Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course

The  Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course’s set against the Singapore Straits with views of metropolitan Singapore from almost every hole make it unique among local tracks. Following a $35M redesign in 2016, the new Tanjong Course is now the premium layout at Sentosa.  

Favored by members and the Singapore home of the US LPGA, the Tanjong Course is one of Asia’s best-manicured layouts. The par-72 Tanjong Course features six tee box options to challenge golfers of all abilities, 30 large bunkers, and Zorro Zoysia grassed fairways. Inspired by iconic sandbelt golfing experiences, the Tanjong Course asserts a unique personality with large sand bunkers rarely seen in Asia, offering players the challenge of playing on a course inspired by the style of renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie.

The holes routed over flatter terrain than the Serapong Course make for reasonable scoring opportunities, but the greens are more undulated and tricky. Two elevated sections of the Tanjong Course provide excellent island views to take in along the way. The front nine plays closer to the sea, while the back-nine initially hugs the jungle-clad hill that separates the Serapong and Tanjong Courses. The front and back-nine closing sections both make their way through a parkland environment, where the many varieties of tree are never too dense as they line the fairways.

More than trees or deep rough, the primary challenge on the Tanjong Course is hitting the tightish fairways and staying out of the many water hazards; ponds, creeks and small lakes all play their part on a fairly frequent basis. The greens on this excellently maintained layout are uniformly large and undulating so getting down in two never guaranteed.

The signature hole on the Tanjong Course is, without doubt, the 6th hole featuring a stunning 20-meter high waterfall located adjacent to the tee area and visible from almost every part of the golf course. The stunning hole provides picture-perfect views overlooking the South China Sea. 

If any golf course in Singapore provides the opportunity for a championship experience, then the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club fits the bill. Carts are mandatory here, and visitor green fees are extravagant, but then there is little other chance to play championship golf in Singapore these days.