The Asia Pacific is the perfect place to unwind and relax, while playing on some of the world’s finest golf courses.  Enjoy unlimited golf in Fiji, or test your game on Australia’s newest championship golf course at Hamilton Island.  You don’t have to travel to Europe or the US to play some truly spectacular courses. Our resident golf expert Shaun Green, from Aussie golf holiday specialist Golf Explorer, offers some great insights into the best golf destinations.

Fiji

Only four hours from Australia’s eastern seaboard, Fiji is one of our most accessible tropical golf destinations. With unlimited golf at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club (and the spectacular ocean-side course at Natadola only 40 minutes away) Denarau Island makes the perfect base for a golfing holiday.  Choose from great hotels such as the Sheraton, Westin and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa (pictured below), dine in a selection of fabulous restaurants at the nearby port, throw in some spa treatments and hotel kids’ clubs and this is a great value family holiday.

Bali

Take a 5-star break to Le Meridien Nirwana Golf Resort & Spa and play the renowned Greg Norman championship course, with current prices from just $954 for six nights. Lounge on the cliff top overlooking the sacred Tanah Lot temple or indulge with a traditional Balinese spa treatment. This is the perfect relaxing getaway (and you probably won’t want to leave!)

If you prefer the challenge of playing different courses, you might like a seven-night Bali Golf Tour based at the luxurious Laguna Bali Resort & Spa in Nusa Dua. The package includes golf on three championship golf courses, all within 40 minutes' drive.

New Zealand

Famed for Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand is also developing a reputation for equally great courses at more affordable prices. Take a tour round the South Island and play under the Remarkables mountain range at Jack’s Point and Millbrook. Or play alongside Lake Taupo on the North Island at Kinloch Golf Club.  Golfers will want to jump across the pond again and again (and luckily, direct flights from most Aussie capitals make it super easy).

Hamilton Island

In 2009, Hamilton Island launched its championship golf course on nearby Dent Island, opening the door to an incredible short-break Aussie golf destination. Taking the small launch over to Dent Island is a fun way of arriving at the golf club, and you can choose from a range of accommodation, 3-star to 5-star ultra deluxe at qualia, there is something to suit everyone. Day tours to the Barrier Reef are also available.

Phuket

For a lively golf and beach holiday, Phuket takes some beating. Blue Canyon Golf Club is the flagship course, made famous after Tiger Woods’ victory in the 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic. But there’s plenty more to test you, from the new Red Mountain Golf Club to Mission Hills.  Head out into Patong or the quieter Karon for great bars and restaurants. 

Click here for great Golf Explorer deals on golf getaways in the Asia-Pacific, and much further afield.