Keppel Club began renovation works at its Sime course on Jan 1, 2022, as it prepares to leave the Bukit Chermin land it has occupied since 1904, according to the club's own account of its history1. Members can continue playing golf at Bukit Chermin until June 30, 2022, and can use the clubhouse, indoor tennis courts and driving range there until Sep 30, 20221.
The move follows the government's decision not to extend the club's lease on the Bukit Chermin site. The club says it was informed that the lease would not be extended beyond its expiry on Dec 31, 2021, and that on Feb 14 the government formally announced it would not extend the lease, with plans to develop the 44-hectare site into housing1. The club must return the reinstated land to the Singapore Land Authority by 31 March 20231.
Keppel Club has signed a 30-year land lease agreement with SLA and paid $18 million upfront for the lease1. Under an agreement with Sport Singapore, the club will manage a public course at Sime as a hybrid, with 40 percent of flights set aside for members and the remaining 60 percent available to members of the public1. The club describes itself as the first and only club in Singapore to operate a public golf course under this hybrid model1. Renovation of the Sime course was completed on Oct 22, 2022, and the official opening was held on March 18, 2023, themed "kai da loh," attended by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Transport Minister S. Iswaran1.
"Members continue to enjoy golfing at Bukit Chermin up to June 30, 2022 and the clubhouse, indoor tennis and driving range up to Sep 30, 2022."
The club's Jackpot Lounge ceased operations on Dec 31, 2023, which the club attributes to low visitorship1. No reason beyond visitor numbers is given in the club's account1.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2021 | Lease on Bukit Chermin land expires |
| Jan 1, 2022 | Renovation works commence at Sime |
| June 30, 2022 | Last day for golf at Bukit Chermin |
| Sep 30, 2022 | Last day for clubhouse, indoor tennis and driving range at Bukit Chermin |
| Oct 22, 2022 | Renovation of Sime course completed |
| 31 March 2023 | Deadline to return reinstated land to SLA |
| March 18, 2023 | Official opening of Sime course |
| Dec 31, 2023 | Jackpot Lounge ceases operations |
What it means for players
Keppel Club's Bukit Chermin site is no longer available for golf, with the last day of play there on June 30, 2022, and the clubhouse and indoor tennis and driving range closing on Sep 30, 20221. Golf at the club now takes place at Sime, where the course reopened after renovation and was officially opened on March 18, 20231.
The Sime course operates as a hybrid public course. Under the arrangement with Sport Singapore, 40 percent of flights are reserved for Keppel Club members and 60 percent are open to the public1. The club says it is the first and only club in Singapore to run a public course this way1. The club's Jackpot Lounge, a gaming facility on site, closed on Dec 31, 2023 because of low visitor numbers1.
What happens next
The club was required to return the reinstated Bukit Chermin land to the Singapore Land Authority by 31 March 20231. The Sime course renovation was completed on Oct 22, 2022, and the course was officially opened on March 18, 20231. The Jackpot Lounge closed on Dec 31, 20231. No further dated steps are given in the club's account1.
For the rules that apply to gambling in Singapore, see Can I Gamble in Singapore?, and for the wider regional picture, see Casinos and Integrated Resorts in Asia: Who Can Enter, What You Can Play and the Rules Inside.
Sources1 sources
- About Us - Golf Club Singapore | Keppel Club, keppelclub.com.sg
