The Els Club Desaru Coast
The Brilliance of Ernie Els and Vijay Singh Dominate Desaru
More than just the waterfalls and fireflies of Kota Tinggi, there is a gem of a golf course, two in fact, tucked away along the pristine 22 km stretch of Desaru Coast overlooking the South China Sea.
Part of the Johor Tourism's integrated resort plan, the Els Club Desaru Coast aims to impress guests with extraordinary experiences through personalized service, consistency, and attention to detail. Such lofty standards to exceed expectations is made possible with the expertise of Troon Management, an international golf club consultancy service.
There are a total of 45 holes on offer designed by 4-time major championship winner and former World No. 1 Ernie Els of South Africa.
Running parallel to the coast, the Ocean Course is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Malaysia. Offering 27 holes of championship golf that comprise three distinctly different 9-hole courses, the Coast, Ridge, and Lake Courses each provide a challenge for golfers of every skill level. Naturally magnificent in layout, the Ocean Course requires strategic play.
With multiple tee boxes on each hole, the golf course meanders through natural wetlands and lakes as it makes its way through the spectacular natural rolling terrain set alongside the coastline. Each hole bears the Els mark of strategy, beauty, and elegance and the flow of the golf course is unique in South East Asia.
The signature hole is the par-5 2nd, which sits on the Coast stage of the course. The hole offers spectacular views of the South China Sea from start to finish while golfers navigate through narrowing fairways towards the immaculate and fast green.
The Valley Course at the Els Club is the product of a world's first ever collaboration between Ernie Els and his close friend, fellow major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, Vijay Singh.
Playing to par-72 and lying adjacent to the Ocean Course, the Vijay Singh design is an 18-hole championship layout measuring up to 7,200 yards, this is a completely different test compared to the Ocean Course. Set by dramatic elevation changes, the small greens and sharp undulations mean that approach play must be precise in order to prevail against the course. The layout is as dramatic as you'll find anywhere in the world, Singh used the slopes on the property and smattering of
uniquely placed white sandy bunkers to create a perfect mix of testing shots and vistas that is quite unforgettable.
After a challenging round on the Valley course, unwind at the excellent Lembah Restaurant. Overlooking the stunning Valley Course and landscape, the cuisine ranges from Malaysian, to North Indian and Fijian. One popular order is the fish head curry, yet don't be surprised at how excellent the steak is at Lembah.
Not to be outdone, the main Els Clubhouse fills the skyline with its open plan design, perched imperiously on the hilltop overlooking the golf course and academy. Guests will find plenty of corners to relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the service from the casual dining of the 261 Bar and restaurant. Named after Ernie's PGA Tour record-breaking
72-hole aggregate in the 2003 Mercedes Championship, 261 Bar & Restaurant is the perfect place for a cold one after a round of golf or to catch the sunset over this spectacular course.
Of particular note are the themed dining days, and every Monday, there is a distinct burger crave in 261 where a selection of five premium beef burgers such as the Blue Mountain, blue cheese with caramelised onion and a 200 gram patty, or the Caprese, grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, and pesto mayonnaise. A Signature of 261 is the Ernie's Burger served with turkey bacon, cheese, tomato, onions, gherkins and side of french fries.
The Big Easy Bar & Grill is the anchor of The Els Club Desaru Coast, the Els influence evident with the many personal touches that have been introduced by the champion himself. Unpretentious, comfortable, and the place to be among friends and family, its seasonally driven menu offers a combination of fresh grills, international flavours, local specialties and Ernie's personal favourites, inspired by the cultural crossroads of South Africa and Asia. Dividing the lounge and dining areas and taking pride of place is a chiller stocked with wines from the Els Wines portfolio and from around the world.
Apart from the excellent dining, this 45,000 square foot contemporary clubhouse is also equipped with 5-star amenities and facilities such as a fully stocked pro shop, well appointed changing rooms, and private function rooms that are ideal for entertainment and private meetings.
The Els Club Desaru Coast also boasts the first academy of its kind in Asia, The Els Performance Golf Academy (EPGA), accessible from both the Ocean and Valley courses. The EPGA offers the latest in golf instruction and coaching with private golf lessons, group clinics, and on-course playing lessons from qualified PGA and LPGA instructors. The practice facilities are complete with a 9-Hole Par 3 Academy Course, an exclusive grassed practice tee on a contoured practice fairway, swing studios with video analysis, a putting lab, a dedicated short game practice area, and a large putting green. There is ample opportunity for practice and improvement before or after your game.
Stay and play packages that include two rounds of golf on both courses make this an inviting golfing destination. There are no lack of resort hotels like the always entertaining Hard Rock Hotel or the convention minded Westin to cater to various interest groups.
And with access to Desaru Coast just a 1-hour, 45-minute drive via the Senaidesaru Expressway from Singapore, with the option of a 30-minute direct ferry service, what excuse is there left to not play the Els Club Desaru Coast? Address: No 4 Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Tel: (+607) 878 0000 Website: www.elsclubmalaysia.com