Penang Golf Club (formerly known as Bukit Jambul Golf Club) was built in 1984. It has recently been placed under new Japanese ownership and given a much needed upgrade to make it more competitive and popular to the world outside Penang. It has undergone a major facelift and reopened in November 2012. The original course design has been retained with cosmetic changes. Club entrance: My golfing experience started at the bag drop-off area where I was much welcomed by friendly staff. The starter and caddy-master were gracious and gave a very good first impression of the club. I was met at the registration counter by an equally welcoming manager who was kind enough to provide me with light banter and local info about the club and members. Changing room: The changing room however was very average in terms of appearance but kudos to them for keeping it very clean, with adequate toiletries and full air-conditioning throughout. The showers had good pumps running the water so no problems with having a clean bath. Course playability: Tee boxes: The tee boxes are maintained with the right kind of combination to me: flat planes to give you stability & consistency at every drive and proper maps with lengths in metres. I was glad I did not have to survey any tee box before any shot, you can simply place your ball along any side and you’re good to go. Fairways: It now has new Bermuda turf on its fairways which is maintained very well. For normal days (as opposed to competition days) the 1st cut and the rough have been trimmed, so in general you would not complain too much about losing your ball off the fairway. Although as with any golf course, you should know which side of the fairway to place your tee-shot to get the best angle for your approach. The cart paths have been lengthened & upgraded to allow better turning radii and generally is a safer and smoother ride. To make the course even more friendly for amateur golfers like me, the club allows buggies on fairways too. For me, this makes the course much more playable and reduces stress in terms of selecting the proper clubs for your next shot, having your buggy and golf bag right next to your ball for your approach shots. Greens: The new upgrades have given Tidwarf grass for its greens and some modifications to make it more challenging and exciting. Personally, I give the greens a 2-thumbs up as the new undulations can been deemed as an upgrade and require much thought and consideration as opposed to simple flat lies at some golf courses. Some greens even have multi-tiering that require a fully calibrated yardage to reach the pin at the correct plateau. Caddy: The caddy that I was given had adequate local knowledge of the course and the greens. He was very friendly and professional to his task so I do not have much complaints at all. Although I was told that currently they have many Indonesian caddies under training there, therefore I would implore you to call and enquire about the availability of local experienced caddies beforehand. Overall summary: In summary, as a first timer there, I was very impressed with the overall feel of the course. This golf club is matured and on a lot of holes you know you are playing at gem of a course. The front 9 is located more along the boundaries with external roads so you can catch a glimpse of the neighbourhood outside. You even have a sense that on an island such as Penang, this is like a private getaway with tranquillity and serenity that gives you that added exclusivity whilst playing here. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone willing to bring along their golf set up north. Rating: 8/10 * Contributed by Prom
2 Comments
Tucked away amidst the idyllic suburb of Johor Bahru is Ponderosa Golf & Country Club, just 15 minutes from the city centre. Intimidating to golfers of all levels, this superb 18-hole layout promises compelling golf experience and service with a smile. Ponderosa is a perfect hideaway where one can enjoy many features including a great restaurant and relaxing pool. The clubhouse reflects a timeless ambience of grandeur, elegance and style while the whole development mirrors an eco-friendly concept. Owned by Bonanza Resorts Sdn Bhd, which is co-owned by the Kuok Group, Lee Rubber Group and Tai Tak Group, the property is managed by professionals in their respective fields. "Malaysia's Southern Gateway to Night Golfing" PONDEROSA, which derives its name from a well known American pine, is also the name of the famous cattle ranch in the hugely popular television series “Bonanza” in the 70's. For more information on the golf course, please visit their website. Holes 18 holes Par 72 Accommodation Available - A Total Of 16 Guest Rooms only Pro Shop