The Els Club Desaru Coast Welcomes Steven A. Thielke

The Els Club Desaru Coast is delighted to introduce its new General Manager, Steven A. Thielke. Thielke assumes responsibility for The Els Club Desaru Coast which consist of the award-winning Ocean and Valley Courses.

In his most recent role, he served as Chief Executive Officer of TPC Kuala Lumpur. In this role he led the transformation process from KLGCC to TPC Kuala Lumpur in partnership with PGA Tour and hosted the nation’s three largest golf tournaments, Maybank Malaysian Open, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and the PGA TOUR-sanctioned CIMB Classic.

Thielke was also previously General Manager of The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula in Hainan, China, Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate, Glendower Golf Club and Wanderers Golf Club in South Africa, including Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course in South Africa. Thielke’s first brush with golf was when he caddied for pocket money while in boarding school. He was originally in the hotel business, then moved across to the golf business.

With decades of hospitality expertise in delivering operational transformation, and developing teams he will be dedicated to improving upon the already impressive quality and reputation of The Els Club Desaru Coast.

Of his appointment, Thielke said: “I am committed to continue to grow The Els Club Desaru Coast into one of the finest golfing facilities in Malaysia and South East Asia. It is a blessing to be part of the beautiful destination of Desaru Coast that includes such world-class golfing facilities, top quality accommodation providers and non-golfing leisure attractions.”

Managed by Troon Golf, the world’s leading golf management group, and created by four-time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, Ernie Els, the three golf courses across both properties at The Els Club Malaysia are all of the highest possible standard. Collectively, this has enabled the club to quickly assert itself as one of the most talked about experiences in the golf market.

The 45-hole property in Desaru Coast, Johor boasts two Championship courses, each designed by a world golf hall of famer. The Ocean Course, designed by the club’s namesake and four-time major champion, Ernie Els is set on one of the most spectacular plots of land anywhere in the world.
Overlooking the South China Sea the course can comprise of any two of the three 9-hole courses on- site, offering unique variability. Each layout has their own character and personal touches from Els, but they all take inspiration from the famous links courses spread across the UK, with large rolling greens and firm run off areas designed to place a premium on a sharp short game.

The Valley Course, designed by three time major champion Vijay Singh is a completely different test. The small greens and sharp undulations mean that approach play must be precise in order to prevail against the course. The layout is as dramatic as you’ll find anywhere in the world, Singh used the slopes on the property to perfection, creating a perfect mix of testing shots and vistas that will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Besides two fantastic golf venues, each course boasts a fully-spec’d clubhouse. The Ocean Course’s clubhouse is a decadent masterpiece, at 45,000 square feet, views for miles over the golf course and into the South China Sea and the 261 Bar and Restaurant, it’s the ultimate 19th hole. The Valley course’s clubhouse is a slightly different design, with an open plaza design and casual dining area it’s more of a traditional golf club atmosphere. Each course at The Els Club Desaru Coast has a pristine short game area and full grass driving range, meaning both as perfect to warm up before a game, or even to get in some extra practice.

For more information please visit www.elsclubmalaysia.com.

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The Els Club Malaysia
No. 4, Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Darul Ta’zim, Johor

ABOUT THEMED ATTRACTIONS RESORTS & HOTELS SDN. BHD.
Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd. is an investment holding company incorporated to develop, manage and operate hospitality and attraction destinations. Established by the Malaysian Government’s strategic investment fund, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, TAR&H serves as a catalyst for the leisure and tourism industry by bringing premier world-class hotels, resorts, golf courses and attractions to the region. Its current key investment portfolio comprises Desaru Coast – apremium integrated destination resort, LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort - the sixth LEGOLAND in the world and the first in Asia, KidZania Kuala Lumpur & KidZania Singapore - an indoor family education and entertainment centre, Puteri Harbour – a quay side lifestyle retail and family entertainment complex, SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN – the first of its kind outside of Japan, Thomas Town – an indoor theme park that features the famous Thomas & Friends® characters on multiple themed rides and Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour at the luxury waterfront of Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri (formerly known as Nusajaya), along with the award winning The Datai Langkawi and the first Els Club in Southeast Asia – The Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi. Working with renowned global and local partners and brands, TAR&H aims to be the leading Leisure & Tourism Group bringing world-class destinations to South East Asia, creating over 15,000 jobs.

ABOUT ERNIE ELS DESIGN
Ernie Els Design is a full-service golf course design company wholly owned by its principal, four-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els. The international scope of Ernie’s 70 professional career victories is mirrored in the increasingly global reach of his designs, with signature courses and renovations making an impact in emerging and established golf markets alike. Ernie Els Design enjoys unique relationships with the world’s finest developers who share the company’s ambitions, creating attractive destinations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development and sound environmental practice. The company employs the most experienced staff – including leading architect Greg Letsche as its senior design associate – and the latest technology from its two offices in Florida and South Africa. With additional field offices in Malaysia and Dubai, the company provides a near 24-hour service and applies the latest technologies and expertise to service our development partners and clients throughout the world. Since its formation in 2000, the company has received global recognition with a string of prestigious accolades. Notably, in 2015 Ernie was voted ‘Designer of the Year’ at the World Golf Awards. In addition, many of Ernie’s signature courses have won prestigious industry awards including ‘Best New Golf Course in the World’ for The Els Club Teluk Datai (pictured below) in 2014. In 2016, it also became the first layout in the Ernie Els Design portfolio to be listed in Golf Digest’s prestigious ‘World Top-100’.

ABOUT TROON GOLF
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company, with now more than 590 golf courses in its portfolio. Also specializing in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues, the company oversees operations at Troon Golf, Honours Golf and Troon Privé properties located in 36 states and 30 countries. Additionally, 53 Troon facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and Dubai UAE, Troon’s International division is committed to developing Troon’s presence throughout the world. This rapidly expanding division now oversees operations at 44 courses in 16 countries including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, England, Russia and Spain with further expansion planned across all regions. www.Troon.com

For further press information, please contact:
Ashley Ross Ropaie
Sr Marcomm, Partnership & Promotion Manager
The Els Club Malaysia
Mobile:+6017 7673590
Email: Ashley.ropaie@elsclubmalaysia.com

This release was published on openPR.