1-up to the Lion City

With three times as many courses as Hong Kong, Singaporeans are rather better served when it comes to choosing where to play. Duncan Forgan checks out the best of what the city-state has to offer.

Matteo Manassero claimed last year's Barclays Singapore Open

TRIP PLANNER

GETTING THERE

Numerous carriers, including Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com) and Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), operate frequent nonstop flights between Hong Kong and Singapore (journey time: three hours, 45 minutes).

WHEN TO GO

As viewers of the Singapore Open will be well aware, it rains heavily in the city – the past few editions of the tournament, won in 2012 by Italian Matteo Manassero, have been affected by daily downpours and have been extended or curtailed as a result. Being close to the equator, the city is hot and humid year-round, although the driest months are February and March and May through July. Locals tend to play early, which places a premium on morning tee times.

NEED TO KNOW

At the time of press, S$1 equates to HK$6.3. Hong Kong SAR passport holders are entitled to visa-free access for 30 days. Few courses have caddies, although Singapore Island Country Club is one notable exception. Proof of playing ability – a valid handicap – is a requisite at many clubs.

Pages

Written by Duncan Forgan

Card Wreckers
14th Hole, East Course, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau 366 yards, Par-4 Six years on since the Nelson & Haworth-designed East Course opened and the signature 14th still strikes fear into all...
The Challenge of the Championship
Can you design a “championship” golf course? It is not uncommon for a client to ask this of a golf architect. But what does this mean and how do you design and set-up a course that is...
Daring to be Different
Guangdong province aside, Bangkok is the most popular destination for Hong Kong golfers. This really comes as no surprise: countless flights serve the Thai capital, reasonably-priced yet quality...
The Root of the Issue
The choice of grass for a new (or renovated) golf course is one of the most important decisions on any project. The cost to maintain this grass will run into millions of dollars over the years as...
From Tee to Shore
Such has been the rate of golf course construction in China in recent years that you’re more likely to find the world’s best golf course architects traipsing through the glades of Yunnan and the...
Lie of the Land
If you happened to watch the Open Championship last month you would have noted how much Royal Liverpool called for great creativity - and in many cases the need to improvise or invent shots....
Upping its Game
In many ways, Bali is the holiday island that has it all. Feted for its immense beauty and deep-rooted Hindu/ Animist culture, the island attracts a steady flowing stream of visitors looking to...
What to Make of the Unconventional?
The Open Championship was first played at Prestwick, that grand old links on the west coast of Scotland. At that time, back in 1860, Prestwick consisted of 12 holes and would be extended to 18...
Short, But Sweet
Every golfer loves a great par-3; there is something magical about hitting a crisp wedge close to the pin on a short hole or a towering hybrid to the green on a long one. Par-3s are often the...
An Historical Stay
In many ways, the most high-profile golf clubs in China have taken golf the game new level. Take, for instance, Dragon Lake Golf Club, a fine 45-hole complex situated in Guangzhou's...

Pages