OUR PASSION, OUR STORY
Connecting generations through golf
DISCOVER
KEPPEL CLUB MANAGEMENT
CHAIRMAN
Mr Tan Chong Meng
Chairman
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
Mr Ong Kim Pong
Deputy Chairman
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Keppel Club 2025/2026 Committee
Mr Lai Mun Onn
President
Mr Eric Tan
Vice-President
Mr Melvin Chia
Secretary
Mr Oh Bee Lock
Treasurer
Mr Maniam Stacy Anthony
Captain
Mr Wong Kok Leong
Vice-Captain
Mr Mark Ng
Billiards & Bowling Convenor
Mr Chooi Khai Pheng
House & Bar Convenor
Mr Peter Teo
Newsletter Convenor
Mr Bob Wong
Swimming & Entertainment Convenor
Mr Kamal Ehsan
Tennis Convenor
MANAGEMENT STAFF
Executive Staff
General Manager
Golf Operations
Assistant Manager
Customer Service & Golf Administration
Senior Manager
Membership
Assistant Manager
Administration
Club Secretarial Executive
IT
Senior IT Manager
F&B
F&B Director
F&B Manager
Human Resource & Procurement
Senior Manager
Assistant Manager
(Procurement)
Social & Sports
Operations Manager
Finance & Policy
Senior Manager
(Finance & Club Policy)
Senior Assistant Manager
Facilities & Security
Fire Safety Manager
Senior Executive
(Housekeeping)
Corporate Communications
Manager
(Social Media & Sponsorship)
Acting Assistant Manager (Communications)
Golf Maintenance
Course Superintendent
Assistant Course Superintendent
Senior Executive
(Fleet Management)
A SPORTING HERITAGE LASTING OVER A CENTURY
Keppel Club, originally known as Keppel Golf Club, was founded on 15 November 1904 through the enthusiasm of several junior assistants from the shipping firm Messrs Paterson, Simons & Company. The Club was named after Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, a distinguished British naval officer who played a key role in eradicating piracy in the Straits Settlements.
Over a century—and through tumultuous periods such as World War II—the Club evolved from a modest three-hole course set within a nutmeg plantation into a full-fledged 18-hole golf course.
FROM EXCLUSIVE BEGINNINGS TO A CLUB FOR EVERYONE
With a membership originally consisting of mainly Europeans from the Singapore Harbor Board and European shipping companies, the Club later evolved to include Asians amongst its members, before growing into a Country Club where Singaporeans from all walks of life come together.
With consistent upgrading plans from eager and dedicated leaders, the Club grew into a “family club”, where generations could come together and enjoy a variety of activities at the Club’s myriad facilities.
KEPPEL CLUB HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Keppel Arrives in Singapore
British Royal Navy officer, Sir Henry Keppel, arrives in Singapore. The harbour is named after him upon his successful clearing of pirates in the Straits Settlements.
Club Founded, Three Holes
Keppel Golf Club is founded. The Club sits on a piece of land owned by New Dock Co. Ltd, and starts off as a three-hole golf course in the midst of a nutmeg plantation.
Expansion to Nine Holes
The golf course expands to become a nine-hole course.
Harbour Board Takes Over
Singapore Harbour Board is constituted and takes over the running of Keppel Golf Club.
Japanese Wartime Occupation
Keppel Golf Club falls into the hands of the Japanese during World War II. During the three-and-a-half years of their occupation, the Japanese built their headquarters on Fairway 1. Their makeshift premises consisted of a sawmill workshop and jetty with a short railway line running to the eighth tee box. The golf course survives World War II unharmed, as it was used for food production.
British Postwar Return
When the British returned after the war, Keppel Golf Club merges with the old Singapore Harbour Board, a social club, to form Keppel Club.
First Tenancy Agreement
The first formal Agreement of Tenancy is signed between the Club and the Singapore Harbour Board.
Howe Yoon Choong
Mr Howe Yoon Choong is appointed as the Club's new Chairman.
