Since the 1990s, Malaysia has long established itself in Asia as one of the pioneers of golf club property. With approximately 150-plus golf courses located in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia today, it is no surprise that the country remains a popular golf destination for locals and tourists  alike.

While the majority of golf courses in the country remain accessible to the public, there are two clubs that stand out as the nation’s leading
luxury addresses.

The Sime Darby Property-owned Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) remains at the top of the list after hosting several high-profile professional golf events in the past, namely the PGA Tour-sanctioned CIMB Classic, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and the Maybank Malaysian Open events.

Over the years, some of the world’s top players have played on the critically-acclaimed West and East Courses. Some of the world’s best professionals like Justin Thomas, Ryan Moore, Pat Perez, Cristie Kerr, Jessica Korda, Shanshan Feng, Anirban Lahiri, Lee Westwood, Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, Celine Boutier, Ruoning Yin, Atthaya Thitikul, and Brooke Henderson have challenged the two 18-hole courses during the hosting of the international events. According to KLGCC’s general manager, Adam Calver, KLGCC are looking at several things in 2025 and beyond to sustain the business.

“We will be conducting renovation of the East Course and focus on asset enhancements with the intention to enhance our products, offerings and customer experience,” explained Calver.

“Other initiatives include active membership management, while expanding and optimizing various revenue streams across golf, sports, F&B and events.” He added: “We will also be focussing on ‘Building Best in Class Service & Capabilities’ in talent development, operation and other areas and look at sustainability proponents to support Net Zero initiatives.”

While ensuring that the 36 holes and club house facilities are well- maintained, the interests and needs of KLGCC’s members and guests remain the management’s top priority. “As of 26 December 2024, we have approximately 4,116 members,” Calver said. “There are no changes to the membership packages at this time. However, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value while ensuring long-term sustainability, aiming to position ourselves as one of the best-in-class clubs across all areas.”

While KLGCC has built its reputation of hosting professional tournaments and advocating a luxurious club concept, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort (TGCR) has long- established itself as the pioneer of exclusive gated community golf clubs in Malaysia. When the fourth Prime Minster of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad officially opened Tropicana Golf & Country Resort on 13 January 1996, the clubhouse was celebrated as the largest in the country.

Inside this “new” luxurious haven contained high-end restaurants and amenities operated by some of Malaysia’s top chain brands, indoor tennis courts, entertainment outlets and much more for its affluent members.

Furthermore, the establishment of TGCR heralded a new luxury living lifestyle with bungalows and condominiums built according to an architect’s vision for the affluent. This year, TGCR’s delivery of golfing luxury to its members and guests will be taken up another notch when they embark in what is a first in Malaysia by implementing  the usage of four-seater buggies that will see golfers chauffeured by the caddies. Phase
one will see an initial delivery of 10 units of these four-seater buggies in the near future.

In March, upgrading works on the TGCR’s West 3 course will commence to enhance the fairways and greens. This exercise will be complemented by the arrival of new fairway and green mowers, as well as hollow-tining programmes to enhance all three nines.

Other major upgrades planned for 2025 will see enhancements made to the sports complex wing. In the pipeline are new lockers to be installed; the addition of a spanking hydropool at the changing room with cold and hot water. Other enhancements include a new gym building with the latest state-of-the- art gym equipment tailored for golfers, while construction of six outdoor Pickleball courts will begin from February with the existing outdoor tennis courts converted to two indoor tennis courts.

“Tropicana’s focus from 2025 is on healthy living amongst its members especially the young families,” said Mr. Yew Kong Chee, Managing Director – Resort Management. “We are constantly innovating and enhancing the quality and services of the golf course and our facilities, to ensure that our more than 6,000 members and international visitors benefit from an unforgettable experiential visit.” TGCR is affiliated to renowned international golf clubs in Australia, China, India, Japan, Brunei, Bangladesh and Singapore.