10 best golf courses in Fiji
Thanks to Fijian professional golfer, Vijay Singh, golf gained popularity in Fiji. He has three major championships comprising one master title in 200 and two PGA championships in 1998 and 2004. In total, he has won 34 events in both the PGA tour and championships. The golfer was ranked as the world no 1 in 2004. Till 2005, he topped the chart for 32 weeks. He was the PGA Tour money winner in 2003, 2004, and 2008. He bagged the FedEx Cup in 2008.
Having said that, it’s no surprise that Fiji is a popular golfing destination for golfers. Below are the best golf courses in Fiji, including championship courses, resorts and local clubs.
- Natadola Championship Golf Course
Located on the beautiful Natadola Bay, Coral Coast, Natadola Championship Golf Course is an 18 hole par 72 course. It is one of the most preferable courses for golfers, and they are required to wear appropriate attire while playing. Natadola Bay Golf Club is a seaside and beachfront course in which fifteen holes can be played while watching the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean with beautiful coral shoreline. It is deemed one of the finest golf courses in the South Pacific.
The course extends from a small hill to the coast. With multiple tight holes, long fairways protected by thick rough on both sides, and continuing throughout, accuracy will be a key factor in this beautiful course. The course is suitable for intermediate and advanced players, as it is quite a challenging course.
The Natadola Bay has partnered with Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Yatule Beach Resort & Spa, Shangri- La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Sheraton Resort & Spa, Denarau and Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa to provide stay and play packages for their guests.
- Fiji Golf Club
Located at Rifle Range in Suva, Fiji Golf Club is a flat yet fun 18-hole fairway main public golf course in Suva. The club has a locker room, shower and a bar/restaurant. The Fiji Golf Club is more akin to a municipal or public links and is very popular with the local crowd. So, if you want to mingle with the locals, Fiji Golf Club is the go-to course. It has long, flat fairways with less vegetation.
- Plantation Island Golf Course
Located at the Malolo Lailai Island, Mamanuca Islands, Plantation Golf Course is a resort golf course. What makes this course special is that it was designed and built by the winner of the Nadi Open, Ananda Madhwan, in 1996. Plantation Island Resort Golf Course is an excellent place to play golf, whether for fun, practice or to play in a tournament. After a few rounds of golf on the picturesque 9 -hole course, you can relax at its beautiful clubhouse.
- Denarau Golf and Racquet Club
Located at Denarau Island, Denarau Golf & Racquet Club is the South Pacific’s premier golf course. This 18-hole course was designed in 1993 by Eiichi Motobashi. With a par of 72, the 7,150-yard course offers tee positions for all levels of golfers. If you’re just looking for a little fun, the club hosts a Mini Golf course and bungee trampoline. Not to mention a clubhouse with wood-fired pizzas, roast specials, a full bar, live sports coverage, and much more.
- The Pearl Golf Course & Country Club
Located at Pacific Harbour, the 6285 meter course will challenge you to a fun-filled play. Set among lush tropical rainforests and winding canals, the 18 hole, par-72 Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr and opened in 1978. It remains one of Fiji’s most adventurous golf courses. The course comprises rivers, deep bunkers and water lily ponds to test your skills. The Pearl Golf Course and Country Club has staged a number of prestigious Fiji golf tournaments, such as the World Amateur Championships, where Gregg Norman won his first title in 1978.
- Lautoka Golf Club
Located at Tavakubu Road, Lautoka, for that casual golfing experience, visit the Lautoka Golf Club, just five-minute away from the Sugar City. The tropical club is a 9-hole rolling course spread across 5464 yards. Lautoka Golf Course is a great place to practice your swing or simply to have fun.
- Shangri la Fijian Resort Golf Course
Located at Yanuca Island, Coral Coast, the amazing 9-hole executive golf course experience is designed by the five-time British Open winner, Peter Thomson. Play on the course with a sensational view of the Pacific ocean. Shangri-La Fijian Resort has nine holes in total, with five par three holes and four par four holes. Featuring sand traps and 1 hole with a twin water hazard, this course is made for precision over power.
- Laucala Island Golf Course
Located on the beautiful Laucala Island in Taveuni, Laucala Island Golf Course is the only golfing option on Laucala Island. This luxury private island has its own championship course that offers their guests to play on the beautiful 18-hole course. The 18-hole championship golf course that sees less than 150 tee-offs per year, promises privacy and exclusivity. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the par-72 golf course is surrounded by volcanic mountains and clings to a sheer cliff dropping into the Pacific Ocean. From three different tees and elevations adjusting the course length from 6,245m down to 5,627m and 4,614m, the 18 holes create challenges for the most advanced golfers while offering mercy and fun for beginners.
- Labasa Golf Club
Labasa Golf Club offers a 9-hole course for all levels of golfers. Situated in the friendly north Labasa, the golf course provides easy to challenging fairways. It’s definitely a lovely place for a leisure game if you’re in the area.
- Nadi Airport Golf Club
Located at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi, Nadi Airport Golf Club is within sight of the Nadi International Airport runway. It is one of the cheapest golf courses in Fiji. The course also offers mountain views. It used to be Vijay Singh’s home course. You do not have to worry about missing a flight while golfing, even if you have limited time in Fiji.
A golfing experience in Fiji is an experience unlike any other in the world. Regardless of your golf proficiency, there is a golf course in Fiji that’ll suit your level.