Arumugam Vijiaratnam Appointed
Dr Arumugam Vijiaratnam is appointed President.
PSA Takes Over
The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) takes over the running of Keppel Club.
PSA Leases Land
PSA leases more land to Keppel Club for the extension of the golf course.
Clubhouse Expansion Completed
Expansion of the new Clubhouse is completed with three new floors added. The new facilities include two saunas and an 80-feet pergola at the poolside.
New Clubhouse Officially Opened
The General Manager of PSA, Mr Wong Hung Khim, officially opens the new Clubhouse on Nov 19, 1979, in conjunction with the Club’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Mr Lim Kim San Appointed as Chairman
Mr Lim Kim San takes over as Chairman of Keppel Club.
Plans are underway to remodel and upgrade the 18-hole golf course to a new 6,000-metre competition course to meet international standards.
Night Golf Introduced
Mr Goon Kok Loon is appointed as Club President.
On November 3, 1981, a groundbreaking ceremony is held after the club decides to once again upgrade its 18-hole course to meet international specifications.
Keppel becomes the first club in Singapore to introduce night golfing
Course Upgrading Commences
Upgrading works to expand into an 18-hole competition course commences.
In June, plans for the clubhouse extension project are drawn. It is a new two-storey extension that will link to the old wing.
First Nine Holes
The first nine holes of the upgraded golf course opens for play.
Double-Story Extension
Work on the double-story extension that links to the older wing begins. This new extension added a large library, an airconditioned cocktail lounge, and an airconditioned restaurant—complete with a stage.
In September, a new 50m competition pool with nine lanes is opened for members' use.
Clubhouse Renovation Works
Renovation works are conducted on the main Clubhouse's 3rd and 4th floor.
Clubhouse Development Plans
Further development plans are decided upon for the main Clubhouse. These would subsequently be worked on over the next several years.
Clubhouse Development Plans
The main clubhouse is further renovated. Among the work done, the main lobby is completed, creating the facade we are familiar with today.
Land Lease Signed
Keppel Club signs a 30-year land lease agreement deal with SLA and pays $18 million upfront for the lease.
New Chairman Appointed
Dr Yeo Ning Hong is appointed as the Club's new Chairman. More upgrading works are subsequently carried out with the addition of a bowling centre, gymnasium, outdoor and indoor tennis courts, a movie house and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Monocart System Introduced
Former Club Chairman Dr Yeo Ning Hong opens the newly-refurbished Keppel Club on Sept 26. It also becomes the first golf club in Southeast Asia to introduce the monocart system.
Stephen Lee Appointed
Lye Fei Appointed
Club Turns 100
Fock Siew Wah
Mr Fock Siew Wah is appointed the Club's new Chairman and Dr Tony Tng Thiam Huat becomes the new President of the Club. A master plan is presented to the members to further expand facilities that would bring the Club through the next decade and beyond. The plans include a new building facing the sea front which houses the new gymnasium, dance/aerobics studio, a spacious boardwalk offering al fresco dining, a children’s play area, a video games arcade and a roof top dining area. A multi-storey carpark providing ample lots is also proposed.
The Club wins the "Certificate of Bronze Award" in recognition for LIAS Awards of Excellence 2005 for Design & Build Projects (Commercial, Industrial, Recreational & Institutional). In its annual Charity Golf, the Club presents cheques of $15,000 each to 10 charities.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held
Chairman Fock Siew Wah and President Tony Tng Thiam Huat, preside in the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2006 to launch the extension of the swimming pool annexe.
Keppel Club receives the "Friend of Water" Award from PUB in October 2006 for their efforts towards maintaining the sustainability of Singapore’s water supply. In the same year, it is also welcomed to its “Our Waters” programme, as an adopter of the Berlayer Creek. In October, it raises $200,000 for 10 charitable organisations in the Charity Golf Event.
In November, the Club receives a certificate of appreciation from SembCorp Environmental Management for its commitment as an environmentally-friendly organisation.
