Fiji offers golf courses that cater to different skill levels and preferences, each with its own unique charm and setting. Among the most notable are the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, known for its challenging layout and breath-taking ocean views (which we will be reviewing in this Blog), and the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, which is more accessible for casual players with its flat, resort-style course surrounded by lush gardens and lagoons. For a more exclusive experience, the COMO Laucala Island Golf Course offers a private, 18-hole championship course on a luxurious island, where the undulating greens are framed by coconut plantations and cliffside views. Meanwhile, the Pacific Harbour Golf Course combines challenging fairways with the backdrop of the rainforest and nearby rivers, creating a unique jungle-golf experience. Each of these courses showcases the diverse landscapes of Fiji, offering golfers a range of options from coastal beauty to lush inland environments. Is Natadola Bay Golf Course the best? Lets find out…
The Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course in Fiji is more than just a place to play a round of golf; it’s a destination that combines the sport with the breath-taking beauty of the South Pacific. Located on the Coral Coast, just a 45-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, this course offers a unique golfing experience, blending challenging play, wind, but with stunning ocean views. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Natadola Bay promises an unforgettable round in one of the most picturesque settings imaginable.
What truly sets Natadola Bay apart from other courses is its location. The course is set on a rugged coastline with many of its holes offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery create a stunning backdrop that makes every hole a visual treat.
Several holes are positioned right along the water’s edge, with the waves crashing against the shore just metres from the fairway. Natadola Bay that has been described as one of the most beautiful sights in golf. The combination of the challenging course and the stunning surroundings makes playing at Natadola Bay a truly unique experience. The best thing about this golf course in my opinion was the way it varied up and down hill and with elevations and drops from tee boxes and onto greens. The other biggest challenge was the wind. Luckily, the course layout allows you to experience both…a head and tail wind. It was a 3 club wind, but only for a handful of holes which is good.
The Natadola Bay Golf Course was designed by former world number one golfer, Vijay Singh, who wanted to create a course that would be both challenging for professionals and enjoyable for amateurs. Opened in 2009, the course quickly gained recognition for its design and natural beauty, becoming a regular stop on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
The layout of the course is a true testament to Singh’s vision. The 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 6500 metres and is filled with rolling greens, strategically placed bunkers, and wide fairways that follow the natural contours of the land.
This opening hole is deceptively challenging, despite its seemingly straightforward appearance from the tee. The downhill layout has wind that sweeps from left to right, with bunkers strategically placed on both sides of the fairway, and either side of the green. A good fair hole to give you a gauge of where things are at. Driver, SW & putter…easy game, provided you hit it straight!
Some of the other notable holes are:
The par 3, 4th hole which is the most picturesque on the course. 160 plus metres from the blue tees, I would usually need a solid 6 iron to navigate a hole like this but instead I think I hit an 8 because of the wind. The beach forms a bunker along the left side and the ocean bordering the green. On the right, a bunker, rocks, and a pond are ready to catch any wayward shots. The large green features subtle undulations but was a nice fair pace. With stunning ocean views from both the tee and the green, this hole captures the very reason you want to play Natadola Golf Course. (Check out video above)
The Par 5, 6th tee was very cool, with a magnificent tee box at the top of a cliff with views across the pacific and well above the fairway. Longer players can look to cut the corner and reach the green in two, but you would be really needing to ‘stripe it’. With a wind pushing from right to left, I found my first shot sailing OB and ‘3 from the tee’ into the bunker on the corner of the fairway…awkward. The hole isn’t that long for a Par 5 so if you get on the fairway, I could see a birdie on the cards for sure.
The 128metre Par 3, 15th hole presents a solid birdie chance, but club selection is crucial. The elevated tee, combined with a downwind play, had me taking out a 56 degree and still hitting it a tad long. I’ve bladed a 60 degree 130 but this was crazy! Balls landing beyond the middle can easily roll off the back, even into the hazard.
The 17th measures 494 metres and is a reasonably straight forward Par 5 with a couple of fairway bunkers and a fairly wide target with some contouring. Add in a gale force tail wind and you have the ingredients to cook up some big bombs down the fairway….I can honestly say I hit my best drive of the day on this hole which was glorious and I reckon must have been 400 metres. 3 putted for Par, I kid you not.
The 18th is beautifully framed by the iconic clubhouse from the tee. The uphill fairway is well-guarded with bunkers and a hazard on the left, while the prevailing wind pushes shots from right to left. An elevated, generous green to round out a lovely but tricky course.
In addition to the course itself, Natadola Bay offers a range of facilities designed to enhance the golfing experience. The clubhouse, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the course and the ocean, features a pro shop, locker rooms, and a restaurant. The pro shop is well-stocked with top-quality equipment and apparel, while the restaurant serves up delicious Fijian and international cuisine, making it the perfect place to relax after a round.
For those looking to improve their game, the course offers lessons with the pro and practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. Golf carts are included, and the friendly staff are always on hand to ensure that every aspect of your visit is enjoyable.
Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is more than just a golf course; it’s a destination that showcases the natural beauty of Fiji while offering a world-class golfing experience. Whether you’re in Fiji for a vacation or a work trip, a round at Natadola Bay is an experience that should not be missed. With its challenging course, stunning views, and excellent facilities, it’s no wonder that Natadola Bay is considered one of the best golf courses in the South Pacific. Is it the best course in Fiji? I’ve played every course except COMO Laucala so I can’t be 100 percent certain. Watch this space for our next trip back and a review of Laucala for further info!
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This article was written by Luxury Adventures Director Steve McKean
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