Natadola Bay GC- hole 18 approach
History
Initially Natadola Bay was initially routed by Vijay Singh in association with IMG Design.
But due to a dispute with the developer, he did not complete the job.
Singapore construction company Heritage Golf completed the design and oversaw 'the build'.
The course opened in 2009.
However under new ownership Singh was recruited again to oversee improvements to the course.
He successfully completed works in 2016 and 2017.
Championships
Natadola Bay has hosted the Fiji International championships since 2014.
Course
Natadola Bay has three distinct loops in the Vijay Singh designed routing.
Hole One heads directly from the clubhouse downhill toward the beach, and while it and holes two and three are solid citizens, the course comes alive at the spectacular par 3, fourth hole.
It is located right on the beach.
The course then turns inland through some dramatic hills and valleys- the elevation changes have you sucking for air!
The short par 5, sixth hole is an early candidate for the best hole on the course with an elevated tee shot that seemingly takes forever to land..
The shorter par 3 seventh hole also boasts a tee high in the hills.
The play is not much more than a drop shot with a short iron.
Winding through the valleys the ninth hole is also a standout.
It is a short dogleg par 4, again from elevated tees.
The tee shot must be positioned at the dogleg to allow access to the 'drop dead gorgeous' green set at the base of the valley.
The green is protected by both bunkers and water in a lovely setting.
After a bit of a cart ride, the third and final loop begins with two quieter holes at 10 & 11, before the back nine jumps out and grabs you at hole 12.
It is a world class short par four.
With bunker left and creek right, the fairway between is just wide enough for golfers to walk single file- or so it seemed at the time!
Laying up is not such a bad option- a shot from the wider fairway still only requires a short iron.
And you do not want to miss playing this approach!
The green is tucked between the creek and bunkers, with the beach & sea in the background.
The setting is stunning!
Thirteen is a lovely mid length par 3 on the ocean, fourteen is an intriguing longer dogleg with sea views, and fifteen is another pictureque par 3 surrounded by water.
Natadola Bay GC- hole 14 approach
With more solid citizens at holes 16 & 17, the round ends with a real championship finish- negotiating yawning bunkers to a green set in front of the unique clubhouse.
Natadola Bay is a real adventure to play with impressive beach side holes contrasting nicely with adventurous holes in the hills.
We loved it!
Notable holes include:
- hole 4, a delightful mid length par three right on the beach
Natadola Bay GC- hole 4
- hole 6, a dramatic par five with eagle's nest tee hitting down in to a picturesque twisting valley and then up to a well protected green
- hole 7, a shorter par three from another high tee
Natadola Bay GC- hole 6
Natadola Bay GC- hole 7
- hole 9, a short dogleg par four requiring two precise shots to hit the green. It has the prettiest setting on the course.
Natadola Bay GC- hole 9 approach
- hole 12, a world class short par four with a very tight tee shot and a dramatic short approach to a green with ocean backdrop and bunkers and water defence.
Natadola Bay GC- hole 12 tee shot
Natadola Bay GC- hole 12 approach
- hole 13, another attractive par three along the coast
- hole 15, a short par three with beach left and pond right
Natadola Bay GC- hole 13
Natadola Bay GC- hole 15
- hole 18, a strong uphill par 4 to finish with the principal defence being a flourish of well placed bunkers. It is all overlooked by the most impressive clubhouse.(see pic top of page)
Life is not too tough when you indulge yourself for a short stay at The Intercontinental hotel and a couple of days of golf at the Natadola Bay course.
It is a world class championship course, but played off a suitable tee is very playable for all
Recommended!
Golf Tours
The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to suit your group.
For suggested destinations see: Golf Destinations- Fiji
Enquiries
For further information on a tailored golf trip please enquire here:
