The ELS Club Desaru Coast | Golf Course in Johor

Last updated: August 4, 2026

The ELS Club Desaru Coast is one of Southeast Asia’s premier prestige golf destinations, set along the Desaru coast of Johor, Malaysia. The Ocean Course was designed by the legendary Ernie Els, known as “The Big Easy,” while the Valley Course was designed by world champion Vijay Singh. Its greatest appeal is the chance to savour two courses of contrasting character at once — the panorama of the South China Sea and the dramatic undulations unfolding through a valley.

As the centrepiece of the integrated “Desaru Coast” resort, which features five-star hotels and a water park, it lets you enjoy golf and a premium resort stay at the same time. Below is a detailed review by GoGolf.

Key Information

Location	Desaru coast, Johor / Malaysia
Design	Ocean Course: Ernie Els / Valley Course: Vijay Singh
Valley Course opened	2016 (about 7,200 yards)
Course layout	Ocean Course (The Lakes / The Coast / The Ridge) + Valley Course
Highlights	South China Sea panorama, integrated resort (hotels and water park), legend-designed courses

Three Reasons The ELS Club Desaru Coast Is Chosen

Two contrasting designs by two legends, a one-of-a-kind location overlooking the South China Sea, and an integrated destination fusing golf with resort living — these three points draw golfers from around the world.

Ernie Els and Vijay Singh together — The Ocean Course is by Ernie Els and the Valley Course by Vijay Singh. You can enjoy two entirely different golf experiences — the beauty of the sea and the strategy of the valley — at a single resort.
Panorama of the South China Sea — On holes that merge with the coastline, you get the special sensation of striking your shots against the backdrop of surf and sea breeze. The golf itself becomes a memorable experience.
A one-stop integrated resort — With the five-star Westin, Anantara and Hard Rock hotels, the Desaru Coast Riverside gathering of restaurants and retail, and a large water park, even families can enjoy a full day.

Location and Access

The ELS Club Desaru Coast is located on the Desaru coast in eastern Johor. It is part of the integrated tourism area Desaru Coast, spread over roughly 1,578 hectares and a 17-kilometre coastline, with the South China Sea in full view. Although it is by the sea, no ferry is required and it is reached by car.

Access is convenient by company car or private car, or by ride-hailing services such as Grab. From Singapore it is about 1 hour 45 minutes by car (varies with border and road conditions). From the Johor Bahru direction, take the expressway and ordinary roads toward Desaru. As the area is large, allow extra time and factor in travel within the resort.

Course Design and Features

The Valley Course, designed by Vijay Singh and opened in 2016 at about 7,200 yards, lives up to its name with valleys, rolling undulations and streams crossing the fairways, while sharply contoured, narrow greens strongly demand shot precision. Its “risk and reward” design philosophy calls for strategic judgement, not just distance — a challenging layout suited to intermediate and advanced players.

The Ocean Course, meanwhile, is designed by Ernie Els and made up of three nine-hole loops — The Lakes, The Coast and The Ridge. It is characterised by iconic seascapes that merge with the coastline, with wide fairways, large greens and strategic bunkers in good balance. A variety of tee boxes on each hole lets players from beginners to experts adjust the difficulty, and modern equipment such as GPS-fitted carts makes for a comfortable round.

Clubhouse and Resort Facilities

The ELS Club Desaru Coast completes the experience not only with course quality but with world-class resort facilities. Within the area, three luxury hotels — The Westin Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast — are directly connected, offering sea-view rooms and world-class spas.

After a round, you can relax at Desaru Coast Riverside, where restaurants, retail and night entertainment gather, and enjoy local and international cuisine. The large Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is also on site, so family members who do not golf can enjoy a full day too. As a golf facility, it also has a driving range, pro shop, locker rooms, a themed restaurant and a short-game practice area.

A Memorable Golf Experience

A round at Desaru is a luxurious experience of moving between two contrasting worlds — the seascape of the Ocean Course and the valley of the Valley Course. Playing amid the South China Sea panorama, the tension of tackling undulations and narrow greens, and relaxing afterwards at a five-star resort — a refined holiday centred on golf comes together here. It is a memorable destination, deservedly praised by golfers at home and abroad as “Southeast Asia’s golf paradise.”

