Course Overview

The world-class, Els-designed Els Club Desaru Coast Ocean Course is widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful and unique resort layouts in Southeast Asia. Designed by legendary four-time Major winner Ernie Els, this championship complex features 27 holes of tournament-ready golf distributed over three distinct loops named the Lakes, Coast, and Ridge. The venue brings Malaysia squarely onto the global luxury golf map, offering an unrivaled playing experience with dramatic vistas overlooking the South China Sea.

Impeccable Conditioning

Maintained to elite international standards, the tees, fairways, and greens are kept in excellent condition by Troon Golf management. The design takes immense inspiration from the famous links courses of the United Kingdom, characterized by large rolling putting surfaces and firm run-off areas that test your creativity. The holes meander smoothly through natural coastal wetlands and native sand dunes, providing beautifully consistent playing turf amid the cooling ocean breezes.

The Johor layout serves as a fair but engaging test of golf, demanding thoughtful strategy and smart shot placement on every single hole. While the strategically located coastal waste bunkers and sprawling lake hazards are tricky, they are beautifully framed from each tee box. The greens feature plenty of subtle undulations, rewarding and encouraging a diverse variety of approach choices. Daily pin positions can moderate the difficulty of each hole—ranging from friendly to highly challenging—while various tee box locations allow both low and mid-handicappers to choose the ideal course length for their game.

The Thrilling Coast Stretch

The coastal nines feature some of the most challenging, dramatic, and fun stretches on the entire property where the sea is a major element:

• Coast Hole 2 (Par 5 - 575 Yards): A spectacular risk-reward test of accuracy playing right alongside the beach. A massive sand trap guards the entire left boundary of the fairway up to the green. A careful layout away from the sea lets players set up a strategic pitch toward a scenic green backdropped by crashing ocean waves.
• Coast Hole 3: A long par 3 that plays directly into the prevailing coastal winds. Pin locations on this green demand an exceptionally well-struck and accurate tee shot to avoid rolling off into the deep collection zones or beachside hazards.
• The Scenic Highlight (Par 3): One of the most picturesque holes on the property where golfers tee off from an elevated position with the panoramic ocean acting as a dramatic backdrop. Precision club selection is essential here, as the wind shifting off the South China Sea heavily impacts the flight of the ball.

Elite Practice Facilities & Golf Holidays

The Els Club Desaru Coast Ocean Course ensures pure enjoyment for players of all skill levels, leaving golfers eager to return time and time again. Before heading out to the first tee, players can fine-tune their game at the world-class Els Performance Golf Academy, complete with a state-of-the-art grass driving range and specialized short-game spaces. The Ocean Course remains an essential, must-play venue for all premium Malaysia golf holidays.