Two major new golf developments are underway in Malaysia, in the provinces of Jotor Bahru and Langkawi. Ernie Els Design is in charge of creating both courses.

In Langkawi, the Els firm is building eighteen holes at the Teluk Datai eco-resort, while in Johor, the company is designing a 27 hole course at the new integrated Desaru Coast destination, a 17km beachfront property including resorts, hotels and golf.

Both projects are being developed by Destination Resorts, the investment holding company established by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm. Els and his team recently made a second site visit to both projects. 

Els said: “I feel so fortunate to be working with Destination Resorts and to be awarded some of the most beautiful terrain in Asia. I am confident our work here will set a new standard, leaving a lasting legacy for Malaysian golfers and the region as a whole.”

Destination Resorts MD Nadziruddin Basri said: “As we began discussions with Ernie, we realised that we share the same vision to build distinctive and superior golfing havens that will further enhance the golfing experience of both professional and leisure golfers.”

Els’ design team is also providing technical services for another golf course at Desaru Coast, which is being branded as a Vijay Singh design. The earth movement for this course will begin in June, bringing the portfolio of Ernie Els Design to a total of 63 holes under development in the country.