Course Status : OPEN
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.
1832
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.
1904
The golf course expands to become a nine-hole course.
1908
Singapore Harbour Board is constituted and takes over the running of Keppel Golf Club.
1912
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.
1942
When the British returned after the war, Keppel Golf Club merges with the old Singapore Harbour Board, a social club, to form Keppel Club.
1948
The first formal Agreement of Tenancy is signed between the Club and the Singapore Harbour Board.
1959
Mr Howe Yoon Choong is appointed as the Club's new Chairman.
1970
Dr Arumugam Vijiaratnam is appointed President.
1972
The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) takes over the running of Keppel Club.
1973
PSA leases more land to Keppel Club for the extension of the golf course.
1977
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.
1978
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.
1979
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.
1980
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.
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.
1981
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.
In June, plans for the clubhouse extension project are drawn. It is a new two-storey extension that will link to the old wing.
1982
The first nine holes of the upgraded golf course opens for play.
1983
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.
In September, a new 50m competition pool with nine lanes is opened for members' use.
1984
Renovation works are conducted on the main Clubhouse's 3rd and 4th floor.
1985
Further development plans are decided upon for the main Clubhouse. These would subsequently be worked on over the next several years.
1987
The main clubhouse is further renovated. Among the work done, the main lobby is completed, creating the facade we are familiar with today.
1989
Keppel Club signs a 30-year land lease agreement deal with SLA and pays $18 million upfront for the lease.
1992
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.
1994
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.
1996
Mr Stephen Lee is appointed Chairman of the Club.
2002
Mr Lye Fei is appointed as President of the Club. The Club embarks on a major golf course upgrading project.
2003
The Club celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Golf course upgrading is officially completed, and the new course is officially opened by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
2004
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.
2005
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.
2006
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.
2007
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.
2008
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.
2010
The Club receives a certificate of recognition from PUB on July 6, 2011, for being "ABC Waters-certified". It also receives a certificate of appreciation from the organisation for its valuable contribution to the Singapore International Water Week that year. The Club also reaches a new milestone at the Charity Golf event, when it raises $611,744 in total.
2011
Mr Lai Mun Onn is appointed President of the Club. At the annual Charity Golf event in October, the Club successfully raises $841,800 for its beneficiaries.
2012
Chairman Fock Siew Wah opens the new Tee Top Golfers' Terrace on March 8. Earth Week continues with the Pandora 3D exhibition at Gardens by the Bay, as part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Visitors include President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The Club facilities also undergo further refurbishment, including the jackpot room, TV lounge and mahjong room. In addition, the Club receives the "EcoFriend" award in September for inculcating sustainable practices and preserving biodiversity within a golf course. At the annual Charity Golf event, the Club reaches a new milestone when it crosses the $1 million mark in its donations for its beneficiaries, totalling $1,076,731. In the same year, the Club is also informed that the lease on the current land will not be extended by the government upon its expiry on December 31, 2021.
2013
On Feb 14, the government formally announces that it would not be extending the land lease of Keppel Club, with plans to develop the 44-hectare land space into housing developments. The Club continues to explore alternative solutions for a social club site and works with NTUC for golfing activities. It also arranges a closed-door session at Suntec Convention Hall on Feb 16, with Principal members and government agencies discussing the Club’s future land lease. In October, the Club raises a total of $1,009,352 at the Annual Keppel Charity Golf, with additional funds being raised through the Charity Car Wash.
2014
The Club celebrates its 111-year anniversary in conjunction with SG50, and to celebrate this major milestone, holds many activities throughout the year. Members are transported to the good old days of the 1960s through social events held at the Club. In October, the Club successfully raises $1,002,873 for 10 beneficiaries at the Keppel Charity Golf.
2015
President Lai launches buggies on the fairway in September 2016 at the President's Trophy, a groundbreaking event in the Club's golf history. In October, the Club pulls in a total of $1,016,513 at the Charity Golf event.
2016
Mr Tan Chong Meng is appointed the new Chairman of the Club, and Mr Ong Kim Pong is appointed the new Deputy Chairman. In a move to go digital, the Club launches its new website as a “One-Stop” portal for members and visitors to register for events, book facilities and send enquiries. In October, the Club raises $1,030,132 for 10 beneficiaries at the annual Keppel Charity Golf.
2017
The Club signs a Memorandum of Understanding in August with the Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild to explore possibilities of collaboration. In September, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Earth Week, an environmental outreach under our corporate social responsibility initiative, in partnership with the National Environment Agency to support Climate Action SG campaign. In October, the Club raises $1,043,010 for 10 beneficiaries at the Annual Keppel Charity Golf. Following the Annual General Meeting in April, the Club conducts the “Keppel Club: Beyond 2021” survey that results in 68 per cent of respondents wanting the Club to continue its operations beyond 2021. In December, an Extraordinary General Meeting is held to update members of the survey findings, and the Club’s possible merger with Changi Golf Club and collaboration with Laguna National Golf and Country Club.
2018
The Club raises a record $1,283,800 at the annual Keppel Charity Golf in October. This marks the first time that the Club works with Mediacorp for the President’s Challenge. We are most honoured to have President Halimah Yacob to grace our Charity Gala Dinner as the Guest-of-Honour. In November, Club Chairman Tan Chong Meng presents a cheque of $500,000 to President Halimah Yacob, who accepts the donation on behalf of the 67 beneficiaries at the President’s Star Charity show. The remaining amount is donated evenly to the Club’s 10 approved charities.
2019
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.
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.
2020
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.
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.
2021
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.
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.
2022
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 prepares to stop issuing plastic bags and digitalises its newsletter “e-Keppel Links” from January 2024.
The Jackpot Lounge ceases operations on Dec 31, 2023 due to low visitorship.
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 prepares to stop issuing plastic bags and digitalises its newsletter “e-Keppel Links” from January 2024.
The Jackpot Lounge ceases operations on Dec 31, 2023 due to low visitorship.
2023