Malaysia's Move on the Golf Front

Proof of that comes from entering the county's capital and largest city -- Kuala Lumpur.

KL is home to roughly 1.6 million people and the most amazing element is the never ending development -- the horizon is littered with building cranes reaching higher and higher into the sky. The two main downtown attractions are the Kuala Lumpur Tower -- the world's 7th tallest communication structure and The Petronas Towers -- the tallest building in the world when opened in 1995 and now the 8th.

Seeing the city from the KL Tower at roughly 335 metres above ground is especially illuminating at night. Be sure to enjoy the revolving restaurant there which provides 360 degrees of spectacular views. However, even with all the growth -- like a number of other locations in Southeast Asia -- the side-by-side intersection of 21st century advancements comes in tandem with the stubborn remains of poverty and urban squalor which clearly makes for an interesting mix.

The golf scene is one making a major push on a range of fronts. The PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA all had events in KL in 2013 -- in fact all three were played at the same location -- Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC -- the only global golf facility to have hosted all three major golf tours in one year.

Much of what Malaysia is doing on the golf side is a near facsimile to what its more celebrated golf neighbor to the north -- Thailand -- has been doing quite successfully for a bit more time.

As in western countries -- golf is the language of the business world and Southeast Asia has seen fit to expand its overall profile -- using golf as the perfect connector for other elements of note such as getting major corporations to expand their presence and for overall investment to continue onward. Malaysia is making a concerted push in raising the overall profile of the country and golf has been the stir for that economic glass.

Malaysia has roughly 200 courses but until fairly recently many were matter-of-fact layouts with little pizzazz. In simple terms -- functional golf is not exactly the kind of golf that causes heart palpitations of excitement in getting people to embrace the lengthy travel time to get there.

The main appeal for Malaysia is maxing out value for the money one plans on spending. Unlike visits to Japan, South Korea and the more noted golf tourist draws connected to China and even Australia -- Malaysia provides a good return on the time you have and the money you're prepared to spend.

Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC

With 36 holes, the private but accessible Kuala Lumpur, is among the top 3-4 overall golf facilities in the country. Opened in 1991 -- the flagship West Course was originally designed by Nelson & Howarth and upgraded in 2006 by E&G Parslow and Associates and opened for play in 2008. The conditioning is first class and the two courses provide a sufficient contrast with the East being more member friendly while the West enjoys hillier terrain and more rigorous green sites.

What's most striking is that KL G&CC is such a short drive -- roughly 10-15 minutes from the downtown area. As soon as you enter the grounds you're whisked away from all the clutter and never ending beehive commotion.

One of the most striking golf course projects ever attempted was the creation of The Mines Resort & Golf Club -- also in the immediate Kuala Lumpur area. The original site was the world's largest open cast tin mine and few people even remotely thought such an eyesore could be transformed into something of value. Enter the likes of owner Tan Sri Lee Kim Lew and architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Both men worked in bringing to life a solid layout that provides plenty of design challenges with water the main obstacle on the outward half -- and the inner half set majestically among towering flanking trees and rolling terrain. Of special note is the fact that Tiger Woods won one of his early victories here in 1997.

The grand dame for golf in KL is at Royal Selangor. Established in 1893 -- and located in the heart of KL -- the facility boasts 36 holes of golf along with a companion 9-hole short course dating back to 1921. A series of upgrades were carried out following WWII along with a series of smaller improvements over the last 10 years. Although a private layout -- outside play can be secured by staying at affiliated hotels near to the course.
The routing of both The Old and New layouts is well done with few long walks between green and the following teeing area. The Old Course is the more noted but both layouts feature turning points in the driving zone requiring the marriage of sufficient length off the tee and uncanny placement.

Sutera Harbour Golf & CC in Sabah

HEADING TO SABAH ...

Malaysia is comprised of 13 States -- Sabah is the 2nd largest and is located in the northern area on the island of Borneo in what is called East Malaysia. One of Sabah's strengths is the diversity of the topography - from enticing beaches all the way to the country highest point in Mount Kinabalu -- nearly 14,000 in elevation.

Tourism is a major developing contributor for Sabah and my visit there was prompted by a push from country officials intent in elevating its stature among international visitors with golf being seen as a big cash contributor.

