The Handara Golf & Resort Bali, ranked by GOLF Magazine among the “Top 50 Greatest Golf Courses in the World”attracts golfers from all corners of the world to travel to Bali in order to play golf at one of Asia’s most iconic and “World-Class” golf courses.. The Bali golf course is set in the lush highlands of Bali and nestled in the crater of a volcano in the mountains of Bedugul; a 2 hour drive from Nusa Dua and 1 hour from Ubud.
The long-journey is definitely worth it. From the low coastal regions the road to the golf course winds around traditional Balinese villages, rice paddies and ascends towards the volcanic mountains. The entrance to the Bali Handara Golf & Resort is just past the Lake Bedugul.
This Bali golf course is located on an altitude of 1,142 meters (3,750 feet) above sea level and temperatures moderate between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius. The golf course is pleasant to play due to mild temperature and the overwhelming view of lush tropical forest.
The 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Australians Peter Thompson and Michael Wolveridge in 1974. Mature tree-lined fairways, indigenous flowers, and Bent grass greens characterize the layout. Notable holes include the 3rd a long 435 yard par-4 that pays downhill to a 90-degree dogleg to the right. Rated as the toughest Hole on the Course, this Par 4 is a left to right dogleg and very much downhill all the way. Your tee shot needs to be accurate to shorten the Hole as much as possible – but be careful not to run out of fairway if you choose the left hand side. There is O.B. on the left and a wide creek splits the fairway in two. Careful club selection is required on the approach to both reach and hold the green – many approach shots roll out long. The green slopes slightly from front to back and is guarded by a bunker front right.
Another par-4, the 7th plays 375 yards uphill and a dogleg left. The hole is lined on both sides by orange flowering trees that make you feel like you are hitting down a long shoot in a real golf tournament. The par-3 14th is the signature hole at 203 yards. Hitting to an uphill green with huge mountains in the background make you really appreciate how special Bali Handara really is. The finishing hole a 560 yard par-5 plays downhill on the drive and then uphill to the clubhouse for the second and third shots. Fairway bunkers come into play on the drive and once successfully past them you are set up for a good birdie opportunity.
The 300 yard driving range is an excellent place to warm up. Additional practice facilities at Bali Handara include 3 putting greens, chipping area, and several bunkers to test your sand skills prior to your round.
The clubhouse is nice and features a good restaurant. However, for those looking for something more local, there are some Indonesian restaurants 10 minutes from Bali Handara overlooking Lake Bedugul.
