Is the Newly Upgraded Ridge Course Worth the Ferry Trip?
If you’ve been avoiding the Causeway jams lately, you’re not alone. For those of us in Singapore, the bi-weekly “JB Dash” has become a test of patience. But with the Ridge Course at The Els Club Desaru Coast officially reopening on April 1, 2026, there’s a new reason to look East—specifically toward the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
After a 12-month enhancement program, the Ridge (one of the three 9-hole loops on the Ocean Course) is back in the rotation. Here is the lowdown on what has changed and the logistics of getting there without touching a steering wheel.
The 2026 “Ridge” Update: What’s Different?
The club’s agronomy team has been busy. This wasn’t just a mow-and-trim; it was a full structural refresh:
- The Fairways: They’ve been re-grassed for more consistent lies. For those of us practicing the “Boring Golf” strategy of keeping it in play, a predictable fairway surface is worth its weight in gold.
- The Bunkers: Every bunker on the Ridge has been refurbished with new sand and upgraded drainage. If you find yourself in the sand (it happens!), you’ll notice the drainage is built to handle the tropical April showers much better than before.
- The Extras: A brand-new fleet of golf carts has been introduced, which is a nice touch for the 2026 season.
Ferry vs. Causeway: The “Budget Golfer” Math
The big question for any Singapore-based player is whether to drive or take the ferry. In 2026, the ferry is the “stress-free” choice, but it comes with a specific price tag.
| Cost Category | Ferry (Tanah Merah to Desaru) | Driving (Causeway/Second Link) |
| Travel Time | 90 Minutes (Fixed) | 2–4 Hours (Variable) |
| Return Ticket | ~SGD 108 (plus fuel surcharge) | Tolls & Petrol (~SGD 30-50) |
| Golf Bag Fee | ~RM 30 (SGD 9) per item | Free (in your trunk) |
| Stress Level | Zero (Sea breeze & relaxation) | High (Traffic & Customs) |
Pro Tip: As of March 2026, there is a SGD 12 fuel surcharge per passenger for the Tanah Merah route. Keep this in mind when calculating your total trip cost.
The April 2026 “Triple Play” Opportunity
If you’re planning a trip this month, the timing is perfect. For April 2026 only, golfers can play all three nines of the Ocean Course (Ridge, Coast, and Lakes) before the Lakes Course closes for its own major renovation starting May 1, 2026.
If you want to experience the full Ernie Els vision before the next phase of construction begins, this is your window.
The Verdict
You don’t need to be a pro to appreciate a well-maintained course and a 90-minute commute. If you value your time and want to test out your Mini Driver on freshly re-grassed fairways, the ferry to Desaru is the most logical play for the 2026 season.
Planning a trip with your flight mates? Check out our latest Vietnam Golf Guide if you’re looking for something even further afield!