Singapore bid farewell to its last public 18-hole golf course at Marina Bay on June 29, 2024. Opened in 2006, the course offered players scenic views of the city’s financial hub. However, due to the government’s need for land redevelopment—particularly to meet rising housing demands—the golf course’s lease was not renewed. This closure is part of a broader effort to repurpose land in Singapore, including the recent shuttering of other sports venues like the Singapore Turf Club and the city’s Olympic-sized ice rink.

Marina Bay Golf Course was well-known for its iconic design, featuring a challenging par-three island hole and a par-six hole. During the pandemic, demand surged, with players enjoying up to 10,000 rounds a month. However, the course’s popularity was not enough to secure its future, as the government prioritizes housing over recreational spaces.

The closure leaves Singapore with only one public golf venue, the Mandai Executive Golf Course, which offers nine holes. This site, originally slated for closure in 2024, has been granted a two-year extension due to its importance for public access to the sport.

For golfers who still wish to play, the alternatives are limited to expensive private memberships or traveling to neighboring Malaysia or Indonesia. Prices for private golf clubs, like Sentosa Golf Club, can reach up to S$850,000 for expatriates.