For more than a hundred years, golf has been played in Indonesia.

As a result, international standard courses have sprung up in several parts of the country, and Bali, too, has its share of courses that are just for pure enjoyment of the game.

Indeed, golf is a very popular sport with both tourists and the locals.

Bali Golf & Country Club

Voted "One of Asia's 5 best golf courses" by an expert panel in Fortune Magazine U.S.A., Bali Golf & Country Club, ensconced in the deluxe resort of Nusa Dua, offers enthusiasts a unique golfing experience with world class breathtaking sights.

Designed by renowned golf course architects Rodney Wright and Robin Nelson of Hawaii, the 18-hole par 72 course hosted the 1994 Alfred Dunhill Master tournament, which featured several of the world's top golfers, including Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomery and Vijay Singh.

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 Ocean and Nusa Dua.

They can also see the majestic Mt. Agung on a clear day. The first half of the course has several water spots, 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 10-1C 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 pro-shop. The well appointed clubhouse has a swimming pool, two bars and an open-air restaurant.

A recent addition to the Bali Golf and 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 Golf & Country Club
Nusa Dua
Tel. 771 793
Advance Reservations
Tel. 772 495

Wantilan Golf Villas
Nusa Dua, Bali.

Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club

Located at 1 142 meters above sea level in Bedugul, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club boasts of an 18-hole, par72 championship golf course that is listed among the world's fifty greatest.

Designed by international golfer and course architect, Peter Thompson, Michael Wolferidge and Associates, the course is surrounded by mountains with a panoramic view of Lake Buyan, and is popular for its difficulty.

The scenery and the low average temperature of 16-20C present a refreshing change from the heat of southern Bali.

Accommodation at the club consists of Balinese bungalows or hotel and suite rooms, which are heated.

Facilities at the club include tennis courts, fitness center and massage, Japanese bath and sauna. Golf carts, equipment and services of caddies are available at the pro-shop. F & B outlets include three restaurants and a karaoke bar, and there is also a fully-equipped convention and banquet hall for up to 100 people.

Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai
Tel. 288 944
Bank Pacific Building 3rd Floor
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 7-8
Jakarta 10220
Tel. 021 570 4893

The Grand Bali Beach Golf Courses

Open to both hotel guests and visitors, The Grand Bali Beach Hotel has a challenging 9-hole golf course with many trees.

The clubhouse has a restaurant and a bar. Equipment and services of caddies are available. The Grand Bali Beach hotel guests receive a 50% discount on green fees.

Those not ready for the course can practice at a driving range in nearby Renon.

The Grand Bali Beach Golf Courses
The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur
Tel. 288 511

Nirwana Bali Golf Club

Nirwana Bali Golf Club, situated near the Tanah Lot Temple, has breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean.

The resort consists of a golf course, a five-star hotel managed by Le Meridien, a racquet sports center, 672 luxury villas, timeshare suites, resort homes and townhouses.

The par 17, 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 lndian 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 pro-shop has equipment for rent. Guests at Le Meridien receive discounted rates for golf.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club
Le Meridien Resort, Tanah Lot
Tel. 815 960