Image: Senior Minister of State Desmond Tan (second left) with SGA President Tan Chong Huat (far left), Hong Kong golf professional Taichi Kho (second right) and SGA CEO Joshua Ho (far right) at the Pro-Am at this week’s Singapore Open.
SINGAPORE – The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) has officially named Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, as its new Patron, signaling a strategic push to broaden the sport’s reach across the city-state.
The appointment, confirmed on April 23, 2026, arrives during a period of significant momentum for the local golfing scene, characterized by rising participation rates and a string of successful international tournaments hosted on home soil.
As Patron, Mr. Tan—who also serves as the Deputy Secretary General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)—will provide high-level guidance to the SGA. The partnership is designed to bolster the organization’s dual mission: fostering community-based initiatives while refining elite high-performance training pathways.
The SGA noted that the appointment is centered on three core pillars for the Singaporean golfing ecosystem:
Mr. Tan highlighted the character-building aspects of the game in his acceptance of the role.
“I am honoured to be appointed Patron of the SGA," said Desmond Tan. "As a sport, golf embodies the important values of discipline, integrity, and resilience. I look forward to supporting SGA as they work to make golf more accessible, nurture talents, and contribute to Singapore's success in the sport.”
Tan Chong Huat, President of the SGA, welcomed the Senior Minister of State, noting that the timing is critical as Singaporean golfers continue to see improved results on the global stage.
“We are deeply honoured to welcome Senior Minister of State Desmond Tan," Mr. Tan Chong Huat stated. "His support comes at an important time for the sport, as we continue to strengthen our eco-system and expand opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities. We believe his leadership and guidance will be invaluable as we take Singapore golf forward.”
With new patronage in place, the SGA intends to accelerate its strategic objectives to elevate Singapore’s presence in the international arena. The association reaffirmed its commitment to building a "vibrant and inclusive" environment, ensuring that the recent surge in interest translates into a lasting legacy for the sport.
