In Singapore, there are several types of clubs the average Joe can visit for leisure. There are sports clubs, social clubs, book clubs, nightclubs… And then, there’s one that only the crème de la crème can enter: country clubs.
Warning: Reading this might make you feel so broke you don’t even want to check your bank account.
While social media is the in-thing, country clubs were historically the way for people to network and build relationships, particularly in the business world.
One country club stands out with a reputation for being so exclusive that you’d need either an invitation or a purchase from an existing member to gain membership.
It’s none other than the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC).
Members Upset Over New, Cheaper Tier of Membership
The SICC has recently proposed a new membership tier for 2025, causing unhappiness among some of its members.
According to the club’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) circular on Tuesday (14 January 2025), the new social membership will be available to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) at S$138,888.
This new offering called the social memberships, is priced at less than half the market value of current ordinary memberships, which can sell for up to S$400,000 on the open market.
However, these new social memberships exclude access to golf courses, driving ranges, and practice facilities.
The EGM saw a turnout of between 100 and 200 members, many of whom raised objections to the club’s general committee.
According to CNA, a member complained that a second-tier membership might disrupt the exclusivity and premium status of the club.
Meanwhile, other members expressed concerns about potential overcrowding and the possibility of social members demanding voting rights.
In other words: It’s like investing in a high-end gym membership for exclusivity, only for the gym to lower its subscription fees and open its doors to the public, which changes the vibe entirely.
Why SICC Is Offering a New Membership Tier
The club is offering a new membership tier in light of the financial challenges it faced due to rising costs and inflation.
In SICC’s 2024 annual report, club president Vincent Wee highlighted that the higher costs associated with The Bukit and expanding business development capabilities had contributed to a deficit of over S$5 million (US$3.65 million) in the first half of the 2023/2024 financial year.
In response, an EGM was held on 12 September 2024 to propose several resolutions to strengthen its funds.
One resolution was to approve the sale of 40 transferable social memberships to Singapore citizens or PRs. These memberships would exclude voting rights and offer limited golfing privileges.
However, the proposal was not successful.
As you may have already guessed, a majority of members voted against it.
The club subsequently revised the conditions for the social memberships before announcing their launch via email on 15 November 2024, with the sale starting on 1 December 2024.
SICC explained that the additional revenue was essential to support the development fund without placing the financial burden on existing members.
According to its FAQ, selling social memberships would be the most sustainable way to generate revenue while having minimal impact on its current members’ experiences.
This decision comes after extensive discussions with the general committee and a detailed financial review.
If all 40 social memberships are sold, the club expects to generate S$5.1 million (excluding GST) in total revenue. Additionally, the complete sale would bring in approximately S$300,000 in annual revenue.
In a November 2024 message to members, SICC president Vincent Wee stated that such memberships were “inevitable” and urged members to accept the necessity of social memberships for the club’s sustainability.
The new vote on social memberships will end on 18 January 2025, provided at least two-thirds of eligible members vote.
The sale of the 40 social memberships will go as planned if the majority votes in favour.
Can I Join the SICC Membership?
SICC offers different types of memberships with varying privileges:
- Ordinary Membership: Open to Singapore citizens and PRs. This includes full access to all club facilities and voting rights.
- Term Membership: Designed for expatriates. This annual membership offers limited-term access to facilities without voting rights. The entrance fee is S$36,000 (subject to GST) per year.
- Corporate Membership: Available for companies to nominate representatives, allowing business professionals to use the facilities.
There are two main ways to join SICC if you want to be part of the atas circle.
You can either buy a membership directly from the club (subject to availability) or purchase a membership from an existing member. However, this process involves a transfer fee and requires the club’s approval.
SICC Boasts History and is One of the Most Prestigious Country Clubs in Singapore
The SICC is one of the most prestigious and oldest country clubs in Singapore.
It is best known for its exclusivity, world-class facilities, and scenic golf courses.
SICC was formed in 1963 after the merger of the Royal Singapore Golf Club and the Royal Island Club, making it Singapore’s oldest golf and country club.
Located in Singapore’s central area, it has approximately 7,800 principal members or more than 17,000 members including family members.
Membership is generally by invitation or through purchase from existing members, subject to approval.
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