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MALAYSIA is truly
unique as a golfing destination, the diversity of its courses is
unrivalled in the world. Numbering more than 190 throughout the country,
they can be found high in the mountains, along the seashore, on tropical
islands, amidst towering rain forests and in the heart of the city. As
well as offering spectacular scenery, many of these courses are equipped
with the best facilities and amenities to be found anywhere, to make
your golfing a complete and unforgettable experience.
A number of courses
have been designed by some of golf's top names. Designers and golfers
alike, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Greg Norman,
Peter Thomson, Ronald Fream, Robert Trent Jones, Ross Watson, J Michael
Poellot, and Max Wexler, et al, have brought out the best features of
the environment whilst incorporating their own special signature skills.
This accounts for the
tremendous variety of courses throughout Malaysia, each with its own
special features, for a range that no true golfing aficionado can
resist. And with Malaysia's excellent road system and transportation,
including frequent flights between all major cities, it is easy to get
to the best of the country's courses for a typically Malaysian golfing
experience par excellence.
The visiting golfer will
find a variety of grasses to play on. The older courses will feature
Cowgrass or broad-leaf indigenous grass on the fairways and rough, with
Serangoon or Bermuda Tifway covering the greens.
Most of the newer courses
will have the popular warm weather favourite Bermuda Tifway on the
fairways and rough and Bermuda Tifdwarf on the greens. Some courses
prefer the resilient Zoysia Martrellia species, while the Sea Shore
Paspalum variety is the grass used for seaside courses. The temperate
climate Bent grass can be found in one of the mountain courses. The
average speed of Malaysian greens is between 6-8 on the Stimpmeter. But
in a small number of courses, the speed can rise to as high as 10.
However, the golf courses in Malaysia generally do not have fast greens.
Tourism Malaysia
organises the highly successful World Amateur Inter-Team Golf
Championship. This annual tournament brings together amateur golfers
from all over the world to play in some of the best courses in Malaysia
as well as to savour the sights and sounds of this fascinating country.
To avoid disappointment,
you are advised to call the club concerned to make your bookings early.
Also bear in mind that green fees may change from time to time, so do
check with the clubs. The greater majority of golf clubs in Malaysia
insist on the use of rubber-studded shoes. Happy golfing! |
