Singapore: The historic Bukit Course at Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) has achieved the coveted GEO Certified status and joins an illustrious group of global golf clubs leading the way in accelerating sustainable practices.

Administered by Scotland-based GEO Foundation, the award is a comprehensive modern certification, developed to the highest credibility standard, to help golf facilities, developments and tournaments demonstrate and be recognised for their environmental and social responsibility.

The Bukit Course fulfilled and satisfied all GEO certification criteria, comprising four core areas; to foster nature, to conserve resources, to build the community, and to take climate action.

SICC, with its unique position next to a nature reserve with rich flora and fauna, is committed to continuing to focus on community engagement programmes to develop these core sustainability pillars.

Richard Allison, Manager – GEO Certified (Facilities), said: “The Singapore Island Country Club shows a real commitment, desire, interest and ability across all management departments for continuous performance improvement on sustainable golf. I look forward to seeing how SICC will continue to thrive in the future.”

SICC President Vincent Wee said: “Achieving accreditation is just another step on our sustainability journey. We are now looking at how we can build on this platform, engage with and energise all the various stakeholders involved to identify and deliver further sustainable benefits for our community.

“Earning this international recognition underlines a truly exceptional team effort that encompasses many on-going practical, social, and environmental initiatives that are widespread across our golf operation and beyond.

“For example, the annual May Day Charity contributes to the meaningful goals of the beneficiaries, supporting and strengthening our communities. It just goes to show that we can make a difference on and off the course!”

The 98-year-old Bukit Course borders the sprawling MacRitchie Reservoir. It boasts more than 2,500 fully-grown trees of more than 100 varieties and is home to a diversity of wildlife including smooth coated otters, pangolin and prolific bird life.

The Bukit Course is one of a handful of courses outside of the United Kingdom designed by James Braid, winner of five Open Championships. Braid parlayed the naturally undulating terrain into a layout with great variety that places a high premium on shot-making, rewards creativity and courage, while giving golfers of all abilities a multitude of ways to play each hole.

Despite its modest footprint for the modern game – just under about 6,200 metres – the reputation of the Bukit Course as a traditional classic parkland layout has been underlined with its recognition as the Best Golf Course in Singapore at the World Golf Awards 2022.

Club Captain Ivan Chua said: “Achieving this international recognition underlines a truly exceptional team effort to elevate the golfing experience at SICC.

“Like SICC’s rich heritage, playing at the Bukit Course is akin to a trip down memory lane. This parkland-style course has so much history.

“We are truly humbled and very proud to offer an experience of exceptional golf to our members and guests. This award is particularly significant as we commemorate our Diamond Jubilee in 2023.”

Meanwhile, the SICC’s New Course will undergo the process to become GEO Certified in 2023 as the assessment criteria requires the golf course to be operational for at least one full calendar year. The Island Course will not undergo any GEO certification works at the moment as the course is scheduled for redevelopment works in 2023.

The SICC is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.