Industry News
THE ELS CLUB MALAYSIA APPOINTS NEW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
THE ELS CLUB MALAYSIA is delighted
to announce that industry stalwart David
Townend has been appointed to oversee
the company’s burgeoning golf resort
position in South East Asia in his new role
as Senior Vice President.
With over 30 years’ experience in the golf, leisure and
hospitality industry, Townend has made the move from
his role as Director for Troon Golf’s Australia, Asia-Pacific
region, and will take control of The Els Club’s growing
Malaysian portfolio, with the responsibility of increasing
awareness of the country as a leading destination among
golfers worldwide.
The appointment comes on the back of the official
opening of Ernie Els’ stunning redesign of the former
Datai Bay Golf Club, Langkawi, which is now known as the
Els Club Teluk Datai.
Owned by Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH), the
Els Club Malaysia currently incorporates three separate
properties, with development nearing completion on
the second property, the Els Club Desaru Coast, and
construction in full-swing on the third, the Els Club Desaru
Valley – both in Malaysia’s southernmost state of Johor.
On assuming the new role, Townend, a 26-year member
of the PGA of Australia, said: “It is a great honour to
have been selected to head up the development and
operations of The Els Club Malaysia. Malaysia boasts
some of the world’s most scenically stunning settings for
enjoying the great game of golf and the opening of the
Els Club Teluk Datai, and two additional Els Club courses
in the near future, will open the eyes of golfers across the
world to this truly unique location.”
He added: “My immediate goal is to establish Malaysia
and, particularly, the Els Club Teluk Datai, as South East
Asia’s No.1 destination for travelling golfers, a reputation
befitting the incredible 5-star golf course we have to
offer here. Guests in the region will be able to experience
for the first time, the levels of service and beautifully
manicured courses that Troon Golf, the world leader in
upscale golf management are recognised for.”
With a career comprising roles as General Manager,
Director of Business Development and Director of
Operations, Townend has been employed across Asia for
more than 20 years, and has developed an impressive
resume in properties that he has managed in China,
Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia, where he
has been responsible for pre-opening and operations
management at numerous highly-acclaimed facilities
including; Troon Golf Australia’s most-awarded facility,
Brookwater Golf Club, and China’s exclusive Shanghai
Sheshan International Golf Club, host of the WGC-HSBC
Champions event, among them.
“It is our aim to put Malaysia on the world map for
bespoke luxury with a clutch of sophisticated properties,
said Hanley Chew, Chief Operating Officer of DRH.
“David is a strategic addition to the management team as
we needed someone who understood the level of quality
we are focusing on, as well as the ability to steer the
developments and market them on a global basis.
“David’s experience nurturing the growth of the golf
properties will be key as we continue to attract the
discerning golfer to our locations.”
The Troon-managed Els Club Teluk Datai was unveiled to
great acclaim from golfers, the media and industry officials
earlier this year and was recently named the ‘Best Golf
Course’ at the 2014 Asia-Pacific Property Awards, setting
it apart as the region’s No.1 destinat