Berlayer Creek Adopted
The Club adopted the Berlayer Creek, a century-old salt water mangrove that gives life to a plethora of vegetation and bio-organisms, through a tri-partite cooperation between Keppel Club, PUB and National Parks Board.
Edwin Khew Teck Fook
Mr Edwin Khew Teck Fook is appointed President of the Club.
The Club kicks off its annual CSR tradition, Earth Week, an educational programme for the public to learn more about sustainable practices in Singapore. The exhibition and activities are 100% designed and organised by our own staff at Keppel Club, which aims to prove that it is possible to run an eco-friendly golf club with a focus on environmental education. Besides showcases and workshops, children also learn about the history of the Club through nature walks. The Club raises a total of $375,167 at the annual Charity Golf. The year ends on a good note when the Club receives the Merit Winner Award at the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards 2008/09.
Charity Golf Event
At the Charity Golf event held on Oct 10, Madam Ho Ching is invited as Guest-of-Honour. The Club also breaks a new record and raises $561,517 for its 10 beneficiaries.
ABC Waters Certified
Lai Mun Onn
Tee Top Opened
Lease Not Extended
111-Year Anniversary
Buggies Launched on Fairway
Tan Chong Meng
MOU Collaboration Signed
Charity Golf Record
Sime Course Management
The Club secures a new chapter in its history when it is offered the opportunity to manage Sime Golf Course as a public golf course. Under the agreement with Sport SG, Keppel Club will manage the public course as a hybrid, with 40% of flights set aside for its members, and the remaining 60% available for members of the public. Members are informed of this offer, and in an opt-in exercise in October 2020, more than 2,500 members opt-in to continue to Sime with the Club. The Club then signs a Memorandum of Agreement with Singapore Island Country Club.
The same year, Keppel Club raised $1.57 million in its annual Keppel Charity Golf in October, breaking previous records for yet another year. This was despite it being a challenging year for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Club continued working with the President’s Challenge for a second year. $700,000 of the funds raised were donated to the President’s Challenge, with the remaining donated to 15 of Keppel Club’s specially selected local charities.
Sime Move Preparation
Work begins in full swing to prepare for Keppel Club’s move to Sime. Renovation work is planned for both the golf course and the clubhouse at Sime location. With the timeline and course condition in clear view, it is apparent that the Club will not be able to begin operations immediately after taking over the management of Sime from January 2022. The Club therefore applies for a temporary lease extension, which is eventually approved. With the extension, the Club will continue to operate the Bukit Chermin golf course until June 2022, and must return the reinstated land to SLA by 31 March 2023.
The Facilities Sharing Agreement with SICC is signed in September, and the Lease Agreement is signed with Sport SG and SLA in December.
With 2021 being the last year we can hold Keppel Charity Golf at our Bukit Chermin Golf Course, the Club sees overwhelming response, enough to extend the charity event to two weekends in October, instead of the usual one. A staggering amount of $2.6 million is raised—of this, $1.2 million is donated to the President’s Challenge in support of its 93 charities, and the remaining is donated to 18 selected local charities.
Social Measures Relaxed
The year 2022 sees the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures and the eventual resumption of life back to pre-COVID-19 days.
Renovation works commenced Jan 1, 2022.
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 highlight of the year is the “Heritage Night” held on June 17 and 18, 2022, which bring members together to mark the closure of Singapore’s oldest golf club at Bukit Chermin. Members play “The last farewell game” and walk down memory lane on “Heritage Night” to relive the good times at Bukit Chermin. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Transport Minister S. Iswaran, both of whom golfed with Chairman Tan Chong Meng and Club Secretary Eddy Ng earlier in the day, are guests-of-honour.
In the second half of 2022, our Golf Department made various efforts to ensure that activities can continue in other locations. The Club organises golf trips for members to play in neighbouring countries.
The 118-year heritage of Keppel Club is captured on film. The Club embarks on a project to produce a 5-part documentary series to trace its journey and the different facets of the Club. Entitled Keppel Club – Leaving Bukit Chermin, the YouTube videos are commissioned to document the last chapters of Keppel Club at Bukit Chermin.
