Desaru Coast, Johor– The Els Club Desaru Coast is embarking on an exciting new chapter, announcing the appointment of a dynamic trio of experts to lead key departments.
Strategically appointed by Harris Abdullah, General Manager of The Els Club Desaru Coast, Yong Fan Wee, Edwin Check and Paul Angell will take up the roles of Director of Agronomy, Director of Sales & Marketing and Head Golf Professional, respectively.
The appointments enhance the club’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of golf and guest experience, elevating the standards of service, course management, and business strategies to drive strong growth in its five-year plan.
Yong Fan Wee, the new Director of Agronomy, brings thirty years of golf course maintenance experience. Rising from Assistant Supervisor to Director, he has a deep understanding of managing course ecosystems. “The opportunity to build on the excellent work already in place, and to create a thriving environment for both our team and the golfers, is really inspiring,” said Fan Wee.
“Supported by my fantastic colleagues, I am committed to building on my predecessor’s foundation with a strategic approach, improving the golf course quality and mentoring future industry talent, creating a channel to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.”
Edwin Check steps into the role of Director of Sales & Marketing, where he will spearhead initiatives to attract new clients, secure corporate partnerships, and host events. His previous leadership roles include Director of Sales & Marketing for Nike Golf in Southeast Asia and Head of the TaylorMade-Adidas Golf division in Malaysia and Singapore.
Recognized for his decisive leadership and proactive approach, he excels in building strong business relationships and executing effective marketing strategies in competitive markets.
“Joining The Els Club Desaru presents a great opportunity to enhance the club’s visibility and offerings,” said Check. “The focus will be on building partnerships and creating innovative marketing initiatives that connect with current clients and newcomers, all while supporting the club’s goals and strengthening the golfing community.”
Completing the team is Paul Angell, who joins as Head Golf Professional at the Els Performance Golf Academy, bringing over 15 years of international coaching experience. A British PGA Professional, Paul has honed his skills across the globe, coaching in diverse locations including England, the Maldives, Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, and the UAE. His extensive background enables him to offer an experienced, dynamic approach to golf instruction, ensuring that the students receive world-class coaching tailored to their individual needs.
“There’s a mission with The Els Performance Golf Academy to continue elevating golfers to their highest potential, and this aligned wholly with my own principles,” said Angell. “My goal is to create a supportive environment where each student can thrive and enjoy the game while improving their skills.”
Under the leadership of General Manager Harris Abdullah, this trio will bring fresh energy and innovative strategies to the club, ensuring that The Els Club Desaru Coast remains at the forefront of its community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Yong, Edwin, and Paul to The Els Club Desaru Coast,” said Abdullah. “Their expertise and passion for golf will enhance the experience for everyone and help us create a vibrant community that nurtures growth and enthusiasm for the game.
“Each member of this new team brings a unique perspective and skill set that will help us innovate and expand our offerings, ensuring that every visit to the club is memorable and fulfilling.”
For more information about the new leadership team or latest news and offerings, please visit The Els Club Desaru Coast website.
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ABOUT THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST
The 45-hole property in Desaru Coast, Johor, boasts two Championship courses designed by World Golf Hall of Fame members. The Ocean Course, designed by the club’s namesake and four-time major champion, Ernie Els, is set on one of the most spectacular plots of land anywhere in the world. Overlooking the South China Sea, the course can comprise any two of the three 9-hole courses on-site, offering individual variability. Each layout has its own character and personal touches by Els, but they all take inspiration from the famous links courses spread across the UK, with vast rolling greens and tight run-off areas designed to place a premium on a sharp short game. The Valley Course is an 18-hole golf course designed by major champion Vijay Singh and jointly developed with Ernie Els Design. The course traverses the valleys and stream of Desaru Coast with significant elevation changes providing the most eye-catching vistas. The 18-hole championship golf course covers approximately 41 hectares with 187 bunkers. Complementing the two fantastic golf venues, each class boasts a full-service clubhouse. The Ocean Course clubhouse is a dramatic masterpiece; at 45,000 square feet, it is also home to the 261 Bar and Restaurant; the ultimate 19th hole, and the world-renowned Big Easy Bar & Grill; set against the backdrop of the Club’s remarkably scenic golf course and the South China Sea vistas. The Valley Course clubhouse is an al fresco dining area named Lembah, associated with its traditional golf club setup. Each The Els Club Desaru Coast course has state-of-the-art practice facilities, including a short game area, grass teeing grounds, and The Els Performance Academy. The practice facilities are the perfect place to hone one’s game.
ABOUT DESARU COAST
Desaru Coast is a premium, integrated destination resort in Malaysia with a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and One & Only Desaru Coast. The destination is also home to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast – one of the world’s biggest waterparks; Desaru Coast Conference Centre – a fully equipped conference facility; the Els Club Desaru Coast – 45 holes of golf in total with two distinct clubs, Ocean Course and Valley Course, and Desaru Coast Riverside – a 23-acre water-front landscaped retail and lifestyle village. The recently completed Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal will provide direct access from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the destination in just 90 minutes. Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn.Bhd. (“DH1”) is the master developer of Desaru Coast and is a subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn.Bhd. (“DDC”) within the Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd. Group of companies
ABOUT ERNIE ELS DESIGN
Ernie Els Design is a full-service golf course design company wholly owned by its principal, four-time major champion, and World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els. The international scope of Ernie’s 70 professional career victories is mirrored in the increasingly global reach of his designs, with signature courses and renovations impacting emerging and established golf markets. Ernie Els Design enjoys unique relationships with the world’s finest developers who share the company’s ambitions, creating attractive destinations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development and sound environmental practices. Since its formation in 2000, the company has received global recognition with a string of prestigious accolades. Notably, in 2015 Ernie was voted “Designer of the Year” at the World Golf Awards. In addition, many of Ernie’s signature courses have won prestigious industry awards, including “Best New Golf Course in the World” for The Els Club Teluk Datai in 2014. In 2016, it became the first layout in the Ernie Els Design portfolio to be listed in Golf Digest’s prestigious ‘World Top-100’.
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