Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH), strategic owner and developer of world class resort destinations, established by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm, Kazanah Nasional Berhard, has unveiled plans at two stunning locations in Malaysia for Asia’s first ever Els Clubs. The developments include the 18-hole championship course at Teluk Datai located on the island of Langkawi in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The second of the developments is a 27-hole design at the highly-anticipated Desaru Coast, located on the South China Sea in south eastern Johor. The 27-hole championship course aptly named the Ocean 9, Lake 9 and Ridge 9 form the Els Club Desaru Coast. Teluk Detai is set for official opening in October 2013, with Desaru following soon after in Q3 2014 creating two exclusive golf clubs offering an experience unmatched in the region.
Both golf courses have been created by Ernie Els Design, the esteemed design business set up by its name sake, four-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee. The project will establish each golf course as major attractions for Asian and international golf visitors, as the allure of Els’ first Southeast Asian project sees continued interest and excitement as the project nears completion.
The properties will be managed by Troon Golf, the global leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing. The Troon team will be led by Ken Kosak, who recently relocated following a 9 year stint in the UAE, where he was Group General Manager for Troon Golf in Abu Dhabi overseeing the highly acclaimed Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
Nadziruddin Basri, the Managing Director of DRH commented, “A project as high profile as this requires expertise of the highest order. We have undertaken much due diligence in identifying our partners. Ernie and his design team share our vision in creating one of the world’s most distinct golf experiences. Troon will bring their industry leading services and expertise to ensure the product and experience fall in line with our vision. Within these appointments we required individuals that understood the requirements of a development of this nature and who could meet the challenges head on. Ken has been one of Troon’s leading General Managers having won several awards for his leadership and with his diverse international and tournament experience at some of the world’s top clubs we felt he was the man for the job. Together with the course conditions and attention to detail that Marcus brings with him we are confident Troon have provided a team that will manage our requirements and deliver a world class product”.
Kosak, a 20 year industry veteran who took position as Group General Manager – Golf Operations in October 2012 added, “This is one of the most exciting golf projects in the world. We have an owner with a great ambition and vision and a course design team that has proven to be one of the finest in the world of golf. Coupled with the service standards and course conditions Troon is renowned for, we are committed to setting the standard for the Els Club Malaysia, as we strive to become one of Asia’s finest golf developments.”
In addition to Ken Kosak, Marcus Hartup, Kosak’s colleague from Troon Golf Abu Dhabi has joined the team as Group Director of Agronomy. Marcus, who oversaw agronomy at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for Troon, will be responsible for leading the agronomy programs and delivering a first class product for the ownership group for both projects in Malaysia. Hartup is experienced in delivering world class surfaces and managing a team of experts in conjunction with Troon’s global agronomy team to create a golf course of international recognition.
Destination Resorts and Hotels www.drh.com.my
Troon Golf www.troongolf.com