A Hole in One: Golfing in Paradise

Golf, around the world, is a sport of leisure and luxury - whether you’re playing in the biting winds of St. Andrews’ Old Course in Scotland or under the blistering sun of now Dubai’s many desert courses. Golfing in Bali however, brings a whole new meaning to the game and Bali National Golf Club is leading the way.

Sprawling along the Southwest coast of Bali in Nusa Dua, Bali National Golf Club opens its doors to keen golfers both on holiday or living on the island. In 2014, the golf club reopened with international standards having undergone a complete renovation by Nelson – Haworth Golf Architects. In that very same year, Golf Inc. Magazine awarded them as the 3rd Best Renovated Golf Course in the World.

Why is golf in Bali different? For one, the very idea of golfing on a paradise ‘Island of the Gods’ adds a complete different ambience, especially for those on holiday, but the milieu mean a lot as well. In Nusa Dua for example, a soft sea breeze blows between the trees, the glowing rays of the sun warm your skin and a verdant and truly tropical setting surrounds you.

At Bali National Golf Club, the course is incredibly stunning; coconut groves and vibrant flowering trees, stretching bunkers and open lakes. Of course, the beauty of the landscape is also the definition of its difficulty. This par 72 course is dubbed as one of the most challenging in the world, at a length of 7166 yards (championship tees) and a rating of 73.2. It is impeccably maintained throughout the year: the greens are clean and true, bunkers raked and ready and the fairways – if you ever land on them! – are consistent.

Highlights of the course include the 4th hole, which, when the weather is right boasts gorgeous views of Mt. Agung and the nearby Indian Ocean; the 17th hole, a fairway-less par 3 that requires golfers to land their tee shots straight onto the island green; and also the 400-yard, dogleg par 4 of the 18th hole with its green directly in front of the clubhouse terrace where resting golfers watch you finish off your round!

The modern Balinese-styled clubhouse is a luxurious and comfortable setting for golfers and even just spectators. The restaurant serves up an array of international foods but the Indonesian choices are amongst the favourites of the menu; the bar of course holds a good range of wines, spirits and post-game beers. The lockers and shower facilities are very modern and spacious, whilst a prayer room is also made available.

Importantly for those on holiday without golf gear, their fully stocked pro-shop offers PING / Titleist Premium Club Rentals and even shoe rentals – this way, you don’t have to miss out on a unique Bali golf experience during your holiday on the island.

Furthermore, if you’d love to just practice your swing, Bali National also has a driving range.

If you’re after the ultimate golf holiday though, you can stay in the one of the seven Bali National Golf Villas. These elegant villas offer the choice of 3-bedroom, 2-bedroom or the Presidential Villa: each have their own private pool, balcony overlooking the golf course and of course all the expected modern amenities. The best part is that it’s only a walk-away from one of the best courses on the island.

Bali National Golf Club offers tee-off times starting from 6.30am daily. Like many golf courses they also have a dress code for playing on the course- please make sure to check with their reservations on necessary information.

Bali National Golf BTDC, Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua, Bali Phone: +62 361 771 791 E: reservations@bngr.co