Singapore: The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) has announced a significant milestone in the ambitious redevelopment of its iconic The Island Course – the official opening of Phase 1, featuring the newly transformed back nine (holes 10 to 18).

This pivotal moment heralds the start of a new era for one of Singapore’s most historic and revered golfing landmarks.

Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of the Island Location, The Island Course has long stood as a beacon of prestige and excellence in Singapore’s golfing landscape.

First opened in 1932, the course was designed by esteemed Scottish architect Peter Robinson, whose vision was to create a layout that was both elegant and enduringly challenging.

SICC has also invested extensively in maintaining championship-calibre standards. Notably, in the 1990s and early 2000s, five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thomson led major renovations that redefined The Island Course’s bunkering and strategic layout, enhancing its competitive edge while respecting its unique character.

By 2020, with advancements in golf technology, evolving Member expectations, and a greater emphasis on sustainability, the need for a comprehensive redevelopment of The Island Course became increasingly evident.

The brief was clear – to honour the course’s rich heritage, enhance playability and strategy, and integrate modern technology and eco-conscious design elements. A critical component of the redesign was also the enhancement of safety features and drainage systems.

As playing conditions and weather patterns became more unpredictable, it was essential to improve the Course’s resilience and year-round accessibility.

The updated course design incorporates strategically engineered fairway grading, sub-surface drainage systems, sand capping, and erosion control measures – significantly reducing downtime during wet weather and enhancing overall playability.

Contours have been carefully moderated to avoid excessively steep or extreme slopes, creating a safer and more enjoyable walking, and golfing experience across all zones of the course.

The newly redeveloped back nine of The Island Course showcases thoughtful design interventions aimed at elevating both playability and player safety. In particular, strategic adjustments were made to near holes 10 and 18 – including the removal of one hole to create broader playing corridors.

These modifications have significantly enhanced visibility and reduced cross-traffic risks, offering golfers a more comfortable and seamless experience.

In addition, the number of tee boxes has been increased to better accommodate junior golfers, offering more inclusive and flexible play options for all ages and skill levels.

In October 2021, a dedicated task force was established to oversee the transformation of The Island Course. The mandate was clear: to deliver a layout that would be timeless and strategic, while also prioritising sustainability, technological advancement, and inclusivity for players of all levels.

A total of 13 internationally renowned golf course architects participated in a rigorous and competitive selection process. Following careful evaluation, the SICC appointed Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects, with esteemed architect Neil Haworth heading the team.

Nelson & Haworth was selected for its outstanding track record in designing golf courses across Asia, particularly in tropical environments. The firm is widely recognised for its ability to harmonise strategic course design with ecological sensitivity, offering modern layouts that remain respectful of the natural landscape.

Neil Haworth, who was an SICC member from 1993 to 1996, brought a unique perspective to the project. Having played extensively on The Island Course, he possessed an intimate understanding of its terrain and character.

His design philosophy – centred on balancing shot-making complexity with natural integration – closely aligned with the club’s vision. With a proven ability to deliver championship-standard courses in similar climates, Haworth’s expertise assured the club of a design that would honour tradition while embracing the future of the game.

Redeveloping an operational golf course of such historic value came with its share of complexities. Site constraints, limited working hours due to on-going member play, the need to preserve mature tree lines, and the goal of minimising ecological disruption posed significant design and logistical challenges.

One of the most critical technical hurdles was the improvement of the course’s water drainage infrastructure. Given Singapore’s tropical climate and frequent heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon seasons, effective drainage was essential not only to maintain year-round playability but also to protect turf health, reduce soil erosion, and ensure the safety of golfers navigating the terrain.

Poor drainage can lead to course closures, damaged surfaces, and long-term maintenance issues, all of which the new system was designed to prevent.

Weather delays – particularly during Singapore’s wet seasons – and irrigation components also impacted construction timelines.

Nevertheless, the team remained committed to excellence, adopting flexible strategies and sustainable work methods throughout the process to stay on track while upholding the highest standards of quality and environmental care.

Ivan Chua, Chairman of the Island Golf Course Redevelopment Project, said: “This redevelopment is the culmination of years of collaboration, commitment, and careful planning. Our goal was to honour The Island Course’s heritage while delivering a course that meets modern expectations of strategy, playability, and sustainability. We are confident that the new enhancements will elevate the playing experience for every golfer, while preserving the legacy that generations of members hold dear.”

Ian Roberts, SICC’s General Manager, added: “The reopening of The Island Course’s back nine represents much more than a construction milestone. It symbolises our dedication to preserving heritage while embracing progress. We are incredibly proud to honour the legacy of The Island Course and look forward to welcoming members back to experience its renewed splendour.”

Key Redevelopment Highlights

   1. Expanded Championship Layout

• Course extended from 5,945 metres to 6,170 metres

• Recontoured fairways and repositioned bunkers to enhance strategic play

   2. Advanced Course Technology

• SubAir Ventilation System – Improves drainage, root strength, and soil aeration

• TORO Lynx Irrigation Control – Maximises water efficiency and consistency

• Soil Scout In-Ground Sensors – Enables real-time monitoring of moisture, salinity, and temperature

• Tree Monitoring App – Facilitates digital diagnostics of tree and vegetation health

• Sustainability Enhancements

• Eco-friendly grass varieties: Zoysia Primo, Zoysia Zemet, and Eltoro

• Eco-bunkers to reduce water usage and maintenance requirements

• Replanting of a significant percentage of the trees and ground cover with native species to support bio-diversity

• Integrated water conservation measures across the course

   4. Enhanced Accessibility and Experience

• Newly built buggy paths for improved navigation

• Slopes and undulations were carefully adjusted to provide a safer and more

comfortable walking experience for players of all ages

Project Timeline

• Ground-breaking: Q3, 2023

• Preliminary Works Completed: January 2024

• Construction Phase 1: February 2024

• Back Nine Holes Opening: May 2025

• Full 18-Holes Opening: Targeted for Q3, 2025

*The Singapore Island Country Club, Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects, Toro and Soil Scout are all Members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.