January 17, 1996. Copyright, 1996, Graphic News. All rights reserved

PLAYING GOLF WITH THE BIRDIES
By Nicholas Booth

LONDON, January 17, Graphic News- Golf clubs the world over have a reputation for exclusivity, but few can boast the latest addition to the Mines Resort & Golf Club in Malaysia. Sculpted out of mining wasteland at Sungai Besi Ð about 15 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur Ð the resort covers 246 acres, offers 18 holes and a very plush clubhouse, all part of its aim to become one of the top ten golf courses in the world.

But these pale into insignificance beside the most luxurious attraction of all: a Boeing 737-300, recently bought from Ansett Worldwide, which will be used to fly members and their guests to attend tournaments worldwide. At the moment the aircraft is undergoing extensive interior modifications and having long range fuel tanks added. Although it originally had 148 seats, only 38 will be configured for the golfers to make even the longest journeys comfortable. And, most impressive of all, there will even be a putting green aboard!

Such exclusive service doesn't come cheap: this June, the resort will admit 388 new members at a price of 500,000 Malaysian dollars a head. 

Sources: Ansett Worldwide, The Mines Resort & Golf Club