TAMAN DAYU
It can be easy to let your mind wander from the task in hand at Taman Dayu. The holes on this Nicklaus gem, which opened for play in 1997, wind their way up and down the foothills of Mount Welirang and the often-vertiginous nature of the layout reveals some genuinely stirring vistas.
The wide fairways and generously proportioned greens mean that visual distraction should not result in an all-out apocalypse of the scorecard. Nevertheless, even the sharpest of shooters will appreciate the challenge presented here.
Fortunately, the holes that offer the best outlooks are ones that also constitute decent birdie chances. The second stretches to just about 550 yards from the blue tees but its sharp downhill gradient means that it plays a lot shorter.
The same can be said of the 15th, although that hole’s additional length and slight dogleg makes it a slightly tougher proposition. Another visual epic, the long 17th is also a good scoring opportunity but those attempting to make the green in two should be wary of the creek, which snakes through wilderness just ahead of the green.
There are plenty of other stunners on the course. The signature short third is played over a ravine, while the treacherous closing hole features an approach played over water and a pest of a bunker to a shallow green.
Other course highlights include the fifth, a demanding uphill par-4 with a long carry over natural rice paddies for the approach; the sixth, where a stand of large trees must be driven over for optimum positioning; and the 12th, a testing par-3 where hitting the giant undulating green is far less of a problem than three-putting on it.
Facilities at the resort are excellent with a high standard of accommodation available alongside trimmings such as a large outdoor swimming pool and massage services.
Taman Dayu Golf Club & Resort
Par: 72 Yardage: 7,123
Designed by Jack Nicklaus (1997)
Contact: www.tamandayu.com; +62 343 633 411
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