Horizon Hills’s signature offering and star attraction is a RM30 million 18-hole international championship golf course designed by renowned Australian Golf Course Architect, Ross Watson, on a 200-acre naturally undulating golf course and a RM50 million resort clubhouse designed by Argentinean Architect, Ernesto Bedmar with a host of 5-star amenities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, golf & sports shop, F & B outlets and a grand ballroom.

For a more unique experience, Ross Watson has applied the “Risk Reward” design principle to the golf course, preserving the natural terrain of the land, with lots of waterways. Many holes feature dramatic changes in elevation from tee to green. For a long hitter, temptation is to go for the greens on the par-4 of hole 4 and hole 16.

Moreover, hole 17 features a very interesting Island Green, a rather short par-3 of about 130 metres, where accuracy and club selection is important. Hole 18 is a very dramatic finishing hole. For the long and accurate hitters, the temptation is to go for the Island Fairway. Once there, the next shot to the green is a middle-to-long iron on this par-5 hole. Two good shots and an eagle would be waiting.

The unique features of the golf course include classical bunkering with sweeping sand faces. Strategically located cascading waterfalls, pristine ponds and lakes feature throughout the course, posing many interesting challenges to both serious and aspiring golfers alike.

The greens are planted with “Tifeagle”, a new hybrid of Bermudagrass developed exclusively for putting greens in the tropics. “Tifeagle” has proven to be a premier putting surface and it delivers the putting speed, consistency and smooth surface desired and can be groomed to speeds of 11 to 12 on the stimpmeter. “Tifeagle” recovers more quickly from mechanical injury, has better colour, and is extremely drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.

The Tees, Fairways and Roughs are planted with “Seashore Paspalum” (Paspalum vaginatum), a new turfgrass species and cultivars that have a high degree of salt tolerance. This grass has been used extensively in the tropics with consistently good results. It is a lush, low growing turfgrass with a nice texture, provides a good “ball sit” and rich green colour. This grass has rapid grow-in and recovery rate from traffic and divots.

Golf Rates

Weekends refer to Saturday, Sunday morning and State public holiday.

Green Fee – Weekday
Special guest: RM40+ (9 hole) | RM60+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM60+ (9 hole) | RM90+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM80+ (9 hole) | RM120+ (18 hole)

Green Fee – Weekend
Special guest: RM60+ (9 hole) | RM110+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM90+ (9 hole) | RM160+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM120+ (9 hole) | RM220+ (18 hole)

Green Fee – Sunday Afternoon
Special guest: RM50+ (9 hole) | RM90+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM80+ (9 hole) | RM120+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM100+ (9 hole) | RM180+ (18 hole)

Buggy Fee
Special guest: RM30+ (9 hole) | RM60+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM30+ (9 hole) | RM60+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM35+ (9 hole) | RM70+ (18 hole)

Getting There

Close to Singapore and Johor Bahru, Horizon Hills is strategically located in an easily accessible area. The township is about 20 km from the Second Link’s Tuas Checkpoint, 15 km from the port of Tanjung Pelepas, 25 km from Senai Airport and JB city and 70 km from Singapore’s Changi Airport. Horizon Hills is accessible via major highways such as the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, North-South Expressway, Skudai Expressway and Perling Expressway.

Contact

Horizon Hills Resort Berhad (769101-H)
No. 1 Jalan Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor Darul Takzim
Tel : 07-2323166
Fax : 07-2323919
For Reservation, please call +607-2323166
Official Website: Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club

A host of several big championships, Royal Johor Country Club was inaugurated as a nine-hole course in the 1960s, and had its second nine opened in the 70s. Today, this tract is one of Johor’s most popular courses, mainly due to its challenging layout.

It plays to a par-72 and measures 6,964 yards off the championship tee boxes. And of the two nines, the inward stretch is marginally more difficult than the opening nine.

The third hole, a short par-3, is a real gem. With the thick jungle in the background, it features a two-tiered figure-8 like shaped green that is guarded by a cluster of bunkers.

The closing hole is another tough test, stretching 452 yards, this uphill par-4 is not often reached in regulation and has dampened the spirits of many who have not treated it with the respect it deserves.

