The Els Club Desaru Coast is delighted to introduce its new General Manager, Steven A. Thielke. Thielke assumes responsibility for The Els Club Desaru Coast which consist of the award-winning Ocean and Valley Courses.
In his most recent role, he served as Chief Executive Officer of TPC Kuala Lumpur. In this role he led the transformation process from KLGCC to TPC Kuala Lumpur in partnership with PGA Tour and hosted the nation’s three largest golf tournaments, Maybank Malaysian Open, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and the PGA TOUR-sanctioned CIMB Classic.
Thielke was also previously General Manager of The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula in Hainan, China, Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate, Glendower Golf Club and Wanderers Golf Club in South Africa, including Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course in South Africa. Thielke’s first brush with golf was when he caddied for pocket money while in boarding school. He was originally in the hotel business, then moved across to the golf business.
With decades of hospitality expertise in delivering operational transformation, and developing teams he will be dedicated to improving upon the already impressive quality and reputation of The Els Club Desaru Coast.
Of his appointment, Thielke said: “I am committed to continue to grow The Els Club Desaru Coast into one of the finest golfing facilities in Malaysia and South East Asia. It is a blessing to be part of the beautiful destination of Desaru Coast that includes such world-class golfing facilities, top quality accommodation providers and non-golfing leisure attractions.”
Managed by Troon Golf, the world’s leading golf management group, and created by four-time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, Ernie Els, the three golf courses across both properties at The Els Club Malaysia are all of the highest possible standard. Collectively, this has enabled the club to quickly assert itself as one of the most talked about experiences in the golf market.
The 45-hole property in Desaru Coast, Johor boasts two Championship courses, each designed by a world golf hall of famer. The Ocean Course, designed by the club’s namesake and four-time major champion, Ernie Els is set on one of the most spectacular plots of land anywhere in the world.
Overlooking the South China Sea the course can comprise of any two of the three 9-hole courses on- site, offering unique variability. Each layout has their own character and personal touches from Els, but they all take inspiration from the famous links courses spread across the UK, with large rolling greens and firm run off areas designed to place a premium on a sharp short game.
The Valley Course, designed by three time major champion Vijay Singh is a completely different test. The small greens and sharp undulations mean that approach play must be precise in order to prevail against the course. The layout is as dramatic as you’ll find anywhere in the world, Singh used the slopes on the property to perfection, creating a perfect mix of testing shots and vistas that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Besides two fantastic golf venues, each course boasts a fully-spec’d clubhouse. The Ocean Course’s clubhouse is a decadent masterpiece, at 45,000 square feet, views for miles over the golf course and into the South China Sea and the 261 Bar and Restaurant, it’s the ultimate 19th hole. The Valley course’s clubhouse is a slightly different design, with an open plaza design and casual dining area it’s more of a traditional golf club atmosphere. Each course at The Els Club Desaru Coast has a pristine short game area and full grass driving range, meaning both as perfect to warm up before a game, or even to get in some extra practice.
For more information please visit www.elsclubmalaysia.com. |
