Singapore: A preferred destination for premier tournaments, Singapore will return to the global golfing spotlight in October when it hosts the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC). 

Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation (IGF), reaffirmed Singapore’s standing as a leading global sporting hub during a recent visit to the Lion City.
 
“Singapore was one of the best candidates. We were impressed by the quality of the course and the strength of the bid submitted by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA). The IGF membership recognised its merit during the bidding process,” said Scanlon.
 
The biennial event will be held at the award-winning Tanah Merah Country Club (Tampines Course). The women’s competition for the Espirito Santo Trophy will tee off from October 1-4, followed by the men’s competition for the Eisenhower Trophy (October 8-11).
 
The WATC will showcase the world’s top amateur golfers, offering local fans the opportunity to witness future stars of the sport on home soil. Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam are among those who competed in the event before making the leap to the professional game.
 
“A significant number of top amateurs who play in this tournament progress to the professional ranks, including participation in Major championships. In fact, 70% to 80% of the Olympic golf field today previously competed in the WATC, back when golf was not part of the Olympic programme,” said Scanlon.
 
The WATC has a rich legacy of bringing together elite amateurs from around the world to represent their countries in a team format.
 
“If you go back to the original WATC, the founding captain of the US team was none other than the great Bobby Jones. That first tournament was hosted by The R&A at St Andrews, and the winning team was Australia. And I’m saying that not trying to be biased, even as an Australian,” added Scanlon.

In addition to Woods and Sorenstam, past participants include golfing greats such as Jack Nicklaus and current world number one Scottie Scheffler. 

“It remains a coveted opportunity for top amateurs to represent their countries and earn the honour of being called a WATC player,” added Scanlon.

*The Singapore Golf Association and Tanah Merah Country Club are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.