Stroke it out at New York’s Five Iron Golf on Cecil Street

One of the golfing bays at Five Iron Golf on Cecil Street. Photo: Five Iron Golf

By Carolyn Teo

Nov 18, 2021 | 3:48pm Singapore time

Assume that butt-out stance and tee up without a caddy or buggy at a new indoor golf joint simulating games and full tournaments.

Golfing sim company Five Iron Golf opened its first location outside the states a few weeks back at 139 Cecil Street, where golfers can elevate their game and enthusiasts can give it a go in man cave-style comfort, rain or shine.

“As an urban city with a strong golf community, Singapore was a natural first international location for Five Iron Golf,” Yuka Kasahara, one of the New York company’s owners, said in the announcement. “We have created a space that will meet the requirements of the most sophisticated golfer while also entertaining those that are new to the game.”

Located high up an office building in the heart of the central business district, the 7,000-square foot space is equipped with seven bays, each of which fits up to six golfers; a cozy bar for that 19th hole experience; and neon signs with dad puns like “Talk Birdie To Me” and the company’s eye-roll slogan, “Find Your Balls.” The entrance and interiors are splashed with inked-up version of the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands by local graffiti artist Zero.

The perks of indoor golfing are obvious. Players have access to a comfy couch with a table to hold cool draft beers and warm clubhouse bites. No need to weather-watch, hide from scorching heat or rush to book courses. Might leave your buddies with PTSD at home, as the balls impacting the vinyl screens with every stroke may give’em a jolt.

Each bay is equipped with a TrackMan, a US$25,000 golf simulator that uses sensors and high-speed cameras to report accuracy and performance indicators such as speed and attack angles, aka catnip to all the Mardan Mamat wannabes out there.

A golf bag filled with the usual array of clubs is provided with admission.

The facility opens at 7am for those used to early birder tee times and closes at midnight for the Happy Gilmore set. All are welcome regardless of ability.

Compete in virtual tournaments or practice on famous courses including California’s Pebble Beach and St. Andrews in Scotland, the birthplace of golf. More chill players can take play games like capture the flag or putt in a prehistoric fantasy location where T. Rexes roam the rough.

Certified coaches are available for sessions that start at S$75 for half an hour.

Fuel up for the links on a mix of American and Tex-Mex dishes such as Chicken Quesadillas, Pulled Pork and Buttermilk Chicken Sliders. Treat those quad-bogey blues with seasonal cocktails and a selection of draft beers from local brewery Rye & Pint.

The bays cost S$105 per hour; S$85 during off-peak times.

Five Iron Golf was founded in 2017 and has nine locations spanning the United States from New York City to Las Vegas.