Courtesy of Singapore Island Country Club (2)
The Singapore Island Country Club is reopening all 18 holes of the Island Course following an extensive redevelopment.
Built on nearly a century of history, the redeveloped Island Course delivers world-class design, eco-conscious technologies and tournament-ready infrastructure, setting a new benchmark for golf in Singapore.
Since its debut in 1932 by Scottish golf course architect Peter Robertson, the Island Course has long been appreciated for its tranquil setting, mature vegetation and natural contours. In the early 2000s, five-time Open champion Peter Thomson introduced enhancements to preserve the Island Course’s essence while adapting it for contemporary play.
By 2021, with advancements in golf technology, evolving member expectations and an increased focus on sustainability, the need for a comprehensive redevelopment became clear. The guiding vision was to preserve heritage while future-proofing the Course, integrating safety, playability, and ecological innovation.
The plan was ambitious:
- Honor the course’s historic design DNA
- Introduce advanced turf and drainage systems for year-round play
- Enhance inclusivity with multiple tee options for all golfers
- Embed sustainability at the core of design and operations
“We set out to honor the soul of the Island Course, its history, its natural beauty, its place in the hearts of members while reimagining it for the demands of modern play,” said Ivan Chua, chair of the Island Golf Redevelopment Project Committee. “This redevelopment, one of the club’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent years, is an investment in the future of both the club and the sport. Members can now look forward to more strategic play, better greens and improved bunkers.
“More importantly, the course has been designed to cater to both competitive players and social golfers, with additional tee boxes introduced to make it more inclusive for women, juniors and beginners.”
The redevelopment was made possible through the expertise and partnership of TEHC International, the project’s appointed builder, whose proven track record in golf course construction helped bring the vision to life.
General manager Ian Roberts said sustainability has been core to redevelopment. “We integrated responsible practices such as water conservation, biodiversity protection and tree preservation, while creating a wetland,” he said. “We have also preserved tree corridors, tagged heritage trees and replanted endangered species. Beyond playability, our commitment is to ensure the course remains environmentally sustainable, with continuous improvements as new systems and innovations emerge.”
Beyond these initiatives, the redevelopment also embraced innovative ecological solutions such as the installation of SubAir and TORO Lynx irrigation systems to optimize turf health and water efficiency. More than 90 percent of the flora was replanted with native species to strengthen biodiversity corridors, while fallen trees were thoughtfully repurposed into tee markers, buggy exit signs and distance markers — a circular approach that reduces waste while preserving the natural heritage of the course.
“The Island Course stands as a proud symbol of what SICC represents: heritage, excellence and forward vision,” club president Vincent Wee said. “This redevelopment is more than a renewal of fairways; it is a renewal of purpose to offer our members a world-class golfing experience rooted in tradition and shaped by innovation.”
The redevelopment of The Island Course was masterfully led by the late Neil Haworth, principal of Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects
For Haworth, this project was more than a professional commission, it was deeply personal. During his years living in Singapore, Haworth was a member of SICC, spending countless hours walking, studying and playing the Island Course. His knowledge of the land, its subtleties and its quiet elegance gave him a unique perspective — not as an outsider imposing a design, but as a custodian of its spirit, seeking to preserve what made it special while preparing it for future generations.
The result is a course that balances subtle strategy with bold visuals, modern sustainability with timeless flow, a design that reflects both the Club’s vision and Haworth’s own memories of the course.
In a fitting tribute, a Weeping Fig Tree (Ficus Benjamina) was planted near Hole 15 in his honor. Symbolizing prosperity, harmony and endurance, it stands as a living legacy of his passion, philosophy, and enduring contribution to the Club he once called home.
SICC also features the Bukit and New courses, totaling 63 holes. The club will host the Moutai Singapore Open later this year.