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The Els Club Malaysia collective extends Ernie Els’ design signature to a third global destination, following The Els Copperleaf South Africa and The Els Club Dubai. Split between two stunning destinations, the island of Langkawi is home to the Rainforest Course in Teluk Datai, while Desaru Coast boasts the 45-hole championship resort made up of Ocean and Valley Courses.
Managed, like Dubai, by Troon Golf, visitors are guaranteed the highest standards of service and condition. Indeed, it has brought a new standard to golf in Southeast Asia, giving members and guests the assurance their experience will be first-class each and every time they play.
THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI – RAINFOREST COURSE
Set amongst the unspoilt rainforest and natural beaches, The Els Club Teluk Datai (pictured left) has established itself as a new icon on the Asian golf scene. Another masterpiece by the four-time Major champion Els, the Rainforest Course has unique characteristics in abundance. Whether it is the 100ft tall trees, the constant buzz of wildlife or the tranquillity of the coastline vistas, the golf course is mesmerising.
The island of Langkawi, located northwest of Kuala Lumpur, epitomises paradise. The distinguishing factors of the Rainforest Course are its holes that run adjacent to the water’s edge and those that wander through a million-year-old rainforest. The Rainforest Course is accompanied by two luxury resorts, The Datai and The Andaman, which provide an ideal option for guests looking for a quick weekend retreat or those hoping to switch off completely.
The golf course quickly rose to critical acclaim, scooping ‘The World’s Best New Golf Course’ award and ranking #83 in ‘Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World’. One of the many wonderful features is the attentive service the facility offers its guests. When you add the fact the course is one of the finest conditioned in the region, it’s not hard to see why it has become an instant bucket lister.
THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST – OCEAN COURSE
Desaru Coast has all the ingredients to become a world-class destination.
The Ocean course, which adjoins the shoreline, as its name would suggest, is one of the headline acts. The three nine-hole loops, The Lakes, The Coast and The Ridge, make up the distinct course layout.
On arrival, the presence of a mighty clubhouse fills the skyline. With its open plan design, the 45,000sqft building sits overlooking the golf course and academy, offering guests plenty of comfortable corners to relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the service from the two casual dining restaurants.
As you would expect, each hole on the Ocean Course (pictured top) bears the Els watermark of strategy, beauty and elegance. The flow of the golf courses instantly grabs you and is something that only a true master of their art can create.
The second hole of The Coast loop is certainly one of the most awe-inspiring. The downhill, arching dog-leg par 5, heads straight for the blue waters of the ocean. Flanked by a continuous bunker on the left, fortune will favour the brave. You can expect the prevailing wind to be into your face for your second, fresh off the ocean, meaning only the most precise shot has any chance to reach. To be able to say you hit the green in two at the second hole of The Coast loop will certainly be one of the more cherished of your holiday achievements.
The Els Performance Golf Academy is another major feature. The scale of this state-of-the-art practice facility is unmatched in the region. Els has a passion for growing the game and giving golfers of all standards the best environment to improve and enjoy the sport.
“Everything about this project and the destination has given us the belief that The Els Club Desaru Coast has the opportunity of becoming one of the leading golf destinations in the world,” commented the celebrated
South African.
THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST – VALLEY COURSE
The Valley Course (pictured left) is the product of a world’s first collaboration between Ernie Els and his close friend and fellow Major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, Vijay Singh.
The course is nothing short of epic. The immediate impact of the undulating landscape and smattering of uniquely placed white sandy bunkers is unforgettable.
The condition and quality is a cut above. Also managed by Troon Golf, the world’s leading golf management group, every detail is meticulously catered to.
Precision is most certainly at a premium on the course. There are some high tariff shots, but the setting and brilliance of the design leaves you thirsty for more. The range of teeing options are aptly placed, giving all standards of golfers fair options to get the most out of their game.
It will be interesting to discover if the 18th hole is to set the scene for prominent victories by the world’s best players in future years. It is as dramatic a finishing hole as you could wish to find, and one that would not look out of place as the climactic setting for the world’s most prestigious professional events in the years to come. A downhill tee shot gives you the opportunity to gain some distance to attack. The second shot is uphill to another beautifully bunkered green complex.
The second golf instalment at Desaru Coast doesn’t disappoint and will surely become one of Asia Pacific’s top courses. With the destination masterplan including major luxury hotel chains and an already frequent flight schedule, Desaru Coast is going to be a feature with many golfers from all over the world.
