Royal Brunei

Described by its designer, Ron Fream, as the "Augusta National of Asia," Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club might lack the exclusivity of its more famous golfing counterpart but it certainly has the reputation of housing one of the best manicured layouts on the Asian continent.

Also known as Jerudong Park Country Club and set close to the Jerudong Park amusement grounds, Royal Brunei was literally carved through a jungle landscape with golf holes characterised by tight, tree-lined playing corridors that lead to relatively small green sites, putting a premium on short game skills.

There’s only a few water hazards in play, mainly on the closing hole of each nine, and several of the fairways – many of which are doglegged – are routed across small gullies and ravines, a design trait that adds immensely to the golfing challenge.

Back to back short par fours at holes 5 and 6 are highlight holes on the front nine whilst, on the inward half, the demanding par four 15th is dominated by an island fairway so water has to be carried twice between tee and green.