Nirwana Bali Golf Club is located on the tropical island of Bali, Indonesia, near Canggu and a short taxi ride from downtown Seminyak. The course opened in 1997 and was designed by Greg Norman. Situated on the coast, the course layout features five holes that are ocean-side, three cliff-to-cliff tee shots and eight holes sculpted into the terraced rice fields. The signature Par 3 7th hole overlooks the famous Tanah Lot temple, its definitely one of those take your breath away holes when you arrive on the tee. Nirwana is ranked 84th in Golf Digests 2016 World’s Top 100 Golf Courses.
Nirwana Bali – Signature 7th hole
The Layout
The Norman layout winds from inland undulating holes through traditional terraced rice fields, out to the ocean then back through tropical forest. Highlights include taking on the ocean in three dramatic cliff top tee shots 7th, 13th, 14th, playing across working terraced rice fields 2nd, 3rd and the diverse and challenging diversity of holes on this undulating layout.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club – Layout
Favourite Holes
2nd Hole – Par 3 172 metres
After a strong opening par 4, the par 3 second hole is the first “wow” moment with a stunning view across a terraced rice field to a green perched on a ridge protected by a large Norman bunker on the left.
Nirwana Bali – 2nd hole
6th Hole – Par 5 458 metres
By no means a long par 5, however this dogleg left hole requires some thought of the tee to put the ball in play for the next shot. A drive down the right will open up the hole, as you turn the corner you also catch the first glimpse of the ocean with waves crashing onto rocks behind the green. The green is makeable in two, or a layup and short wedge may be the more strategic play to a well bunkered green
Nirwana Bali – 6th Hole
7th Hole – Par 3 196 metres
After winding up the path to the 7th tee, the first view of the signature hole is breathtaking. The Tanah Lot temple sits majestically on an island to the left, with the tee perched over the waves below, the hole is all carry to the green in the distance. Its not a short hole either, so many will need a medium to long iron. There will often be some additional spectators from the nearby resort to add to the pressure of this shot. There is some bailout relief right, but you will need a clean strike to make the carry. Love this hole.
View of the 7th hole at Nirwana Bali Golf Club
12th Hole – Par 4 348 metres
A great strategic par 4. Hitting up to a dogleg right fairway you need to get as close to the distant fairway bunker as possible to benefit from a direct shot at the green. Once up to the top of the fairway you again are greeted with a spectacular view of the ocean, and then the green downhill and over a ocean fed stream. The approach shot is all carry!
Nirwana 12th fairway
The Word
If you are lucky enough to get to Bali for a holiday, be sure to visit Nirwana Bali Golf Club. The layout is challenging yet enjoyable and the course is maintained in great condition.
- Hire clubs are excellent quality, and definitely worth considering to avoid lugging the clubs from home
- The local Balinese caddies are brilliant, riding on the back of the golf carts they know the course inside and out, and can provide advise on where to hit, where not to hit and what line your putt should take. Of course, you need to then be able to play that shot!
- Tee off early to avoid the midday heat where possible
Course Details
- Par 72
- 6,223 metres – Shark Tees
- Website: nirwanabaligolf.com
