Exotic Golf Malaysia

Mysterious Malaysia – A once-in-a-lifetime experience

By Dave Finn

When I tell my buddies that I recently visited Malaysia, I find myself pulling up a map to show them it is nestled between Thailand and Indonesia in the South China Sea and then explaining why it’s such a well kept secret, though maybe not for longer.  An exotic destination indeed but most certainly wouldn’t pop up on most people’s radar as a place to play golf!  I knew that it would be a unique and exciting place to visit but it wasn’t until I did my research that I learned Malaysia has a rich, long history of professional golf.  

I discovered that in 2011 the country celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of the Malaysian Open, now known as the Maybank Malaysian Open which is held every April as part of an official Asian Tour event.  This years’ winner was, Italian upstart, Matteo Manassero.  In July, Malaysia also plays host to a second Asian Tour event, the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters.

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Golf in Gulf Shores Alabama

Golf in Gulf Shores – Sweet Home Alabama where skies are so blue.         

by Dave Finn

Lynyrd Skynyrd released this famed rock hit in response to Canada’s own Neil Young’s controversial song “Southern Man”.  Sweet Home Alabama has now become the state motto and unofficial anthem of Alabama.  I could not agree more after returning from the Gulf Shores of southern Alabama.    The topography ranges from scenic shorelines with unspoiled wetlands to majestic tree lined courses with rolling hills.  Very relaxing and not too overcrowded, I’ll be coming back to you.

Kiva Dunes Hole #9

Our trip began in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach region that overlooks the northern-most coast of the Gulf of Mexico and boasts more than over 32 miles of sugar white beaches.   It’s also family-friendly with plenty of shopping, a variety of locally-owned restaurants, happening bars and some great off-shore fishing.  There are nine championship golf courses within a short drive of each other and more than available 16,000 rental units ranging from campgrounds, cottages, motels, hotels and condominiums so you’re guaranteed to find the accommodations that will suit your life-style and budget.  We stayed in a fully-equipped condo at the Turquoise Place, an amazing Spectrum Resorts property right on the Gulf of Mexico.  Magnificent views of the beach and a hot tub right on your balcony!  How good is that?

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The Abaco Club on Winding Bay – Bahamas

Laying Low in Abaco – Laid-Back Bahamas Luxury by Dave Finn 

As a golfer, you may not have heard of the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas before since it is best known for its’ boating, scuba diving and fishing. My wife, Jane and I have vacationed in the Abaco Islands six times now and we both agree it is one of our favorite destinations on earth to kick back and relax. However, in all the times that we have been coming, I have never once played golf there. That all changed when the Abaco Club on Winding Bay opened for play in December of 2004.

Because of the great accolades from golf writers around the world and the fact that Marc Atchison from The Toronto Star ranked the Abaco Club #6 in The Star’s 2006 Top 18 International Golf Courses, I knew I had to play this course. So when I was invited me to stay and play, I could not pass up on the opportunity. 

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