Available - MST Golf Driving Range Available - open till 10pm Changing Room Very large and spacious. F&B The golfer's terrace offers both local and international dishes. Drink Huts Not available. You can order the cold box and fill it up with bottled drinks at a cost. Caddy Available upon request. Other Services Nil Rates RM165 nett weekday & RM260 nett weekends (am) (excluding caddy) AGSSG Rates With 'Special Arrangements' only (minimum 1 flight) GBWL Likes & DislikesAt first, one can get very confused with the location of this course as there's also a nearby golf course with very similar name. The locals call this place "Palm Resort". As you enter the resort area, you will see the hotel main building. The course is to the left of that building. Palm Resort offers three 18-hole award-winning golf courses aptly named after exotic Malaysian flora – the Allamanda, Cempaka and Melati. Designed by the master, Hiromasa Inagawa, the courses cover 800 acres of undulating hills and scenic lakes that offer varying degrees of challenges that would tempt any golfer to conquer its terrain. The greens are the very place to be immersed in play together with a network of friends, and to take one’s mind off the daily rigors. The Clubhouse Resplendent in its archetypal Malaysian architecture with ventilated high-ceilings, wooden rafters and multi-tiered roof, the Clubhouse is the anchorage point where all golf activities start and end. It encompasses two levels, with facilities that are designated for the comfort of members and golfers. For more information on the golf course, please visit their website. Allamanda Course Cempaka Course Melati Course Holes 54 holes (3 x 18 Holes) Par 72 Accommodation Available - Le Grandeur Palm Resort Hotel Pro Shop Available - MST Golf Driving Range Available Changing Room Very large and spacious. F&B The restaurant offers both international and local dishes. Drink Huts Available only at the starter area. They offer a cold box filled with 2 bottles of mineral water and 2 cans of 100 Plus for RM 16. Caddy Available upon request. Other Services Nil Rates RM98 nett weekday & RM265 nett weekends (excluding caddy) AGSSG Rates Not Available GBWL Likes & DislikesNestled cozily within the well established neighborhoods of Kota Kemuning and Bukit Rimau lies the 18-hole Bukit Kemuning Golf and Country Resort, also dubbed "Bukit Kemuning's Hidden Jewel". Since its first tee-off in 1993, BKGCR has grown tremendously in its popularity amongst the most serious as well as recreational golfers, with its membership reaching almost 800 . Sprawling over 150 acres of lush greenery, the course commands the very best of its golfers, with challenging greens and sparkling white bunkers there to demand extreme skills and accuracy even amongst the most discerned golfers. Fairways spread generously with well defined lines and stripes to tease those looking for a good approach while heavy roughs await those who tend to take the course too lightly. The motto of BKGCR is basically to provide the most laid-back feel for everyone and to encourage friendships to nourish on the course as well as in the clubhouse. The ambience welcoming every visitor or regular member at the clubhouse is that of the most friendliest and relaxing. The image of golfers greeting one another out at the fairways and golfer's terrace is a very common sight, and BKGCR feels extremely proud and ecstatic to host these smiles. The clubhouse and golf course have seen a major facelift since early 2006 and the response has been very encouraging. With a solid goal in mind, Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Resort aims to be one of the best golf courses in the country and to attract serious golfing enthusiasts and golf tourists from all around the world. For more information on the club, please visit their website. Holes 18 holes Par 72 Accommodation Not Available Pro Shop Available Driving Range Available Changing Room Moderate. Its time to renovate, especially their showers! F&B A major pull factor for the club is their food. Variety of local dishes available but the most popular is the 'fish head curry'. Order the set menu, which comes with rice, kam heong chicken, crispy fried brinjal, omelette, and rojak for dessert. Its the bomb! Drink Huts Available. Caddy Limited but available upon request. Other Services Nil Rates RM122 nett weekday & RM210 nett weekends (excluding caddy) AGSSG Rates RM78 nett weekday & RM118 nett weekend (caddy RM45/flight) GBWL Likes & Dislikes![]() "1st world course and clubhouse... but sadly 3rd world toilet. Better hold the load for nice one during shower at the clubhouse after the game" |
Golf Courses ReviewsGolfing Buddies With Love ArchivesGolf Courses
All
|