TAIYO Resort (KL) Bhd is targeting the upgrading works at the Bukit Jambul Country Club (BJCC) golf course to be completed in 2012, a year before the scheduled completion.

Taiyo managing director Datuk Eiro Sakamoto said that the first nine holes of the 18-hole golf course was now 60% completed.

?The other 40% is scheduled for completion by end of the year.

?So far, we have completed replacing the grass at the putting greens with imported TifEagle grass.

?We have also completed the trenches on the fairway, which is topped up with sand to improve the drainage system of the golf course,? he said in an interview.

Sakamoto said the cow grass for the fairway was expected to be replaced with Bermuda grass by end of the year.

?We will start upgrading the second nine holes next year and this will take 12 months to complete,? he added.

Sakamoto said the renovation of the golf course would turn it into a buggy-course.

?The buggies are now restricted on only the buggy track.

?Once the renovation is done for the first nine holes, new buggies will be brought in to service the golfers, bringing them to the fairway,? Sakamoto said.

He also said Taiyo would spend about RM3mil to buy 110 new buggies.

He said renovation work for the clubhouse would start in July.

The renovation, which should be ready by December 2011, will see a restaurant serving Japanese, Chinese, and local cuisine, a terrace coffee-house and new changing rooms.

Sakamoto said the upgrading work for the 18-hole golf course is around RM6mil, while the clubhouse renovation would cost another RM3mil.

Taiyo is also allocating about RM30mil to maintain the golf course and the clubhouse for the next 10 years.

?We understand the importance of the club to attract overseas golfers to Penang and its role in promoting tourism,? he said.

Last November, Taiyo signed an agreement with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Island Golf Properties Bhd (IGP), a subsidiary of PDC, to undertake the management and operation of BJCC for 20 years.

Under the agreement, Taiyo will complete the upgrading works of the golf course by 2013.

?The name Bukit Jambul Country Club is expected to be changed officially to Penang Golf & Country Club soon,? Sakamoto said.

PDC general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar said Taiyo should be given time to complete the upgrading works by 2013, according to the agreement.

BJCC liaison committee chairman Datuk Boonler Somchit said following a discussion by the liaison council and the management on May 26 regarding the poor maintenance of the second nine holes of the golf-course, Sakamoto agreed to take immediate action to improve conditions.

?Sakamoto also reassured that the renovation deadline of the first nine holes will be met by December this year,? he said.

SOURCE: The Star