langkawi magazine
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Datai Bay Golf Club
We've gone! We've played! We've been conquered! By both the course and its overwhelming beauty!" These are familiar reports of those who have returned from Landmark Berhad's new 18 hole offspring called Datai Bay.
Tucked in a secluded corner of Langkawi, the well chosen 200 acre site is out of this world with thousands of stately jungle trees. The majestic Gunung Macincang peers down from the South and to the North, the Thai Island of Toratao seems to be floating on the cool aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea.
The setting keeps one spellbound throughout the round, with each hole assuming different characteristics. The trees which have been there since time immemorial, give Datai Bay its look of maturity, unlike most new course which have saplings and newly transplanted trees. All the trees are so tall, they seem to reach the sky. Only be warned that the trees have tentacles to catch balls and mouths to gobble strokes. Carved out of jungle, one would expect wild animals to invade the course, but only tame deer are encountered, with an iguana or two waddling across fairways, Many species of birds are forever serenading golfers overhead. The splash of ocean waves is also sweet music.
Work on Datai Bay started in December 1990. Designed by the members of Saujana Board and Instangreen Sdn. Berhad and constructed by Peremba Berhad, the Par 72, 6501 yard course was open for play in January 1992, with carpets of bermuda on the fairways, and tifdwarf on the greens.The wild and erratic are advised to leave their drivers and woods in the clubhouse. One must be a wizard to thread shots through needles of undulating fairways which are lined by dense trees. It is au-revoir once a ball bounces into the trees, or the meandering brook which is at its greediest at approach points. Even when there is no water in the brook during the dry season, balls are easily lost. On this course, clubbing is at a premium from tee to green. Overclubbed shots get entangled in the trees behind the greens. With the many blind holes, one seems to be embarking on a mystery tour, but after the tee shot, there are many scenic surprises beyond.
The colourful face of Gunung Macincang comes into view, or the Andaman Sea offering its soothing calm. Sometimes, the annoying brook threatens. Should one be a hero or coward? What is most relieving is the sight of the clubhouse nearby, especially on a very hot day. Thank goodness, there are not that many fearsome bunkers in Datai, but most of the greens have 3 tiers, and subtle contours. And, they are not easy to read. Before stepping on the accelerator of the buggy to begin the 18 hole tour of Datai Bay, just make sure that there is a good supply of balls in the bag.
The 1st is a Par 4 of 391 yards which long straight shooters will have no problem reaching the green in two, as the fairway is generous enough. Only the high handicappers or beginners will find the water on the right, and in front of the tee, a psychological burden. Deceptive and cunning, that's the 8th, a 511 yard Par 5. Three tall lonesome trees and the horrible brook wreak fear, as they cut into the drive. More trees are onthe left with the O.B. fence on the right. The second shot has to be carefully studied as the brook crosses the approach at a sharp angle, with trees in the way. On the other side are two gaping bunkers, and the green is contoured. More a suicidal than a par hole!
Another devilish Par 5 is the 518 yard 12th. Trees are at their most destructive. Not only are they fairway guardians, there is a mighty fortress of tall slender palms blocking the view to the elongated green, cut on a slope. More trees lie in wait at the bottom of the green on the right, and at the back. Standing on the elevated 15th tee, one suddenly notices that cowgrass is used for all levels, instead of bermuda. Then one realises that clubbing becomes an awesome task on this 138 yard Par 3. The vision of the green is miniscule, with trees and the 2 ponds on the right to keep pars at bay. The 16th is one of the most breath-taking holes. From the tee of this 385 yard Par 4, one begins to guess what is ahead of this sharp dog-leg right. The fairway appears very narrow, with trees on both sides, and the brook running down the right. The landing area widens, and right in front is the green, but the sight of the island of Tarotao and the Andaman Sea will forever be etched in one's mind.
If there are balls lost or there are too many strokes on the card, the scenery more than compensates, and makes the trip to Datai Bay worthwhile. It is the perfect place to get away from it all, and to tame those wayward shots, while soaking in nature's beauty. In Datai Bay, there is a lot of it! Within the next two years, a cluster of villas will be built around the course, and they are for sale. Also, 2 hotels, one a 5 star, and a super deluxe, plus a marina will add to the landscape in the vicinity. Soon Datai Bay will open for membership. The intake is 300 members at $25,000 each.
Datai Bay is managed by Saujana Golf Management Sdn. Bhd. The facilities available there are: a golf shop which also serves as the registration centre; a mini restaurant offering refreshments and light meals; and changing rooms. The green fee is $100 for 18 holes, and per buggy is $40 for 18 holes. Each buggy seats two persons. There are package facilities for 12 persons and above. Datai Bay is 25 kms from Langkawi airport. The ride there through rubber estates, jungle, paddy fields, villages, hotels and chalets, plus the magnificent views ofthe Andaman Sea, will make one forget that it takes half an hour to get there. From Kuah town, Datai Bay is 40 kms. Transport from hotels to and from Datai Bay is available at a fee. Those wishing to play at Datai Bay can book their tee off time by writing or calling Datai Bay Golf Club
Langkawi 31/03/1992