Facilities: Driving Range, Practice Green, Pro Shop, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Squash Courts, Gym, Billiard Room, Sauna, Massage Service

Location: 3211 Jalan Lerkin, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor

Tel: +607 2233322

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Designer: Datuk Ahmad Adam
Length: 6964 Yards

Related Malaysia Golf Post

• Golf Malaysia
• Johor Golf Courses

Such is the climate here that golfers often play two rounds a day.

It is a well maintained 18-hole tract made up of smooth, rolling Cowgrass fairways and Serangoon greens with mature trees standing sentinel.

Green Fees
Weekdays RM52.50 / After 5pm RM26.25
Sat, Sun, Public Holidays RM84 / After 5pm RM42
Caddie Fee per 9 hole RM10

Playing to a par-71 and stretching 5,579 metres, the Cameron Highlands course has been superbly developed with tough rough that can be punishing in most areas, strategically placed sand bunkers and greens that need to be well read if birdies and pars are to be had.

A walking course, where caddies are provided, this layout might be a difficult highland fling but it is an experience that leaves one in awe as the sights are simply breathtaking.

Crafted immaculately from the indigenous flora and forests of the highlands, it serves up some real picturesque views of the surrounding areas. The green rolling mountain ranges cloak the entire tract, presenting magnificent backdrops to the course.

For those who may just want a brief taste of this beauty, nine holes can be enjoyed in the same vein as a round of 18 holes, after which a quick dash can be made to the resort – just a few minutes away.

The clubhouse has a cafeteria for the thirsty and tired. There is a golf shop, from where players can replenish their accessories.

Accommodation at the resort is some of the finest to be found anywhere. The hardwood furniture and Jim Thompson’s quality fabrics combine to fashion an environment that is not only quaint and charming but also snug and calming.

The resort itself has a selection of Deluxe Room, Two Bedroom Suite, Junior Suite, Cameron Suite and Jim Thompson Suite to choose from. In all, there are 56 well appointed rooms, all of which have a delightful view of the golf course.

Previously, this was an airstrip for light aircraft and a vast open area used for horse riding. Today, what was part of the airstrip is the 487 meter par-5 12th. The pond on the right of the green is where aircraft would be ditched should they overshoot the grass airstrip. The ruins of Baker’s mansion, which had an observation tower, is just outside the perimeter of the club.

As Batu Gajah gradually developed into an important administrative center under the British colonial rule after the First World War, more and more Europeans moved into the area and the club was founded in 1921 with one Dickson Eric Ayton installed as its first president.

It was then just a 9-hole course, with a small wooden clubhouse, set in 45 acres.
In 1998, Kinta embarked on a major development project with the clubhouse remodeled and another nine holes added. This followed in the wake of the club acquiring a further 55 acres of land from the state government.

The expansion project, which was completed in 2001 at a cost of RM 1.5 million, left Kinta with undulating terrain and water bodies that made the tree lined course more scenic and a great deal more challenging.

Set in the tranquility of a secondary jungle, where wild boars often raid the course in search of food, Kelab Golf Kinta prides itself for a well maintained 5590 m tract. Even after heavy downpours, the course is soon playable due to its excellent drainage system.

Unlike most golf courses, which are designed by professionals, this layout has the input of the club members.

Among the most challenging holes are the 5th (168m par3), the 6th (311m par4) and the 17th (155m par3). The water hazards and sand traps are the major obstacles at these holes.

The greens are tricky and demand a good read. Featuring 31 bunkers and seven ponds, they are designed to bring out the best in every golfer.

Kelab Golf Kinta is the ideal place for a family getaway. Not only it is reasonable priced – green fees for 18 holes is RM 48 on weekdays and RM 80 on weekends and public holidays, inclusive of a buggy for two – but the rest of the family can always find some interesting places to visit.

Location: Jalan Changkat, 31000 Batu Gajah,, Perak Darul Ridzuan.

Just over a two hour drive along the North-South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur or Penang, Kinta is ideally located.
Exit at the Simpang Pulai Toll of the North-South Expressway and turn left at the main trunk road towards Gopeng. About 2km from the junction, turn right into Batu Gajah and drive on straight after the flyover. The club is on the right. The back is from the Ipoh-Lumut Highway. Enter Batu Gajah at Bemban and then straight to the club on the left.

