Evian Championship in play-off
EVIAN, France: Australia's Grace Kim produced a sensational finish to win the Evian Championship as she beat world No 2 Jeeno Thitikul in a play-off on Sunday (Jul 13). The 24-year-old Kim made an eagle on the 18th hole to pull level with Thitikul on 14-under, with the Thai golfer missing a birdie putt that would have sealed victory. Kim found herself in trouble on the first play-off hole after an errant second shot forced her to take a drop, but she miraculously chipped in for an improbable birdie. With Thitikul sinking a birdie to extend things, the pair went to a second extra hole. This time Kim snatched the title with an eagle to secure her first major after a dramatic finale. English amateur Lottie Woad took third place alongside Australia's Minjee Lee after finishing a stroke behind. Singapore's Shannon Tan finished joint-59th on 2-over, after carding a 75 on the final day. She had posted 73, 68 and 70 in the first three rounds. Last month, the 21-year-old secured her second Ladies European Tour title at the 2025 Amundi German Masters, following her win at the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open. make the cut at a Major.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Inside the cockpit: How Air India's Boeing Dreamliner flight ended in disaster
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: A view shows the rear of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane following its crash, in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. Central Industrial Security Force via X/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo A preliminary report into the Air India crash that killed 260 people last month showed the plane's engines fuel cutoff switches almost simultaneously flipped from run to cutoff, starving the engines of fuel. Here is the sequence of events - by the seconds - on June 12, as detailed by Indian investigators in their preliminary report released on Saturday: 05:47 GMT (11:17 a.m. IST) – Air India Dreamliner VT-ANB landed in Ahmedabad from New Delhi as AI423. 07:48:38 GMT – The aircraft was observed departing from Bay 34 at the airport. 07:55:15 GMT – The aircraft requested taxi clearance, which was granted by air traffic control; a minute later the aircraft taxied from the bay to Runway 23 via Taxiway R4, backtracked and lined up for take-off. 08:02:03 GMT - The aircraft was transferred from ground to tower control. 08:07:33 GMT – Take-off clearance issued. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Business F&B operators face tougher business landscape amid rising costs and stiff competition Business What's in store for policyholders after GE removes pre-authorisation letters for two private hospitals Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Asia 'Woven air': Ancient fabric spun across history makes comeback amid lies and climate change Sport 'A step forward' for golfer Shannon Tan, who makes cut at Evian Championship Business 4 conditions that allow seniors with dementia to sign wills 08:07:37 GMT - The aircraft started rolling. 08:08:39 GMT – Aircraft lifted off. "The aircraft air/ground sensors transitioned to air mode, consistent with liftoff," the report said. 08:08:42 GMT – Aircraft reached max airspeed of 180 knots. "Immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec." "The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off. "In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. "The other pilot responded that he did not do so "The CCTV footage obtained from the airport showed Ram Air Turbine (RAT) getting deployed during the initial climb immediately after lift-off "The aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall." 08:08:47 GMT – both engines' values "passed below minimum idle speed", and the RAT hydraulic pump began supplying hydraulic power. 08:08:52 GMT – Engine 1 fuel cutoff switch transitioned from CUTOFF to RUN. 08:08:56 GMT – Engine 2 fuel cutoff switch also transitions from CUTOFF to RUN. "When fuel control switches are moved from CUTOFF to RUN while the aircraft is inflight, each engines full authority dual engine control (FADEC) automatically manages a relight and thrust recovery sequence of ignition and fuel introduction." "Engine 1's core deceleration stopped, reversed and started to progress to recovery. Engine 2 was able to relight but could not arrest core speed deceleration and re-introduced fuel repeatedly to increase core speed acceleration and recovery." 08:09:05 GMT – One of the pilots transmitted 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY". 08:09:11 GMT – Data recording stopped. 08:14:44 GMT – Crash fire tender left the airport premises for rescue and firefighting. REUTERS
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
‘A step forward' for golfer Shannon Tan, who makes cut at Evian Championship
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Shannon Tan has made the cut at the Evian Championship, making it the second time that she has reached the weekend at a Major. SINGAPORE – Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan has made the cut at the Evian Championship after carding a three-under 68 in the second round of the tournament on July 11. Her performance, which included six birdies, a double bogey and a bogey, left her joint-38th on one-under 141 at the Evian Resort Golf Club's Champions Course in Evian-les-Bains. This is the second time that the 21-year-old has reached the weekend at a Major, following her breakthrough performance at the 2024 Women's British Open. There, she became just the second golfer from Singapore – and the first woman – to achieve the feat. Lam Chih Bing was first to do so in 2008. Tan made her Major debut at the 2024 Evian Championship, where she finished tied-120th with a nine-over 151 in the field of 132. Although she missed the cut then, her appearance was a milestone as she was the first Singaporean female golfer to compete in a Major. On making the cut this time, she said: 'It means a lot, especially after missing the cut by a long way last year. 'It's a nice sign of progress and shows the improvements I've made over the past year. Definitely a step forward.' A challenging opening day in France saw Tan finish the first round with a two-over 73. Although she missed five of the 13 fairways by narrow margins, the thick rough made recovery difficult. Staying patient and keeping faith in her game, she delivered a better showing on the second day despite an early setback. Starting on the inward nine, the world No. 95 ran into trouble on the par-four hole No. 11. Her tee shot went left into the trees, which she then punched out but not far enough, leaving her still blocked by another tree. Her next shot missed the green, and she two-putted for a double bogey. But Tan quickly reset and bounced back with a birdie on the 12th hole. Overall, her accuracy off the tee was sharper in the second round, hitting 11 fairways and her putting also showed notable improvement as she needed just 29 putts compared to 34 in the previous round. Tan continues to blaze a trail for Singapore golf. A fortnight ago, she clinched her second victory on the Ladies European Tour (LET) at the German Masters, adding to the historic title she won in Kenya on her debut on the circuit. Before the Evian Championship, she also had four other top-10 finishes in addition to her win in Germany, and missed the cut just once in 11 LET events. The ongoing US$8 million (S$10.3 million) event boasts a star-studded field of 132 that includes all top 20 of the world's players, although 19th-ranked Charley Hull from England withdrew from the tournament after collapsing due to illness. Hull's management told BBC Sport that she received an IV drip at the course but did not require hospital treatment.
