The ELS Club Desaru Coast is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious golf destinations, offering a rare blend of world-class courses, breathtaking coastal scenery, and luxurious resort amenities. The Valley Course presents a dramatic test of skill with rolling contours and strategic elevation changes, while the Ocean Course delights golfers with its sweeping views of the South China Sea and wide fairways.
Backed by five-star hotels, entertainment centers, and even one of the world’s largest waterparks, the Desaru Coast area has been designed as a true one-stop holiday destination. Glowing reviews from visitors confirm that the experience here goes far beyond golf—it’s about indulging in the ultimate premium lifestyle.
With green fees ranging from MYR 415 to MYR 465, The ELS Club Desaru Coast sits firmly in the premium category, yet every ringgit spent feels justified by the quality and satisfaction it delivers. For golfers seeking a memorable experience in Asia, The ELS Club Desaru Coast is a must-visit destination.
Here’s the full review from GoGolf.
Overview of The ELS Club Desaru Coast
Situated in Johor, Malaysia, and only 1 hour 45 minutes from Singapore, The ELS Club Desaru Coast represents the pinnacle of integrated golf and resort experiences. Overlooking the South China Sea, the club combines championship-level golfing with five-star resort luxury, ensuring that every round is framed by stunning seascapes and an air of exclusivity.
Spread across 1,578 hectares with 17 kilometers of pristine coastline, Desaru Coast is designed as a world-class tourism hub. The ELS Club serves as one of its flagship icons—blending sports, leisure, and family recreation into one comprehensive destination. Its concept of “resort golf lifestyle” makes it ideal not just for golfers, but for travelers seeking a premium tropical escape.
The club features two distinct courses—the Ocean Course and the Valley Course—each with its own personality and challenge. The Ocean Course is the work of global golf legend Ernie Els, while the Valley Course was crafted by three-time Major Champion Vijay Singh. Their combined expertise results in one of Asia’s most exceptional golf venues, pairing natural coastal beauty with world-class design.
Since its grand opening, The ELS Club Desaru Coast has received widespread acclaim from both domestic and international golfers. With its impeccable facilities, professional service, and elegant resort ambiance, it’s no wonder it has earned the title of “The Golf Paradise of Southeast Asia.”
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Valley Course: A Dramatic Challenge Among Rolling Valleys
The Valley Course, designed by Vijay Singh, offers a masterclass in strategic golf design. Opened in 2016, this 7,200-yard course lives up to its name—featuring undulating valleys, meandering streams, and sharp elevation changes that demand both technical precision and thoughtful play.
One of its defining traits is its narrow, sharply contoured greens, requiring exceptional accuracy and distance control. Power alone won’t get you far here—golfers must approach each shot with strategic discipline. Singh’s “risk-and-reward” philosophy ensures that bold decisions can yield great rewards—but misjudgment often leads to high scores.
The varied elevation across the course adds to both its beauty and challenge. Some holes play downhill toward scenic fairways, while others climb back uphill to elevated greens, testing stamina and shot control. Picture swinging with panoramic views of green valleys and glistening rivers under the tropical sun—this is golf that truly engages the senses.
Supporting amenities at the Valley Course are equally refined. Players enjoy fairway golf cart access, a driving range, locker rooms, a golf shop, and a valley-view restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. The putting and chipping practice areas are modeled after actual course conditions, allowing golfers to warm up realistically before play.
Ideal for intermediate and professional golfers, the Valley Course rewards precision and patience. Beginners may find it challenging but immensely rewarding as a learning experience. With its technical layout and lush scenery, the Valley Course stands as one of the most memorable highlights of The ELS Club Desaru Coast.
Ocean Course: Seaside Splendor and Expansive Fairways
While the Valley Course captures the drama of the hills, the Ocean Course offers a completely different atmosphere—coastal elegance with sweeping sea views. Designed by Ernie Els, this 27-hole layout is divided into three distinctive nine-hole loops: The Lakes (par 36), The Coast (par 36), and The Ridge (par 37).
