Bali Tourist Information

Golfing

Golf is popular game in Indonesia, having being introduced here more than a hundred years ago. Golf courses can be found in many parts of Indonesia, and Bali is no exception. Both amateurs and professionals will not find a dearth of suitable courses to play in Bali. Some of the more popular course are described in this article.

Bali Golf and Country Club
The venue of the 1994 Alfred Dunhill Master tournament, which saw top golfers like Nick Faldo, Collin Montgomery and Vijay Singh in action, Bali Golf & Country Club is set in the luxurious resort of Nusa Dua. With spectacular sights complementing the beautifullydesigned 18-hole par 72 golf course, it is no surprise that it was voted as "One of Asia's 5 best Golf courses" by Fortune Magazine, U.S.A.

Designed by course architects Rodney Wright and Robin Nelson, the course has multiple tees, allowing for play by novice and professionals. Each hole is unique and the course has three definite settings for play. From hole 1-9, play extends up a hill through thick vegetation, giving players the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic scenes of the Indian Oceans and Nusa Dua. They can also see the majestic Mt. Agung on a clear day. The first half of the course has several water sports, creeks, and waterfalls; and small, hand-built stone walls line the sides of the tees and fairways, resembling the rice field terraces of Bali.

Holes 10-16 are played through a coconut grove with some of the palms as high as 100 feet. Holes 17-18 are played along the beachside and back toward a 16-acre lake.

At the end of a round, golfers can indulge in a relaxing and exhilarating massage or spa treatment at The Spa at Bali Golf & Country Club Trained caddies, golf carts, and all necessary equipment are available for hire at the proShop. The well-appointed clubhouse has a swimming pool, two bars and an open-air restaurant.

A recent addition to the Bali Golf & Country Club has been the Wantilan Golf Villas. Set within the golf course, these three-and four-bedroom, self-contained villas can be rented on a short-term basis. Guests will receive personalized service, attractive golf fees and priority tee times.

Bali Handara Kosaido Country club
With temperatures averaging 16-20C, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club offers golfers a cool refreshing change from the heat of the lowlands. Situated 1142 metres above sea level, the club offers a panoramic view of Lake Buyan, and is surrounded by mountains. designed by international golfer and course architect, Peter Thompson, Michael Wolferidge and associates, the 18-hole, par-72 championship course is listed among the world's fifty greatest, and is famous for its difficulty.

Accommodation at the club is provided by Balinese bungalows or hotel and suite rooms, which are heated. Facilities at the club include tennis courts, fitness centre and massage, Japanese bath, and sauna. Golf carts, equipment and services of caddies are available at the proshop. F & B outlets include three restaurants and a karaoke bar, and three also a fully equipped convention and banquet hall for up to 100 people.

Grand Bali Beach Golf Courses
Open to both hotel guests and visitors, Grand Bali Beach hotel has a challenging 9-hole golf course with many trees. The clubhouse has a restaurant and a bar. Equipment and the service of caddies are available. Grand Bali Beach hotels guests receive a 50% discount on green fees. Those not ready for the course can practice at a driving range in nearby Renon.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club
Nirwana Bali Golf Club is a mixed development consisting of a golf course, a five-star hotel managed by Le Meridien, a racquet sport centre, 672 luxury villas, timeshare suites, resort homes and townhouses. Situated near the Tanah Lot Temple, the club offers breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean.

The par 72, 18-hole course was designed by Greg Norman who incorporated rice terraces and creeks into it, resulting in one of the most visually spectacular courses in Asia. Three holes are played on cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean and the twelfth hole, which overlooks the Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most photographed in the world.

Golf carts are compulsory and playing assistants must accompany all golfers. A Balinese open-style clubhouse serves refreshments and food, and a proShop has equipment for rent, guests at Le Meridien receive discounted rates for golf.