Gawai Golf / Open House @ Samarahan Country Club

Last weekend, I took part in the Gawai Golf Tournament held at the Samarahan Country Club.

I managed to squeeze in a range session and a 9 hole round during the week. The game seemed intact so I was feeling pretty good. 

You couldn't have asked for better weather and the course conditions were (though wet in places) pretty good. The greens in particular were rolling true. My mate and I even spent some time at the range and warmed up with a couple of balls. 

My flight teed off from the 15th hole, a longish par 3 (some 170 meters from the blue tee) with water on the left to contend with. I play on this course almost every week and I had been scoring well here the last few weeks. But as nerves would have it, I proceeded to hit a high hook and promptly found the water. Great. My first shot of the day and I find the drink. So I take a drop and manage to escape with a bogey. 

That unfortunately set the tone of the day pretty much. Scores would be calculated using the Stableford method. So even though I managed 5 pars, I imploded on a number of holes (managed a disastrous 10 on the 10th hole) and ended up scoring 102. A case of the nerves really which was rather disappointing, so I need to sort out what goes on between the ears soon. 

But there were some (yes, some) positives to take back and all things considered, I had a pretty good time. There were no entrance fees, so all we had to pay was RM25.00 for the buggy fee and we were treated to a very nice lunch spread and in true Gawai Spirit, the drinkers were very entertained with the ample beer that was served. 

Then came the prize giving and what do you know, I snagged a consolation prize (golf towel) for my efforts. 

Gawai will soon be here (1-2.06.2016) so next week will be a short work week. The highlight of which will be a trip to Jakarta with my KL golf crew for three rounds of golf. Really looking forward to it.

Also underwent some equipment changes in the bag, but I will blog about that another time. 

Langkawi : The Els Club, Teluk Datai

Finally!~ An update!

So over the good Friday weekend last month, the Kaki Golf crew made our long awaited golfing trip to Langkawi where we would take on the renown Els Club at Teluk Datai not once, but two rounds over two days.

"Bestowed the title the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the inaugural World Golf Awards held in November 2014 in Portugal, our award-winning 18 hole par 72 Championship Golf Course provides a grand game experience in one of the world’s most spectacular settings!

Designed by the golf legend Ernie Els as a tribute to the surrounding nature, the 47 hectare course is nestled in a 10 million years old rainforest with a magnificent backdrop of Matchinchang, a primordial mountain range with marbled peaks proudly reaching towards the sky. Stretching all the way to the coast, the course enchants with a mesmerizing view of the emerald green Andaman Sea.

To honor the natural surroundings, the typical bunkers have been substituted by natural ‘hazards’ in form of tropical vegetation and streams, and inspired by the wildlife you are likely to spot during your game, the holes carry names such as Dusky Leaf, Hornbill or Macaque Manor.

State-of-the-art club facilities, buggies equipped with GPS units, professional golf lessons provided by the Troon Golf instructors and bag tags personalized with engraved names avouch a truly sophisticated game experience."

The Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, Par-72 resort course designed by 4-time Major Winner, Ernie Els.
• 6,760 yards from the championship tees and 5,369 yards from the forward tees.
• 5 holes beside the beautiful Andaman Sea
• No bunkers and incorporates the natural fauna of the rainforest at the core of its design.
• Latest model Club Car Precedent buggies equipped with state of the art Visage GPS units
• Practice facilities include an extensive putting green, 6 target greens, and a 50m x 40m grassed tee
• Managed by Troon Golf the world’s leading luxury brand golf management company.

The Clubhouse

• The Hornbill Café seats up to 75 people and provides the perfect place for guests to enjoy a casual dining experience while overlooking the golf course.
• A Golf Shop carrying the latest in international golf and leisure apparel.
• Fully serviced male and female locker facilities

Read more about the Els Club here -

http://www.thedatai.com/langkawi/golf/

I will let the pictures do the talking.

About half an hour's drive from the airport as I recall.

Wonder who this locker belongs too.

State of the art golf buggies equipped with a sweet GPS system no less.

If that isn't enough, every player gets a course layout printout much like a yardage book.

Course conditions were immaculate. Carpet like fairways, manicured greens and lush natural surroundings. 

Fantastic seaside views as well.

Except for some sand from the beach at the sea side hole 17 (natural beach) there really are no bunkers throughout the course. Doesn't make it an easy course by any means though. Challenging course layout, with quick and undulating greens. 

A divot repair tool and a very nice luggage tag. Souvenirs from the Els Club.

The weather was hot and sunny so course conditions were great. Had some trouble trying to figure out the greens but I managed to play some decent golf which was nice. As a friend put it, with conditions and views like this, it doesn't matter if you are playing crap golf. 

On to the ratings.

Staff: 4/5

The moment we arrived at the club, we were greeted with smiles as the attendants took care of our bags. The counter staff (located in the pro shop) were equally friendly and efficient.

The only gripe (I am nitpicking) were the caddies, who didn't seem to know much about yardage or green reads and our caddy in particular seem rather disinterested throughout.  

Everyone else at the club was very friendly, ready to assist and always had a smile. A fine example of well trained staff.

 
Course conditions : 5/5 

One word. Superb. Fairways were carpet like (buggy on course by the way) and greens were manicured and compact. There were a few brown patches on some greens but really nothing to complain about overall. 

Aesthetics : 5/5

Beautiful course. They did a terrific job blending in the course with its natural surroundings. Fantastic views too. 

Amenities : 5/5

Locker rooms were modern, spacious, clean and had everything you would need in a locker room. That and quality toiletries too. 

Golf buggies were state of the art and the GPS system was an added bonus. 

I realized there were no drink huts though. But it wasn't a big deal. You pass the club house when you are crossing over and there were also buggies on course selling drinks. 

But if you find yourself in need of beverages or food, simply order through the GPS system and they will deliver it to you. How's that?

Experience : 5/5
 

While it isn't cheap to play at the Els Club, Teluk Datai (usual rates are RM400++, but make enquiries with the club for special rates if you are in a group) you really get every cents worth.

 

I personally left feeling very satisfied and didn't feel like I was short changed at all. 

 

Needless to say, it was a smart choice to play two rounds.

 

The Els Club, Teluk Datai has received several accolades which were well deserved. It's a must play course in my book and certainly sets a high bench mark for the standard and quality of golf in Malaysia. 

 

Total Score : 24/25