My golf friends: December 2013

Last Wednesday was a public holiday for Selangor, so we have decided to play golf at other State instead. Initially, someone suggested Era Golf at Bahau on Tuesday then Sri Menanti GC next day. One of the reason to play there is also because of wanting to eat the "Sui Yee" (terrapin) served mainly in Kuala Pilah. Then, an advert in a local golf magazine, changed our mind. There was a " Stay & Play" package of 1 night stay with 2 rounds of golf offered by Damai Laut GC, Lumut at RM180++. Without second thought, we booked 8 pax. However, when I received the email confirmation, I was surprised to see that caddy at RM50 per person per day is compulsory. This is contrary to what is published in the advert, which clearly states that "buggy & caddie payable on usage". Despite calling them to made caddie optional, the lady executive was adamant that it was not negotiable. Well, they have just lost 8 customers! I think paying more than RM 1000 just for the caddies is too much to swallow. The amount can easily covered all of our other expenses for the 2 days.

Then, someone suggested why not we play Orna GC and Tiara Melaka GC? I called immediately, and after a bit of negotiation and sweet talking; the lady in charge was happy to offer us 20% discounts on the golf package when I told them that we will be booking one of their 3-bedroom bungalow for 1 night as well. This is what I called good customer service!

On Tuesday morning, about 7.30am, we arrived at Ayer Keroh toll in 2 cars. Had our breakfast in one of those coffee shops not far off the junction to the golf courses, we were ready to tee off at ORNA GC. The condition of the course is just average, some of the greens are badly damaged by the root rot disease but the real menace is the Bermuda grass off the fairway.

If you are lucky to find the ball, which sit almost covered most of the time; playing the ball back onto the fairway is a smart choice. Except Dennes and Lim, the rest of us all played way above our handicap!

Just like we always do, getting a body massage would be the next agenda for the day. Showing us the way by our Malacca born KS Lim, there were quite a number of outlets around xxxxx. area. Everyone was happy for the service.

Later, we had our nyoya dinner at Ole Sayang restaurant. By looking at the customers around, it was not hard to determine that this must be a popular restaurant. We were not disappointed.

The next day, we arrived at Tiara Melaka GC about 8am. Like Orna GC, this is also a 27- holes course. Today, the course was in immaculate condition, especially the greens. We were told that the management had prepared the course for an up and coming Inter team Championship on the weekend. The rough was also planted with Bermuda grass, good luck to you if you missed the fairway!

No wonder it was recently rated Malaysia's most difficult golf course from the championship tees and the woodland nine is cut through 700 acres of thick jungle. Some holes offer a unique feature of split fairways. Again only Dennes and Lim played well. At the end of the 2 round, Dennes has won all the monies from his poor golfing kakis.