It almost sounds too good to be true. A resort course challenging enough to host a European Tour event, yet still enjoyable for amateur golfers wanting to relax in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
One with a 5-star resort and spa attached, nestled between the South Pacific Ocean and the rolling hills of Natadola Bay. Nadi International Airport just an hour’s drive away.
Fortunately, this isn’t made up – it’s merely a description of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. Even less believable is Natadola Bay’s impossibly beautiful foundation: 35 acres of tropical gardens surrounded by a reef, creating an aqua-blue, ocean-facing lagoon.
These jaw-dropping vistas form the background of the beachside infinity pool, where stars from the European and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia are sure to let their hair down during the Fiji International from 6-9 October.
The popular ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia event received a significant boost earlier this year when it was announced the tournament had been co-sanctioned by the European Tour.
While there’s a quality Vijay Singh-designed championship golf course, the fine dining, beachside cocktails and island relaxation are just as inviting at this luxurious paradise.
After watching two highly successful tournaments won by Steven Jeffress and US PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar, European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley chose Natadola Bay for the circuit’s expansion into the Pacific.
THE COURSE
The course layout is routed beautifully so that when you’re not playing to, or running alongside, the Pacific Ocean, dramatic changes in elevation will have you teeing off cliffs, winding through palm trees and playing approach shots down steep valleys or to greens perched high above.
The postcard hole is the par-3 fourth, which runs adjacent to the beach, offering stunning views of the coral reef – and the option of walking along the sand en route to the green. But the ocean is also well featured in several of the short, enjoyable par-4s such as the 10th and 12th.
Of the holes away from the water, the standout is the par-5 sixth. Here, the golfer tees off high above a fairway guarded by forest and palm trees, with the temptation to take on the sharp dogleg right to set up a birdie chance. The more difficult back nine offers some short but challenging par-4s, testing par-3s and reachable par-5s, before the finishing hole leads the golfer uphill to the iconic golf clubhouse.
Inaugural Fiji International champion Jeffress hit the tournament’s first ever tee shot, and sunk the final and winning putt on Sunday. So it’s safe to say the Australian journeyman enjoys the golf offering at Natadola Bay.
“I love the course; you have to think your way around and it’s not all blasting away,” says Jeffress.
“I’ve played Natadola Bay probably 30 times and it’s never been in bad condition. It’s comfortably the best island course I’ve ever played.”
Natadola Bay is a perfect resort course – combining enjoyment and challenge with ocean views and expert routing. Post-round, stop off at Vatu Lo Bar and Restaurant for a delicious meal overlooking the course, mountain ranges, coral reefs and renowned rolling surf breaks.
THE RESORT
The InterContinental’s 5-star resort is an excellent blend of modern architecture and native Fijian landscapes. While natural gardens make walking around the resort a tranquil task in itself, there are 271 stylish and contemporary rooms across six packages.
One and two-bedroom suites offer sweeping views of Natadola’s 2-kilometre white beach, and this scenery can be enjoyed from the Beachfront, Lagoon and Pool View rooms and suites – ideal for couples and families. When you’ve got a spare few minutes, the practice putting green near the pool is a great way to relax and keep your short stick sharp. Sanasana restaurant offers buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and buffet dinner, themed daily, while Toba Bar and Grill is one of the more popular restaurants for its laidback setting and location within the resort’s main bar.
For fine dining, Navo restaurant blends modern Fijian cuisine with a delectable wine list and the tranquil lagoon setting to create an exotic experience.