What comes to your mind when you hear Malaysia? Natural beauty, greenery and beaches. The cherry on top is that it’s heaven for golfers!
Malaysia is known to have the best golf clubs in Asia. Many international tournaments are hosted in Asia; therefore, Malaysian golf clubs are well-equipped with top-notch facilities.
While golf might seem like a foreign sport peculiar to the Malaysian landscape, it’s a booming industry. This is evidenced by how much revenue is generated in the golf equipment industry, which is calculated to have a 5.68% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate). In 2023 alone, the golf equipment industry in Malaysia generated $132.90 million.
Summary
Top 7 Golf Spots in Malaysia’s Highlands:
- Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort
- Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club
- Templer Park Country Club
- Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club
- Bukit Unggul Country Club
- Bukit Jawi Golf Resort
- Mount Kinabalu Golf Club
What are the Top 7 Golf Spots in Malaysia’s Highlands?
As a recognised expert in this field, my team and I played several tournaments in Malaysia. After extensive research, I have highlighted the top 7 golf spots in Malaysia Highlands that golfers should not miss for their next tour.
Are you excited about discovering Malaysia’s best golf courses? Me too! So let’s get started.
1. Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort
Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort is a five-star resort located 3,100 feet above sea level, and it provides breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and valleys. A heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa are just a few of the resort’s many recreational amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course.
The Malaysian Open and the Asia Pacific Golf Championship were played on the course, among other illustrious competitions. That’s not all, as the hotel provides a range of golf packages, including lodging, green fees, and other extras.
Although walk-in is accepted, reserving tee times in advance is always advisable, especially during the busiest months, such as during holiday seasons or special festivals.
Price Rate | Walk-in Rack Rates
9 Holes: RM144 2x 9 Holes: RM240 Hotel Guests Rack Rates 9 Holes: RM120 2x 9 Holes: RM200 |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Facilities & Amenities |
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2. Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club
Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club is one of the highest golf courses in the world, and it is located in a valley at 5,000 feet above sea level.
There have been numerous prestigious competitions, such as the Malaysian Open, Asia Pacific Golf Championship, and World Golf Championships at Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club. Amateur golfers also love the course because of its difficult layout and breathtaking scenery.
Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club has everything you might need from a perfect golf course – a driving range, putting green, chipping green, club rental, pro shop, caddy service, a restaurant, and a bar. Numerous conference and meeting spaces are available at the club.
With my long and playful experience at Golf, I can truly say what makes Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club such a great place to play is because of some of its features:
- The golf course is challenging but fair. Golfers of all skill levels will find the course challenging; however, the good news is that they can modify the course’s challenge by selecting from various tee boxes.
- The views are absolutely gorgeous. The course is in a lovely area with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and valleys.
- The staff is super-welcoming and accommodating. Golfers can always count on the Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club staff for assistance. Additionally, they are very knowledgeable about the subject and can offer valuable pointers and counsel.
Price Rate | Member: RM1,000 per month
Corporate Member: RM10,000 per year Junior Member: RM500 per month Guest of Member: RM200 per round Walk-in: RM300 per round |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Facilities & Amenities |
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3. Templer Park Country Club
Having been featured in reputable publications, I can attest that this picturesque club is one of the best golf spots in Malaysia Highlands. This 18-hole course has a majestic limestone hill overlooking it set in a lush tropical environment!
This distinctive golf course, surrounded by nature’s wonders, offers golfers the most breathtaking view of Bukit Takun and its lush green rainforest.
What I loved most about this club was its Templer Park Country Club onsen facility. The Onsen is a well-deserved break after a taxing round of golf because it uses naturally occurring, purified water that flows from the limestone hills of the nearby Templer Park Forest Reserve.
The soothing effects of the water’s mineral ingredients relax your body and mind in addition to helping to relieve fatigue and muscle pain. Templer Park Country Club, which has a strong maintenance culture, has stood the test of time and continues to offer golfers of all skill levels a revitalising golfing challenge.
Price Rate | Green Fee:
Monday to Friday: Member: RM80 Guest: RM200 Senior Citizen: RM100 Saturday & Sunday: Member: RM100 Guest: RM230 Senior Citizen: RM120 Buggy Fee: RM70 |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM |
Facilities & Amenities |
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4. Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club
In the Readers Poll by Golf Malaysia Magazine, Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club was voted “Top 20 Best Golf Course in Malaysia 2010/2011”. Hole No. 17, their signature hole, was voted “4th Most Scenic Hole in Malaysia 2010/2011.
