Langkawi, Malaysia: Asian Golf Industry Federation Golf Facility Member The Els Club Teluk Datai has been named among Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
Joining the global publication’s biannual rankings, Ernie Els’ Malaysian masterpiece is a new entry at 83rd place for the 2016-17 standings, testament to its exceptional rainforest design, the unique proposition for international guests and its exemplary golf course conditioning.
Managed and operated by Asian Golf Industry Federation Executive Member Troon, the facility has gone from strength to strength since its opening in October 2014, watched by Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajjah Haminah, The Queen of Malaysia.
“We’re delighted with how far The Els Club Teluk Datai has come in little over a year of operation. The course has been very well-received by the golfing public and now the golf industry’s leading global voice,” said Bruce Glasco, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, Troon International Division.
“Golf Digest’s high ranking of the facility is testament to spectacular design and the continued effort of the team on Langkawi to present Ernie’s creation in exceptional condition year round.”
With this ranking, The Els Club Teluk Datai, located on the stunning island of Langkawi, has added to an already bursting awards cabinet. In little under two weeks of operation, the facility collected its first award, the ‘Best New Golf Course in the World’ at the inaugural World Golf Awards.
In further recognition of Els’ remarkable design, The Els Club Teluk Datai also collected the ‘Best New Golf Course in Asia’ award at the 2014 ceremony, an accolade it built upon at the second World Golf Awards with the 2015 ‘Best Golf Course in Asia’ title.
Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, Group Managing Director and CEO of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, said: “We are blessed with one of the world’s most idyllic locations and Ernie Els’s design has certainly garnered us an international reputation. We are sure this recognition will continue to enhance the appeal of golf in Malaysia and serve as a catalyst for visitors looking for their next new golf experience, thereby growing inbound golf tourism to Malaysia.”
David Townend, Senior Vice President of The Els Club Malaysia, said recognition by US Golf Digest and the World Golf Awards confirmed the quality and appeal of the course.
“Only 11 courses in Asia and three in the Middle East were named in the Golf Digest Top-100, so we feel privileged and honoured to be included among other great courses in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South and Central America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia/Pacific.”
Sculpted by Ernie Els Design – a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation – the flawlessly manicured playing surfaces at The Els Club Teluk Datai are a constant, in tribute to the design which carries its creator’s name.
With no bunkers on the course, the layout relies on strategically placed tree-lines and a naturally meandering stream, both of which caught the eye of the ranking committee.