Milestones

A Club that boasts an illustrious heritage.

2024

TMCC Welcomes New Chairman - Niam Chiang Meng

Building on the outstanding success of the 2022 event, TMCC Tampines Course hosted the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open from 7 to 10 March 2024, drawing a significant number of spectators keen to witness the expanded format. The 2024 edition has been extended to four rounds spanning 72 holes, featuring a strong field of at least 102 players from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and South Korea, alongside Mr. Niam Chiang Meng assumes the appointment as Chairman of Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) for a two-year term starting on 1 May 2024, succeeding Mr. Ng Kee Choe, who served as Chairman from 2008 to 2024. Chairman Niam has held the position of Deputy Chairman of TMCC since 1 January 2020, who is also a keen sportsman and an avid golfer. With an illustrious career in the civil service, Mr. Niam served as Permanent Secretary for multiple government ministries and was CEO of the Housing and Development Board until his retirement in 2016. Currently, he also holds the Chairmanship of Gardens by the Bay, the Maritime and Port Authority, and Mediacorp Pte Ltd. His appointment marks a new chapter for TMCC, ushering in a promising future and beyond.

2024

Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open Returns

2023

The International Series Singapore: Third Time Running

On October 5-8, 2023, the Tampines Course once again hosted the US$2 million International Series Singapore event, showcasing a field of elite golf professionals. Among them were major champions Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, along with American Andy Ogletree, Thailand's Nitithorn Thippong, who was the defending champion from ISS 2022, and Zimbabwean brothers Scott and Kieran Vincent. This series was particularly thrilling, featuring two memorable instances of hole-in-one. Japanese golfer Jinichiro Kozuma achieved an ace on the 164-yard Tampines Course Signature 16th hole with a nine-iron, winning a new BYD SEAL EV electric car. Additionally, International Series Order of Merit leader Ogletree secured a hole-in-one on the challenging 230-yard fourth hole with a four-iron. Spaniard David Puig clinched the championship with a 19-under total over four rounds, posting scores of 64, 66, 66, and 73 across the tournament's four days. This series was one of the most exciting with two instance of Hole-In-One.

2022

A Bustling Year at Tampines Course Culminated with the Third Consecutive International Golf Event: Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open

Three major events – two International Series championships under the ambit of the Asian Tour and the inaugural Singapore Women’s Open (SWO) on 9 - 11 December 2022, raised the profile of TMCC as it became the most-active local golf club as far as major tournaments were concerned for the year. South Korean Park Ji-young was declared the winner of the inaugural Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open 2022 after two rounds, as the final day's play was suspended due to inclement weather. Only seven groups managed to complete play on the challenging course before it was halted at 8:50 am. With conditions failing to improve over several hours, organisers decided to determine the result based on 36-hole scores. Ji-young shot rounds of 66 and 67 to reach 11-under-par 133, securing victory and marking her fifth title on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour

2022

The Second International Series in the Same Year

In the same year, the Tampines Course hosted its second International Series from 11th to 14th August 2022. Many players, including those who did not qualify, praised the organisation of the US$1.5 million prize International Series Singapore (ISS) sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The ISS featured a field of 144 elite golfers, including former US Masters champion Patrick Reed, American Sihwan Kim, Korean Bio Kim, and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent. It was noteworthy that TMCC demonstrated strong adaptability in maintaining and enhancing the golf course conditions fit for championship play in less than 8 months following The Singapore International in January. Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong closed out the tournament with a flawless three-under-par 69 to win the International Series Singapore. His four-day total of 16-under-par 272 set him apart from the rest of the players.

2022

Welcoming the First International Golf Tournament in Two Years - The Singapore International at Tampines Course

The reopening of the newly redeveloped Tampines Course in 2019 marked a significant milestone as TMCC hosted "The Singapore International" from 13 - 16 January, the first international golf tournament since the course officially opened for play. Organised by the Asian Tour, the region's official sanctioning body for professional golf, this event served as a true test for the golf course following a 20-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this unprecedented year, the golf tournament was meticulously organised with strict considerations to prioritise public health and safety amidst the evolving COVID-19 situation. As a precautionary measure, spectators were not permitted to attend the event, and social distancing with mask-wearing was enforced when standing in close proximity. The Tampines Course was in immaculate condition and garnered praise from professional golfers across the region, who labeled it a golfing paradise. South Korean Kim Joo-hyung emerged as the champion, defeating Thailand's Rattanon Wannasrichan in a sudden-death playoff on Hole 18.

