Golf in Borneo - experiences anyone?

[mjsw13]

A wee bit of a long shot I know, and apologies to those whom this is not at all relevant, but having recently read the latest Golf Monthly's feature on golf in Borneo, I was wondering if anyone had any experience of playing out there, and as importantly, joining a golf club out there.

I am interested primarily in Dalit Bay GC, but also Sutera Harbour (both in Sabah, Malaysia). I have recently invested in a new budget beach resort about an hour north east of Dalit Bay, and am considering a long-term move out that way.

If anyone here has any experience of playing golf out there, it'd be great to hear your opinions on the course(s), and club set up (i.e., how to become a member) for any of the Sabah tracks.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[fade_away]

Hi there
I played Dalit Bay GC about 6 years ago and it was a fantastic course. Excellent condition with lots of scary water (One par 3 across water springs to mind). A little difficult to really judge though as I was using hire clubs and shoes (slightly too small). One thing to remember is be careful what time you play. We teed off approx 11am and it was roasting. Hot and extremely humid. Serious chaffing weather.
You are a lucky man as Borneo is a fantastic country.
cheers
Marc

 

[drawboy]

If you go in a water hazard get a local to get the ball out for you.

 

[forefortheday]

If you go in a water hazard get a local to get the ball out for you.

Smiffy's not moved has he?

 

[viscount17]

I've emailed a mate who has a fair bit of experience of golf out that way (he got me started at Gemas - mainland Malaysia).

I'll let you know if anything comes of it.

 

[Macster]

I was across in Malaysia in Oct, and altho I stayed at the Shangri La Rasa Ria, I didnt get chance to play it unfortunately. - only there 2days.
Looked nice enough though.

I did however play the Datai GC in Langkawi, which was stunning, visually at least.

However, I dont really like playing in the 'Tropics', and that even goes for Florida too. I find that the grasses on fairways & greens are too course, and everything is just too 'sandy', and that doesnt include the bunkers !

yes its fun to play in some warmth, but in the heat of the day, it isnt a lot of fun, and as they dont get the length of days that we do, you very often dont have the choice.

Oh, and I'm not sure about all the courses in Sabah, but certainly at the Datai, you didnt go hunting in the undergrowth for any wayward ball !!
Snakes, spiders, Monitor lizards, you name it, were all present and awaiting unsuspecting 'ball searchers', no thank you !!!

Considering a move out there ?? well, there may be some some advantages for you, but I wouldnt think that Golf would be one of them......

 

[mjsw13]

Thanks for the info and advice thus far.

The Dalit Bay course looks excellent, and is under £530 for a year's membership apparently, not sure how easy it is to join though.

I love snakes and monitor lizards, but would be very careful at Dalit Bay because of the crocs in the mangroves!

Now I just have to play the waiting game and see how business takes off at the beach - first guests in next Monday.

Thanks again

 

[compton77]

I played a mid afternoon round at the Shangri La Rasa Ria resort about 6 years ago, from what i remember it was quite a tight course with water always seemingly on your left. It was a stunning resort, the golf was played with a view of Mount Kinabalu. The problem with M Kinabalu was that one moment it was baking hot and there was torrential rain coming over the mountain! Some advice don't play at 4pm (when i teed off), i (and my Japanese playing partner) got through 7 holes and had to go back in as the rain made it impossible to see anything! What a beautiful place though, make sure you go feed the Orangutans.

 

[viscount17]

my mate has replied, copied verbatim;

Nope, never been to East Malaysia but if it's like anywhere else in Malaysia then money is all you need to join, it was £320 for Orna in Malacca but you then did have to pay for use of the buggy per round but no green fee.

If you are not going to be playing more than 2 times per month there are associations you can join for vastly reduced green fees which gives you the flexibility to play different courses, assuming they accept the association card, at a cost saving.

If you want an official handicap you have to submit 20(!!) qualifying scores. This is then maintained by the Malaysian Golf Federation and you should submit your card after each round. Never play a Malaysian for money off his 'official' handicap as it will be at least 3 shots more than his normal standard. Scores of 40+ points Stableford are not uncommon.

 

[mjsw13]

Nice one viscount17 - many thanks for that, it's really helpful to know about the joining and handicap lark (20 cards?!?!). If and hopefully when this happens, I think I'll keep my UK handicap, and I'll never play a Malaysian for Ringgits, unless he is totally useless ;-)

Thanks again - really appreciate it.

 

[playinggolf]

Re: Golf in Borneo - experiences anyone? *DELETED*

Post deleted by Twire

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Spam - per chance???