Golf builds communities, inspires talent, and creates opportunities on and off the course. At the forefront of nurturing this potential in Singapore is The R&A, one of golf’s oldest and most respected institutions, governing the sport globally alongside the USGA.
One of the initiatives driving this vision is the R&A Foundation Careers in Golf Bursary, which nurtures the next generation of golf industry professionals in Singapore, creating a skilled, diverse, and sustainable workforce while broadening access to the sport.
Bursars benefit from:
- An education bursary for foundational courses and certifications
- A year-long paid placement at a Singapore golf club
- Mentorship and peer support through The R&A’s networks
Bursars can pursue careers in greenkeeping, maintaining world-class courses with sustainable practices, or club management, developing skills in administration, marketing, personnel management, facilities, and events.
Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) has always believed that golf is a powerful force for positive change. The Club actively engages with schools and community groups to help youth develop their game while also nurturing the next generation of golf professionals.
TMCC is equally committed to nurturing golf’s workforce. In partnership with The R&A, the Club welcomed Brenda Tan, one of the inaugural bursars, to gain hands-on experience in club management and operations, reflecting TMCC’s holistic approach to supporting the sport.
Meet Brenda Tan
Brenda Tan, 29, is one of the first bursars in Singapore to join the R&A Foundation Careers in Golf Bursary. Her path into the golf industry is far from conventional. Before pursuing a career in golf, she spent nine years working in varied fields, most recently seven years in construction, managing everything from portable toilet rentals to heavy equipment. “It was a unique environment,” Brenda reflects, “and it taught me resilience, problem-solving, and how to thrive even in the less glamorous parts of operations.”
Outside of work, Brenda enjoys cooking, exploring eateries, going to the gym, and, of course, playing golf. A sport she grew to love deeply, golf eventually inspired her to take the leap into a career in the industry.
From Discovery to Passion
Brenda’s journey into golf began quite unexpectedly. “A close family friend encouraged me to get involved in the grassroots community to support the Community Sports Network, and he suggested I pick up golf so I could help with the bi-weekly golf clinics.
At the time, Brenda had just completed her part-time degree and was looking for a new hobby. Helping to organise the clinics gave her exposure to the sport, and the moment she picked up a club and hit her first few balls, she was hooked. Her passion deepened with the support of her fiancé, a golf coach.
Discovering the R&A Careers in Golf Bursary
Brenda first heard about the bursary programme through her fiancé, who spotted it in a golf magazine and encouraged her to apply. At first, she hesitated, unsure if she was ready to start from the ground up in a completely new industry.
“During a short break after leaving my previous job, I spent more time on the course, playing golf and visiting different clubs. It got me curious about what goes behind the scenes, the people and the operations that keeps a club running smoothly. I realised my interest in golf went beyond improving my own game; I wanted to understand how a golf club comes to life every day,” she explains.
Then, while submitting her scores on the Centralised Handicapping System (CHS) App, she came across the bursary advertisement again. This time, it felt like a calling. She applied without hesitation and soon secured an interview.
Finding Her Place at TMCC
Selecting TMCC was straightforward for Brenda. The club has hosted world-class tournaments such as the International Series Singapore and the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open, and it was recently chosen as the venue for the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC). She knew that being in an environment of this calibre would allow her to learn from the very best.
Brenda describes her time at TMCC as both eye-opening and rewarding. “I’ve worked with colleagues across departments and seen how the club operates day to day. There is a strong culture of teamwork and support. I feel honoured to be part of one of Singapore’s premier golf and country clubs and to learn under my mentor, Brodie MacDonald, Director of Golf.”
For her, the experience also offers insight into high-level operations and how events are seamlessly brought together.
Looking ahead, Brenda aims to build a solid foundation in club operations, from course maintenance to membership services and events, while honing key skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving. “In five years, I see myself contributing meaningfully to the growth of golf, whether in club operations, events, or player development. I hope to bring fresh energy and ideas to the industry while continuing to grow in a sport that has become such an important part of my life.”
Jerome, Director of Golf Development Asia-Pacific at The R&A, says, “The Careers in Golf Bursary aims to inspire and equip the next generation of golf professionals. Brenda’s journey is a perfect example of how the programme opens doors to meaningful careers in the sport.”
Elliott Gray, General Manager of TMCC, adds, “We are delighted to support Brenda as she begins her career in golf. At TMCC, we believe in nurturing talent both on the course and behind the scenes, ensuring the sport continues to thrive in Singapore. Initiatives like this are central to our commitment to the growth and sustainability of golf.”