Meticulous and careful upgrade by in-house agronomy team offers a more beautiful and consistent play
Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia – The Ridge Course at The Els Club Desaru Coast reopened on April 1 following a comprehensive 12-month enhancement programme carried out entirely by the club’s agronomy team.
The work on the Ridge Course, one of the three nines at the Ernie Els Signature Design Ocean Course, reflects the venues commitment in delivering an exceptional golf experiences while maintaining the integrity of its original design. The Els Club Desaru Coast is managed by Troon with the work supported Troon’s international division.
Fairways have been carefully re-grassed to deliver healthier and more consistent playing surfaces, while all bunkers have been fully refurbished with new sand. In addition, bunker drainage systems have been upgraded to ensure optimal performance in varying weather conditions. The work reflects a structured agronomic approach consistent with Troon International agronomy standards across its global portfolio.
“The reopening of the Ridge Course marks an important milestone for us. This improvement initiative demonstrates our ongoing dedication to elevating the golf experience, ensuring our courses remain among the finest in the region. We look forward to welcoming golfers to experience these improvements firsthand,” said The Els Club Desaru Coast General Manager Harris Abdullah.
Landscaping improvements have also been introduced to further highlight the natural coastal beauty of the course, creating a more visually striking and enjoyable experience for golfers. To complement the refreshed course conditions, a new fleet of golf carts will be introduced, offering enhanced comfort and convenience throughout the round.
“These enhancements were carried out entirely by our own team, reflecting our long-term commitment to quality and playability,” said Yong Fan Wee, the Director of Agronomy. “Our focus has been on delivering smoother fairways, well-defined bunker and overall course conditioning that enhances both playability and visual appeal.”
The project has been supported throughout by Troon International, the international division of Troon, the world’s largest golf hospitality management company. David Lunardelli, Director of Agronomy & Operations, Asia Pacific, Troon, said: “These enhancements further reinforce The Els Club Desaru Coast’s commitment to providing world-class facilities aligned with Troon’s focus on quality across our international portfolio. The team has truly delivered measurable improvements in turf quality and infrastructure while preserving the original design, ensuring the Ridge Course performs to the expectations of both local and international golfers.”
To celebrate the reopening, golfers will have the exclusive opportunity throughout April 2026 to experience all three nines of the Ocean Course – Ridge, Coast and Lakes Course within a single month. This limited-time availability comes ahead of the Lakes Course entering its next phase of major renovation beginning May 1, 2026.
“With the reopening of the Ridge Course and the opportunity to experience all three nines this April, we are excited to offer golfers a truly unique experience at Desaru Coast. Together with our resort partners, this also presents an ideal time for travellers to plan a complete golf getaway destination,” said Director of Sales & Marketing Edwin Check.
With its enhanced conditions and breathtaking coastal setting, the reopening marks an exciting new chapter for The Els Club Desaru Coast, inviting golfers to rediscover the Ridge Course at its very best.
For more information about the club or latest news and offerings, please visit The Els Club Desaru Coast website.
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 170 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
Offering The Coast and More, Desaru Coast is a gem by the sparkling blue of the South China Sea in Johor, Malaysia – a multifaceted destination sprawling across 4,000 acres designed for both intimate holidays and grand events.
Whether travel is for business or pleasure, rejuvenating tropical experiences that are appealing to all await leisure and adventure seekers looking for vibrant outdoor living in a natural and authentic environment.
Home to globally recognised resorts including Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, the destination offers a diverse range of accommodations with a curated Malaysian flair.
Golf enthusiasts can indulge in The Els Club Malaysia Desaru Coast, which boasts 45 holes spread across two exceptional courses: the Ocean Course by Ernie Els, and the Valley Course designed in collaboration with Vijay Singh.
The destination also features Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, a major attraction known as one of the world’s largest waterparks. Additionally, the Desaru Coast Conference Centre provides top-notch facilities for events, while the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal provides international connectivity with ferry services directly from Singapore.
Its convenient location in the southeastern region of Johor – easily accessible by road, air, and sea – makes it a sought-after destination for tourists worldwide. Desaru Coast earned recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places of 2021”, and has received a multitude of industry accolades.
Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd. is the master developer of Desaru Coast, and is a subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. within the Destination Resorts and Hotel Sdn. Bhd. group of companies.
For more information, visit https://www.desarucoast.com/
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’.
ABOUT TROON INTERNATIONAL
Troon International is the international division of Troon and the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services outside the Americas. Operating across 60-plus courses in more than 20 countries, Troon International is globally renowned for its excellence in creating extraordinary guest and member experiences by delivering superior service, exceptional amenities, and world-class playing surfaces. Troon International is based in Dubai, UAE, and is one of the primary brands within Troon, the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, providing services at locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries. In addition to private, daily fee, resort and municipal golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design and RF DesignStudio, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
For media inquiries and additional information, please contact:
Nurul Farahin Samsari
Senior Marketing Executive, The Els Club Desaru Coast
Mobile: +6013 994 2210
Edwin Check
Director of Sales & Marketing, The Els Club Desaru Coast
Mobile: +60 19 332 0021
Roddy Williams
The Azalea Group
Tel: +44 (0)1730 711931
Clinton Norris
Troon International
+971.56.687.6116