2020

Soft Opening of Garden Course

It was fortuitous that TMCC decided from the get-go to hop on a fast-track development of the Garden Course, which reopened after 11.5 months, on 10 February 2020. Members were able to have almost two months to enjoy and test out the Robert Trent Jones II redesign of the truncated Garden Course before the Club was shut down on 7 April 2020 as the government implemented the Circuit Breaker to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

2019

Closure of Garden Course for Renovation

Garden Course marked its final day of operations on 24 February 2019 to allow for a major redevelopment by internationally acclaimed golf course designer, Robert Trent Jones II. The decision was prompted by the need for additional land acquired by authorities to expand the East Coast Parkway, which runs adjacent to the Garden Course. The acquired land includes parts of the current 4th and 5th holes. The Garden Development Committee pushed for the shortest possible construction time to redevelop the Garden Course and completed the entire project within a period of just 11.5 months. Today, the Garden Course has transformed into a picturesque par-71, 18-hole course that embodies its rich heritage amidst a tranquil garden setting, offering a uniquely revitalised and relaxed social golfing experience.

2019

Dawn of a New Era at Tampines - Official Opening of Tampines Course and Clubhouse

On 23 February 2019, the Tampines Redevelopment reached its culmination, marking a new era for TMCC. The extensive 15-month redevelopment transformed the old Tampines Course into a Championship-ready golf course, now spanning 6,887 metres at par 72—an impressive 466-metre extension. This milestone was celebrated with an official opening ceremony attended by Club Patron ESM Goh Chok Tong. The event also included a Charity Golf tournament, portraying a caring and generous side of TMCC.

2017

Tampines Course Redevelopment Commenced

The redevelopment of Tampines Course commenced on 4 Jaunary 2017 by Phil Jacobs Design, previously lead architect for Gary Player Design. The redevelopment work was necessitated by the expansion of neighbouring Changi Airport and the highway realignment impacting the Tampines Course boundaries. Phil Jacobs took the opportunity to implement a significant redesign, focused on the course’s bunkering. The redvelopment work also included a brand new 2-storey clubhouse with a viewing deck/gallery at the 2nd storey. The existing changing room was totally redeveloped and now provides a completely refurbished and enlarged area for changing as well as shower rooms for the better comfort of the Members.

2016

Joseph Schooling Made Honorary Member of TMCC

Singapore's only Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling was awarded an Honourary TMCC Membership in 17 August 2016 as recognition for his achievements at the Rio Olympic Games. A Honourable Membership Signing Ceremony was organised at TMCC’s Garden Lounge where the club honoured and hailed Schooling. It was a private gathering where former Club Chairman Ng Kee Choe and TMCC General Committee Members turned up in force to welcome home a junior member who started his swimming career at the distinguished Club.

2012

HSBC Women’s Champions: Sensational Final Round

The fifth edition of the HSBC Women's Champions returned to the Garden Course from 23 to 26 February 2012. 63 top women golfers played in this competitive tournament vying for the top prize of US$ 1.4 million. On the final day, golfing fans waited and watched the four-woman play-off to see the 2012 HSBC Women's Champion emerged. Angela Stanford was the eventual winner in this sensational final round.

2011

HSBC Women’s Champions Returns For Fourth Time

The fourth edition of the HSBC Women's Champions was held at the Garden Course from 24 to 27 February 2011. 63 of the world's best women golfers return to battle it out for the sought-after 'Champion of Champions' title and the prize purse of US$ 1.4 million. The tournament which is also known as 'Asia's Major' drew a record spectator crowd of 27,902 for the four days event. On the final day, Karrie Webb emerged as champion after an intense and exciting game.

