Posted by PAUL on Tuesday, 27. October 1998 at 17:57 Bali Time:
In Reply to: How's the golf and tennis in Bali? posted by steve on Tuesday, 27. October 1998 at 17:23 Bali Time:
Okay Steve I am hopeless at tennis but a single figure marker at golf and here is the low down.
Originally there was onyt one course in Bali ( The Bali Handara Kosaido, formally the Handara) A great picturesque course cut out of the side of the Mountain at Bedugul. Great Layout, not that overly long but superb views and scenery. The greens are a bit grainy and therefore are not that quick but a must for the layout and the view alone.
Next is the Nusa Dua.(where the 1995 Dunhill international was staged) As it suggests it is in Nusa Dua and probably the best standard course taking all things into account. It is long (if played off the black) and has sweeping fairways and large undulating greens, and a lot quicker than the Handara. I would say the Handara has poa greens whilst the nusa dua has a form of bent grass greens.
Thirdly there is the Nirwana Resort course, and my favourite. It was designed by Greg Norman and is on the cliffs of Tanah Lot. The seventh hole is a par three that is over 200 yards with "all carry" over the ocean to the green. It is probably the best setting for a par three that I have seen and I have played many courses over the world (excluding the U.S.) It has the temple out to the left in the background and it is just sensational. The whole course should be played off the black to get the real feel for it. Beware of the rice paddies that are manicured all throughout the course.....they are O.O.B.
The Nirwana in "my opinion is the best"
A tip! Drink plenty of water or you will most probaly DIE! I nearly did it is hard going, even in a cart.
The only sad thing about the Nirwana is that rumour has it .that the developers pretty much wiped out the local village to build the course and it leaves a bit of a bad taste in your mouth IF IT IS TRUE?. When I say wiped out..I mean basically took their land
Having said all that they are all worth trying as they are great courses, but remeber the GOLD AMEX and "don't leave home without it!"
I hope this has helped
REGARDS
PAUL