Rumour has it that when international travel from Australia finally gets the green light our neighbours in Fiji could well be included in the aptly named ‘Bula Bubble’ – widely encompassing the regions of New Zealand & the South Pacific. Although there’s no official announcement as yet, we thought it worth fuelling your future golf travel in Fiji imagination, nonetheless.

It’s definitely worth noting that international visitors are currently welcome to travel to Fiji via their ‘Blue Lane’ initiative. Meaning, if you arrive by a private boat (or, ahem a luxurious superyacht) and quarantine at sea or on a tropical island you’re free to explore the majestic coral reefs and immaculate golf greens on offer.

For many of our readers the idea of chartering a yacht to Fiji is off limits but we are allowed to dream and let’s face it Fiji really does have everything you need for a luxury golfing holiday. There’s world class championship golf courses and stellar private island stays available. The coastal fairways are visually exquisite, and the array of high end accommodation options are the very definition of luxury. Let’s play!

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course

The annual Fiji International PGA Golf Tournament is a major drawcard for top tier professional golfers and enthusiastic spectators alike. Held annually (but currently cancelled due to the pandemic) at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, the globally broadcasted tournament is one of Fiji’s premier sporting events! Precision play is made all the more entertaining thanks to the spectacular Coral Coast backdrop. Effectively creating a dazzling blue sea meets crisp green setting. 

Every year Fiji welcomes the much-anticipated Fiji International PGA golf tournament to its shores. Held at Natadola Bay Golf Club, on Fiji’s majestic Coral Coast stretch, this renown sporting event hosts an impressive field of the world’s best players. Including; three- time Major champion and local Fijian hero Mr Vijay Singh.

The atmosphere at Natadola Bay Par 72 Championship golf course throughout the PGA tournament is both buzzing and welcoming for all attendees. Spectators and players alike are guaranteed a truly memorable time in Fiji!  Since the inaugural event in 2014, the Fiji International PGA tournament has continued to draw a keen global audience. Currently the competition is tri-sanctioned by the European Tour, ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and the Asian Tour, which solidifies its presence as a hotly contested international event.

Yes, anyone can attend the most favoured South Pacific course on the PGA tour. Did you know that 15 of the 18 holes at the Natadola Bay Golf Course have breathtaking views of the coral reef and rolling surf breaks too? Add to that a backdrop of rolling pastures set against Natadola’s world class architectural designed course and you’ve got yourself a hole in one holiday.

Naturally, golfing enthusiasts, of all levels, love to stay at the 5 star InterContinental Golf Resort & Spa at Natadola Bay and play the challenging 18 hole course outside of the PGA competition dates (fingers crossed their prestigious tournament returns in 2021). We’ll be sure to return then and come see the world’s best golfers compete for a top prize purse on pristine, manicured greens highlighted by absolute beachfront vistas. For Natadola Bay Golf Course is where the sea meets the tee – quite literally.
https://www.intercontinental.com/hotels/gb/en/natadola

Image: Chris McLennan
Denarau Golf & Racquet Club
The Denarau Golf & Racquet Club is a popular place for a day on the green with tourists and expats alike. The course is located nearby to the Denarau Marina, Nadi International Airport (45 minute drive) and is in close proximity to the following hotels; Sheraton Fiji, the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa and the beautiful Sofitel Fiji.

Featuring dazzling seaside views and resort style play this 18 hole par 72 is suitable for golfers of all levels. Novices and/or players wanting to brush up their swing skills would do well to invest in the onsite golf program which includes international standard golf lessons and daily clinics.

Hint: after a round of golf in the tropics head to the sports bar (adjacent to the Fiji Premier Club House). Here guests can watch live coverage of international sporting events on the big screen accompanied by tasty wood-fired pizzas and a few ice cold local Fijian beers. 

Image: Mark Snyder

PLAY GOLF ON A PRIVATE ISLAND IN FIJI

Golfing grandeur done right. Imagine your own intimate island with an expert designed golf course on site. How about a private chef and your own secluded beach? Plus, a professional butler and a handy caddy too. All of the above is attainable here in Fiji where a once in a lifetime opportunity for a luxe golfing escape awaits.

Scotsman David McLay Kidd was called in to design Laucala’s championship golf course, a stunning 18-hole layout back dropped by volcanic mountains and clinging to a sheer cliff dropping into the Pacific Ocean. Check out a spectacular video clip of the course here; https://www.laucala.com/golf

Hint: have your wallet ready – the private airstrip landing fee at Laucala is about a cool $20,000 FJD.

Image: Chris McLennan

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY IN FIJI

A fantastic dinner in a luxury seaside setting is par for the course in Fiji. 5 star resorts feature international cuisine of the highest order imaginable and private island eateries effortlessly cater to your appetite. Come in from the green and allow that famous Fijian hospitality to deliver you a Pacific Rim inspired feast of dreams. The local kokoda dish (pictured) is a refreshing take on a fresh fish ceviche – often prepared with a sumptuous reef fish such as Mahi Mahi, coconut milk, zesty lime and hint of bell pepper.

Hopefully, my tales of brilliantly located golf courses and delicious Fijian cuisine have inspired you to take a luxury golfing holiday in the South Pacific soon. Other outdoor activities in the islands worthy your attention include; sailing, diving & surfing. Keep these experiences in mind to suggest to your non-golfer travel comrades too.

Read more about Fiji’s ‘Blue Lane’ Fiji travel initiative right here; https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/six-star-bula-bubble-as-fiji-welcomes-back-the-superyachts-20201018-p56667

By Roxanne Williams