Singapore: The planet’s finest amateur golfers will grace the fairways of Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) at this year’s World Amateur Team Championships (WATC).
Early glimpses of talent from the next generation of golfing stars will be on show at the Tampines Course from October 1-11 as they battle for the Eisenhower Trophy (men) and Espirito Santo Trophy (women).
Located on Singapore’s East Coast, TMCC has undergone a remarkable transformation from an open wasteland into a thriving eco-system that supports a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is now home to two award-winning layouts – the Garden Course and Tampines Course.
Beyond golf, TMCC also boasts an array of facilities including an Olympic-size swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, indoor and outdoor fitness areas and a children’s play area, as well as several food and beverage options.
The Tampines Course, which opened for play in 1988, has been the host venue for several high-profile international events including The Singapore International, International Series Singapore and the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open.
In 2017, the course underwent a major redevelopment and officially reopened on February 23, 2019. With its rolling hills, expansive greens, and strategic undulations, the 18-hole par-72 course offers a challenging yet rewarding test of skill. Precision and course management are crucial, as approach shots must stay pin-high for optimal scoring opportunities.
Preparatory work for the WATC has been underway since November 2024, when Chris Hartwiger, Director of Agronomy at the United States Golf Association (USGA) and members of his team visited TMCC.
Elliott Gray, General Manager at TMCC, welcomed the insights from the USGA as he prepares his team to deliver a championship course that meets the highest standards.
“Our Golf Course Superintendent, Adrian Tng, and his agronomy crew have been diligently implementing these recommendations to fine-tune the playing conditions. Every aspect of the course set-up has been carefully evaluated to align with championship expectations, ensuring optimal playing conditions for the two tournament weeks in October,” said Gray.
Gray is confident of delivering not only a premium golfing experience for fans, but also providing the elite amateurs with a true test of golf as they battle for pride and honour for their countries.
He said: “The Tampines Course is specifically designed for championship play and provides the perfect stage for the top amateur golfers to showcase their skills as they navigate its challenging conditions.
“Overall, players can expect a stern test of skill and strategy at the Tampines Course, where course management, precision, and a keen understanding of the greens will be the key to success.”
The World Amateur Team Championships are staged biennially under the auspices of the International Golf Federation (IGF). The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) will act as host this year.
The women’s teams will compete for the Espirito Santo Trophy from October 1-4, while the men’s championship for the Eisenhower Trophy, will be played from October 8-11.
Established in 1958, the championships include up to 72 countries competing in 72 holes of stroke play competition. Each country fields two or three players with the two lowest scores counting per round.
