The introduction of South East Asia’s newest golf destination was met with high praise from the privileged guests, who experienced the first rounds of official play at The Els Club Desaru Coast – The Ocean, the first of two-major golf developments to open in Desaru Coast.
To mark the occasion, Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd (TAR&H), the owner of The Els Club Desaru Coast, hosted a group of influential media to unveil what is set to become one of the nations’ flagship golf and 
tourism projects and announce The Ocean course is open for general play. Guests lucky enough to experience the first official weekend 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.
Course designer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els commented; “It certainly has the makings of one of South-East Asia’s top destinations. 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.”
The Troon-managed Ocean Course, located on the south-eastern region of the country, in the state of Johor, features 3 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 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; Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, The Valley will be a world’s first bringing together two of golf’s most recognised personalities, uniting on this exceptional project.
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Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, Chief Executive Officer Destinations Resorts & Hotel Portfolio of TAR&H commented, “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 17km 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,” continued Muhammad Zainal 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 online and be among the first to experience South East Asia’s spectacular new golf course offering.
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