The unfortunate aspect is that the golf on Sabah is not at the same level as what you experience with the top tier layouts in and around Kuala Lumpur. It's not that they're not above average but what Sabah lacks is a blockbuster course or two that leaps off the page. In sum -- pedestrian golf is not fantastic golf. Amazingly, other tourist elements found on Sabah are flourishing with ecotourism leading the way -- as more and more people want to see the incredible landscape Mother Nature has seen fit to create there. The fragile -- yet strikingly beautiful environment -- is something that elevates Sabah to an incredible addition for any planned visit to Malaysia.

Located just 15 minutes from the airport is the 384-acre Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club. The 27-hole course is the product of Graham Marsh and is frankly a matter-of-fact course sprinkled with a few holes of note. The entire layout is located on land with little elevation change. The key is avoiding any number of pesky water hazards that will catch errant executions. What's amazing is that the adjoining 104-berth marina is truly well done and sports a contemporary and sophisticated look. For those inclined to night golf -- Sutera is lighted for that purpose.

One of the better layouts to play is located approximately 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu -- Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club. The 18-hole layout was designed by Ted Parslow and requires a deft touch on the varied putting surfaces. You'll also need to be able to shape tee shots to secure the proper angle into the putting surfaces.

If time permits be sure to plan an overnight or even more at the adjacent Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort. The facility is isolated so keep that in mind when planning any stay. One small tip -- ask for a room on the 5th and 6th floors -- the resulting scenery pays off in a big time way.

Nestled in the hills is Mount Kinabalu Golf Club -- Sabah's highest elevated course at roughly 5,000 feet. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Mount Kinabalu provides ample relief from the pulsating sun and often oppressive humidity encountered at lower heights. Keep in mind weather can be an issue when playing here and because of the elevation the course has had conditioning issues tied to a past spotty preparation effort. No question the views on clear days are stunning -- the golf course has that same potential if all the key details are rigorously pursued. If you do opt to schedule a round call ahead to confirm if going is worth your time and money.

Gaya Island Resort

VISITING GAYA ISLAND RESORT ...

Located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Marine Park, Gaya Island is just a short 15 minute speedboat away. For those longing for a private retreat where time slows down considerably Gaya Island provides that antidote to the 24/7 non-stop drumbeat.

The resort doesn't have any golf -- it's more of a boutique hideout that doesn't disappoint. Don't miss out on a few sessions at the spa to truly get connected to your inner self.
With views stretching across the South China Sea, and where the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu can be seen on a clear day -- Gaya Island provides the mechanism in "restoring peace to the psyche." For the cynics out there -- count me as one before I arrived -- once there you fully understand the hype is every bit as promised. There are a range of activities so you can explore the native fauna and flora along with boat rides to those who simply want to detach and reconnect. The service level is exceptional -- always helpful but never pushy. Check out www.gayaislandresort.com.

Gaya Island Resort spa

What lies ahead?

The central element for Malaysia - at least on the golf side of things - is twofold. Can other layouts be created that push the design level to a stature of global fanfare? Getting people on a plane for a long period of time needs a meaningful golf hook. Adequate golf is one thing -- exceptional is the standard for true differentiation to occur for global awareness and overall recognition that sets you apart.

The second dimension is whether the seeds of golf will germinate to other income levels in the country. Golf is still a game for those with deep pockets and the capacity to have sufficient leisure time. Nonetheless, more and more Malaysians are embracing the game and the country is determined to continue as host to the various professional tour events staged here. Developing home grown stars can be of immense help too in citizen awareness and pride.

No question Malaysia is most certainly a golf works in progress. The next 5-10 years will greatly determine if all the previous successes can ride the momentum train to even more stops of accomplishment. We shall see.

Keep in mind when going ...

Caddies - females are almost always used. However, in many instances -- the caddying services is less about how to max out your game and more about general "butler / maid" duties. Let the course operators know you want a thorough caddie in all senses of the word and not just a bag toter.

Carts on Cart Paths - there are a number of courses in Malaysia prohibiting carts from leaving designated paths. Often times if you have a caddie it will mean having her drive the cart and bringing you clubs. This repetitive exercise adds time when playing 18 holes. Consider having you clubs carried to shorten the process. This will add to your pace of play and overall rhythm when playing.

Tipping - be generous to those serving your needs - provided the service adds something to your overall experience. As a general rule if the service is exceptional adding on no less than 50% of the base caddie rate is a good response.

Keeping Hydrated and Covered - being near the equator invariably means a steady dose of sun and humidity. Stay constantly hydrated and whenever possible keep your skin covered with clothing and apply generous amounts of sunscreen protection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.tourism.gov.my, www.sabahtourism.com, www.golfasian.com