2011

Garden Is No.1 Again

After winning a regional award, the Garden Course won again at the Golf Digest Awards 2011. Prestigious golf magazine, Golf Digest, named it the Best Course in Singapore, cementing its no. 1 status. Garden Course also won the Best Conditioning Course award. TMCC's other course, the Tampines Course, was awarded 5th position for the Best Course in Singapore award.

2010

SM Goh is New Patron

TMCC welcomes new Club Patron, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Mr Goh assumed the position on 15 June 2010. He is the second patron of the Club since its inception in 1981.

2010

Garden Course Wins Top Honours

Tanah Merah Country Club clinched two prestigious awards for its Garden Course at the Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2010. Garden Course was awarded first place for Best Maintained Course in Asia-Pacific and Best Course in Singapore. It is the sixth time that the Garden Course wins the top spot as the best course in Singapore.

2010

HSBC Women’s Champions: Third Time Running

TMCC hosted the prestigious Women’s Champions for the third time with 63 of the world’s luminary lady golfers battling it out at the Garden Course from 25 to 28 Feb. The tournament ended in a spectacular finale in which six players finished within two points of each other. Japan’s Ai Miyazato emerged triumphant to the delight of the 23,547 spectators and media representatives.

2009

Sprucing Up Our Kitchens

To serve members better, Garden Golfers Terrace and Garden View Restaurant underwent renovation works during the year. The Garden Golfers Terrace saw improvements in the kitchen and pantry areas, while the Garden View Restaurant underwent renovations to the kitchen. They reopened in September and December respectively

2009

The New Way Forward

In September, the Club introduced measures to improve its operational efficiency and performance with a more streamlined organisational structure, formal governance structure and system to ensure greater transparency and good corporate governance.

2009

15 Members Join Strategic Plan Task Force

In July, the Strategic Plan Task Force (SPTF) was formed to spearhead ongoing developments of the Club to ensure that TMCC continues to remain one of the top regional golfing establishments. SPTF identifies areas of improvement relevant to members' needs and enhance the non-golfing attributes of the Club.

2008

Highest Achieving Single Fundraiser Event Ever

On 18 October, TMCC organised its inaugural charity golf event in support of the Sim Kee Boon Institute For Financial Economics (named after its former Club Chairman). Initiated by Club Chairman Ng Kee Choe, the event raised $800,000, the highest amount raised in any single charity event by the Club. The government matched every dollar to bring the total raised to $1.6 million.

2008

Ng Kee Choe Ushers In A New Chapter

On 1 January, Mr Ng Kee Choe began office as the new Club Chairman of TMCC. Bringing with him decades of experience from an illustrious career from his chairmanship of Singapore Power Ltd, SP AusNet and NTUC Income Insurance Corporation Ltd, Ng also ushered in a new vibe and excitement for Club members, staff and leaders.

2008

Asia’s Richest Women’s Event Debuts At Garden

The inaugural HSBC Women's Championship was held at the Garden Course from 28 February to 2 March. Featuring 78 of the world's best players, this was the first stroke-play tournament sanctioned by US LPGA in Singapore, with the biggest purse ever held in Asia -- US$2,000,000. US LPGA's CEO and Senior Vice-President Chris Higgs called it 'a huge success on every level'.

2007

25th Anniversary Celebrations

The Club celebrated its silver anniversary on 21 April followed by a series of activities throughout the year, including a TMCC Charity Golf game which raised $320,000 for 25 beneficiaries, and the Grand Gala Poolside dinner which featured an impressive 80-piece Chinese orchestra. The dinner was graced by President S R Nathan and saw one of the last public appearances of the former Club Chairman Sim Kee Boon.

2006

New Openings

The new driving range reopened on 20 February with toilet & shower facilities, 34 practice bays, short game practice areas and a multi-purpose air-conditioned room. The new Garden View Wing Recreation Block opened in end October to cater to private functions, karaoke, mahjong, etc. It also features a cooking studio where regular instructional classes are held.

