Lakes/Coast at The Els Club Desaru Coast - Ocean Course

The Els Club Desaru Coast - Ocean Course occupies a distinctive coastal site in Desaru, a resort area on the southeastern tip of Peninsular Malaysia facing the South China Sea. Designed by Ernie Els in collaboration with the Robert Trent Jones II firm, the course opened in 2018 as part of the larger Desaru Coast integrated resort development. The layout takes advantage of the property's natural topography, which includes coastal dunes, mature casuarina groves, and wetland areas that come into play on several holes.

The routing moves through varied terrain, with the front nine playing primarily through inland forest and the back nine featuring more pronounced coastal character. Several holes run directly along the shoreline, where prevailing winds off the South China Sea influence club selection and strategy. The design incorporates wide fairways characteristic of Els's playing philosophy, though strategic bunkering and water hazards require thoughtful course management. The par-3 16th hole plays along the coast and typically presents one of the round's most memorable visual and strategic moments.

The course serves as the centerpiece of The Els Club at Desaru Coast, which also includes a Valley Course designed by Els. The facility caters to both resort guests and members, with the Ocean Course generally regarded as the more challenging and scenic of the two layouts. The property's location approximately 90 minutes from Singapore has positioned it within the regional golf market serving both Malaysian and international visitors.