Good morning,

Greetings! It’s been a while or at least it feels like it has. I’m back and feeling refreshed after a trip to Bali, where I took some time to rest and recharge before diving into what promises to be a busy year ahead. While Bali is often associated with spiritual tranquility, yoga retreats, surfing, and beach vibes, it’s also home to some incredible golf courses that often fly under the radar. Since I had the chance to explore Bali’s stunning golf scene, I thought it was only fitting to share my take on the island’s top three courses. This week I dive into Bali’s hidden golfing gems this week!

In Today’s Email

• 📰 News

• 🏌🏻 Swinging in Paradise

Recent Updates

Yes it’s been a few weeks since the last issue and boy has there been a lot of juicy things that have happened. For me the biggest news is Tommy Fleetwood finally getting his first PGA Victory. What a champ.

• $10 million - Not bad for Tommy’s first PGA tour win

• US finalise their Ryder Cup team - Keegan Bradley’s tough decisions

• Scottie Making it rain - Scheffler near $100 million in earnings

 Our Fairway Feature: LAB Golf

J.J Spaun made the memorable 64-foot putt on the final hole to secure victory of the 2025 U.S. Open with a L.A.B Golf DF3 putter. Ever wondered what it stood for well, LAB Golf putters are designed with a patented technology called Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.), which aims to simplify putting by eliminating torque on the putter during the stroke. This technology helps keep the putter face perfectly square to the arc throughout the entire stroke, which is crucial because about 83% of a putt's starting direction depends on the putter face angle at impact. The L.A.B. design allows golfers to focus on choosing the right line and speed while making their natural stroke, improving accuracy and consistency.

Check them out here: 👉  L.A.B

🏌🏻 Bali’s Finest Golf Courses

Bali National Golf Club: A Luxurious Coastal Escape

At number 1 nestled within the prestigious Nusa Dua tourism complex, just a short 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport, lies the beauty that is Bali National Golf Club. This course is not merely a place to play golf; it’s an immersive, luxurious experience designed to cater to every golfer, from the aspiring beginner to the seasoned professional. Its strategic location within Nusa Dua means easy access to numerous star-rated hotels, convention centers, shopping, dining, and pristine white sand beaches, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a comprehensive resort experience alongside their golfing holiday.

The redesigned 18-hole course at Bali National is a masterpiece of variety, offering three distinct playing environments that keep every round engaging. The first nine holes transport you through a vibrant landscape of creeks, canyons, and native vegetation, alive with the sounds of tropical birds. This natural setting provides a serene yet challenging start to your game. As you progress to holes 10 through 16, the course transitions to lush, gently sculptured fairways winding through a mature grove, offering a more classic parkland feel. The grand finale awaits on holes 17 and 18, which are arguably the most iconic and challenging holes. Hole 17 features a dramatic island green, demanding precision and nerve, while the lakeside 18th provides a fittingly challenging conclusion to your round, testing even the most experienced players.

Bali National Golf Club’s commitment to excellence is evident in its numerous accolades, including being awarded Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia 2014 and 5th Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific 2016 by the Asian Golf Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Golf Resort in Indonesia 2017 and Best Golf Courses in 260 Countries in 2018 by Golf Digest USA, further solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing destination.

Beyond the greens, Bali National offers an array of world-class facilities designed to enhance your visit. The Bali Island Golf Academy provides opportunities for improvement, while the well-appointed Locker Rooms and a well-stocked Pro Shop cater to all your golfing needs. For post-round relaxation and exquisite dining, The Golfer’s Lounge & Terrace offers a perfect setting. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and convenience, the Bali National Golf Villas provide seven opulent accommodations overlooking the challenging 17th and 18th holes. Each villa, capable of hosting up to six guests, comes with an exclusive butler service, ensuring a truly private and personalized experience. Bali National Golf Club truly embodies the slogan, “Where Every Day is a Great Golf Day” which you have to just love. They are promising an unforgettable luxurious golfing experience.

New Kuta Golf: The Links-Style Challenge by the Sea

In second place perched dramatically on the southwestern rim of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, within the sprawling Pecatu Indah Resort grounds, New Kuta Golf offers a golfing experience unlike any other in Indonesia. Yes I’ve heard Kuta is not the most favourable place to visit in Bali but if you are to go there or near there here is a reason. This championship-standard course is celebrated as the island’s first links-style layout, a design philosophy that embraces the natural contours of the land, often featuring undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and a raw, untamed beauty. With its breathtaking location atop a limestone cliff, golfers are treated to panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, with the stunning Dreamland and Balangan Beaches stretching out below. Its proximity, just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, makes it easily accessible for international visitors.