Tel: +605 366 7270

Email: Adni2001@tm.net.my

The golf courses may not be as old as the many historical sites and attractions of centuries gone by, but some of them are just as intriguing.

The country’s third smallest state – only Perlis and Penang do not have a bigger area – Malacca has no more than eight golf tracts, one of them a nine hole layout.

Still, for the state known as Negri Bersejarah ( Malay for historical state ) or Negri Hang Tuah ( Hang Tuah Country ), the quality and popularity of the courses are among the best in Malaysia. The best known includes:

A’Famosa Golf Resort is a 27-hole course designed by Ross C. Watson and a distinguished international holiday destination with a long string of activities for the whole family. Golf, though, does take precedence, given its huge drawing power and the layout is a challenging and interesting one. The course itself is split into three nines, which all play to a par-36. The Rocky, Palm and Crocodile Nines have been proficiently craved out of the undulating topography without unduly infringing on the natural terrain.

Tiara Malacca Golf & Country Club is one of the country’s celebrated golf courses and there is good reason for that. This 27-hole layout, made up of three testing nines, was designed by Nelson, Wright & Haworth and serves as a yardstick for Malaysian sport. Comprising the Lake, Meadow and Woodland Nines, Tiara has been superbly crafted over some 400 acres in the Ayer Keroh district of Malacca. With it natural water bodies, sand hazards and tricky greens, it provides an ideal test of one’s ability.

The Orna Golf & Country Club, designed by Andy Dye, not only serves as a day / night facility but also provides golfers of all skill levels with a tough challenge. Indeed, Orna, with its pronounced mounded fairways, has been expertly carved out between slopes with big bunkers and intimidating water hazards. And with the afternoon and evening winds blowing off the Straits of Malacca, this layout can pose some serious questions.

One of Malacca’s premier golf courses, Ayer Keroh Country Club is a 27-hole layout located not more than 10 minute drive from the Ayer Keroh Interchange of the main North-South Highway. The course designed by Tun Ghaffar Baba, the then chief Minister and an avid golfer, is set amidst virgin jungle and was opened in 1964. The design was carefully chartered to retain a significantly large part of the jungle with a view to limiting the damaging ecological impact of the course to a minimum.

There are many other golf resorts scattered around the region. Here’s the list of golf courses in Malacca:

• A’Famosa Golf Resort
• Tiara Malacca Golf and Country Club
• Orna Golf and Country Club
• Bukit Terendak Golf Club
• Ayer Keroh Country Club

Malaysia Golf

• Golf Malaysia
• Johor Golf
• Negri Sembilan Golf

Bukit Terendak is situated within the compound of an army camp and is a 9-hole layout designed by officers of the British Army.

It sits amidst tropical flora and an undulating landscape that is complemented by lakes. Due to its proximity to military barracks, most of the golfers here are army personnel. The club also has a driving range and tennis and squash courts. There are also restaurants and a bar where golfers can unwind and dine.

Facilities: Driving range, tennis and squash courts, restaurants, bar and swimming pool

Location: Kern Terendak, 76200 Malacca

Tel: +606 357 3133 (Extn – 499)

Holes: 9
Par: 36
Designer: British Army Officers

Malaysia Golf

• Golf Malaysia
• Malacca Golf

One of Malacca’s premier golf courses, Ayer Keroh Country Club is a 27-hole layout located not more than 10 minute drive from the Ayer Keroh Interchange of the main North-South Highway.

The course designed by Tun Ghaffar Baba, the then chief Minister and an avid golfer, is set amidst virgin jungle and was opened in 1964.

The design was carefully chartered to retain a significantly large part of the jungle with a view to limiting the damaging ecological impact of the course to a minimum.

Today, the course boasts a variety of species of birds, reptiles and small wildlife that can often be encountered along the fairways.

In the sixties, Ayer Keroh featured two distinct nines – Tunku and Ghaffar. The third nine – the Governor’s Nine – was added in the mid 1990s. The layout has numerous sand bunkers that are strategically placed. Along with other obstacles that help add to the tract’s character, Lake Ayer Keroh also plays a prominent role in providing a demanding test for golfers as several of the holes on the three nines have water coming into play.

The jungle, which lines both sides of the majority of the holes at Ayer Keroh, likewise, standout as a key factor in the overall challenge and, time and time again, [penalizes shots that go astray.

