After playing at the prestigious KLGCC, we took in a round at the Seri Selangor Golf Club. A public course it might be, but don't let this 18 hole course fool you. It recently played host to the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters 2014 (an Asian Tour event) and in my books, any course worthy of hosting an international event is one to look out for.
Green fees are cheap which makes it a very popular course. With weekday afternoon rates of RM98.40 (inclusive of buggy and taxes on twin sharing basis) how could you resist.
Designed by Ross Watson, the Menteri Besar Nine and Presiden Nine is a par 72 course measuring about 6,374 meters.
After a quick lunch at the golfers terrace (quality and variety was pretty good. I had the Penang Char Kueh Tiaw) we made our way to the tee box and were greeted by grey skies and strong winds.
Concerned with the possible down pour we quickly warmed up and prepared to tee off on hole 10 (a par 4, index 2 hole) of the Presiden Nine. First impressions, why is the fairway so narrow?? water to the right made the fairway a tight target and just like clock work, I proceeded to slice my drive into the drink. Cest la vie.
Things got better on the second hole as I managed a sweet drive down the middle. But as we approached the green nature got the better of us and it started to pour. It got heavier as we reached the green and as the siren blew, we decided to search for shelter.
We weren't alone.
As we waited for the rain (which got heavier) to stop, I struck up a conversation with one of the maintenance crew and quizzed him about course conditions. Would it plug after the rain stopped? I asked. "No." he answered without hesitation. "Bola masih boleh roll lagi" he added. Now that's confidence, but I was skeptical to be honest.
After about half an hour, the heavy rain turned into a light drizzle and we made our way to restart at hole 11. Naturally it was wet but the true test awaited on the fair way. Fortunately my drive found the middle of the fairway again and lo and behold, we didn't find any plugged ball(s) on the fairway and throughout the remainder of our round. That alone was mighty impressive.
The greens were wet but weren't water logged either. How's that for drainage and maintenance. Though my kaki commented that the Selangor Masters 2014 was just around the corner and that was probably why course conditions were superb. Anyone care to verify on course conditions during normal days?
Hole 1, Menteri Besar nine.
Difficulty wise, I thought the course layout presented a good challenge. Narrow and undulating fairways demanded accuracy and good ball striking. Green speed was consistent but weren't as fast, perhaps due to the rain which made for 'comfortable' putting.
Landscaping wasn't as pretty as other private courses (unsightly monsoon drains for instance - but this is a city course after all) I have played on, but I would say the playing conditions more then make up for it.
Landscaping wasn't as pretty as other private courses (unsightly monsoon drains for instance - but this is a city course after all) I have played on, but I would say the playing conditions more then make up for it.
My Ratings:
Course conditions - 5/5 (No plugged balls on fairway, even after the downpour. Fairways and greens were well maintained)
Course difficulty - 4/5
Caddy
rating - There weren't any caddies left by the time we teed off.
Club house facilities - It's a public course so I wouldn't expect too much in this regard, plus it doesn't affect the playing experience, so I will leave this out.
9/10 - Would play here regularly if I could!
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