Palm Island Golf Resort

The first of the three loops of nine is the Lake Course. As the name suggests there is an abudance of water coming into play on this loop with 7 out of the 9 holes requiring you to avoid the watery graves that await anything wayward. It is long too measuring a total of 3508 yards, considered to be the hardest of the 3 loops the Lake Course will challenge even the best golfers. 

Hole 5, a picturesque par 3 will remain longest in the memory with the river, stream and large waste bunker delightful to the eye. The hole is somewhat tougher than the image portrays with a heavily guarded green requiring an accurate tee shot. 

The second loop of nine is the River Course, slightly shorter than the Lake Course measuring 3501 yards the course again features a lot of water, but is a perfect partner to the other two loops of nine offering a continuity that is often lost when loops of 9 are combined to make an 18 hole course. 

Golfers will have to contend with 5 holes with water and two into the hills the course is naturally beautiful. You will be granted the best view of the course from the elevated 8th tee. The hole is long and requires strong hitting, so take advantage of the elevated tee to add a few yards to aid with the challenging second shot over the water. 

The third and final loop of 9 is the Lychee Course, a slightly easier test of golf, although you will find one of the hardest holes on the resort in the loop. The par four is a brutal test of nerve and shot making. The tee shot must find the fairway which is almost an island fairway with the only bail out area to the left and the approach just as terrifying to the well guarded near island green. Walk away with a par here and you will be delighted. 

A feature of all three courses is the large desert like waste areas which although is not a hazard you may well find yourself punished. 

The facilities at the Palm Island resort are superb, with everything you could need before, during and after your round. As with the majority of courses in Asia, a caddy service is provided and can be a helpful insight into playing the course.