Out With the Old ...

Alex Jenkins takes a look at the most breathtaking new courses to have opened in Asia-Pacific over the past two years

The stunning Els Club on the Malaysian island of Langkawi

The Els Club Teluk Datai

The work of four-time major champion Ernie Els, The Els Club Teluk Datai, situated on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, occupies one of the most beautiful locales in Asian golf. Routed through ancient rainforest and alongside the Andaman Sea, the course has proved a hit with holidaymakers staying in the luxury resorts that are a feature of this popular resort island.

Despite not having any bunkers (Langkawi's heavy rainfall lead Els to do away with any sand for practical reasons), The Els Club is a wonderfully diverse layout that incorporates spectacular views and clever strategic nuances. Raised greens, run-off areas and elevation changes place an onus on accurate approach play, but this place is definitely more beauty than beast: The Els Club is highly playable for all thanks to its generous fairways and sub-7,000 yardage.

www.elsclubmalaysia.com

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Click here to see the published article.

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