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	The first sign that the Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club, is exceptional, is the absence of a commercial entrance – mandatory in other clubs. A requirement never considered necessary, as the exclusive patrons made up of members of the Royal Family, visiting State Dignitaries, highly placed Government Ministers and "invited guest", needed no introduction! To play on this course, is to partake in an experience very few have had the privilege to do and to join the list of World Class professional players; Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Bernard Langer, Ian Woosnan, Colin Montgomerie, Bernard Gallacher, Tony Jacklin, Nick Price and Nick Faldo; who have all enjoyed the luxury of playing on this private course.

Its designer, the American, landscape architect, Ronald Fream, refers to it as the "Augusta National of Asia"! It is considered to be one of the best courses in Asia and possibly the most exclusive in the world. It is an exciting and challenging course, consistently maintained to the high standards demanded by the USA PGA. The par 72, 18-hole championship, 6,175 metre (6,750 - yard), buggy only course, is considered to be a "thinker’s" course – as its fairways are tight and the slope of the green varies from subtle to strong. With a Stimp meter reading of 9 (adjustable to 11 for tournaments), as the normal green speed, it is one of the quickest courses in Asia. Despite the heavy tropical deluges, year round play can be enjoyed due to the installation of an efficient drainage system. Technical highlights of the course are provided by the 9th, 10th, 15th and 18th holes. Tight narrow fairways skirted by jungle woven into the course, cavernous ravines and bunkers and over water shots challenge and reward! Two luxuriously appointed air-conditioned rest houses provide a welcome respite from the humidity, a break from play and refreshments. Floodlights allow night play! Imagine playing under the tropical moon!

The experience of playing here involves more than just skill, as it indulges the senses with cool sea breezes, magnificent changes of light as the day evolves and an abundance of wildlife provide wonderful sights and sounds; it is not uncommon to spot a troupe of monkeys taking a leisurely sojourn across the fairway, or to see a majestic Brahminy kite soar searching for prey, or to hear the distinct call of the almost extinct hornbill. Images of the exotic Far East abound, as the roar of the tiger or the call of an elephant can be heard from the nearby distant zoo – a special treat! The club prides itself on being sensitive to the local environment and actively encourages conservation, providing a sanctuary for native flora and fauna.

The clubhouse overlooks a magnificent vista of rolling greens, dense lush jungle in the background and is spiked with pink and white carefully pruned bougainvilleas in the foreground. The focal point is the fountain cradling the club’s logo and burnished gold initials, from which sparkling water cascades into a lake and shimmers at dusk. As night falls backlights create a magical atmosphere. The scene can be admired from the open terrace or in air-conditioned comfort from the restaurant and plush lounge in which The President’s Cup (the club cup) takes pride of place amongst a collection of trophies and personal memorabilia, including a collection of antique clubs! The luxurious Royal viewing area is part of the clubhouse. The locker room located on the lower level, has the delightful surprise of having several individually autographed lockers, by famous players such as Greg Norman and Nick Faldo!

Access to the course is strictly controlled and has only recently been granted to the discerning inbound tourist, through prior arrangement. Why not avail yourself of this privilege and opportunity to play on this magnificent exclusive course that truly befits its inclusion in this "Royal" playground!
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