Great Golf Magazine Sep/Oct 2017 September October 2017 | Page 38
Malaysia.qxp_St Enodoc 28.09.2016 11.37 Side 7
rustling in the trees and impressive eagles soaring overhead.
Els and his team have constructed two par-threes that are
incorporated into the one double green complex; one a short three
running along the jagged edge of the coastal wall and the other
playing at a more robust 170m, directly back towards the Andaman.
At 579m from the tips, the double dogleg par-five 7th is one
of the more spectacular and strategically interesting par-fives you’ll
play. Taking the more dangerous line down the right of the left to
right shaped tree-lined fairway improves your angle considerably,
before the hole sweeps in the opposite direction to reveal an
approach to a narrow green sitting tantalisingly on the precipice
of the vast expanse of water beyond.
Ocean breezes are an integral consideration in the judgement of
your approach and the steep bank fronting the green is a popular
spot, as erring long will do you no favours. The 8th hole, also a
lengthy par-five, features the most demanding driving hole on the
course, with a rocky creek to be avoided along the entire left. The
fairway then curls to the left to set up a view of the green, protected
by the same creek bed that dissects the fairway diagonally.
Managed by Troon Golf, the remodelled layout and world-class
clubhouse and practice facilities have attracted rave reviews and
international recognition but perhaps none more validating than
the recent Golf Digest ranking of the ‘World’s Top 100 Courses’,
which has the Els Club Teluk Datai debuting at No. 83.
The 19th hole at the Els Club was a comfortable sanctuary after
the round, but so too was my ‘20th hole’ later that afternoon on
return to The Andaman. I relaxed with a refreshment or two in
lazy chairs at the Beach Bar, drinking in the setting sun over the
bay as the cool of the evening slowly enveloped us.
This is one tough place to leave but we were resolute in our
determination to return to again to soak up the unique experience that
The Andaman and Els Club Teluk Datai combine to provide. GGM
38
GREAT GOLF MAGAZINE
GOOD TO KNOW
Other properties on Langkawi:
THE WESTIN LANGKAWI RESORT & SPA
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?
propertyID=283
THE ST REGIS LANGKAWI
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?
propertyID=4194
Flights to Kualu Lumpur from London, Manchester and Glasgow:
EMIRATES
http://fly4.emirates.com
BRITISH AIRWAYS
http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/kuala-lumpur
Langkawi International Airport is approx. 40 minute flight from KL, serviced by:
AIR ASIA
http://www.airasia.com
MALAYSIAN AIRLINES
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en.html
FIREFLY
http://www.fireflyz.com.my
Direct flights are also available to Langkawi from Singapore & other cities
across Asia.
GOLF COURSES ON LANGKAWI INCLUDE:
Els Club Teluk Datai
http://www.elsclubmalaysia.com
Gunung Raya Golf Resort
http://www.golfgr.com.my
99 East Golf Club (Construction)
http://www.99east.com