Laucala - The Ultimate Bucket List Destination

The David McLay Kidd-designed course at Laucala Island Resort in Fiji, one of the world’s most exclusive retreats, provides the ultimate escape for those in search of a truly unique golfing experience

The resort’s mini submarine takes guests on an underwater tour of the surrounding lagoon

Five Laucala Highlights

“Yakoyani”

3rd Hole (521m, Par-5)

The views from the tee are breathtaking but you’ll need your breath back to take on this, the longest par-5 on the course. Two carefully placed shots are required, while avoiding the waterways crossing the fairway, to leave a delicate approach to one of the trickiest greens on the course. An unforgettable rollercoaster of a hole.

“Kara”

8th Hole (451m, Par-5)

The shortest par-5, but with perhaps the longest carry required off the tee. From the backs an uphill shot of around 250 yds is required to reach the fairway and climb the steep slope between two bunkers. Do that successfully and the reward is a long second to a small shallow green perched on a cliff top. This is risk-reward at its best!

“Wai Vitala”

10th Hole (272m, Par-4)

This short par-4 is perhaps the most scenic hole on the course, played downhill over a large pond with the bay all down the right. The hilltop tee box sits alongside the atmospheric ancient gravestones of the Rosa family, and appropriately, if you relax you will get buried!

“Baravi”

12th Hole (472m, Par-5)

The approach to this short par-5 is the most beautiful on the course, with the green abutting a palm tree-lined inlet. You are encouraged to have a go, but anything long, or more likely, right will either be wet when the tide is in or require a recovery from the sand when it is out. A fantastic looking hole that sticks in the memory.

“Vababa”

15th Hole (182m, Par-3)

Perhaps a surprising choice given the embarrassment of riches here, but this par-3 is the trickiest on the course. It plays far longer than its yardage suggests and with the diagonal green running away from left to right, a fade is recommended, but this requires clubbing up. Miss the putting surface and you’ll need to summon your inner Phil Mickelson in order to get it up and down. A wee gem.

Need to Know

Contact

www.laucala.com

Getting there

Fiji Airways (www.fijiaiways.com) operates direct flights between Hong Kong and Nadi three times a week (10 hours, 10 minutes). Guests are transferred to Laucala Island via the resort’s private turboprop aircraft (50 minutes)

The golf

Par 72 / 6,245m, designed by David McLay Kidd

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