FAQ – Fees Review 2026
Why is the Club increasing fees now?
Despite rising operating costs and continued investments in the Club, members’ golfing and monthly subscription fees remained unchanged since 2018.
Over the same period, the Club’s operating expenditure has increased significantly. Following a comprehensive review, the Management Committee concluded that revisions are necessary to support the Club’s long-term sustainability and continued delivery of facilities, services and member experiences.
Despite the overall cost increase over the last eight years, the Club has not passed on the full increase to members’ fees. The Club has managed rising operating costs through improved operational efficiencies and supplementary revenue from private golf events and facility rentals.
What has changed since golfing and monthly subscription fees were last revised in 2018?
Since members’ golfing and subscription fees were last revised in 2018, and non-members’ golfing fees in 2020, the Club’s operating expenditure—driven by higher manpower, maintenance, utilities and other operating costs—has increased by approximately 42%.
During this period, the Club also invested significantly in enhancing its facilities and member experience, including the redevelopment of the golf course and upgrades to key amenities.
These investments include the redevelopment of the golf course, upgrades to the swimming pool, TrackMan technology and automation at the driving range, refurbished changing rooms and restrooms, improved gym equipment, complimentary shuttle bus services and various infrastructure upgrades across the Club. These enhancements were made to provide a better experience for members and their families while maintaining the high standards expected of Sembawang Country Club.
The Club has also been affected by broader cost trends across Singapore, including Progressive Wage Model (PWM) wage increases, water tariff revisions and inflationary pressures affecting the cost of goods and services.
Despite these increases, the Club has sought to keep fees affordable for members and has not passed on the full increase in costs through fee adjustments.
How were the revised subscription fees determined?
The revised fees were determined holistically rather than through the application of a fixed percentage increase or a predetermined formula. With this, the Management Committee considered a range of factors, including the increase in operating expenditures since 2018, future operating requirements, affordability considerations, the prevailing economic and business climate, and benchmarking against comparable golf clubs in Singapore.
The objective was not intended to mirror the increase in the Club’s operating expenditure or recover the full increase in operating costs. Instead, the Club has intended to arrive at a fee structure that is balanced, sustainable and aligned with the Club’s long-term needs.
Member feedback was also considered as part of the review process.
What other factors did the Committee consider in reviewing the Club's membership fees?
The Committee considered not only the revision of golfing and subscription fees, but also the Club’s overall membership proposition as part of the 2026 Fees Review.
While Sembawang Country Club memberships are non-transferable, the joining fee for SAF members remains the lowest among comparable golf clubs in Singapore, while the joining fee for civilian members remains comparatively low as compared to many golf clubs. This reflects the Club’s commitment to keeping membership accessible while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Why did the Club opt for such a steep increase in the revised fees rather than implementing incremental fee increases?
This is the first revision to members’ golfing and monthly subscription fees since 2018 and non-members golfing fees since 2020. Rather than introducing smaller, more frequent fee increases over the past eight years, the Club kept subscription fees unchanged despite steadily rising operating costs.
Following this revision, members’ golfing and monthly subscription fees will remain unchanged for the next five years. In effect, members will have the assurance of only one subscription fee revision across a 13-year period.
What are some examples of other golf clubs that the Club has used to benchmark the revised fees against?
While SCC has not revised its monthly subscription fees since 2018, several comparable golf clubs have implemented more than one fee revision over the same period.
Though these fees are generally publicly available, they served as a reference point during the review but was not used to derive the revised subscription fees by averaging or matching the fees charged by other clubs. This is because each golf club operates under different membership structures, operating models and financial circumstances. For example, some clubs are approaching the expiry of their land leases, while others operate under different governance or ownership arrangements.
Were there any dialogue sessions held to consult with Members prior to the Club’s 2026 Fees Review?
Members’ views and feedback were gathered through Management Committee conversations with members and formed part of the deliberations.
When will the revised Golfing and Monthly Subscription fees take effect?
- Member, Guest & Visitor Golfing fees: Revised fees will take effect upon the reopening of the redeveloped golf course on 08 Aug 2026.
- Monthly Subscription fees: Revised fees will take effect from 01 Jan 2027.
What are the revised Golfing and Monthly subscription fees?
Please refer to the fee tables accompanying the pricing revision announcement.
Why do the revised golfing fees take effect upon reopening, while the revised monthly subscription fees only take effect from 01 Jan 2027?
The revised golfing fees will take effect upon the reopening of the redeveloped golf course on 08 Aug 2026, as this marks the completion of the redevelopment and the commencement of the enhanced 18-hole golfing experience. As golfing fees are linked to members’ use of the golf course, the revised rates will take effect when members begin enjoying the upgraded course.
