Saujana has earned top spot in Malaysia’s rankings since its early days more than two decades ago. As home to the national championship, it still holds its reputation as a tough but fair test of golf.

Fans who follow the Asian Tour will find Saujana Golf and Country Club very familiar. The resort has hosted the Malaysian Open an unprecedented seven times. Conceptualised by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former Malaysian prime minister, the Saujana was built in 1982 to attract more foreign investment and trade into the country. Fast-forward to 2009 and Dr Mahathir would probably be beaming with pride knowing that his vision is closely adhered to.

The recently renovated resort will play host to many international stars – such as Japan’s No. 1 golfer, Shingo Katayama; Thailand’s Thongjai Jaidee; and the United States’ latest golfing hotshot, Anthony Kim – when the Maybank Malaysian Open comes to town from 12 to 16 March.

Situated 58km and a mere 30 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Saujana is nestled in a sprawling, 160-hectare “metropolis of hospitality” collectively known as The Saujana Resort. This entire place has 386 rooms and suites, two swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, seven restaurants, and two world-class, 18-hole golf courses: Palm and Bunga Raya.

Palm Course
Palm, as its name suggests, was carved out of a palm tree plantation. Designed by Golfplan’s Ronald Fream, it is regarded as one of the best courses in Malaysia by many publications, including Golf Digest. As the chief architect for golf courses such as Sentosa’s Serapong Course and New Kuta Golf in Bali, Fream is familiar with this region’s unique geography and uses it to full effect. The par-5 3rd offers golfers a magnificent view of the hole from the elevated tee box. Playing downhill, one has to get over the psychological barrier of driving over a ball-swallowing ravine. Conversely, there’s the uphill par-4 6th, one of the toughest holes on the course. The entire fairway slopes from right to left, with trees lining up on both sides. For the approach, one has to avoid the deep bunkers guarding the greens on the left and right. Pars are considered an excellent effort, even for low-handicappers. As it is nicknamed “The Cobra” for its twists and turns in its layout, be sure to drink some anti-venom (beer) first, just in case you get “poisoned”.

Bunga Raya Course
It isn’t as glamorous and it has not held as many Malaysian Opens as “The Cobra”, but Bunga Raya can certainly hold its own against any course in the region and, perhaps, the world. With an excellent design and layout, as well as well-manicured fairways and greens, the golfing experience at Bunga Raya is as good as it gets. Deceptively forgiving, “The Crocodile” (they just love their reptiles there) probably got its nickname from its wide, extensive fairways and numerous water hazards.

The par-4 12th seems to represent “The Crocodile” most aptly. Long hitters may have to keep the driver in the bag, for there is a water hazard that cuts across the middle of the fairway. To reach the green in two, long irons or hybrids are usually required. Bogeys are common, pars are good and birdies are godly. Another memorable hole is the picturesque par-3 5th. Its kidney-shaped green is elevated above water, so bad placements and wayward shots will most likely guarantee you a positive score.