Golf Courses in Langkawi
Golfing in Langkawi
Langkawi has already established itself as one of the top golfing destinations in Asia. This tiny island has three fantastic championship golf courses with full amenities. They have been all designed by expert overseas golf course architects. Where else will you find sprawling courses that are either nestled in lush greenery at the foothill of mountains or right at the ocean front offering some of the prettiest views to the golfers.
There are three 18-hole golf courses in Langkawi. One at the Datai Area at the base of Mount Mat Cincang known as the The ELS Club, Teluk Datai (it is also known as the Rainforest Course). The second is the Gunung Raya Golf Resort located at the base of the highest Mountain of Langkawi, the Gunung Raya. And the third is 99 East Golf Club located close to Kuah Town and facing the beautiful Kuah bay.
The ELS Club: Rainforest Course Photo: alhafis, cc by 3.0
But the most encouraging fact about the Langkawi golf courses is, they are continuously upgraded and amenities added. For example The old Langkawi Golf Course which was the first one in the island, has been revamped in 2012 to a brand new course which is now know as the 99 East Golf Club.
The Gunung Raya Golf Resort has added a new clubhouse with many amenities including a cafe and a pro shop. Datai Bay Golf Course is being completely revamped. There is huge investment pouring in to make the island as one of the top golfing destinations in the world.
Best time to play golf in Langkawi
While golf can be played in Langkawi through out the year, the best season or the months are between October to April when the humidity is lowest and there is no rain. The temperature however remains more or less the same in this tropical island all through the year. If you are coming to Langkawi for a golfing vacation during the high season, you should reserve the tee time in advance.
The Golf Courses
All the golf courses in Langkawi offer carts, golf set/equipment rentals and restaurant services. Here is more about the individual golf courses in Langkawi:
This 18-hole par-72, 6228 meters picturesque golf course is located centrally at the foothill of the Mountain Gunung Raya. It spreads across a sprawling 300 acres of area having fascinating views of the mountains and the rainforests all around. The course is designed by the American Golf Architect Max Wexler.
The Golf Club offers several facilities including a Club House, a cafe making delectable local cuisine, a patio overlooking the greens, a pro shop, buggies, golf equipment rentals, shower rooms & storage lockers etc.
Located at the north western end of the island and nestled in the rainforest of Mount Mat Cincang, this golf course has been consistently rated as one of the best in Asia. It is a 18-hole par 72 and 5994 meters long golf course. Towards the east, it slopes down to wonderful vista of the Andaman sea.
Photo: The ELS Club, Teluk Datai
This ELS Club too offers full facilities including driving range, practice green with chipping areas along with sand bunkers, large putting green, a nice cafe overlooking the course and offering casual dining experience and drinks, fully stocked pro shop, shower rooms & storage lockers, buggies, golf equipment rentals etc.
The earlier Langkawi Golf Course has been reborn as 99 East Golf Club and was re-opened in 2012 as a brand new 18-hole par 72, 7330 yards course. It is located at a close distance from Kuah town. The course has been designed by the Australian Golf Architect Ross Watson.
Photo: 99 East Golf Club, Langkawi
It is managed on an ongoing basis by the US based Troon Golf which manages many other championship golf courses through out the world. So you can expect a fantastic experience here with modern amenities. The Golf Club has a Club House, a restaurant serving nice food & beverages, locker rooms, pro shop etc.
Golfing Fees
Golfing in Langkawi is meant for the upper strata of residents and luxury class tourists, because the rates are certainly not pocket friendly for the regular budget class tourists. However, the rates vary between the golf clubs... the highest rates being charged by The ELS Club Teluk Datai because it is associated with The Datai Resort ... a 5-star luxury resort located in Datai Bay area.
However, all golf clubs in Langkawi welcome visitors to play daily. Green fees in 99 East Golf Club (9 hole) is around RM250 per person including cart, in Gunung Raya Golf Resort is around RM318 for 18 hole including cart, and in The ELS Club (18 hole) is around RM595 with buggy. If you prefer to walk, then you pay reduced green fees. You can also rent golf clubs, shoes etc. There are also beginners learning courses offered by Gunung Raya Golf Resort and The ELS Club... these are usually group courses.
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Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Dr.S.Nagarajan (November 2021)
There are three golf courses on this island. Datai ELS course is the best maintained one. Gunang Raya has beautiful layout but very poorly maintained. 99 East Club course right on peak and within the Kuah town, the original 9 hole layout is very badly maintained.
The island of Langkawi could be a great golf destination if these two golf courses are maintain well. My recent visit and playing on Gunung Raya and Club 99 East was very disappointing. Lets develop these courses and make Langkawi a great golf destination.
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