The revised monthly subscription fees will only take effect from 01 Jan 2027, giving members advance notice and sufficient time to plan before the changes take effect.
Why are golfing fees being revised?
Over the past decade, the costs of maintaining and operating the golf course have increased significantly due to manpower, maintenance and other operating expenses.
With the reopening of the redeveloped golf course, the revised golfing fees will support the continued upkeep and sustainable operation of the course while maintaining the quality of the golfing experience.
Why are member golfing fees increasing when members already pay subscription fees?
Monthly subscription fees support the overall operation of the Club, including facilities, services, infrastructure and administrative functions.
Golfing fees contribute specifically towards the operation and maintenance of the golf course. This user-pay approach helps ensure that members who make greater use of golfing facilities contribute proportionately towards the costs associated with maintaining and operating the course.
Will fees increase again after this?
The revised members’ golfing fees and monthly subscription framework are intended to remain unchanged for the next five years, providing members with greater stability and predictability.
Additionally, this will allow the Club to plan and set aside funds for future long-term improvements, such as new equipment and facilities, building repairs and refurbishments, as well as addition and alteration works, to enhance the overall member experience.
The Management Committee remains committed to managing the Club’s finances prudently while planning for the Club’s long-term sustainability.
Is the Club offering any support to offset the increase?
Yes, the Club will introduce a Member Appreciation Package consisting of five complimentary golf games for both Continuing and Restricted Principal Members, valid until 31 Dec 2027.
Kindly refer to the poster below for more information.
I am a Restricted member. Can I convert to a Continuing membership?
Yes. From 20 Jul to 31 Dec 2026, existing Restricted SAF and CIV members will be offered a one-time opportunity to convert to the corresponding Continuing Membership category without any retrospective subscription adjustments.
Members who wish to do so may contact our Membership team at membership@sembawanggolf.org.sg for assistance. Upon approval of conversion, members will enjoy the full privileges of the Continuing Membership category.
I am a Continuing member who would like to change to a Restricted membership. How do I do this?
Existing Continuing Members may change to a Restricted Membership any time at the respective revised monthly subscription fees.
Kindly contact our Membership team at membership@sembawanggolf.org.sg for assistance.
I do not wish to convert to a Continuing membership. Can I retain my Restricted membership type?
Yes, members who prefer to remain in their existing category may continue to do so at the revised subscription fees.
Will my membership benefits be reduced?
No. There are no changes to core membership benefits.
The fee revisions are intended to support the continued operation, maintenance and improvement of Club facilities and services while preserving the quality of the member experience.
Why are guest and visitor golfing fees significantly higher than member fees?
Guest and visitor fees are structured to preserve priority access for members while helping to manage demand for tee times.
Members support the Club through their monthly subscriptions and ongoing participation in Club activities. Guest and visitor fees therefore reflect a different pricing structure and contribute towards the operation and maintenance of the golf course and Club facilities.
The Club remains committed to ensuring that members continue to enjoy preferential access and value as part of their membership.
Why are Restricted Membership subscription fees being revised, and why is the increase proportionately higher than Continuing Members?
As part of the Club’s comprehensive fees review, the Management Committee also reviewed the subscription structure across the various membership categories and concluded that the existing fee differential between Continuing and Restricted Memberships no longer appropriately reflects the Club’s shared operating costs.
Restricted Membership was originally established to encourage weekday play and help manage tee-sheet capacity by alleviating weekend peak demand. While Restricted Members have different golfing access privileges, monthly subscription fees are intended to support the operation and maintenance of the Club as a whole. A significant portion of the Club’s operating costs—including manpower, security, utilities, maintenance, infrastructure upkeep and member services—is incurred regardless of whether members primarily use the Club on weekdays or weekends.
The revised subscription structure therefore narrows the fee differential while ensuring that maintenance costs are distributed equitably across the entire membership base. Setting the Restricted Membership subscription at approximately three-quarters of the Continuing Membership fee ensures that Continuing Members, who support the maintenance required for seven-day access, are treated fairly, while Restricted Members continue to enjoy a lower subscription fee that reflects their weekday-only golfing privileges. continuing to preserve a clear distinction between the two membership categories.
As Restricted Membership subscription fees were previously lower than those for Continuing Members, the percentage increase is correspondingly higher. Nevertheless, Restricted Members will continue to pay lower monthly subscription fees than Continuing Members, reflecting their different golfing access privileges.