The 450-yard, par 4, 3rd doglegs
left, its fairway being divided by a stream
that rushes off the mountain behind. The stream
winds its way along the right of the first
fairway, cutting it off from the shorter second
fairway, offset to the right. The second shot
must carry across the water to the long green
far beyond.
The 15th, a par 5 of 500 yards, is both demanding
and memorable. A bunker sitting right in the
heart of the fairway. One of the few sandtraps
on the course that confounds reckless tee
shots. It is not easy to conquer this one
in two shots. However, big hitters may manage
the distance.
Opening in 1974, Bali Handara
was masterfully de- signed by international
golfing architect Peter Thompson. It was the
first 18-hole course in Bali to capture the
tourist market and cater for domestic businessmen.
In 1981, Golf Magazine named
it as 'One of the 50 Greatest Holes in the
World' and since then it has enjoyed a reputation
of being a panoramic green. The 100-hectare
course is fairly demanding with the longest
green in Bali.
It boasts a remarkable variety
of trees and plants and has a stunning view
of the mystical Bunyan Lake. The clear scenery
and mountain backdrop creates a relaxed environment
and players don't seem overly taxed by the
course or its conditions.
The last three holes are
especially difficult to finish and are where
many players face their downfall in the game