Golf courses in Genting Highlands

Map of golf courses in Genting Highlands

Golf in Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is a hill resort in the mountains of Pahang, north-east of Kuala Lumpur. It sits at about 945 m (3,100 ft), with average temperatures of roughly 16 to 24°C. While the rest of Malaysia reaches around 30°C all year, the climate here is completely different.

For golfers, it is practically the only way to escape the heat in Malaysia. The area was developed as an integrated resort with hotels, a casino and theme parks, and golf is one part of that. Rather than a day trip just for a round, it works better as part of a resort stay.

Getting there from the airport and the city

It is about 107 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and about an hour from central Kuala Lumpur. The drive climbs mountain roads from the lowlands, so allow more travel time than for other areas.

A company car or your own car works well, and ride-hailing services such as Grab are available. The mountain road winds continuously and visibility drops when fog rolls in. If you have an early tee time, leave with plenty of margin, bearing in mind that part of the drive will be in the dark.

Reading the highland weather

The cool air is a big plus, but the altitude also makes the weather changeable. Fog can roll in and cut visibility, so it is worth checking conditions with the course on the day. Rain behaves differently from the lowland showers, and it gets cooler in the morning and evening, so a light layer will make you more comfortable.

How golf is played here

Caddies are the norm. The grass is Zoysia matrella, which may feel familiar at times, but reading slopes shaped by mountain terrain is another matter entirely. A collared shirt and golf shoes are the standard dress; if in doubt, check with the course beforehand.

The course you can play in Genting Highlands

• 18 holes/par 71 · about 6,030 m in total
• Around KM13, Genting Highlands · about 945 m above sea level/about 107 min from KLIA
• Designed by Ronald Fream (1986)/renovated by Parslow & Winter Golf Design

Opened in 1986, this is one of Malaysia’s rare highland courses. It was designed by Ronald Fream, and the current layout has been through a renovation by Parslow & Winter Golf Design. At about 945 m above sea level, its average temperature is roughly 16 to 24°C.

The layout follows the mountain terrain as it is, with narrow fairways and a strongly strategic character. More often than not, placing the ball and laying up pays off better than trying to overpower it. Some holes open up views across the mountains that no lowland course can match.

The grass is Zoysia matrella. The course is run by Resorts World Genting as part of an integrated resort with hotels, a spa and a range of sports facilities, so you can plan your stay around more than just golf.

The course at a glance

How to choose

Choosing your tees

The total length is about 6,030 m. That is not long on paper, but the mountain terrain means a constant run of uphill and downhill shots, which changes how far each hole plays. The altitude can also make the ball fly further, so check your distances over the first few holes before settling on a plan.

Fitting it into your stay

With accommodation right in the resort, the easiest plan is to stay the night before and tee off first thing. A day trip from Kuala Lumpur means more than three hours of driving alone, so staying a night is easier on the body as well.

Nearby areas

For the whole country, see golf courses in Malaysia. Down from the mountains is the capital, Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by Selangor. If you would rather stay closer to the airport, Putrajaya is another option.

Golf courses in nearby areas

• Golf courses in Kuala Lumpur
• Golf courses in Selangor

See all areas in Malaysia