The Legends Golf and Country Resort | Golf Course in Johor

Last updated: August 4, 2026

The Legends Golf and Country Resort (LGCR) is a prestigious resort in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia, where world-class course design meets Malaysia’s tropical nature. It features 18 holes designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and 9 holes by Arnold Palmer, and is known for a playing experience that is challenging yet beautiful.

The design, which skilfully makes use of tropical hills, streams and water hazards, has been called a “dream golf course,” and it is one of Johor’s signature golf destinations. Below is a detailed review by GoGolf.

Key Information

Location	Kota Tinggi, Johor / Malaysia
Design	Jack Nicklaus (18 holes) / Arnold Palmer (9 holes)
Opened	1997 (Nicklaus 18 holes) / 2009 (Palmer 9 holes added)
Holes / Par	Nicklaus Course 18 holes, par 72 (about 6,710 metres) + Palmer Course 9 holes
Highlights	Tropical hills and water hazards, elevated tees, varied recreation such as horse riding

Three Reasons The Legends Is Chosen

A historic course designed by legends, a varied and strategic layout, and a resort rich in activities beyond golf — these three points make LGCR special.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer — A destination of historic value where you can play a course crafted by two legends who colour golf history. Nicklaus’s “challenging yet fair” philosophy coexists with Palmer’s design in harmony with nature.
An award-winning strategic layout — The Nicklaus Course has been named “No. 1 in Johor” by local media in the past, and its appeal lies in varied strategy — holes that bend along the lake and shots from elevated tees.
Varied recreation facilities — A pool, billiards, fishing, mountain biking and the horse-riding arena at Rider’s Lodge offer plenty of fun beyond golf. It is also well suited to family stays.

Location and Access

The Legends is located in the Kota Tinggi area of Johor, surrounded by tropical nature and hills. As it is inland, no ferry is required and it is reached by car. The quiet resort setting, away from the bustle of the city, creates an extraordinary golf experience.

Access is convenient by company car or private car, or by ride-hailing services such as Grab. From the Johor Bahru direction, the usual route heads by car toward Kota Tinggi, and golfers from Singapore can also cross the border by car. As the surroundings are rich in nature, allow plenty of time when travelling.

Course Design and Features

The Legends Golf and Country Resort bunker and layout

The Jack Nicklaus Course is 18 holes, par 72, about 6,710 metres long. Opened in 1997, each hole has a varied character. Holes that bend along the edge of the lake, holes with strategic hazards heading toward hills and trees — its varied composition is a feature. On holes played from elevated tee boxes, accuracy is required along with spectacular views. From the 11th to the 17th on the back nine, water hazards dominate, so tropical beauty and challenge coexist.

Meanwhile, the Arnold Palmer Course (9 holes, added in 2009) is appealing for its undulating layout, with a stream meandering among the palm trees. Wide yet deceptive fairways call for the right shot strategy, and smooth transitions between fairways keep the rhythm of play. It is a course of a different flavour from the Nicklaus Course, where Palmer’s design philosophy in harmony with nature can be felt throughout.

Clubhouse and Facilities

The Legends Golf and Country Resort clubhouse

The grand, tropical-style clubhouse offers spacious and comfortable spaces. Inside are modern locker rooms, a pro shop, a sauna, a jacuzzi and a halal-friendly restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and from the restaurant and terrace you can enjoy beautiful views of the course.

As practice facilities, there is a driving range designed by Jack Nicklaus, a putting green and a beginner-friendly practice course. There are also plenty of non-golf recreation facilities, including a pool, billiards, a reading room, a fishing area, a mountain-bike course and Rider’s Lodge, where you can enjoy horse riding through the surrounding nature. With sport, relaxation and family entertainment on offer, it is a resort that meets a wide range of needs.

A Memorable Golf Experience

A round at LGCR is an experience of savouring tropical natural beauty and strategic challenge at once, touring the courses drawn by two legends. Spectacular scenery from elevated tees, the tension of tackling water hazards, and occasional encounters with wildlife around the course — a special time flows here that you cannot get at an urban course. After the round you can relax at the clubhouse and varied recreation facilities and enjoy a family stay — a destination where history and nature breathe.

