Johor is a state which is renowned for its stunning rainforest, picture-perfect beaches and wonderful golf courses
Johor Bahru, located in the southern part of Malaysia, is not just a bustling metropolis; it's also home to some of the region's most impressive golf courses. These courses are a testament to the city's commitment to providing top-notch golfing experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.
Designed by the world-renowned golf course architect, Jack Nicklaus, Forest City Golf Resort boasts a meticulously crafted layout that challenges and delights golfers of all skill levels.
The Els Club Desaru Coast, designed by golf legend Ernie Els, is another gem. It boasts two distinct courses, Ocean Course and Valley Course, each offering unique challenges against a backdrop of palm trees and ocean vistas.
One standout golf destination in Johor Bahru is the prestigious Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, designed by renowned architect Ross Watson. This 18-hole championship course offers a challenging yet scenic golfing experience with its lush fairways and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
The Palm Resort Golf & Country Club is yet another prominent choice, with three 18-hole courses: the Allamanda, Cempaka, and Melati. Each course has its character, offering a range of challenges to golfers of all levels.
Johor Bahru's golf courses are not just about the game; they provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking landscapes of southern Malaysia, making them a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking a unique and scenic golfing adventure..
Forest City Golf Resort
Serene fairways, designed by Jack Nicklaus, blend nature and golfing excellence for unforgettable rounds.
Designed by the world-renowned golf course architect, Jack Nicklaus, Forest City Golf Resort boasts a meticulously crafted layout that challenges and delights golfers of all skill levels. The course seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.
Golfers are treated to picturesque views of lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water features that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide a formidable test of one's golfing prowess. The well-maintained course offers a unique and rewarding golfing experience, with the opportunity to spot an array of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Complemented by world-class facilities, including a clubhouse, driving range, and well-trained staff, Forest City Golf Resort is more than just a golf course; it's a gateway to a holistic leisure experience within a futuristic urban landscape. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this golfing haven promises an unforgettable and tranquil escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
The Palm Resort Golf & Country Club
Three wonderful golf courses in the heart of Johor
The Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, nestled in the heart of Johor, Malaysia, is a premier golfing destination renowned for its rich history, exceptional courses, and lush surroundings. With three 18-hole golf courses, it has earned its reputation as one of Southeast Asia's top golfing venues.
The Cempaka Course, designed by Ronald Fream, offers a challenging layout with undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The Allamanda Course, crafted by Peter Dalkeith Scott, provides a serene golfing experience amidst lakes and greenery. The Melati Course, designed by Hioki Koji, combines beauty and challenge with its tree-lined fairways and water hazards.
Palm Resort's courses cater to golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. The club's commitment to impeccable maintenance ensures that each round is played on pristine, well-manicured greens.
Beyond the courses, the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club offers a comprehensive range of amenities. The welcoming clubhouse provides golfers with a comfortable space to relax and socialize after their rounds. The driving range, putting green, and practice facilities allow golfers to hone their skills. Additionally, golf professionals are on hand to offer lessons and guidance to players looking to improve their game.
The resort's commitment to excellence extends to its dining options, with various restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, ensuring golfers are well-fueled and satisfied.
The Palm Resort Golf & Country Club stands as a testament to Malaysia's vibrant golfing scene, offering an unforgettable golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes, excellent facilities, and a rich history of excellence. Whether you're seeking a leisurely round or a challenging test of your skills, Palm Resort is an ideal golfing destination in Johor.
The Els Club - Desaru Coast
A golfing paradise situated along the pristine shores of Desaru, Johor, Malaysia. Designed by golf legend Ernie Els
The Els Club - Desaru Coast is a golfing paradise situated along the pristine shores of Desaru, Johor, Malaysia. Designed by golf legend Ernie Els, this world-class golfing destination boasts two remarkable courses, each offering a distinct golfing experience.
The Ocean Course, with its breathtaking sea views and coastal breezes, presents a challenging yet scenic 18 holes. This links-style layout is adorned with natural dunes and strategic bunkers, adding to the course's allure and difficulty.
On the other hand, the Valley Course immerses golfers in the lush tropical vegetation, offering a serene and rejuvenating golfing experience. The fairways wind through the picturesque rainforest, creating an exciting yet harmonious blend of nature and sport.
