Upping its Game

Thanks to the recent renovation of the former Bali Golf and Country Club, the "Island of the Gods" can now be considered a fully-fledged golf destination

Heading home to the clubhouse at Nirwana Bali

Nirwana Bali

There’s no denying the otherworldly appeal of Nirwana Bali. Inland holes wind their way through a picture-perfect Balinese tableau of verdant rice terraces and dense tropical foliage. The apogee of the golfing manna, though, is attained on the reaches of the course that come in contact with the coastline.

Here holes of tremendous quality are played out against a backdrop of crashing Indian Ocean surf and - if you are lucky enough - a signature Bali sunset. Just along the coastline and a stone’s throw from the much-photographed seventh hole is Pura Tanah Lot, one of seven sea temples along Bali’s coastline and one of the most significant pilgrimage sites on the island. Pilgrims of a golfing stripe will find plenty to worship about Greg Norman’s layout.

Highlights of the course are many and include the fifth, a hefty 441-yard par-4 that plays over a ravine to a saddle-shaped fairway, which undulates down to a heavily protected green. Another highlight of the inland holes is the 10th, a shortish par-5 that teases risk-takers with its greenside creek and giant sloping putting surface.

Only a contrarian would argue against the coastal holes being the highlight of the experience however. The aforementioned seventh almost defies you to match its visual splendor with a well-struck shot across an inlet. The 13th, meanwhile, plays along the cliff tops.

There are a couple of slightly forgettable holes on the inland sections of the course and the fairways and greens could do with a little extra TLC. Also, the current golf course management is aware of the need to stretch the 6,805 length of the course to accommodate bigger hitters. Despite these minor quibbles, however, Nirwana Bali remains one of the most spectacular courses in Asia and a truly spiritual place.

www.nirwanabaligolf.com

US$110 (Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali guest rate) 

US$175 (visitor rate)

Rice paddies at the first

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