Sunday, March 22, 2009

Golfing in Sabah


“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” – Arnold Palmer

Choose to tee off in the city, by the sea or with Mount Kinabalu as your backdrop. This is Sabah, a true Golfer’s Paradise!

Borneo Golf & Country Club

Located along the Papar–Beaufort highway, the Borneo Golf and Country Club (BGCC) is touted as having the best-maintained Bermuda Tifdwarf greens this side of the country and was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The natural features of the lagoon and immediate terrain are played up to accentuate the water hazards as well as the wasteland and bunkers. Guests can spend a night or two at the Presscot Resort Hotel situated next to the Clubhouse. Tel: 087-861 888


Mt. Kinabalu Golf Club

Tee off in dramatic style with Mount Kinabalu as your backdrop with the cool crisp air greeting you right here at the Mount Kinabalu Golf Club. Situated on the Pinosuk Plateau at 1500 metres above sea level in Kundasang, Mt. Kinabalu Golf Club is the highest golf layout in Sabah. One of its notable holes is the 14th, par 3, 142 m, which features a gushing river at the bottom of a deep ravine. It is a true test of skill once you get here: you will need an accurate shot from the elevated tee across the Mesilau East River to land on the green perched on the edge of a cliff.


Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club

Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club is part of the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran. Formerly a mangrove swamp, it comes as no surprise that water is a popular feature at every hole. It consists of two nines, the Mengkabong Nine and the Tambalang Nine. Mount Kinabalu can be seen in the distance, making this a truly dramatic setting. And if you’re lucky, you might even find an Orang Utan or two hanging around! Tel: 088-791 188, E-mail: dalitbay@tm.net.my


Sabah Golf & Country Club

Just 10 minutes away from the city centre of Kota Kinabalu is the par 72 championship course designed by Robert Muir Graves. Also known as one of South East Asia's toughest courses, SGCC is known for its undulating fairways, hilly terrain, large lakes, tracts of mature trees and adverse wind conditions. For many years, the SGCC was also the venue for the Sabah Masters, which is a part of the Asian PGA Tour. Tel: 088-224788 / 247 533


Karambunai Resort Golf Club

The Karambunai Resort Golf Club is a magnificent course that stretches from the edge of low hills and reaches towards the sandy beaches. There are several dogleg holes and the 13th (390 m) will test your long and short game. Winding waterways, bunkers and ocean winds add to the challenge. If anything, perhaps the breathtaking view will be your main distraction! Tel: 088-411215, E-mail: krgc@tm.net.my


Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club

This 27-hole championship course was designed by Graham Marsh and comprises the Lake (3140 m), Heritage (3176 m) and Garden (3176 m) Nines. The 24th hole par 4, 330 m (Garden Course) is the signature hole, a true test of skill with the existence of the sandy waste and ocean which comes perilously close to the undulating green. Can't get enough during the day? Night golfing starts from 5:02 pm to 9:00 pm. Tel: 088-252266, E-mail: suteraclub@suteraharbour.com.my


Kudat Golf Club

The Kudat Golf Club was established in the early 1900s and is acknowledged as the first golf club in Sabah. Fairways are covered with Kudat local grass and the 3075-m course is challenging in its own unique way – tee-off from Hole 4 requires you to shoot over an office building! On a clear day, expect a spectacular view of Mt. Kinabalu and the Bengkoka Peninsula across the Bay and the Crocker Range. Tel: 088-611002


Shan Shui Golf & Country Club

One of Tawau's treasures is none other than the Shan Sui Golf & Country Club. Golf Magazine claimed Shan Sui's Hole No. 15 to be one of the Top 500 Holes in the World back in 2000. This 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by world-renowned golf architects Nelson and Harworth and hailed to be their finest piece of work in Asia. Spanning some 365 acres, the course is distinguished by its green surroundings, weaving through rubber, cocoa and coconut plantations. Shan Sui's claims to fame include hosting the 16th Sabah Masters, part of the Asian PGA Tour and the 55th Sabah Amateur Open. Caution: Watch out for lurking crocs and cheeky monkeys! Tel: 089-916888, E-mail ssgolfcc@tm.net.my


Source: Sabah Tourism Newsletter

NOTE: All Photos Copyright to Sabah Tourism



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