JEWELS OF THE NORTH

Kedah and Penang are homes to some charming courses apt for a nice getaway.

- WORDS PATRICK HO

Along drive for golf brings with it a soulful journey of discovery.

Nothing beats the experience of playing at a new course, pit stops at undiscovered towns, embracing local culture, meeting and partaking in camaraderie with golf friends, as well as tasting the local food.

In Peninsular Malaysia, long drive golf excursions are the norm thanks to the arteries of highways that crisscross the country from North to South and East to West. For years, one popular destination with Klang Valley residents and international golfers are golf courses located in the states of Penang and Kedah.

Obviously, playing just one golf course in Penang or Kedah wouldn't be doing justice for die-hard golfers. A planned itinerary isn’t difficult with the ample choices of golf courses and interesting places to visit available in both states. The ideal itinerary would be to make Permaipura Golf & Country Club or Cinta Sayang Resort in Kedah your first stop. Just stay the night, or two, play one or two rounds and enjoy some of the popular restaurants and night spots in Kedah.

After that, resume your golf tour by travelling approximately 32km the next morning to Penang Golf Resort (PGR) for another exciting 18 holes. Located on the mainland of Penang, the PGR is considered by many as one of the northern state's most well-maintained and popular golf clubs.

Accessible by road using the North-South Highway and exiting via the Bertam-Kepala Batas interchange (Exit no. 166), PGR is part of a township development. Your driving tour can continue to the only golf course on Penang Island, the Penang Golf Club, which is about 40 minutes away depending on traffic.