Designed by the renowned team of Ronald Fream, David Dale, and Kevin Ramsey (USA), the 85-hectare, 18-hole, par-72 course is a testament to thoughtful integration with its environment. The landscape is characterized by natural desert-like vegetation, indigenous trees, and a semi-Scottish rough of existing shrubs, long grass, and creepers, all contributing to its distinctive links character. This design challenges even the most skilled golfers while remaining rewarding for novices, thanks to its crazy five sets of tees that allow players to choose a yardage suited to their ability.

New Kuta Golf is renowned for its memorable holes, each with its own unique personality and challenge, so spoiler alert here are some of to give you a flavour, plus I just love the meaning of some of the names.

• Hole 1 - Lone Tree: A welcoming start with a generous fairway, but don't be fooled; the green slopes from back to front with two distinct tiers and is guarded by a large bunker, demanding a precise opening shot.

• Hole 2 - Barong: Named after the mythical Balinese lion-like creature, this demanding par 4 weaves left to right and up and down. Four large fairway bunkers on the left and thickly wooded, rocky ground on the right make accuracy paramount. The green itself drops away from left front to right rear, presenting a narrow opening.

• Hole 3 - Rangda: Named after the mythical child-eating demon queen, this par 4 is often considered the toughest on the front nine. A slight left-to-right dogleg leads to a green with a narrow opening between its greenside bunkers, requiring strategic play.

• Hole 4 - Hati-Hati: Meaning “Be Careful,” this short par 4 offers a birdie chance but hides a rugged, often dry, creek bed unseen from the tee. Fairway bunkers on both sides and a green guarded by a bunker on the left add to the challenge.

• Hole 5 - Kapuk: Featuring numerous Kapuk (Ceiba) trees, this hole requires a tee shot favoring the center-right to open up the approach. A bunker bordering almost the entire right edge of the green demands careful club selection.

• Hole 6 - Freams Island: A truly unique and signature par 3, named after course architect Ronald Fream. This hole features a large island green completely surrounded by an expansive swathe of sand, making it a visual spectacle and a test of precision.

Beyond the course, New Kuta Golf boasts a magnificent Clubhouse, a hub of activity and relaxation. It houses a restaurant, bar, spa, and function rooms, all offering panoramic views of the lush fairways and the endless sea. The Link Restaurant, open daily from early morning, caters to all meals and snacks, while The Atrium provides a spacious setting for events. A unique lookout tower near the clubhouse offers a perfect vantage point to witness Bali’s legendary sunsets, adding a magical touch to your golfing day.

Handara Golf & Resort Bali: A Mountainous Retreat

At number 3 we are changing the scene from the other two, here you escape the tropical heat and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Handara Golf & Resort Bali, a truly unique golfing destination which is nestled high in the stunning mountain range of Bali. It is no surprise it is known as the “Soul of the Mountain”, fitting name. Situated at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level, within the tranquil crater of a dormant volcano, Handara offers a refreshing contrast to Bali’s coastal courses. This world-class golf course provides not only a challenging round of golf but also an unforgettable eco-friendly resort experience, surrounded by verdant meadows and the crisp, fresh air of the mountains.

Handara is widely recognized as a championship-level course that seamlessly integrates with its dramatic natural surroundings. The course’s design takes full advantage of the mountainous terrain, offering undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Playing a round here is an experience of tranquility and natural beauty, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The scenic beauty of Handara is undoubtedly one of its most compelling features. The course is enveloped by lush mountains and verdant landscapes, with the unique backdrop of a volcanic crater, think Tomb Raider vibes. The cooler mountain climate provides a welcome respite, making for comfortable golfing conditions even during Bali’s warmer months. The fresh mountain air and panoramic views contribute to a truly immersive and peaceful golfing experience.

Beyond the golf course, Handara Golf & Resort Bali offers a range of facilities designed for comfort and relaxation. The resort provides cozy accommodation options, including Golf View Deluxe Rooms and Suites, Classic Garden View Rooms, Premium Chalet Suites, and the luxurious Beratan and Buyan Mountain Villas. Each accommodation type is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering stunning views and a peaceful retreat. The resort’s dining options provide delicious cuisine amidst beautiful settings, allowing guests to savor their meals while taking in the spectacular golf course and mountain landscapes.

Handara also emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and offers unique experiences such as Mindful Forest Bathing, encouraging guests to connect with nature and find inner peace, very Bali vibes but I’m here for it. Its secluded mountain location means it’s not close to Bali’s typical tourist attractions, but this is precisely its charm. Handara is a destination in itself, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape, a deep connection with nature, and a world-class golfing challenge in an unparalleled setting.

To Conclude

So, whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or simply looking to incorporate a few rounds into your Bali vacation, these three courses promise not just a game, but an unforgettable journey through very beautiful landscapes. Packing your golf clubs is a must, see that as embracing the spirit of Bali. 😉

Until next time

I hope this edition of The Caddie’s Playbook  inspires your next golfing trip to the spiritual/enchanting island of Bali!

The Caddie