The Surrounding Area and Enjoying Johor

The Kota Tinggi area is dotted with natural sights such as the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls, so you can enjoy a stay that combines golf with nature sightseeing. Activities within the resort such as horse riding, fishing and mountain biking are also appealing. Head into central Johor Bahru and shopping and local cuisine are plentiful. It is also popular as a weekend-trip destination from Singapore, letting you realise an extraordinary golf trip surrounded by nature.

What to Know Before You Play

Access: Convenient by company car or private car, or by ride-hailing services such as Grab. Head toward Kota Tinggi from the Johor Bahru direction. As the area is rich in nature, allow plenty of time.
Course layout: The Nicklaus Course (18 holes) and Palmer Course (9 holes). It is reassuring to confirm which courses you will play before arriving.
Course character: Elevated tees, water hazards and an undulating layout. Rather than distance alone, accurate shots and management of your landing spot are important.
Caddie / cart: Please confirm the availability and details of caddies, carts and rental equipment before arriving.
Attire and setting: A collared shirt, golf trousers and shoes are standard. In the tropical natural setting, be sure to guard against sun and heat and stay hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of golf course is The Legends Golf and Country Resort?

It is a golf resort in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia. It features 18 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus and 9 holes designed by Arnold Palmer, and is known for a strategic, beautiful course making use of tropical hills and water hazards. It also has plenty of non-golf recreation facilities.

Who designed it?

The 18-hole main course is by Jack Nicklaus, and the additional 9 holes are by Arnold Palmer. On a course crafted by two legends who left their mark on golf history, you can experience their differing design philosophies.

How many holes are there?

In addition to the 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Jack Nicklaus (about 6,710 metres), there are 9 holes designed by Arnold Palmer. You can combine the courses for a varied round.

Where is it located?

It is located in the Kota Tinggi area of Johor. In a quiet setting surrounded by tropical nature and hills; as it is inland, no ferry is required and it is reached by car.

What is the difference between the Nicklaus Course and the Palmer Course?

The Nicklaus Course is 18 holes, par 72, a strategic layout characterised by lakeside holes, elevated tees and water hazards on the back nine. The Palmer Course is 9 holes, a course in harmony with nature, appealing for its undulations with a flowing stream and its wide fairways.

Can beginners enjoy it?

Yes. It is important to choose a forward tee and not to over-attack on holes with water hazards or undulations. A driving range and practice course are also in place, so it is reassuring to prepare before your round.

What are the difficult points?

Shots from elevated tees, the water hazards dominating the back nine, and undulating fairways are the main challenges. Rather than distance, accurate shots and course management with a safe landing spot in mind are the keys.

What facilities are there?

In addition to a tropical-style clubhouse, locker rooms, a pro shop, a sauna, a jacuzzi and a halal-friendly restaurant, there is a driving range designed by Jack Nicklaus and a practice green. There are also varied facilities such as a pool, billiards, a reading room, a fishing area, a mountain-bike course and horse riding (Rider’s Lodge).

Are there non-golf activities such as horse riding?

Yes. At Rider’s Lodge you can enjoy horse riding through the surrounding nature, and there are recreation facilities such as a pool, billiards, a reading room, a fishing area and a mountain-bike course that companions and family who do not golf can enjoy too.

Can families enjoy it?

Yes. In addition to golf, there are varied activities such as horse riding, fishing, a pool and mountain biking, and natural sights are dotted around the area. It is well suited to a stay combining golf with a family trip.

What is the best time of day for golf?

An early-morning start is recommended. The temperature is relatively comfortable and it is easier to play with time to spare. If coming from Singapore, allow for border congestion and set off early to be safe.

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 Kota Tinggi from the Johor Bahru direction. Please note that GoGolf does not arrange shuttle services. As the area is rich in nature, allow plenty of time.