Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club stands among Johor Bahru’s most iconic golf destinations, representing the pinnacle of luxury golfing in southern Malaysia. Designed by Ross Watson, the course masterfully blends “risk and reward” principles with world-class resort amenities, delivering an immersive golfing experience for players of all levels.
As a former host of the Asian Tour’s Iskandar Johor Open, Horizon Hills enjoys a solid reputation across Asia’s golfing scene. While some visitors mention premium pricing and occasional service inconsistencies, the course remains a top-tier choice for golfers seeking both technical challenges and upscale resort comfort.
For those planning a golf trip to Malaysia, especially in the southern region near Singapore, Horizon Hills is an essential stop. It offers not only championship-level golf but also lifestyle, entertainment, and five-star hospitality, making it one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf and leisure destinations.
Here’s the full review by GoGolf.
Overview of Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club
Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club has earned its reputation as one of southern Malaysia’s most prestigious golfing establishments. Officially opened in May 2008, the course quickly gained international recognition among professional and amateur golfers alike.
Sprawling across 1,200 hectares, Horizon Hills was conceived not only as a golf course but also as a luxury lifestyle township—complete with elite residential properties, leisure facilities, and recreational areas.
The course measures approximately 6,271 meters, featuring 18 holes with a par of 72, and was meticulously designed to meet professional tournament standards. It has hosted several major events, most notably the 2010 Asian Tour Iskandar Johor Open, which drew the eyes of the international golf community.
A major design highlight lies in the way Ross Watson incorporated the site’s natural topography into the course layout. Rather than reshaping the land entirely, Watson preserved its original contours and elevation changes—giving the course dynamic slopes, valleys, and fairways that feel both natural and visually striking. Each hole introduces new challenges shaped by the landscape’s unique flow, ensuring that no two rounds ever feel the same.
Horizon Hills also forms part of an integrated luxury development by Gamuda Land and UEM Sunrise Berhad, blending golf, real estate, and recreation into one cohesive destination. With world-class amenities, strategic location, and international tournament pedigree, it rightfully ranks among the top golf courses in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
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Course Design and Playing Challenges
The true allure of Horizon Hills lies in its strategic and visually engaging layout. Ross Watson’s design follows the “risk and reward” philosophy, forcing players to think through every shot rather than relying solely on distance or power. Every hole demands strategic decision-making, challenging players to balance aggression and caution to avoid both natural and man-made hazards.
Design Characteristics
The course is known for its large, deep sand bunkers, multiple water hazards (including streams, ponds, and man-made lakes), and undulating fairways that reward precise shot placement. Many holes feature natural waterfalls and elevated terrain, enhancing both beauty and difficulty.
A standout hole is Hole 2, a 500-meter par-5 where a meandering stream cuts directly through the fairway. The water crossing forces players to weigh whether to lay up or go for distance—a thrilling challenge that can easily turn a promising drive into a bogey or worse.
Another notable test is Hole 17, a 135-meter par-3 that appears simple but is heavily influenced by strong winds and a deceptively large green. Misjudged shots often end up in surrounding bunkers. The final hole, Hole 18, is a dogleg par-5 that can be reached in three strokes with precise play—but the risk is high, with a lake guarding the approach and strategically placed bunkers catching overambitious shots.
The Risk and Reward Principle
Horizon Hills perfectly captures the spirit of competitive golf, where courage and calculation coexist. Many holes present tempting high-risk opportunities that can reward bold players with birdies or punish them with double bogeys. This balance of thrill and precision makes Horizon Hills an excellent course for honing strategic thinking and mental discipline.
Overall, Ross Watson’s layout blends Malaysia’s lush tropical scenery with world-class golf architecture, creating a course that’s both visually breathtaking and technically demanding.
Premium Facilities and Amenities
Beyond its challenging course, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club is celebrated for its luxurious amenities, turning a day of golf into a complete resort experience.
