Construction begins on two major golf course developments in Johor and Langkawi
Ernie Els Design has completed the detail designs and is now in the construction phase for some of Asia’s largest golf projects. These developments are located in two major leisure destinations in Malaysia, an 18-hole at the eco-destination resort Teluk Datai, Langkawi and a 27-hole at the much-anticipated upcoming integrated luxury destination Desaru Coast, Johor. The 27-hole golf course will be one of the main attractions at Desaru Coast, a 17 kilometer beachfront integrated destination on the west coast of Johor that features an array of luxury resorts, hotels and golf residences, complemented with differentiated leisure and entertainment offerings to include signature golf courses, retail mall and theme parks, and all these are easily accessible with just a short drive from the Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru and Changi Airport, Singapore.
These courses will represent a new benchmark of excellence and sustainable design on behalf of their client, Destination Resorts. Destination Resorts is the investment holding company established by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm, to develop and manage world-class premier destinations, resorts and hotels within its Leisure and Tourism portfolio.
Ernie Els and his design team recently completed their second site inspection of the 27-hole golf course at Desaru Coast during construction at which time Ernie approved the first set of holes. Meanwhile in Teluk Datai, Langkawi, the upgrading works of the 18-hole course at The Golf Club, Datai Bay is underway and will be completed in 2013.
Els states “As a course designer, I feel so fortunate to be working with Destination Resorts and to be awarded with some of the most beautiful terrain in Asia, and we are well on the way now with construction across the country. Our clients and I share the same vision; and am confident our work here will set a new standard, leaving a lasting legacy for Malaysian golfers and the region as a whole”.
In addition to the courses mentioned, Els’ design team is also providing technical services for another golf course at Desaru Coast, an 18-hole for Vijay Singh. The earth movement for Vijay’s course will begin in June 2012. This brings the portfolio of Ernie Els Design to a total of 63 holes under development in the country.
Nadziruddin Basri, the Managing Director of Destination Resorts adds, “As we began discussions with Ernie, we realized 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. It became clear to us that Els’ highly regarded course designs and international Hall of Fame career were the perfect fit”.
He continues, “As the catalyst of integrated lifestyle destinations and luxury tourism products in Malaysia, we have brought together a powerful collection of premier brands such as Ernie Els Design, Shangri-La, Amanresorts, Sheraton, The Datai and others that represent the best in the business and these partnerships will create a highly sought-after tourism and leisure offerings within the region”.
In addition, Ernie Els Design and Destination Resorts are also working together to develop Els Residences, the Els Performance Academy as well as an Els Club in Desaru Coast, which will be exclusive for the region.
About Ernie Els Design
Ernie began his course design career after his second US Open Victory. Ernie Els is sole owner and retains the services of his senior design associate, Greg Letsche, with the vision of creating a world-class boutique design firm working with some of the world’s best developments. The Design team produces authentic sustainable golf courses that fit into today’s landscape. Our designs and renovations are environmentally responsible while meeting the needs of the owner’s objectives. Based in Jupiter, Florida and a satellite office in Malaysia, we apply the latest technologies and expertise to service our development partners and clients throughout the world.
Whether it is our recent renovation of Wentworth’s West in 2010, host to the European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship, or island destinations such as Hawaii, Mauritius and The Bahamas, we deliver a product that sets a new benchmark in each market. Our portfolio now includes the Els Performance Academies, Els Clubs, Big Easy Grill, Els Residences and an award winning wine portfolio.
About Destination Resorts
Destination Resorts was formed by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah), to be an internationally recognized investment holding company for premier integrated lifestyle resorts and hotels to enhance Malaysia’s tourism portfolio. Destination Resorts serves as a catalyst for the development of Malaysia’s leisure and tourism sector by providing relevant expertise focused on investment, development, management and oversight of world-class premier resorts, hotels and attractions.
Its investment portfolio comprises of the development of Desaru Coast and Teluk Datai projects, including the internationally renowned The Datai, Langkawi which will be further complemented by development of world-class resorts and residences nestled between the lush rainforest and stunning waters of the Andaman Sea. Desaru Coast, a beach-front integrated resort development that spans across 17 kilometers, located at the Southern region of Malaysia in the state of Johor, promises an array of luxury resorts amidst a retail shopping arcade, convention centre, attractions and two golf courses designed by distinguished golfers, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
More information may be found at www.destinationresorts.com.my
For more information please contact:
Ernie Els Design Communications
Telephone: +1.561.625.8676
Email: info@ernieels.com
