Singapore: The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) is embracing sustainability with an innovative initiative that uses the limbs and trunks of fallen trees during inclement weather and transforms them into buggy exit signs, fairway distance markers, and tee markers – reducing waste and repurposing environmentally-friendly materials.

Beyond aesthetics, this strategy delivers measurable environmental and economic benefits by eliminating the need for off-site disposal, reducing transport-related carbon emissions, and decreasing reliance on synthetic or polyethylene-based course materials.

“Our approach reduces waste, lowers costs, and supports Singapore’s national effort to extend the lifespan of Pulau Semakau – our only landfill,” said Tai Wai Meng, Director of Golf Course Management at SICC.

With over 6,000 trees across three golf courses and 63 holes, SICC boasts one of the highest densities of mature trees and native species as the nation’s largest and most tree-rich golf club.

“Some of these trees have stood for decades and hold deep historical and ecological value,” added Tai.

Only trees with a minimum girth of 30 centimetres are considered for repurposing. Where feasible, the club extends tree life through the installation of lightning protection system, tilt sensors, and tree bracing. Trees are only removed when they pose as a hazard or affect playability*.

SICC’s tree repurposing initiative was first introduced during the upgrade of the Bukit Course in preparation for its 100th anniversary in 2024. Building on that foundation, the initiative has been significantly expanded as part of the comprehensive redevelopment of The Island Course, slated to reopen in the last quarter of 2025.

Sustainability remains central to the club’s approach with mature trees preserved wherever possible, and those that had to be removed, thoughtfully transformed into tee markers, distance markers, and buggy exit signs.

Once selected, tree trunks are carefully cut, air-dried, and sent to a local vendor for processing. The wood is shaped, machine-engraved with course markings, and hand-painted, preserving its natural grain and character. The result is a series of functional and beautifully crafted pieces that embody SICC’s ethos of reuse and sustainability.

Rather than displacing nature, SICC integrates conservation into its daily operations.

Trees impacted by course redevelopment are often carefully transplanted on-site, allowing them to continue playing an ecological and aesthetic role. The club’s sustainability practices have earned recognition from the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO), and it is home to two NParks-endorsed Heritage Trees located on The New Course.

Ian Roberts, General Manager at SICC, said: “Golf courses are often seen at odds with nature. Our work proves the opposite. Repurposing and replanting trees supports bio-diversity, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage, making a meaningful contribution to climate resilience.”

Looking ahead, SICC plans to explore additional tree reuse initiatives, including the crafting of furniture, signage, and organic mulch. As the redeveloped The Island Course welcomes a new chapter, SICC remains committed to ensuring every aspect of the game – from trees to tees – reflects a legacy of care, conservation, and continuous improvement.

*The lightning protection system uses a copper wire running from the roots to the top of the tree to safely conduct lightning into the ground, preventing damage. Without it, trees risk being damaged from lightning strikes.

**The Singapore Island Country Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.