Danau Golf Club

Danau Golf Club at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi was fully renovated in 2011 and has since made it to premium course status. In fact, in 2015, Danau Golf Club was voted best-improved golf course in Malaysia due to its challenging layout and better maintenance.

The KL golf course is just a short distance from the North-South Highway at the Bangi Exit. Danau is an excellent choice for golfers in Selangor and the nearby areas.

The 18-hole par-72 course has cow grass fairways like many other Malaysia golf courses. However, the greens are better than usual as they are surfaced with dwarf Bermuda grass and maintained by the same team that handles the award-winning Saujana Golf & Country Club. Fast green speeds combined with large subtly undulated surfaces makes putting at Danau a challenge.

Some of the best holes at Danau include the opener. The 360-meter par-4 hole plays downhill. A long, accurate drive down the left side of the fairway sets up a good line into the elevated green. Immediately following, the second hole is the Danau signature hole. This short 282 meter par-4 snakes uphill to a wildly undulating green that is also protected by deep pot bunkers. A perfect approach shot to the almost blind green is needed to have any chance of par. Otherwise, a 3-putt bogey is a certainty.

Two stand-outs on the back nine are holes 12 and 18. The former is a par-5 with an island tee that requires a big hit over a long water carry as well as avoiding the out-of-bounds to the right. In other words, a perfect drive is the only shot that will be in play. The final hole sees golfers hitting through a small chute to a green protected by four large bunkers. Not only is the approach difficult, but the green has 3-tiers and getting on the wrong one is a sure 3-putt or worse.

The other holes at Danau are also very challenging. While the length is reasonable, hitting good shots off cow grass fairways is tough, and the greens and surrounding complexes are deceiving. Only low handicappers will enjoy Danau. Those less experienced golfers might be better advised to go elsewhere or at least play off the forward tees.

Facilities at Danau include a driving range, clubhouse, and locker rooms more fitting of a public university than a private members club. Caddies are not available.

Overall golf at Danau is an extreme challenge. Getting a good score or shooting one's handicap is a real accomplishment.