Golfing is a way of life for many people in Singapore and of course there are some really great. With the integrated resort coming on line, the situation is set to improve even more...

And while most golfers in Singapore enjoy their tee off on public golf courses as they are extremely cheap to use and allows for anyone and everyone to enjoy the sport, for the more discerning golfer, something more refined is called for, and Singapore fortunately caters for this strata of sportsmen (and women) as well; the private golf clubs:

Singapore Island Country Club (SICC, above)

The SICC, established in 1891, was Singapore's first golf club. Today's members can tee off at any of the five courses, and there is no need for golf widows, either. Spouses can enjoy a game at the Jackpot Room or catch a movie at the theatrette while the kids splash in the pools within both the club's Island and Bukit locations.

- 180 Island Club Road, Singapore 578774 or Bukit location: 240 Sime Road, Singapore 288303 Tel: +65 6459 2222 or 6466 2244 Fax: +65 6458 3796 or +65 6466 9709 www.sicc.org.sg, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Opening hours: Daily. 6:30am - 7 pm

Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC)

As you fly into Changi Airport, the lush spread of the country club's world-class championship Garden and Tampines golf courses might be your first sight of the island.

The Garden course was recently redeveloped at a cost of S$14 million providing a scenic feature to the East Coast landscape. A new driving range was completed in February 2006.

- Garden course: 25 Changi Coast Road, Singapore 499803. Tampines course: Xilin Avenue, Singapore 486798 Tel: +65 6542 3040 or 6542 4256 Fax: +65 6542 9294 or +65 6542 4257, www.tmcc.org.sg, gmoffice@tmcc.org.sg   Opening hours: Telephone to check

Sentosa Golf Club

Golfing at Sentosa Golf Club is an experience like no other. You will rub shoulders with politicians, dignitaries, celebrities and the who's who of Singapore's high society.

It boasts two championship 18-hole courses - Serapong and Tanjong - with ever-changing views of the harbour or South China Sea.

Annually, it hosts Asia's biggest National Golf Tournament - the Barclay's Singapore Open.

- 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892 Tel: +65 6275 0090 Fax: +65 6275 0005 www.sentosagolf.com, Opening hours: Daily: 7am - 7pm