Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Ernie Els has hailed the unveiling of The Els Club Desaru Coast – The Ocean, Southeast Asia’s newest golf destination and the first of two major golf developments to open in Desaru Coast.
“It certainly has the makings of one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations,” predicted four-time Major champion Els, the course designer.
“You have a great location, in close proximity to so many major Asian hubs. You have a corner of coastline that simply takes your breath away and an ownership group dedicated to creating some of the finest tourism attractions in the world.
“When you add these ingredients together, you have the makings of something very special,” added the South African whose company, Ernie Els Design, is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
To mark the opening of The Ocean Course for general play, Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd (TAR&H), the owner of The Els Club Desaru Coast, hosted a group of influential media.
Guests who experienced the first official weekend at the venue that is set to become one of the nation’s flagship golf and tourism projects were unanimous in their praise for the new course, pointing to the service, quality and layout of the property as being of the highest standard.
The project is managed by Troon, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Located on the south-eastern region of the country, in the state of Johor, the club features three distinct nine-hole courses – the Coast, Ridge and Lakes.
In addition, it will be home to The Els Performance Golf Academy – the first of its kind in the region; and two casual dining restaurants including an all-day café and bar created as an ode to Ernie’s PGA Tour record-breaking 72-hole aggregate in the 2003 Mercedes Championship.
The Els Club Desaru Coast – The Valley is also scheduled to open soon after its neighbouring sister course – The Ocean.
Designed in collaboration between fellow Major champions and golfing icons Els and Vijay Singh, The Valley will be a world first bringing together two of golf’s most recognised personalities, uniting on this exceptional project.
Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, Chief Executive Officer Destinations Resorts & Hotel Portfolio of TAR&H, said: “Today marks a major first step in the development of Desaru Coast. We have made considerable strides in bringing the very best partners to Johor, and have set in motion a tourism legacy that will deliver jobs and a world class experience for all who visit.
“Today we have opened The Els Club Desaru Coast – The Ocean, which will fly the flag for the development and pave the way for a succession of top-class amenity introductions.”

The destination of Desaru Coast spans over 3,900 acres along a pristine 17-kilometre beachfront facing the South China Sea, and is easily accessible via road, air and sea.
The destination will also be home to globally renowned hotel chains and resorts Aman Resorts & Villas, The Westin Desaru Resort, Anantara Desaru Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast; a state-of-the-art conference centre, a 27-hole and 18-hole golf course, a themed water park and a retail village.
“The Els Club brand resonates with excellence and quality,” said Ashikin. “We are committed to embedding a new standard for hospitality, service and quality that will set Desaru on course to become one of the top tourism and golf destinations regionally and internationally.”
Guests now have the opportunity to book tee times on-line.