Which Golf Membership Suits You?

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Which Golf Membership Suits You?

Choosing the right golf membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to pick the plan that matches your game, budget, and lifestyle.

Golf is more than just a game — for many, it’s a lifestyle, a networking tool, and even a way to unwind from the daily grind. But if you’re looking to get more serious about playing, you’ve likely asked yourself: Should I get a golf membership? And if so — which one?

With so many options available in Singapore and across Asia — from luxurious country clubs to flexible non-estate societies — choosing the right membership can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it down into simple factors to help you make the right call.

1. Understand the Main Types of Memberships

Before diving in, it’s helpful to understand the three core categories:

Country Club Memberships

These are estate-based clubs with full golf course access, exclusive facilities (like pools, gyms, restaurants), and a premium social atmosphere. Perfect for golfers who:

Play frequently (especially weekends)
Value prestige and exclusivity
Want access to a clubhouse and family-friendly perks

Social / Affiliate Golf Memberships

These typically don’t own golf courses but offer SGA handicap maintenance, member events, and green fee discounts. They’re ideal for:

Casual players
Budget-conscious golfers
Those who enjoy community golf events

Non-Estate Golf Clubs

These are mostly societies or golf organizations that provide SGA handicap maintenance, golf insurance, and partner perks — but no course access. A great fit if you:

Already play at public courses
Travel and want flexible access
Simply want to keep your handicap active

2. What’s Your Budget?

Membership costs vary widely. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Country Club Memberships: SGD 10,000–100,000 (often with transfer and monthly fees)
Social/Affiliate Memberships: SGD 150–600/year
Non-Estate Clubs: SGD 100–300/year

If you play once a month or less, a country club might not be worth it. On the other hand, if you’re hitting the course every week, the upfront investment could actually save you money in green fees over time.

3. How Often Do You Play?

Think about your playing habits:

Weekly or more? → Country club
Monthly or casual games? → Affiliate membership
Occasional tournaments or travel golf? → Non-estate

Also, consider whether you play on weekends (when green fees are highest) or on weekdays (where social clubs often book cheaper slots).

4. Do You Travel or Stay Local?

If you enjoy golfing while traveling, some social and non-estate clubs offer reciprocal green fee benefits across Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

However, if you’re based locally and want a home course to practice, a country club may offer more value — especially with access to driving ranges and lessons.

5. Do You Need a Handicap?

If you plan to:

Join tournaments
Book courses that require an official handicap
Track your progress as a golfer

…then you’ll want a membership that includes SGA handicap maintenance (available through all 3 membership types, but more affordable in non-estate or affiliate plans).

Conclusion: Choose Based on Your Golf Goals

There’s no “best” golf membership — only what’s best for you.

Ask yourself:

How much do I play?
What’s my budget?
Do I want course access, or just handicap support?
Am I looking for prestige or practicality?

With those answers, you’ll be able to choose a plan that fits perfectly.

Need Help Exploring Your Options?

Check out our listings for:

Or explore our full Golf Memberships Directory