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
S'pore golfer Shannon Tan rested and ready for first Major test of the season
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan has won one event and claimed another four top-10 finishes on the Ladies European Tour in 2025. SINGAPORE – Victory at the German Masters on June 29 saw Shannon Tan pick up a cheque for €45,000 (S$67,500). But the Singaporean golfer also earned another cherished reward – a well-deserved break. To celebrate her second Ladies European Tour (LET) career title, she spent five days in London to rest and recover, a priority for her this season, while tucking into some of her favourite Singaporean dishes like bak chor mee and har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken). After that, it was back to work as the 21-year-old prepares for the Evian Championship, her first Major of the season. She said: 'Something I've learnt this year is how important rest is. Taking short breaks here and there has really helped me stay fresh.' It is a significant shift from her debut season on the LET in 2024, when she played 29 events, including the Magical Kenya Ladies Open where she recorded her maiden title, which eventually led to her feeling burnt out and fatigued. Towards the end of the season, she began experiencing pain in her right elbow, later traced to a tight rotator cuff in her shoulder. To avoid a repeat, Tan has trimmed her schedule this season to 22 or 23 tournaments. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Tremendous opportunities for growth in US-Singapore ties, says Trump's ambassador nominee Sinha Singapore Singapore to hire more than 1,000 new educators annually in the next few years, up from 700 Singapore COE prices rise for all categories Singapore Govt watching job situation for fresh graduates closely, exploring further support: Gan Siow Huang Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m Singapore Female primary school teacher charged over alleged sex acts with underage male student Singapore People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Survey Her first year on tour was a steep learning curve, but it gave her invaluable experience competing on the LET. It is no surprise then that she feels more prepared heading into the Evian Championship, which takes place from July 10 to 13. The French tournament, staged at the Evian Resort Golf Club's Champions Course in Evian-les-Bains, will be Tan's third appearance at a Major. While she missed the cut in her first outing in 2024, she progressed to the weekend at the Women's British Open later that year, becoming only the second Singaporean to do so, after Lam Chih Bing. She said: 'Playing in the Majors last year was a huge learning experience. Just being in that environment, competing alongside some of the world's best golfers and tackling tougher course set-ups, taught me a lot. 'Majors demand full focus on every single shot and they really expose the areas of your game that need improvement. That helped me understand where I needed to get better. 'Since then, I've worked hard on my short game and tightened up other parts of my game that weren't as sharp last year.' Tan heads into the US$8 million (S$10.2 million) tournament with confidence, following a strong 2025 season so far. Besides the title in Germany, she has recorded four other top-10 finishes and missed the cut just once in 11 LET events. Her consistency has propelled her into the top 100 of the world rankings, where she now sits 95th. She said: 'That win (in Germany) meant a lot to me. I had been in contention for a few weeks in a row but couldn't quite close it out, so to finally get over the line felt like a breakthrough. 'It's definitely given me a bit more confidence, and I hope to carry that momentum into this week.' Evian Resort will be familiar ground for Tan, who finished runner-up at the Jabra Ladies Open on the same course in May. However, she acknowledged at the time that 'the course will also likely be set up differently for a Major'. Asked which parts of the course might play to her strengths and where the biggest challenges lie, Tan said her ball-striking and tee-to-green play will be an advantage, especially with the thick rough. Her short game has been a key area of focus this season. Besides working closely with her coach, she recently made a switch from graphite to steel shafts in her wedges just before the German Masters – a change that has already paid dividends. She highlighted that the biggest test will be around the greens and managing approach shots into some of the more demanding pin positions. While she hopes to improve on her Major performances from 2024, Tan emphasised that her goals are not result-based. Progress, she notes, is not just measured in results. One standout improvement is her scrambling – the ability to save par after missing the green in regulation – which has gone up from 39 per cent last season to 52 per cent this term. With her eyes set on competing on the LPGA Tour, Tan is encouraged by the strides she is making. She said: 'Yes, I definitely feel like I'm on the right track. I've been focusing on improving specific areas of my game and becoming more consistent, and I'm starting to see that progress show up in competition. 'That (scrambling) was a big area I wanted to work on, and seeing real improvement there gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.'