Iconic Clubhouse
The signature clubhouse, designed by Argentine architect Emesto Bedmar, reportedly cost USD 17 million to build. It serves as the social and recreational hub of the property, featuring a blend of modern architecture and elegant interior design that exudes exclusivity and sophistication.
Supporting Facilities
The clubhouse and surrounding area include:
- Fine dining restaurants serving international and local cuisine at five-star standards
- Grand ballroom for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings
- Olympic-sized swimming pool and tennis courts for family recreation
- Fully equipped fitness center with modern gym facilities
- Pro Shop offering premium golf equipment and accessories from top global brands
Additionally, Horizon Hills features VIP lounges and private meeting spaces, ideal for both social engagements and post-golf business discussions.
Strategic Access
Located in Iskandar Puteri, Horizon Hills is easily accessible from downtown Johor Bahru and just a short drive from Singapore via the Causeway or Second Link Expressway. This convenience adds tremendous value for international golfers who want to enjoy world-class golf without extensive travel.
With its combination of sport, recreation, and hospitality, Horizon Hills stands as a true golf and lifestyle resort in Malaysia.
Golfer Reviews: Playing Experience at Horizon Hills
Reviews of Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club reveal a balanced mix of praise and constructive feedback, reflecting both its excellence and areas for potential refinement.
Positive Highlights
Many golfers describe the course as challenging yet rewarding, with wide fairways, rolling greens, and diverse layouts that keep every round exciting. The mix of water features and large bunkers adds strategic depth and makes each hole memorable.
The clubhouse facilities receive consistent praise for their comfort and cleanliness, particularly the restaurant and locker rooms. Visitors often note that Horizon Hills successfully delivers a seamless golf-and-resort experience, merging championship-level play with five-star amenities.
Critiques and Observations
Some guests have noted that caddie services can be inconsistent, with a few caddies lacking sufficient experience or course knowledge to provide accurate guidance. Others mention that green fees and service charges are relatively higher than courses in Malaysia’s Klang Valley region.
A few players also report occasional soft fairways or uneven grass conditions, suggesting that maintenance quality varies slightly across different sections of the course.
Overall Impression
Despite these minor issues, Horizon Hills remains widely regarded as Johor Bahru’s premier golf course. For golfers seeking technical challenges in a tropical paradise, this course offers one of the most complete experiences in Malaysia. Improving caddie training and ensuring consistent turf quality could elevate Horizon Hills even further among Asia’s elite.
Green Fees and Golf Packages
As a premium golf destination, Horizon Hills’ pricing reflects its elite status—but many golfers agree the value aligns with the world-class experience it offers.
Standard Green Fee Rates 2025
- 18 Holes (Weekday): From RM 128.75 for member’s guests and around RM 400 for public visitors
- 9 Holes (Weekday): Around RM 81.40 for member’s guests and RM 200 for public visitors
- 18 Holes (Weekend/Public Holiday): Around RM 278.75 for member’s guests and RM 600 for public visitors
Additional Fees
- Buggy (18 Holes): RM 118.80 – RM 140.40
- Caddie Fee: RM 91.80 – RM 118.80 per round
Promotional Packages
Horizon Hills offers all-inclusive golf packages, which typically include:
- 18-hole green fee
- Shared buggy (for two players)
- Shared caddie (for two players)
- Golf insurance
Prices for these packages range from RM 240 to RM 480, depending on the day and tee-off time. All prices include 8% sales and service tax, as well as additional fees for odd-numbered player groups.
Value for Money
While Horizon Hills’ rates may seem high compared to regional averages, most visitors agree that the pricing is well justified given the quality of the course, five-star clubhouse, and international prestige. As a result, Horizon Hills continues to attract golfers from Singapore, Malaysia, and abroad who seek not just a game—but a luxury golf experience worth remembering.
In summary, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club offers the perfect fusion of technical sophistication, natural beauty, and luxury resort lifestyle. It challenges the mind, rewards the bold, and invites golfers to experience one of Southeast Asia’s finest examples of modern golf architecture and hospitality.
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