The renovation of Sime course is completed on Oct 22, 2022. All the greens and tee boxes are expanded, some by as much as threefold from their original size. Another unique feature of Sime course is the revetted bunkers.
The Club spared no effort in the youth development front. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed on Nov 8, 2022, by Keppel Club, the Singapore Island Country Club, Sentosa Golf Club, and the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to open a Centre of Excellence at Sime.
Sime Course Goes Public
The year 2023 marks Keppel Club’s first full year of operations at Sime. For the first time in history, Sime course is opened to the public for play. Keppel Club becomes the first and only club in Singapore to operate a public golf course under a hybrid model, serving both its members and public golfers.
The official opening on March 18, 2023, themed “kai da loh” (meaning “Game on” in Mandarin), is graced by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Transport Minister S. Iswaran. Members and invited guests play a round of golf on Sime course. In the evening, Keppel Club is transformed into a food paradise. Guests are taken down Memory Lane through a four-episode Keppel Club Story that traced the history of the Club and a surprise visit by “Sir Henry Keppel” played by actor Peer Metze. The night ends with Alemay Fernandez singing “Unstoppable” against a backdrop of spectacular firework show to mark the start of a new chapter.
The Club steps up its go-green efforts as it reduces the issuing of plastic bags.
The Jackpot Lounge ceases operations on Dec 31, 2023 due to low visitorship.
Laying the Foundations
In 2024, Keppel Club continued developing its hybrid club model while expanding access to the sport through programmes such as Friends of Sime, Learn Golf@Sime, Get Handicap@Sime and Maintain Handicap@Sime.
The Singapore Junior Golf Championship returned to Keppel Club from 4 to 7 June after a two-year hiatus, bringing together 105 junior golfers from 16 countries.
Keppel Club Charity Golf resumed after a two-year absence, held over four days across two weekends — 31 August, 1 September, 7 and 8 September — attracting more than 600 golfers. Two hospitality villages were set up on the Sime Course, where golfers enjoyed a wide array of food offerings. A Pandora-themed 3D exhibition added a creative touch, showcasing the Club’s commitment to nature conservation. Minister for Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat, attended the final day as Guest-of-Honour.
In a step towards inclusive sport, Keppel Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Golf Association and the Singapore Disability Sports Council on 3 December to promote disability golf and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Sustainability efforts continued as the Club stopped issuing plastic bags in the golfers’ changing rooms and fully digitalised Keppel Links from January 2024. Little Harry’s Pub closed temporarily from 14 October for renovation and expansion works.
Later in the year, an unexploded World War II bomb relic was safely removed near Car Park D, marking a rare and notable moment in the Club’s history.
Building Community, Deepening Purpose
The year 2025 sees Keppel Club consolidating its hybrid model, welcoming both members and public golfers to Sime course. Programmes such as Friends of Sime, Learn Golf@Sime and Get Handicap@Sime continue to grow, supporting new golfers and fostering long term engagement with the sport.
The Club plays an active role in community and youth development. The Centre of Excellence at Sime continues to nurture junior golfers, while inclusive initiatives expand access to the sport.
Keppel Club also hosts the first ever Pesta Sukan golf tournament under Sport Singapore’s GetActive! Singapore campaign. About 250 golfers competed across men’s and women’s categories and in an inter constituency team event involving 11 GRCs and four SMCs. Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, graced the occasion as Guest-of-Honour, and Radin Mas SMC emerged as the inaugural team champion.
The Community Golf Festival 2025 brought together members, public golfers and families through sport and shared experiences.
On the food and beverage front, refreshed menus and themed promotions enhance the clubhouse experience. Sustainability efforts continue, building on earlier green initiatives and reinforcing the Club’s commitment to nature and future generations.
In 2025, Keppel Club celebrates its 121 year legacy, reflecting on a rich heritage while looking ahead with confidence.