It all starts at Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club, the ideal golf getaway location. From experience, the enthusiasts will have a spectacular tee-off, especially on Hole 12.
They will be mesmerised by lush vegetation, light high clouds, and mountainside courses. Low humidity and cool mountain air contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable golfing experience with lovely hilly settings.
With slope ratings of 133 for Blue T-Box, 129 for White T-Box, and 125 for Red T-Box, golfers of all skill levels can choose to play to their hearts’ content, whether for a challenging round of golf or just for fun.
Price Rate | Member: RM1,000 per month
Corporate Member: RM10,000 per year Junior Member: RM500 per month Guest of Member: RM200 per round Walk-in: RM300 per round |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Facilities & Amenities |
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5. Bukit Unggul Country Club
Ronald Fream, a renowned American architect, etched the 5,858-meter-long 18-hole course into a 65-hectare valley. It is a work of natural wonder. First-time golfers here immediately fall in love with each hole’s distinctive character and difficulty level.
The challenging, hilly course requires perseverance and careful club selection. A thorough fairway and green maintenance program implemented by the management here guarantees enjoyable rounds for golfers of all skill levels.
Price Rate | Weekdays (Monday-Friday):
Member: RM78 Guest: RM118 Senior Citizen: RM78 Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): Member: RM98 Guest: RM208 Senior Citizen: RM98 Buggy Fee: RM40 |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM |
Facilities & Amenities |
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6. Bukit Jawi Golf Resort
This 36-hole, par-72, international championship golf course is located on 315 acres of undulating terrain with fairways lined with palm trees. The golf course has every component necessary for a game that is both enjoyable and difficult. The greens are Bermuda Tifdwarf, and the fairways and tee boxes are carpeted with Zoysia Matrella.
At 6,385 meters, the longer Hill Course is a championship 18-hole with a par-72 rating. Every element of a golfer’s game, from stroke accuracy and distance to course management, is tested by the course’s long, undulating fairways and strategically placed hazards.
The Hill Course’s typically good-width fairways will entice big hitters, even though six or seven require blind, uphill drives from the tee. Thanks to effective bunkering – a row of palm trees and other tree species that benefit every fairway.
The Lake Course is another 18-hole, par-72 course with a distance of 6,163 metres. The Lake Course offers many of Bukit Jawi’s most aesthetically pleasing holes while also testing your shot-making and course-management skills in equal measure.
Since there are many elevation changes, water lurks dangerously on more than half of the course, and there are a few tight doglegs to negotiate, accuracy rather than length is frequently more important here.
Price Rate | Walk-in Rack Rates:
9 Holes: RM144 2x 9 Holes: RM240 Hotel Guests Rack Rates: 9 Holes: RM120 2x 9 Holes: RM200 |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Last issuance of golf balls at 5 pm) |
Facilities & Amenities |
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7. Mount Kinabalu Golf Club
The foothills of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain, are home to the rugged and beautiful Mount Kinabalu Golf Club.
The course is renowned for its sharp elevation shifts, wavy greens, and strategically placed bunkers. Numerous animals, such as monkeys, deer, and snakes, call it home.
Many golfers agree that this 18-hole course’s constant winds, steep slopes, and surrounding mists make it physically and mentally difficult. I second that.
Both amateur and professional golfers enjoy playing at Mount Kinabalu Golf Club. To accommodate golfers of all skill levels, the course provides a variety of tee boxes.
The first nine holes of the course wind through Mount Kinabalu’s foothills. Despite being relatively short, the holes are difficult because of the elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers.
The back nine holes are more challenging, with steeper elevation changes and more constrained fairways. An especially difficult par 4, the 18th hole features a downhill tee shot and a green shielded by a water hazard.