The Ocean Course is renowned for its stunning ocean vistas, where several holes seem to merge seamlessly with the shoreline. Imagine teeing off to the rhythm of crashing waves and fresh sea breezes—a truly invigorating experience. Els’s design philosophy draws inspiration from classic British seaside courses, featuring broad fairways, large receptive greens, and strategically placed bunkers.
One of the course’s greatest strengths is its flexible tee box system, allowing golfers of all levels to customize their challenge. Casual players can choose shorter tees for a more relaxed round, while competitive golfers can test themselves from championship tees to experience the full design intent.
Despite the generous fairways, don’t be deceived—the large, undulating greens are a challenge in themselves. Reading subtle breaks is essential to avoid costly three-putts. Artificial lakes also come into play on several holes, introducing risk-reward elements that encourage strategic thinking.
The Ocean Course’s facilities match its beauty. Each golf cart is GPS-equipped for distance tracking and hole navigation. Although the course does not employ caddies, it compensates with a well-maintained pro shop, locker rooms, and spacious driving range.
Overall, the Ocean Course is ideal for those who seek a balance of challenge and serenity—where world-class design meets seaside tranquility. Many visiting golfers rank it among the most picturesque golf experiences in Southeast Asia.
Resort and Leisure Facilities
Beyond golf, The ELS Club Desaru Coast delivers an unparalleled resort experience. The surrounding area is home to three luxurious five-star hotels, all directly integrated with the golf complex:
- The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
- Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
- Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Each property offers luxury ocean-view rooms, gourmet dining, and world-class spa services, ensuring a complete vacation experience for both golfers and families. This integration of hospitality and sport solidifies Desaru Coast’s reputation as a true all-in-one destination.
The nearby Desaru Coast Riverside adds a lively atmosphere with restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues, perfect for unwinding after a round.
Meanwhile, the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark—one of the largest in the world, accommodating up to 12,000 visitors—makes the destination ideal for families. With attractions for all ages, it transforms Desaru Coast into a golf and leisure paradise suitable for every traveler.
With this range of offerings, The ELS Club Desaru Coast is not just a golf course—it’s an international resort experience where sport, relaxation, and lifestyle converge seamlessly.
Visitor Reviews and Global Reputation
Public feedback for The ELS Club Desaru Coast is overwhelmingly positive, with average ratings between 3.9 and 5 out of 5 on major review platforms such as Tripadvisor and Google Reviews. Most visitors describe their rounds here as the perfect fusion of technical challenge and natural beauty.
Highlights
- The Valley Course is praised for its challenging yet enjoyable layout, with narrow greens and dynamic elevation.
- The Ocean Course is celebrated for its spectacular sea views and wide, scenic fairways.
- Supporting facilities—driving range, pro shop, and restaurants—receive consistent praise for quality and maintenance.
- Staff and service are described as professional, courteous, and attentive, ensuring a premium experience.
Constructive Notes
- Occasional minor fairway damage from wild boars, though it doesn’t significantly affect play.
- Restaurant service times can be inconsistent during peak hours.
- Green fees are higher than many Malaysian courses, though most agree the value matches the premium quality.
In summary, The ELS Club Desaru Coast stands out as a must-play golf destination in Southeast Asia, combining course excellence, coastal beauty, and resort sophistication.
Green Fee Rates 2025
| Day | Rate (MYR) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (18 Holes) | 415 | Green fee, shared golf cart, locker use, insurance, 8% SST |
| Weekend (18 Holes) | 465 | Same inclusions as weekday |
Rates apply equally to both the Ocean and Valley Courses, with no price distinction between them. Special early booking discounts are available for tee times reserved at least 48 hours in advance.
📌 Note: The Ridge Nine Course is temporarily closed for re-grassing works from April 2025 for approximately 10 months. During this period, tee time availability focuses on the Ocean and Valley Courses.
Despite its premium pricing, The ELS Club Desaru Coast delivers exceptional value for the quality of play, facilities, and service offered. For golfers seeking a world-class experience in Southeast Asia, it represents an investment in luxury, leisure, and unforgettable golf.
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