Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Kota Permai Golf & Country Club has invested in 20 new Club Car Tempo buggies to cater for the increase in traffic since golf’s resumption last month.

The move was necessary to accommodate the social distancing ‘new normal’ of single buggy usage, said Tang Meng Loon, Gamuda Land’s Director of Club, Township & Property Management.

Kota Permai’s buggy fleet count now stands at 102. “We can accommodate up to 25 flights per session now, compared to just 20 before we purchased the new buggies,” said Tang, adding that they have leased the new buggies from regional Club Car distributors Jebsen & Jessen.

“With the high demand for tee times, especially on weekends, the move was necessary so that more golfers – members, guests and visitors alike – can enjoy our award-winning golf course,” he added.

Tang said traffic has been exceptionally high at the Ross Watson-designed course following the Hari Raya celebration. “A lot of our Muslim members started playing regularly again after Hari Raya, bringing their golfing friends in as guests. The course has been full almost every day as we also have a lot of walk-in players who make use of our weekday package,” he said.

Tang added that the buggy count is still not sufficient to achieve the maximum of 32 flights per session. “We’re waiting to see if the current back-to-golf fervour lasts and also whether single buggy usage will become the preferred option in Malaysia, like it is in Thailand and Indonesia.”

As for club tournaments, Tang said Kota Permai will resume monthly medals once the Malaysian Government gives the green light for sporting events to re-start.

“Many of our members have been asking about the monthly medals, so we’ll get them started as soon as possible, once it’s permissible to do so. As for our club championships which are usually held in July, we have moved the dates to December,” he said.

“Depending on the Covid-19 situation and restrictions moving forward, we will look at having virtual prize-givings and digital score submissions.”

Kota Permai is a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, while Club Car is an Executive Member and Jebsen & Jessen is a Full Business Member.

*Article courtesy ParGolf – http://pargolf.my/