West course makeover on the way
Almost year-long upgrade project to enhance TPC Kuala Lumpur layout
THE Tour Players Club (TPC) Kuala Lumpur is to undertake a 10-month renovation exercise of its West course, the host venue of the US PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic. The club also hosts the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia tournament on the East course.
According to TPC Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer Steven Thielke, the upgrades will “ensure the best standards for the facilities and services delivered to its members and guests, in keeping with the club’s addition to the PGA Tour’s TPC Network”.
The renovation is a joint effort between the PGA Tour, course architect Ted Parslow, Parslow & Winter Golf Design and TPC Kuala Lumpur.
The West course makeover will begin in November, following the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
It has been almost 10 years since the West course’s reconstruction was completed and seven Malaysian Opens and five CIMB Classic tournaments have been held there.
“When the West course is closed, we will re-turf the greens with Tifeagle Bermuda grass and the fairways and tee boxes with Celebration Bermuda grass,” said Thielke.
“This will replace the Paspalum grass that is being used.”
Thielke added that certain holes, including the par-4 No 2nd and par-4 12th, will undergo some changes, while “modification work” will be done to some bunkers and fairways as well as green contours.
“This will ensure that the new grass and increased green speeds are in unison with the undulations of the putting surfaces.
“Ultimately, our goal is to be recognised as being among the best golf courses in the world. To achieve this and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market, we must continuously improve,” Thielke said.
Stephen Wenzloff, PGA Tour Design Services, Player Liaison vice-president, said: “The modifications to the West course will enhance the original design strategy off the tee by re-positioning and adding fairway bunkers and moving a few tee boxes.
“The approach shot strategy will also be enhanced by softening some slopes on greens to create new hole locations.
“These modifications will benefit both the Tour players as well as the members and guests.
“The West course at TPC Kuala Lumpur will continue to consolidate its position as one of the top courses in Asia and a player favourite on the PGA Tour,” added Wenzloff.
Parslow & Winter Golf Design course architect Jason Winter said: “In Malaysia’s tropical environment, all golf courses face challenges with high temperatures, rainfall and humidity, extreme turf grass and weed growth rates, high traffic plus wear and tear.
“So sustaining a golf course at the highest standards requires constant modernisation of maintenance practices and equipment, and also course construction materials and techniques. The overriding goal is to continue to provide members and tournament participants with the best possible playing surfaces all-year round, and maintained to the highest standards,” added Winter.
For his part, TPC Kuala Lumpur course superintendent Mohd Nizam Othman said: “Despite the closing period of the West course due to the upgrade works, our golf course maintenance team will diligently ensure that members and guests still enjoy a splendid round of golf on the East course, which will be available seven days a week.”
Members and visitors can get regular updates and follow the upgrade progress by visiting TPC Kuala Lumpur Facebook (@ TPCKualaLumpur) and Instagram (tpc_kl), as well as joining the WhatsApp group “YES TPCKL” at +6019 263 6548.