Bali’s Bukit Pandawa is sheer par three heaven

By Rahul Banerji

All par-three courses are no longer a novelty but the Bukit Pandawa Golf and Country Club in Bali is still one for the books.

This little course, opened in October 2016, gave me what was possibly the most delightful round in Bali. And a short one. A full round of 18 holes took less than two hours.

It is situated on a limestone cliff-top that looks out over the famed surfing paradise of the Bukit Peninsula on one side and the popular Pandawa Beach on the other.

Bukit Pandawa has 18 championship calibre par-3 holes, many punctuated by architectural relics and great views of the Indian Ocean as a bonus.

Tough test

On paper, this is a par-54 “executive” course, but it is a testing one. Superbly maintained and staffed by knowledgeable caddies, I played off the black tees on a whim, and what a tough test that decision proved to be.

Each hole is deceptive and requires concentration. Given the location and the sheer beauty of the view, that is not easy to do.

The 240-yard second hole is the longest on the course and will have you scratching the head over which club to use while the 18th is a trial by water that I failed the first time.

Distractions aplenty

None of the greens are easy, often sloping twice or more, so putting lines are hard to pick. Leave it to the caddies, who know every inch and you won’t go wrong often.

And I kid you not; par is easier said that done on this naturally landscaped spread that is tightly and intricately laid out. Bunkers, ponds, waterfalls and topography that often feeds away from the greens all add to the challenge.

The super-modern clubhouse has a stone and water theme that draws inspiration from Bali’s many grand temples.

It houses a cool and quiet bar that comes in handy especially if it is a sunny day.

The club is the planned centrepiece of an expansive development that will eventually include several five-star hotels, which would be a pity, as it will probably cut off some of the superb scenery and the ocean backdrop.

Claims the club website, “With 18 championship calibre par-3 holes, Bukit Pandawa is the first of it’s kind in Bali, if not all of Southeast Asia.

“While the par-54 layout is a time-saver with a typical round lasting in just 120 minutes, it is not short on challenges. As it meanders through dramatic rock outcroppings and terraced rice paddy field, the course in itself is an art savor with the spectacular white sandy beach and the Indian Ocean as its backdrop.

“The plethora of bunkers and strategic waterfalls sprinkled into this latest creation of Bob Moore, have redefined golf unto a new pedestal of harmony and balance.”

Course facts

Green fees (18 holes): $90 approx

Number of Holes: 18

Par: 54

Grass Type: Pure Dynasty, a flexible and durable seashore paspalum

Golf Carts: Included in green fee; 2 golfers may share 1 cart

Caddie Service: Required; 1 caddie per golfer

Tee-Time Intervals: Every 10 minutes

Tee-Time Policy: Advanced bookings required

Dress Code: Must be in keeping with golf apparel, such as tailored
shorts/trousers, collared polo shirts, soft spikes, etc.

Read also: Golfing in a volcano’s crater, Handara Bali style