The Legends Golf & Country Resort, Malaysia

Location

Johor Region, Malaysia

Website

http://www.keppelclub.com.sg/

My Rating 

5/10

Review

A 27 hole course with each of the 9 holes designed by the legends Jack Nacklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player and only an hours drive from Singapore. Sounds to good to be true doesnt it? Well it is.

Opened in the 90s at no doubt substantial cost based on the massive club house, the longest drive way I have ever seen at a golf resort and the names behind the designs it would seem sadly that not a dollar has been spent since it opened, way back when.

The drive from Singapore is reasonable if not very dull as you cruise through mile after mile of Palm Oil Plantation.

Arriving at the club house there is a very smooth bag drop and check-in operation but its here you start to notice the lack of investment in the club - the building is run down, the change rooms smell of damp and sweat and general environment is quite unpleasant.

Hoping the course is better we teed off playing the Lakes & Palm Nines leaving the Hill Nine for another day. Immediately the poorly attended bunkers and bare fairways became obvious (although the greens were surprisingly good, firm and fast).

The course layout and hole designs are of course well thought out as you would expect from such well qualified designers, but the upkeep of the course just lets the whole thing down.

Im not going to comment on highlights/lowlights or favourite holes as I am just too disapointed. If I was pushed the 9th is probably my pick - risk reward par 4.

Being Singapore the course doesnt have a huge amount of land but makes the most of what it has, as a result expect tight fairways often only separated from other holes by one row of trees. This can come in handy when you hit one off target!

If I was pushed on a positive I would say its a quick round - mainly because there was no-one else at the course, even on a Sunday!

Summary

It would have been an amazing complex when it opened, sadly a lack of investment has resulted in a below average experience. 

Cost

Approx $130 SGD for 18 holes and cart. Caddy is extra (and not required).

Insider Tips

1. Ensure you have a toll card for Malaysia as you will go through allot of toll booths if driving from Singapore.

2. There is a discount from Amex if you book through the concierge.