Golf tour - KL/Kuantan/Kuala Trengganu, 2020 February

In Dec last year, whilst going through our affiliated cub list, we noticed that there are 4 affiliated GC along Kuantan/Terengganu route that we have not play for a long long time. So it was quickly decided that we should plan a trip after CNY. However during the planning process, we discovered that there were quite a few negative reviews about KRTU, Kuantan and KGR Dungun, which is only a 9 hole course. Finally we decided to skip these 2 GC and selected other private courses instead.

Khoo also managed to borrow his son's Toyota Wellfire, which we find is very comfortable for 6 of us.

The Jumbo 6!

D1 -10 February2020 / Royal Pahang GC

Initially the weather was cool and breezy, 
unfortunately a heavy downpour came in after 
12 holes. So our flight of Alex/Lee/Lim/David had to abandon the game, although Khoo & Dennes, managed to finish just before the rain poured.


Since we finished early, we decided to drive straight to Kuala Dungun to look for our accommodation.

Found a budget hotel in Kuala Dungun near the river, appropriately called RiverBank Guest House. Good enough to spend the night though room has only beds and bathroom attached.  No Tv and wardrobe; could have at least a table to put some stuff!. Instead, there is a Billiard table and a Dart Board. Just right for Dennes to show off his snooker skill!

Front of Guest House

Kuala Dungun sea side

Searched the web for a good dinner, however, upon arrival we found that the restaurant was already closed for business. Fortunately we found another restaurant few shops away, which serves Chinese, Thai and Western cooking. 

Since K Dungun is a coastal town, we had to order seafood and surprisingly there were very tasty and value for money too. So we decided to place order for next day's dinner as well. Everyone agreed that the steam flower crab and Yam braised pork belly (Woo-tau Kaw York) were exceptionally yummy!

D2 - 11 February2020 / Kelab Golf Desa Dungun.

This is a very flat,  badly maintained course, especially the bunkers. The changing room was in a deplorable conditions. Many toilets and bathrooms had “rosak “ sign sticker on them; even the only long bench in the room is also broken! 
Very very disappointed!

After the game, and since we have some time in hand, we decided to recce KG Bukit Besi despite a number of negative comments we heard over the last 2 days. Just before arriving at the club house, we were amazed by what we saw. Definitely a course carved out from the jungle, the scenery was absolutely eye catching especially the huge lake right in front of the cafeteria!

View from the cafeteria, KG Bukit Besi

 Dennes and Alex got permission to check out the first 2 holes. Contrary to what we heard before, both agreed that we had to play this course tomorrow. We were also informed that the club is having a Promotion on Mon, Tue and Wednesday, where each golfer only pays RM 1.00 green fees per hole! It's our lucky day!

Happy Birthday Khoo San

Today is also the birthday of our dear friend, Khoo san. so we had decided to give him a little surprise.  Incidentally, there wasn't a single staff at the guest house when we came back but thanks to David, who had brought enough 3in1 coffee sachets; we celebrated his birthday with coffee and  a small cake, DIY style!

D3 - 12 February2020 / Kelab Golf Bukit Besi. 

Our first impression - the course is crafted out from primary forest  but offering a scenic view of nature. Truly very tough course especially playing for 1st time. Many holes with dog legs, and most of times can’t see where the greens are.  Even with a good tee off, your ball maybe in a wrong angle to play the next shot. Most holes has tough, narrow undulating fairways either guarded by water or the jungle, which are clearly marked as penalty areas not to be messed with!  The water are greenish blue colour and  crystal clear, coupled with the reflection of the forest;  offer a panoramic view of nature at its best!

Because Khoo has an urgent matter to attend to, we drove back to KL immediately after lunch near Bukit Besi. 

Though we had a good time, especially those mouth watering seafoods; I think it will be some time before we come back again for golf in view of the distance and course conditions.