Membership not required

Joining a golf club is a pricey proposition in Singapore, so we’ve “putt” together some aﬀordable ways to enjoy the game.

byCheryl Tang JUNE 2016

"Joining a golf club is a pricey proposition in Singapore, so we’ve “putt” together some aﬀordable ways to enjoy the game."

PLAY AT: Mandai
Executive Golf Course(Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Road Track 7, tel: 6456-6533, www.mandaigolf.com)
This public nine-hole golf course is beginner-friendly, but also good for experienced golfers looking to sharpen their short game. At $25 an entry on weekdays, and $35 an entry on weekends and public holidays, it’s also one of the most reasonably priced golf courses in Singapore.

PLAY AT:
Marina Bay Golf Course(#01-01, 80 Rhu Cross, tel: 6345-7788, www.mbgc.com.sg)
Singapore’s only public 18-hole golf course is blessed with a spectacular view of the soaring city skyline, and so close to the CBD that you can actually squeeze in a round if you manage to escape the oﬃce early. Entry fees start from $52.50, and you can even play night golf from Wednesdays to Fridays as the last tee-oﬀ for nine holes is 7.50pm. Our stroke- and sanity-saving tip for you: Try to avoid the steep pothole bunkers at all costs.

PLAY AT:
Urban Fairways(#01-07 Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road, tel: 6327-8045, www.urbanfairways.com)
An excellent face-saving option for women who want to protect their IPL-ed visages from the sun’s UV rays. This friendly bar right smack in the CBD has three indoor golf simulators (choose from 78 world-class courses), and provides players with real golf clubs – but you can bring your own if you wish. Prices start from $75 an hour, and slots get snapped up quickly, so we’d recommend booking at least a week in advance. The cafe and bar also serves beer, cocktails, sandwiches and salads (with golf puns for names), so even your non-golfing friends would be happy to hang out while you play.

USE: American Express or HSBC Visa cards
American Express card benefits includes green-fee waivers at five golf clubs in Singapore and more than 40 golf courses across Asia. HSBC Visa cards oﬀ er a discount of up to 30 per cent on green fees across 30 clubs in South-east Asia. You can even opt for complimentary golfers’ insurance of up to $500,000.

For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com/sg or www.hsbc.com.sg

GOLFING ETIQUETTE 101
New to the game? Some must-knows before you tee oﬀ .

FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE RULES
To avoid unnecessary embarrassment, read up on the 34 main rules of golf at www.usga.org.

STAY QUIET WHEN SOMEONE’S ABOUT TO TAKE HIS SHOT
You wouldn’t want to be the cause of a bad shot, and you wouldn’t want your phone to be a distraction either – put it on silent mode. Of course, you can cheer or applaud someone’s great shot… just do it appropriately and moderately.

PLAY AT A REASONABLE PACE
This means not dawdling, or holding up the players behind you. Each club has set rules on what’s considered a reasonable pace (depending on the size of the golf course, the traﬃc and so on), so keep close to the players in front of you.