Clearwater Sanctuary (Raintree & Lakes)

Aussie professional Tim Woolbank designed the 27 holes at Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort and the Raintree and Lakes nines are the main attraction, supplemented by a par three course called the Wetlands. Located in the old Kinta Valley tin-mining region, the three returning loops are set around 350 acres of sparkling lakes which provide a habitat for a multitude of wild bird species.

It can feel a little claustrophobic at times on the Raintree nine, especially at holes 3 to 5 where trees lining either side of the fairways really narrow the playing corridors. Water only ever threatens on the sharply doglegged 5th before the routing returns holes 6 to 9 (which can be floodlit) back to the clubhouse.

The Lakes nine is altogether more open, with holes following a clockwise routing around the Club, East, South and West lakes. Because water is in play down the left side of every fairway, golfers can be forgiven for growing weary of the same hazard appearing at every hole on this nine.