Saujana (Bunga Raya)

A mere 15 kilometres to the east of Kuala Lumpur lies the Saujana Golf & Country Club which, since its inauguration in 1986, has carved out a reputation as one of Malaysia's finest golf clubs.

With two world-class courses – Palm and Bunga Raya – both cut through a former palm and rubber plantation and both designed by Ronald Fream, it’s no surprise that Saujana Golf & Country Club is regarded as the nation’s top club.

Saujana Golf & Country Club was the brainchild of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. His full and formal title is: "Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad" but we’ll simply call him “Dr M” as he was fondly called by his supporters! Dr M’s objective was simple and that was to attract investors and there’s no doubt that he has achieved it.

Measuring 6,819 yards from the tips (5,296 yards from the forward tees), Fream has fashioned Bunga Raya into a challenging layout. Also known as "The Crocodile", Bunga Raya is a pretty course with generously wide and gently undulating fairways. At first glance, the course looks easy but it really should not be underestimated otherwise you may be lulled into a false sense of security.

Saujana Golf & Country Club was Malaysia’s first proprietary club and it’s still quite unique with its 2.600 members as individual shareholders. The club also “owns” the adjacent 350-roomed Saujana-Kuala Lumpur Hotel.