2006

Redeveloped Garden Course & Renovated Clubhouse

On 19 November, the redeveloped Garden Course was opened with much aplomb, from buzzy photo-taking sessions in the morning to a spectacular dinner at night. Former Club Chairman Sim Kee Boon unveiled a plaque commemorating the reopening and addressed the 180 guests who were entertained by performances from the Idris Quintet to TMCC staff.

2006

Lexus Cup Returns Bigger Than Ever

US Ladies Professional Golf Association sanctioned the prestigious Lexus Cup and Captains Annika Sorenstam and Grace Park returned to play at the newly redeveloped Garden Course. Play on the final day was suspended twice by the torrential downpour. When the rain subsided, the best of Garden Course was brought out thanks to its superior drainage system and spectacular layout.

2005

Giants of Ladies Golf Converge – Inaugural Lexus Cup

The inaugural Lexus Cup at Tampines Course drew huge spectatorship to witness the 'Best of Asia' led by Grace Park. The World No. 2 led her team against the 'Best of International' captained by Annika Sorenstam, World No. 1. The event garnered extensive international broadcast and media coverage over the week.

2004

Reading Room at Sports Complex

Facing the Olympic-size swimming pool, the Reading Room was opened in June giving parents with children having swimming lessons and other members of the Club a cool and comfortable place to relax and read.

2004

Flying The Friendly Skies

An original painting commissioned by Singapore Airlines of the 18th green of the Tampines Course went on display at the Silver Kris Lounge, with replicas onboard SIA's new A345 aircraft. SIA is the first airline to display a golf picture by an artist. A replica of the painting was presented to the then Club Chairman, Sim Kee Boon at the former Chengai Bar on January 16.

2004

New Look – Garden Golf Office

On 20 April, the Garden Golf Office which underwent renovations for four months re-opened with a new look.

2003

21st Anniversary Celebrations

In conjunction with its 21st anniversary, the TMCC/Siemens Mobile Charity Golf for the President Star Charity was held on 17 August, raising $135,000 for various charities. The celebrations also saw a Fiesta by the Pool family carnival, the annual Golf Yuletide Challenge, Line Dancing Party, and Lunar Golf Challenge as well as the launch of a commemorative coffee table book.

2003

Garden Tops US Golf Digest List

Garden Course achieved No. 1 position in the Golf Digest list of Top Golf Courses in Singapore 2003. Garden Course would go on to top the list again in 2005 & 2007.

2002

The First Skins Game In Asia

The world watched as Garden Course turned into a battlefield for four world-class golfers in the region's first-ever Skins game. Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen & Padraig Harrington thrilled the crowds. The Tiger Skins returned in November 2003 with Retief Goosen, Jesper Parnevik, World Women's No. 1 golfer Annika Sorenstam and local favourite Lam Chih Bing.

2002

Reaching Wide

The Club launched its official website on 7 January. In the same year, the new Tanah Merah Country Club Newsmagazine made its debut. In December 2002, it was refreshed with a new masthead after a lapse of four years.

2000

The ‘New’ Tampines Course

All 18 holes of the 'new' Tampines Course was open for play in March. The three new holes created before the remodeling began would ensure that 18 holes were always available for play as three holes at a time were closed for repair. Other upgrading works included the extension of Function Rooms and renovations at the Garden Course Clubhouse.

2000

Garden’s Double Win

Garden Course was voted Best Course in Singapore by Asian Golf Monthly Magazine readers at the Asian Golf Monthly Annual Awards for two consecutive years - 2000 and 2001. Garden Course would go on to win the top spot another three times in 2004, 2008 and 2009.

1999

‘New’ Sports Complex Opens

Renovation of the Sports Complex was completed and the new swimming pool and state-of-the-art gymnasium added for the enjoyment of members.

1997

1st Junior Golf Foundation Championship

From 10 to 12 June, the most promising talents in Junior Golf in Asia met for the 1st JGF Amateur Junior Open Golf Championship (Sim Kee Boon Challenge Trophy). Six-handicapper Walailak Satarak of Thailand took 1st place with a 230 gross over 54 holes victory. The event was renamed the Volkswagen Singapore Junior Golf Open Championship in 2001.