Both courses at The Els Club - Desaru Coast are meticulously maintained and provide golfers with a diverse range of challenges, making them suitable for players of various skill levels. The club's state-of-the-art facilities, including a well-appointed clubhouse and top-notch practice areas, further enhance the overall golfing experience.
The Els Club - Desaru Coast is not just a golf destination; it's a sanctuary where golfers can embrace the beauty of nature while indulging in their passion for the game. The club's commitment to excellence, combined with Ernie Els' masterful design, ensures an unforgettable golfing adventure on the Malaysian coastline.
Austin Heights Golf Resort
One of the best golf courses in Johor and close to the city of Johor Bahru is Austin Heights Golf Resort
One of the best golf courses in Johor and close to the city of Johor Bahru is Austin Heights Golf Resort. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice the large white building on top of the hill and this is the Austin Heights clubhouse. The views of the 27-hole golf course from the clubhouse are fantastic and you can take your time and pick the 18-holes you would like to play. There are three 9-hole golf courses to choose from, each presenting varying levels of difficulty, making Austin Heights suitable for players of all abilities. The course blends in nicely with the surroundings and looks as though it has been part of the land for a lot longer than it actually has, having opened in 1993. Designed by Peter Dalkeith Scott, there are several elevated tee boxes and you find yourself having to strike shots over ravines, before landing safely on the fairway. Many of the fairways are undulating and tight but you must remain on them to give yourself the best chance of reaching the green in regulation, as they are quite small. Choose two sets of 9-holes to complete your round, with tropical plants, cactus and large bunkers featuring throughout. The clubhouse and facilities are very good, with plenty of activities on offer for the whole family to enjoy, such as swimming and water slides. The Malaysian restaurant overlooks the golf course and is a great place to reflect on your completed round of golf. If you are staying in Johor Bahru, Austin Heights Golf and Resort is a great place to start your golfing holiday.
Legends Golf Resort
Legends Golf Resort offers courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer
If you are travelling from Singapore using the second causeway, you must include the Legends Golf Resort on your itinerary. The fact that this golf club offers courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, should be enough for you to consider making the trip. The Jack Nicklaus Championship Course was established in 1997 and quickly established itself as one of the top golf courses in Johor. In fact, not only was the course considered one of the best golf courses in Johor, it was ranked as one of the top three golf courses in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly in 2002. This is an exciting course to play and you are met with an array of downhill drives, dogleg fairways around lakes, challenging ridges and lovely views into the neighbouring palm oil plantation. Each hole has its own character but the back nine must be considered the more difficult, with several elevated tees, looking down to a mix of water, bunkers and trees. The Arnold Palmer designed course offers 9 holes of very scenic golf and compliments the Nicklaus course nicely. With resort facilities boasting accommodation, entertainment and other sporting activities why not stay for a couple of days and make full use of one of the best golf courses in Johor?
Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club
Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club is considered a hidden gem among local golfers
One of the most modern and best golf developments in Johor can be found at Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club. This Ross Watson designed course opened in 2008 and is considered a hidden gem among local golfers. Despite only being open for a short period of time, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club have hosted Asian Tour events, including the Iskandar Johor Open. The natural terrain of the land has been well preserved on this golf course and there are many elevation changes between tee and green. The sweeping bunkers are one of the main features to catch the eye and they provide one the greatest challenges. The man-made ponds, lakes and waterfalls add not only to the splendour of the course but the need for accurate shots. The second hole is where the test really begins at Horizon Hills and you are faced with a par-5, which has two creeks running through it. You can attempt to clear the creeks and run the risk of dropping shots or play the hole as a par-6 and lay-up, keeping your ball nicely in play before clearing the creeks with your next shot. It’s a brilliant example of risk and reward golf. On the back nine, the par-3 17th is a cracker and although the green is large, the wind which blows across this hole can easily leave you out of position. Not only that but due to the undulating nature of the green and the water surrounding it, if the pin position is near the edge, simply finding the green is not enough to guarantee a good birdie opportunity. Off the course, the facilities are of a very high standard, with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, golfers terrace, bar and Chinese restaurant. For a great day of golf or an extended stay including golf and other activities, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club should be at the top of your list.
The golf courses highlighted above are fantastic. There are plenty of others to choose from and we recommend you give them all a try and form your own opinions. However, unless you are staying for a prolonged period, it will be impossible to play every course in the region. Therefore, start by playing the courses above, which we believe to be the best golf courses in Johor and you can be sure of a great experience.