It almost sounds too good to be true. A resort course challenging enough
to host a European Tour event, yet still enjoyable for amateur golfers wanting
to relax in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

One with a 5-star resort and
spa attached, nestled between the South Pacific Ocean and the rolling hills of
Natadola Bay. Nadi International Airport just an hour’s drive away.

Fortunately, this isn’t made up – it’s merely a description of
the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. Even less believable is Natadola
Bay’s impossibly beautiful foundation: 35 acres of tropical gardens surrounded
by a reef, creating an aqua-blue, ocean-facing lagoon.

These jaw-dropping vistas form the background of the beachside
infinity pool, where stars from the European and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of
Australasia are sure to let their hair down during the Fiji International from
6-9 October.

The popular ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia event received a
significant boost earlier this year when it was announced the tournament had
been co-sanctioned by the European Tour.

While there’s a quality Vijay Singh-designed championship golf
course, the fine dining, beachside cocktails and island relaxation are just as
inviting at this luxurious paradise.

After watching two highly successful tournaments won by Steven
Jeffress and US PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar, European Tour Chief Executive Keith
Pelley chose Natadola Bay for the circuit’s expansion into the Pacific.

THE
COURSE

The course layout is routed beautifully so that when you’re not
playing to, or running alongside, the Pacific Ocean, dramatic changes in
elevation will have you teeing off cliffs, winding through palm trees and
playing approach shots down steep valleys or to greens perched high above.

The postcard hole is the par-3 fourth, which runs adjacent to
the beach, offering stunning views of the coral reef – and the option of
walking along the sand en route to the green. But the ocean is also well
featured in several of the short, enjoyable par-4s such as the 10th and 12th.

Of the holes away from the water, the standout is the par-5
sixth. Here, the golfer tees off high above a fairway guarded by forest and
palm trees, with the temptation to take on the sharp dogleg right to set up a
birdie chance. The more difficult back nine offers some short but challenging
par-4s, testing par-3s and reachable par-5s, before the finishing hole leads
the golfer uphill to the iconic golf clubhouse.

Inaugural Fiji International champion Jeffress hit the
tournament’s first ever tee shot, and sunk the final and winning putt on
Sunday. So it’s safe to say the Australian journeyman enjoys the golf offering
at Natadola Bay.

"I love the course; you have to think your way around and it’s
not all blasting away," says Jeffress.

"I’ve played Natadola Bay probably 30 times and it’s never been
in bad condition. It’s comfortably the best island course I’ve ever played."

Natadola Bay is a perfect resort course – combining enjoyment
and challenge with ocean views and expert routing. Post-round, stop off at Vatu
Lo Bar and Restaurant for a delicious meal overlooking the course, mountain
ranges, coral reefs and renowned rolling surf breaks.

THE
RESORT

The InterContinental’s 5-star resort is an excellent blend of
modern architecture and native Fijian landscapes. While natural gardens make
walking around the resort a tranquil task in itself, there are 271 stylish and
contemporary rooms across six packages.

One and two-bedroom suites offer sweeping views of Natadola’s
2-kilometre white beach, and this scenery can be enjoyed from the Beachfront,
Lagoon and Pool View rooms and suites – ideal for couples and families. When
you’ve got a spare few minutes, the practice putting green near the pool is a
great way to relax and keep your short stick sharp. Sanasana restaurant offers
buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and buffet dinner, themed daily, while Toba
Bar and Grill is one of the more popular restaurants for its laidback setting
and location within the resort’s main bar.

For fine dining, Navo restaurant blends modern Fijian cuisine
with a delectable wine list and the tranquil lagoon setting to create an exotic
experience.

For more information, visit www.fijiinternational.com