Price Rate | Member: RM140 per round
Guest of Member: RM200 per round Walk-in: RM250 per round |
Operating Hours | Golf Course: Daily 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Driving Range: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Facilities & Amenities |
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Overview of The Golf Spots in Malaysia Highlands
Golf Spots | Par | Length (Yards) | Course Rating | Slope Rating |
Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort | 71 | 6357 | 71.3 | 113 |
Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club | 71 | 6400 | 71.0 | 132 |
Templer Park Country Club | 72 | 6288 | 71.1 | 126 |
Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club | 72 | 6312 | 70.7 | 121 |
Bukit Unggul Country Club | 72 | 5858 | 70.8 | 125 |
Bukit Jawi Golf Resort | 72 | 6385 | 71.1 | 126 |
Mount Kinabalu Golf Club | 72 | 6777 | 74.2 | 121 |
What is So Special about Golf Spots in Highlands?
Golf spots in Malaysia’s highlands offer super mesmerising views of lush landscapes with cool and crisp air breezing through, making a person feel nothing but one with nature.
Then again, most of these regions have golf courses with expansive views of mountains, forests, and valleys, offering a perfectly beautiful and tranquil setting to play. Couple that with the green vegetation and clean air, you are in for a wholesome golfing experience.
With a deep understanding of the subject, the courses are difficult to play. Their layouts and terrains are intended to challenge your golfing abilities while adding variety to the game. This is all thanks to the highlands’ hilly and wavy terrain. This is a totally different experience than the Singaporean Golf Courses.
Now, I would be sarcastic here, but there’s a silver lining.
This variety of terrain is exactly what makes the game more engaging. This is because all these elevations invite meticulously practised and strategic shots, making the game infinitely more interesting.
On top of that (pun intended), the high golf spots in Malaysia Highlands are generally quieter, meaning that they are significantly less congested than urban areas for a peaceful round of golf.
Couple that with the fact that the golf clubs offer excellent amenities, so you have everything you need for an enjoyable round.
Lastly, the highlands golf courses have the indubitable potential to be a significant tourist attraction. This is particularly beneficial as golf tourism can strengthen the local economy by luring golfers worldwide and generating numerous job opportunities.
Which Golf Spot in Malaysia Highlands is The Best?
Golf spots in Malaysia Highlands offer a unique experience and have their special charm. However, if I were to pick one based on my expertise and experience, I would choose the Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort. Here are the reasons:
Spectacular Setting
Located 3,100 feet above sea level, this golf course offers breathtaking views of nearby mountains and valleys. The high altitude provides a refreshing and cool climate, making it an ideal setting for golf.
Championship Heritage
The course has a rich history, hosting prestigious tournaments like the Malaysian Open and the Asia Pacific Golf Championship. Playing on this course allows you to follow golfing legends’ footsteps.
Full Recreational Amenities
The resort offers more than just golf. It has a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and a spa, ensuring you can relax and unwind after your game. You might not be impressed by all these fasciitis, but if I were to take out my time to golf, I surely would need additional facilities or services to destress.
Golf Packages
Awana Genting Highlands offers a range of packages, including lodging, green fees, and more. This makes it convenient for golfers looking for a complete golfing experience.
Final Words
Do you crave the serenity of highland landscapes, the crisp mountain air, and the panoramic views accompanying your rounds of golf? The highlands of Malaysia offer all this and more, akin to a golfer’s dream painted on nature’s canvas.
But which of these splendid courses is your personal favourite? Is it the championship heritage of Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort or the serene onsen retreat at Templer Park Country Club? Like choosing the perfect club for the right shot, the answer may depend on your unique preferences.
While Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort is my choice, it’s important to note that all the golf courses mentioned in this article have unique qualities, and the best one for you ultimately depends on your preferences.
Whether you find yourself amidst the misty slopes of Mount Kinabalu or the lush vegetation of Berjaya Hills, the experience is bound to be more than just a game. It’s a journey through the heart of golf spots in Malaysia’s highlands, where every fairway matters.
Happy Golfing!
FAQs
What is the average price rate for playing at the golf course in Malaysia’s highlands?
The average price for golf in Malaysia’s highlands varies between clubs, typically ranging from RM100 to RM300 for a round.
What is the most expensive place to golf in Malaysia?
Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club is often considered one of the more expensive options in Malaysia’s highlands.
How many golf courses are there in Malaysia?
Malaysia boasts over 200 golf courses, catering to a diverse range of preferences and skill levels.
What should I prepare to golf at the highlands?
To enjoy golf in the highlands, bring comfortable golf attire, appropriate footwear, your golf clubs if preferred, and an appetite for a memorable experience.
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