The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), the largest member-owned golf and country club in the region will begin construction on its extensive $50 million renovation on the New and Millennium golf courses on 25 February 2019. The 27-hole course layout offers a stunning setting, bordering the nation’s nature reserve.
More than 80 golfers and club officials gathered at the New Course Hole 18 at the end of the charity golf game on 24 February 2019 for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony, marking the closure of the New and Millennium golf courses and the commencement of construction for the 27-hole golf course.
The New Course, opened in 1965, was originally designed by UK’s Frank Pennink, one of the most famous architects of golf courses. British Open winner, Australia’s Peter Thomson, later redeveloped the course in 2002 to a sand-based course that allows the course to remain playable throughout the year. The course, which covers 6,525m was considered the most challenging course, amongst the four 18-hole golf courses at SICC.
Leading the project is Graham Marsh Golf Design (GMGD), an award-winning golf design company who has completed more than 50 golf course designs worldwide. GMGD is best known for its exceptional work with Sutton Bay, South Dakota, USA and Ras al Hamra Golf Course in Oman, UAE. In a statement, Graham Marsh Golf Course Design said, “This course is a unique design that caters to the objective of allowing golfers of all proficiencies to enjoy. The Club has chosen a strong in-house leadership team comprising both members and staff to stay actively involved in the day-to-day operations of construction. It will be an exciting period at the SICC, and we look forward to creating another iconic golf course in the region.”
“The primary focus of this golf course redevelopment will be to increase golf course capacity at Island, in anticipation of the land leases of Sime and Bukit Courses expiring end of 2021 and 2030 respectively. We want to continually invest in our properties to surpass expectations and be a leader in the golf and country club industry. This will enhance our members’ golfing and club experience and increase the value of the membership,” says SICC President Andrew Low.
“This is the first major renovation since more than 17 years ago and we are very excited to be elevating the golf experience for our members. This redevelopment, scheduled to take 24 months of construction, will ensure that our course is the best of its kind in the region and will increase the desirability of our golf club for years to come,” says SICC Club Captain Ivan Chua.
SICC General Manager Desmond Tay concurred, “Though there are many golf courses in the region that have started and/or completed their redevelopments, this presents an opportunity for the team and various consultants to plan and adopt the best practices with the latest technology on construction, irrigation, water harvesting and improved turfgrass varieties to ensure course sustainability, efficiency and most importantly an improved playing experience for our members.”
“This project entails many rounds of discussions and consultation with various stakeholders. The SICC worked towards the PUB’s requirement to be less reliant on the water catchment areas in the future. Part of the project includes the construction of a public park connector along the reservoir edge. Stringent guidelines in construction methods by NParks ensure that the nature reserve remains unaffected,” Mr Tay added.
About The Singapore Island Country Club
Formed in 1963 from a merger of The Royal Singapore Golf Club and the Royal Island Club, the Singapore Island Country Club has a very distinguished history and heritage. Today, the SICC is Singapore’s most established and largest golf and country club with premium facilities and award-winning golf courses. Nestled amid lush greenery near the nature reserve, the SICC is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With four 18-hole golf courses, 12 food & beverage outlets, and a wide range of sports and social facilities over two locations, there is something for everyone in the family.
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Club Managers' Association (Singapore) 