Singapore's Marina Bay Golf Course Closes, Faces Disappearing Public Greens

Vietnamese National Newspaper Reports on Closure of Marina Bay Golf Course in Singapore

Marina Bay Golf Course, a prominent 18-hole public golf facility located in Singapore that has been operational for the past eighteen years, is now closed forever. The decision to shut down this course is part of the city-state's ongoing urban development strategy.

Established in November 2006, Marina Bay was the only public 18-hole golfing ground avlable in all of Singapore. Following notifications by the government regarding land use realignment amidst soaring property prices and rent rates that are beyond most residents' financial reach, this iconic golf course is now part of history.

This decision echoes similar scenarios around the city where other sports venues, including an Olympic-sized ice rink last year and the historic Singapore Turf Club with over 180 years in operation, have either been phased out or are scheduled to close soon. Marina Bay Golf Course's closure comes as a result of its lease agreement expiring.

The final day of play was on the previous Sunday for this iconic course, which has earned international accolades including signature par-three island hole and a unique six-par hole that offer challenging experiences, along with night golfing services.

Notably, even during Singapore's lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic, Marina Bay Golf Course experienced peak times when it accommodated 10,000 rounds of play per month, compared to the pre-pandemic figure of about 7,800. There was a significant influx of golfers visiting Marina Bay as the only public golfing option that could provide such distinctive features.

By the of this year, Singapore will have no public golf facilities left; Mand Golf Club will be the sole remning public course with nine holes but at least eighteen for most courses, all privately owned. Access to such courses often comes at a premium price – for instance, membership in Sentosa Golf Club runs up to $370K for locals and close to $850K for foreigners.

This move signifies a potential shift from public access golfing spaces towards exclusive club memberships and rses concerns about how the golf community can sustn its interests amidst changing urban landscapes. Marina Bay Golf Course's closure might also prompt discussions regarding the balance between modernization needs, urban recreation avlability, and cultural heritage preservation in Singapore.

In , while the development of new landmarks is essential for Singapore’s progress, preserving historical sports facilities that have shaped local communities would be crucial too.

Source: VnExpress.net
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