Singapore golf courses

Help!

I'm a new resident of Singapore who was a low single digit hdcp. before moving here.  Trying desperately to find the following: (I well understand i'm going to pay a bunch of $'s for it....)

1. best conditioned and fastest greens in Singapore (9 or above on the stimp anyone?)
2. a private club where I can get access and play on the weekend
3. a way of avoiding the lottery systems these clubs use (or a club that allows on-line weekend bookings)
4. a place you can walk, with or without caddies, on weekends preferably, but other times if needed
5. a place my young son (9 yrs old) can accompany me (off hours I assume)
6. best short game facilities and practice areas

Tall order,..... I understand.  I rate courses for a national publication in the US and internationally,  and am pretty frustrated already with the ability to get the real story from the courses themselves.  Don't care about pool, tennis, facilities, etc.

As the leading golf forum around I would appreciate your very candid feedback.  Want to make a decision in the next few weeks.  Thanks very much for your honest opinions.

Hi tourgleek

Are you looking to buy a club membership or just pay and play?

Makes quite a lot of difference as many clubs do not allow non members...

TMCC or Sentosa got the best fairway and Green. Both 36 holes.

Depends where you will be staying? If near town, sentosa. If @ east side of singapore, TMCC will be good. If u got no budget constraint, get both.

Thanks guys.  I am down to 2. TMCC and Sentosa.  Pros and cons of both.  TMCC does not allow online booking for the weekends.  Appears it's a lottery system, meaning you can't confirm anything in advance of a Friday night, where you are required to show up.  Pretty limiting.  Sentosa, I believe, allows weekend booking online in advance for members.  Only concern i have here is the Barclays Singapore Open and the HSBC Women's tournaments.  In the US, it is not uncommon to close a course down for several weeks before the tournaments.  Wondering if i would lose 2 months a year with nowhere to play.  Any thoughts?  Money is an issue as I'll only join one, not two.  Also, if you join them, are your children (my 9 year old) allowed to use the facilities as well?

Thanks.

Even if Serapong course is closed for tournaments, theres still the Tanjong course.

I think the recent years, both courses in Sentosa are used for the Singapore Open. I think u can sign in your kids as guest. Singapore courses don't close down 2 months in adv for golf tournament. And the venue of the next Singapore Open may not be Sentosa. On this, I think u worry too much.

Wife and Kids below 18 is not consider as member at Sentosa????

Laguna - the new classic course.  I was told by friends who are members there that most members dont like playing there because it is too freaking difficult.  So, it is easy to book.  Best be members  if you really want to play there because members guest pay through their nose!

Only issue is that the range is now close.