Given the club’s long and distinguished standing in the country’s sports fraternity, Ayer Keroh has played host to many championship events, with the 1989 Malaysian Open ranking as the biggest, and best.

Similarly, there have been notable personalities from the international professional tours of Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States who have walked the fairways of Ayer Keroh. Among them are Myanmar’s Kyi Hla Han, Australian Stephen Leany and American Jeff Maggart.

Thus, a good golfing visit to historical Malacca, for local and foreign guests, should always include a round of golf at Ayer Keroh. Its natural setting will almost ensures a memorable experience. For the non-golfers, the Malacca Zoo and Dataran Malacca are both in proximity and popular tourist spots.

Facilities: Driving range, practice green, practice bunker, golf shop, golfers’ terrace, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts.

Location: 14.5km, Jalan Ayer Keroh, Ayer Keroh 75750, Malacca
Tel: +606 233 2000

Holes: 27 holes
Par: 72
Designer: Tun Gafar Baba
Length: Tunku Nine 3290 m, Ghaffar Nine 3323 m , Governor’s Nine 3154 m

Malaysia Golf

• Golf Malaysia
• Malacca Golf

The Orna Golf & Country Club, designed by Andy Dye, not only serves as a day / night facility but also provides golfers of all skill levels with a tough challenge.

Indeed, Orna, with its pronounced mounded fairways, has been expertly carved out between slopes with big bunkers and intimidating water hazards. And with the afternoon and evening winds blowing off the Straits of Malacca, this layout can pose some serious questions.

It is a 27-hole course that tested the resolve of the professionals at the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School between 2001 and 2003; events that drew players from all over Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States.

The championship layout is made up of East and West courses. It measure 6,697 meters and has a record of nine-under 279, shot by Korean Ted Oh on his way to victory in the 2001 Asian Q School.

The East course stretches 3,297 meters from the black or championship tee boxes and has water as it foremost feature.

On the front nine of this tract, the 505m par-6 seventh hole is always a talking point. It is a double dogleg that careers to the right and tempts the big hitters to thwart the dogleg and lake by taking a Tiger-line to the green in tow. If length and accuracy should work in tandem, then well and good. However, should this situation be reversed and one is somewhat wayward, then a penalty – often a grave one – will be paid.

The longest of the three nine is the West course which measures 3,400 meters from the championship tees. It is also Malacca’s sole course that offers night golfing.

Orna’s signature hole is found on this layout – the 183m par-3 12th. It is certainly an interesting experience, with the tee shot played off an elevated tee box to an island green. Given that there is no bailout here, what with the full water carry, correct club is of primary importance. The safest way to play this hole is to aim for the center of the gently undulating putting surface, with a par being the main objective. But remember to take note when the wind is up, because this could also cause more than a few problems.

The par-5 16th stretches 549 m and also has its own individual character – two fairways on either side of a water body. Thereafter, a tricky undulating green awaits the golfer.

Orna’s championship 18 is closed out with a 424m par-4. Teeing off a hillside, the drive has water carry to a narrow landing area. The fairway and lake are separated by a long bunker that comes into play with errant tee shots. An uphill approach to an undulating green has to negotiate more sand hazards, which dictates that the second shot must be accurate. A par on the index six hole is widely as a job well done.

The third nine – the North course, measures 2,911 meters off the bvlack tee boxes, but is by no means a walk in the park. It has its own trappings and also makes for interesting golf.

Orna has a 44-bay driving range with lighting, a pro shop, gym, golfers’ terrace and coffee house.

The clubhouse is huge and well laid-out. The interior has been stylishly appointed to ensure top-notch hospitality. The Chinese Restaurant can seat 400 while the 700 capacity Banquet hall is ideal for seminars and functions.

Location: Batu 16, Jalan Gapam Ladang Gapam, 77200 Jasin, Malacca

Tel: +606 5210 333

Email: OGCC@maxis.net.my

Website: www.ornateresrot.com.my

Orna is situated less than 10 minutes by road from the Ayer Keroh inter-change and some 25 minutes from the Malacca town centre.

Holes: 27
Par: 72 (Either combination)
Designer: Andy Dye
Length: East Course 3297 m, West Course 3400 m, North Course 2911 m

Malaysia Golf

• Golf Malaysia
• Malacca Golf

Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club is one of the country’s celebrated golf courses and there is good reason for that. This 27-hole layout, made up of three testing nines, was designed by Nelson, Wright & Haworth and serves as a yardstick for Malaysian sport.