The Surrounding Area and Enjoying Johor

The Desaru Coast area is an integrated resort district rich in non-golf pleasures too — beaches, a water park, riverside dining and entertainment, and fruit farms. Staying at a beachfront resort, you can combine your visit with beach activities and spa time. It is also popular as a weekend-trip destination from Singapore and Johor Bahru, with the appeal of pairing golf and a family getaway. It is well suited as a base for a golf trip combined with other courses in the Johor area.

What to Know Before You Play

Access: Convenient by company car or private car, or by ride-hailing services such as Grab. About 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Singapore (varies with border and road conditions). As the area is large, allow extra travel time.
Choosing a course: The Ocean Course and Valley Course differ greatly in character. For sea views, the Ocean; for a strategic challenge, the Valley. Confirm your preferred course before arriving.
Course character: The Valley emphasises precision with narrow greens and undulations; the Ocean is a wider layout prone to sea breeze. Reading the wind is important.
Caddie / cart: Please confirm the availability and details of caddies, carts and rental equipment before arriving.
Attire and gear: A collared shirt, golf trousers and shoes are standard. By the sea the sun and sea breeze are strong, so guard fully against sunburn and stay hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of golf course is The ELS Club Desaru Coast?

It is a prestige golf destination spread along the Desaru coast of Johor, Malaysia. It features the Ocean Course designed by Ernie Els and the Valley Course designed by Vijay Singh, and is known for its South China Sea panorama and integrated resort facilities (hotels and a water park).

Who designed it?

The Ocean Course was designed by the world legend Ernie Els, and the Valley Course by world champion Vijay Singh. You can enjoy two contrasting golf experiences — the beauty of the seascape and the strategy of the valley.

Where is it located?

It is on the Desaru coast in eastern Johor. It is part of the integrated tourism area Desaru Coast, with the South China Sea in full view. Although by the sea, no ferry is required and it is reached by car.

How long does it take from Singapore?

About 1 hour 45 minutes by car is the guide. The actual time varies with border congestion and road conditions, so allow plenty of time when setting off.

What is the difference between the Ocean Course and the Valley Course?

The Ocean Course (designed by Ernie Els) consists of three nine-hole loops — The Lakes, The Coast and The Ridge — characterised by seascapes and wide fairways. The Valley Course (designed by Vijay Singh, about 7,200 yards) is a challenging course of valley undulations and narrow greens that demands precision and strategy.

Can beginners enjoy it?

Yes. In particular, the Ocean Course offers a variety of tee boxes so you can adjust difficulty to your level. The Valley Course is a little harder, so choose a forward tee and avoid forcing things on the narrow greens and undulations.

What are the difficult points?

The Valley Course’s narrow, sharply contoured greens and undulations, and the sea breeze on the Ocean Course, are the main challenges. Rather than distance, accurate shots, reading the wind and management that keeps a safe landing spot in mind are the keys.

What facilities are there?

In addition to golf facilities such as a clubhouse, driving range, pro shop, locker rooms, a themed restaurant and a short-game practice area, the area has three five-star hotels, riverside dining and entertainment, and a large water park.

Can you stay overnight too?

Yes. Within the area, three luxury hotels — The Westin Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast — are directly connected. With sea-view rooms and spas, you can enjoy golf and a resort stay as one.

Can families enjoy it?

Yes. With a large water park, beaches, and riverside dining and entertainment, there are plenty of non-golf activities, making it an integrated resort where family members who do not golf can spend a full day too.

What is the best time of day for golf?

An early-morning start is recommended. The temperature is relatively comfortable and the sea breeze is gentle at that time. If coming from Singapore, the travel time is longer, so consider staying the night before or setting off early to play with time to spare.

How do I get there? (Is there a shuttle?)

A company car or private car, or a ride-hailing service such as Grab, is convenient. Head toward Desaru by car from the Singapore or Johor Bahru direction. Please note that GoGolf does not arrange shuttle services. As the area is large, allow plenty of time.