course report
Pearl South Pacific
Thanks to a change in ownership, this once-lauded Robert Trent Jones II design, situated on the magnificent southern coast of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, is well on the way to getting itself back on the golfing map BY THE EDITORS
WHERE IS IT?
OFF THE COURSE
BACKGROUND
HOW MUCH?
The first international-class course in the Fijian Islands, the Pearl South Pacific was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened for play nearly 40 years ago . The World Amateur Team Championship (The Eisenhower Trophy) was played here in 1978 (when it was known as Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club) and the club has also hosted a number of Australian PGA Tour events. Indeed, the course was the setting for one of Greg Norman's earliest professional wins. Once recognized as one of the finest layouts in the southern hemisphere, the club dropped off the golfing radar in the 1990s through neglect. But now, helped by a change in ownership, the club, led by manager Alan McCulluch, is undergoing a significant overhaul with the hope of returning it to its former glory.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Don't be fooled into thinking this is your run-of-the-mill resort course. The Pearl Pacific has teeth and is rightfully considered, along with the excellent Natadola Bay, an hour's drive away, as one of Fiji's most demanding championship tests. Wedged between the implausibly blue sea of the Coral Coast and the verdant tropical hinterland of the island, the setting is truly splendid. Measuring close to 7,000 yards from the back tees (although this being Fiji, all measurements are in metres), the design hasn't lost any of its class, with the vast majority of holes giving the golfer plenty of options with both the tee and approach shots. The thoughtful placement of bunkers and the sound use of water – in the form of interconnecting canals that come into play on 12 of the 18 holes – make this a supremely strategic test. While in the past the conditioning of the greens has been reported as variable, they're not unfair surfaces and generally roll well. The club's long-term maintenance programme, which will include utilizing the saline-tolerant Paspalum grass, will only improve things. While there is some elevation changes, they're not over-dramatic, making this a particularly pleasant course to walk. 86
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While many who play it will be staying at the resort – and therefore have full use of the myriad facilities there – the newly-renovated clubhouse is the ideal spot to enjoy post-round refreshments, while visitors also entitled to make use of the club's outdoor pool. A driving range and pro shop complete the amenities here. At FJ$35 (approximately HK$145) per round for resort guests and FJ$47 (HK$200) for visitors, the Pearl Pacific represents incredible value for money. Caddies (FJ$18) and carts (FJ$41) are also available.
Lunar New Year Break - Fiji HK Golfer Travel is arranging a trip to Fiji, which will include golf at the Pearl South Pacific, Natadola Bay and Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, over the week of the 2011 Lunar New Year (3-9 February) holiday. If you're interested in participating please contact travel@hkgolfer.com for more details.
Photography courtesy of The Pearl South Pacific Resort
Situated halfway between Nadi, the main gateway to Fiji, and the island's captial, Suva, the course is part of the Pearl South Pacific, an all-encompassing resort overlooking the South Pacific in an area known as Pacific Harbour. The beaches here are some of the best on Viti Levu and the cystal-clear waters are renowned amongst diving enthusiasts the world over. Deep-sea fishing is also a big attraction. The course is just over two hours' drive from Nadi International Airport. Air Pacific flies direct from Hong Kong twice a week.
Pacific Paradise: Occupying an undeniably picturesque setting, the Pearl Pacific has a great tradition to match HKGOLFER.COM
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・DEC 2010/JAN 2011
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