Why a lot of Singaporean golfers don't golf in Singapore? Well, Golf in Singapore is expensive and inaccessible -it requires membership, requires upfront payment, and requires a flight of a minimum of 3.
The clubs that are open to the public and are affordable and accessible are 9 hole courses - Mandai Executive Golf Course and Champions Public Golf Course.
Cost of Golf in Singapore
As the cost of golf in Singapore is a little high. So most Singaporean golfers ad out to either Johor in Malaysia or Batam and Bintan in Indonesia during the weekend.
Pros - cheaper golf, better service, cheap food, cheap massages, cheap shopping, cheap petrol!
Cons - longer travel times. Johor has massive traffic jams, and in Batam, you need to take a 45 min ferry, then usually a 10 min ground transfer after that.
But don't worry, we're here to help guide you with the best way you can play at these places.
Golf in Johor
Find out more on Johor golf courses
How to get there:
- Drive - but you will suffer. Wake up at 4 am, get into Johor by 6 am, then leave at 2 pm, and get back to Singapore at 4 pm.
- Get a driver to drive you across - roughly SGD200 round trip which you can split 4 ways, with door to door service for 4 different people. Can ask the driver to wait around while you eat and massage. Then sleep on the way there and back.
Golf in Batam
Find out more on Batam golf courses
How to get there:
- The ferry is the only way unless you can swim. Most golf courses help you book the ferry ticket, so you just have to reach out and book with them.
- Massages are awesome there, and the other service levels are "indo" level ie - reception, concierge, caddies, and f&b. Good stuff you won't get in Singapore. Since labor is cheaper in Indonesia. In Singapore, you self-service most things.
Both experiences will take the whole day ie 12 hours. But with less money, you will have a much better time.
In summary, golf can be cheap if you plan accordingly and choose the right place to golf. Stereotypically golf is considered a rich man's game' even though it is sometimes, but despite that, there are few ways to save money and still play golf. This post should have covered that part and given you a rough idea of how to do it. Cheers!