1996

Johnnie Walker Classic

Dubbed the biggest tournament in the Far East, the Johnnie Walker Classic was held at the Garden Course from 25 to 28 January. Golf elites, including two-time classic champion Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els graced the occasion that firmly established Garden Course as a great Championship course.

1994

‘New’ Garden Course Opens

After renovations totaling $11.7 million, the 'new' Garden Course glowed with rave reviews internationally after the TMCC/JAL in September, the Epson Singapore Open Golf Championship in October and Kosaido Asahi Golf Ladies Asia Golf Circuit Singapore JAL Open Championship in January 1995. That same year, construction of three new holes at the Tampines Course began.

1992

Reconstructing Garden Course

Garden Course was plagued by poor drainage and settlement of the reclaimed terrain. Frequent ponding on fairways and greens and 'flattening' of its contours forced the decision for a major reconstruction. Beginning in July, the two-year project successfully implemented innovative drainage solutions to withstand the heaviest and long-lasting torrential showers.

1992

Tampines’ First Championship

The TMCC/JAL Invitational Championship was the first championship to be played on the Tampines Course, from 23 to 25 April. Garden Course, where the inaugural event was held the previous year, was closed for renovations.

1991

TMCC/JAL Invitational Championship

In 1991, the Club’s Ladies Golf Sub-Committee organised this unique Championship that was only open to professional golfers from three nations – Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The event was held at the Garden Course.

1990

Putra Cup – A Royal “First”

The coveted Putra Cup which originated from the Royal Selangor Golf Club in 1961 made its way to Tanah Merah Country Club on its 30th Anniversary. Held at the Garden Course from 22 to 25 August, the event drew participation from 11 countries. Singapore's team, comprising Douglas Ooi, Dino Quek, John Pang and Nicholas Leong, put up a good show although team Philippines emerged victorious.

1988

The Second Course Opens

Formerly called the West Course, the Club's second course, Tampines Course, opened for play in February. Transformed from a sprawling expanse of reclaimed land adjacent to the Garden Course, the new 18-hole course became the first 'buggy-only' course in the region and helped establish Tanah Merah Country Club as the premier golfing venue in Asia.

1988

A Golf Coup – The First Singapore Open

Garden Course hosted the club's first Singapore Open Golf Championship. This was also the first time in the Championship's 28-year history that it was held away from Singapore Island Country Club. The event's success at TMCC led to its return in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1994.

1987

First Ladies Professional Golf Tournament

Singapore was the third nation in the Circuit tour for the maiden year of the Kosaido Asahi Asia Lady Professionals Golf Championship. Over 70 golf professionals came from all over the world to prove their mettle at Garden Course. The tournament returned with a bang at the Garden Course in 1988, 1990, 1991 & 1992.

1985

First Charity Open – $100,000 Raised

TMCC - A Spalding Classic, the club's first Charity Open, successfully raised its targeted $100,000 for charity involving over 800 local and ASEAN golfers. The TMCC/Mercedes-Benz Charity Open in 2001 would raise a record $500,000 for 14 beneficiaries in Singapore. During this year, the Club was also admitted to the Singapore Golf Association (SGA).

1984

Our Official Opening

Former Club Patron, Dr Goh Keng Swee, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, officially opened the Club on 17 March. Grand celebrations included a lion dance and a memorable bagpipe performance hinting at the Scottish influence of the original golf course architecture. In the same year, work on the second course (the West Course) began.

1983

Ladies Golf Sub-Committee is Born

Appointed by the Captain, Jeanette Sim was the pioneer Lady Captain of TMCC. She helmed the club's Ladies Golf Sub-Committee with Vice Captain, Judy Chok until 30 July 2008. Through the years, the Sub-Committee organised many successful events including the Kosaido Asahi Asia Lady Professionals Golf Championship in 1987 and the Volkswagen Singapore Junior Golf Open.

1982

The First Golf Course Opens for Play

Initially referred to as the East Course, the Club opened its first nine holes in early 1982 before all 18 holes were open for play by end of the year. Five years later, the course was renamed Garden Course, during which preliminary designs on the second course began.