You might have read somewhere that among the 96 kilos of luggage we took from Melbourne to Singapore, there was a set of customised golfclubs as well. Ever since we moved into The Marbella, my golfclubs have disappeared in the bomb-shelter and have not seen day-light ever since. But now that the temperatures have dropped dramatically (from 35 to 30 average a day), I was kind of thinking to take them for a swing one day again.

But then I started doing some research and found out that memberships range from anywhere between S$13.000 to S$130.000 (yes, thousands). A (one) round of golf (18 holes) can cost non-members (only allowed on the course on weekdays) anywhere between S$150 and S$300. That is if you’re a local, tourist pay even more. It’s cheapest to go to Malaysia and play there. If you plan a trip to Singapore, leave the clubs at home, or in the bomb-shelter in my case.

I guess when your country is an island and you have to compete with big housing developments, the ground you’re playing golf on is worth millions. It’s more a Country Club than a Golf Club. But for that money, you get some extras, like floodlight courses so you can play at night, swimming pools, 5-hole practice courses, Nike Golf balls, facilities with 36 holes and even 54. There’s between 15 and 20 golf clubs in Singapore (that’s quite a lot for such a small island), one of which belongs to the Army Base.

Most of the Golf Courses in Singapore maintain a strict dress code, which is, collared shirts with trousers or short pants. Golf shoes are a must and are a part of the dress code. Inside the golf courses, caddies or golf carts are usually available. Most of the Golf Courses in Singapore are provided with showers and locker rooms. The guests are not deprived from entertainment outlets, restaurants and coffee parlors as well. It’s very very different to Australia!

But then there’s the driving ranges, which is only a little different from Australia. Not sure how may bays there were in Albert Park, but I guess about 40 to 50. Here you’ll easily find driving ranges with 100+ bays. There’s one with 150 bays over 3 levels and Nature Park Golf Course (see map) is one of the biggest with 2 blocks of 4 stories! I told you about the latest addition, which is The Marina Bay Golf Course, which also accommodates 150 golfers at the same time, over 3 levels.

I might get some lessons in and swing my clubs at one of these ranges. I don’t think I’ll be playing many of the courses, unless I find somebody who’s already a member or somebody with a lot of money.