(Forest City Golf Resort has a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. PHOTO: FOREST CITY GOLF RESORT)
As Singapore prepares to permanently close several golf courses by 2035 to accommodate housing development, golf operators across the Causeway in Johor are positioning themselves to capture a growing wave of displaced Singaporean golfers and international players. With 28 golf courses and growing momentum, Johor is emerging as Southeast Asia’s next golf tourism hotspot.
“The closures will help the Johor golf landscape,” said Col. (Rtd) Mohd Jamal Salleh, president of the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA). Johor has already seen a near 20% increase in total rounds played, growing from 520,051 in 2022 to 621,261 in 2024, according to Johor Golf Association (JGA) data.
Singaporeans now make up roughly 60% of weekend players in Johor, drawn by affordability, accessibility, and course availability. With green fees often a fraction of Singapore prices and courses located just 10 to 40 minutes from the border, demand is expected to rise further.
“It’s just a one-hour drive, no visa required, and the vibe is more relaxed,” said Singaporean retiree Nishit Majmudar, who plays monthly in Johor. “The courses are not crowded, and I pay about S$110 per round—far less than in Singapore.”
Another Singapore golfer, Gregory Lim, gave up his home-club membership due to difficulty securing tee times. “Now I pay S$50 to S$70 per round in Johor. It’s affordable and convenient.”
While affordability is a key factor, Johor is also seeing increased interest in premium offerings. Forest City Golf Resort, home to two championship layouts including a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, is developing a third course to meet demand. Located just 15 minutes from Tuas Checkpoint, the integrated resort attracts over 80% international guests.
“Singapore’s high-end golfers are looking for premium experiences nearby, and we’re ready to welcome them,” said Anson Li Jun Wei, general manager of Forest City’s golf and hospitality operations. Green fees range from RM399 to RM599 (S$120 to S$180), still competitive by regional standards.
Similarly, The Els Club Desaru Coast is catering to luxury-seeking golfers with its oceanfront fairways, resort-style amenities and international tournament calendar.
“Johor’s golf scene is no longer just about value,” said Li. “It’s about quality, service, and sustainability.”
Despite rising visitor numbers, many clubs are operating on tight margins. High maintenance costs, pricing pressures, and competing land-use demands are squeezing profitability, particularly among older courses.
Steve Chong, owner of Austin Heights Golf & Hotel Resort in Johor Bahru, estimated that only one in ten clubs is significantly profitable. “Green fees in Malaysia average below RM200, but monthly maintenance can exceed RM400,000,” said Chong, who invested over RM20 million in 2021 to upgrade his facility.
“I tried raising prices once and lost half my regulars,” he noted, pointing to ongoing pressure from potential land redevelopment. “This land could be worth RM600 to RM800 million if used for property.”
JGTA’s Mohd Jamal, however, argues the picture is not all bleak. “There are clear signs of investment and growth,” he said, pointing to the imminent reopening of Sebana Cove Resort and refurbishments at legacy venues like Johor Golf & Country Club.
He also warned operators against engaging in price wars. “That would damage profitability and lower standards across the board,” he said.
Li from Forest City agreed. “When I arrived in Johor in 2018, many warned against raising prices. But I saw a vicious cycle: underpricing led to poor maintenance, which drove golfers away. We focused instead on improving quality and expanding the market.”
His strategy appears to be working. The resort has seen Korean visitor numbers grow from 2% to 30% of its clientele. “Sustainable success requires investing in quality,” Li added. “You can’t cut corners.”
Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club is among the rising stars of the region. Located in the heart of Iskandar Puteri, just 25 minutes from Tuas, the award-winning course recently took the title of Malaysia’s Best Golf Course at the 2025 IAGTO Awards and regularly hosts major events such as the Asia Golf Tourism Convention.
“We’re fortunate to have a loyal membership and a growing events business,” said general manager Ong Seng Keat, who also serves as JGA secretary. He believes the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) could be a game-changer. “The SEZ will attract corporate activity and international traffic, which benefits the entire golf ecosystem.”
At The Els Club Desaru Coast, general manager Harris Abdullah noted that the club’s diverse customer base—42% Malaysian residents (including expats) and 58% international players—has helped maintain resilience. The course is preparing to host the 2025 Bridgestone ASEAN Amateur Open in September.
“This balance helps smooth out seasonality and supports our profitability,” Harris said.
Forest City Golf Resort, meanwhile, has been recognised by the UK-based GEO Foundation for its commitment to environmental and social sustainability. The club now averages over 9,000 rounds monthly.
“International golfers rarely come for just a single round,” said Li. “They stay longer, spend more, and support the wider tourism ecosystem. That’s the value of golf tourism done right.”
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