Comprising the Lake, Meadow and Woodland Nines, Tiara has been superbly crafted over some 400 acres in the Ayer Keroh district of Malacca. With it natural water bodies, sand hazards and tricky greens, it provides an ideal test of one’s ability.

The lake course, as its name clearly suggests, is influenced by water. However, that is not all as there are a variety of trees and shrubs that line the fairways and add to its appeal.

The finishing ninth hole on the lake course is a 472m par-5 that has water running its entire length on the right and behind the green. A drive that find its place close to the water enjoys the best angle to attack the green and – for the big hitters who are prepared having a go at getting it on in two – paves the way for a possible eagle.

While the Meadow is primarily flat with a scattering of shady palm trees, it does have its own allure.

The par30fourth measures 161 meters and presents the golfer with a shot that demands precision. Here, a right to left draw is the stroke to play – downhill to a small, narrow green that is guarded by a large sand hazard on the left and two pot bunkers at the back.

The Woodland course, situated in the northern part of the complex, is heavily wooded with mature woods which create a tropical jungle effect.

A gem of a golf hole on this nine is the 354m par-4 third. It features two landing areas and those who choose to go left, and are successful, stand a better chance of attacking the green. Playing down the right fairway is safer, but it leaves a somewhat more difficult approach with a full carry over water and sand before finding the green.

The club has numerous amenities, including a driving range, golf shop, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, a restaurant and golfers’ terrace.

Location: Jalan Gapam, Bukit Katil, PO Box 473, 75760 Malacca

Tel: +606 231 1111

Tiara is easily accessible from the Ayer Keroh exit on the North-South Highway, and is an hgour’s drive from Singapore and one and a half hour from Kuala Lumpur. From the Ayer Keroh exit, it is less than 15 minutes drive – turn off left at the traffic lights after the zoo, and proceed straight for 3km.

Holes: 27
Par: 72
Desinger: Nelson, Wright & Haworth
Length: Lake 3107 m, Meadow 3215 m, Woodlands 3292 m

Malaysia Golf

• Golf Malaysia
• Malacca Golf

A 27-hole course designed by Ross C. Watson, A’Famosa Golf Resort is a distinguished international holiday destination with a long string of activities for the whole family.

Golf, though, does take precedence, given its huge drawing power and the layout is a challenging and interesting one.

The course itself is split into three nines, which all play to a par-36. The Rocky, Palm and Crocodile Nines have been proficiently craved out of the undulating topography without unduly infringing on the natural terrain.

The Rocky Nine takes its named from the imposing presence of the boulder outcrops that are found throughout the 3,216m that it measures. Essentially, this nine plays outwards from the clubhouse towards from the clubhouse towards the resort’s boundary with the North-South Highway and then back to the clubhouse.

The signature fourth hole is a boulder-strewn 524m par-4 that runs parallel to the highway on the left.

The Palm Nine, as its name suggests, is characterized by the coconut trees which line the fairways. Picturesque, but with numerous obstacles to give the golfer much to think about, this nine-hole tract is the longest of A’Famosa’s three. It stretches 3,220m from the championship tee boxes. The signature hole is the par-5 fourth that demands a spectacular water carry for the approach as it doglegs to the left.

The Crocodile nine is A’Famosa’s most recently installed and also the shortest at 3.156m. It plays towards the much-acclaimed Water World Theme Park that provides an eye catching backdrop to the fourth green. The 358m par-4 seventh is a gem of a hole as the approach is played over a narrow strait to a peninsula green situated next to a crocodile pit.

Facilities: Driving range, practice green, practice bunker, chipping area, golf shop, golfers’ terrace, restaurant, hotel amenities, theme park

Location: Jalan Kermus, Simpang Empat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Malacca

Tel: +603 2781 8833

Email: sales.group@afamosa.com

Website: www.afamosa.com

Holes: 27
Par: 72 (Either combination)
Designer: Ross C. Watson
Length: Rocky Nine 3216m, Palm Nine 3220m, Crocodile Nine 3156m

Malaysia Golf

• Golf Malaysia
• Malacca Golf