David Townend accepts Best New Golf Course in the World award for The Els Club Teluk Datai, Malaysia

Ernie Els’ Malaysian masterpiece, The Els Club Teluk Datai, has been named the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the inaugural World Golf Awards, hosted in Portugal.

Just two weeks after its official grand opening, the four-time Major winner’s stunning Langkawi layout, which sits amidst a tropical rainforest stretching to the shores of the Andaman Sea, scooped the much-coveted accolade, voted upon by golf travel executives and members of the media.
 
In further recognition of Els’ remarkable design, which has already earned the admiration of the world’s golfing media, The Els Club Teluk Datai also collected the ‘Best New Golf Course in Asia’ award, rounding off an incredible evening at Quinta do Lago, Algarve.

Upon learning of the early success for his first South East Asian creation at the glittering ceremony, delighted Els said: “The news just keeps on getting better for the island of Langkawi and golf in Malaysia.

“The Els Club Teluk Datai is such a distinct and scenic property that it is impossible not to be blown away by the stunning landscape within which it is set.

“We knew that we had something special when we first set foot on the site and to see what we have been able to achieve fills me with a great sense of pride.

“The Els Club Teluk Datai has captured my attention, as I’m sure it will with golf lovers worldwide, and I certainly plan to spend time relaxing out there.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone who voted and a special thanks to the Troon management team on the ground who made delivering such a world-class product possible.”

The Els Club Teluk Datai is playing an integral role in increasing the number of inbound golf travellers to Malaysia, as is the vision of Destination Resorts & Hotels, the company charged to grow the nation’s golf tourism offering.

‎The Els Club Teluk Datai is managed and operated by Troon Golf, the global leader in upscale golf management, which oversees operations at some of world’s pre-eminent golf resorts, and owned by Destination Resorts & Hotels, an investment arm of the Malaysian Government.