Fiji isn’t the first place most people think of when they’re planning a golf trip. That’s exactly what makes our course such a fun surprise. Tucked into 20 acres of tropical gardens on Malolo Lailai Island, the Plantation Island Resort Golf Course is a relaxed, scenic round you can sneak into your stay without sacrificing the rest of your holiday.
If you’re staying with us and looking for a way to spend a morning, a few hours between activities, or an afternoon with mates, this guide covers everything you need to know to tee off in paradise.
A Tropical Round Like No Other
The Plantation Island Resort Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 33 layout designed and built by local champion Ananda Madhwan, winner of the Nadi Open in 1996. It runs nearly 2,000 metres in total across 20 acres of landscaped tropical gardens.
It’s not a championship course, and that’s the point. We built it for casual rounds, social games, and players who want to mix golf into their holiday, rather than build the holiday around golf. A full round takes around an hour and 20 minutes, which leaves plenty of time for everything all the other activities available.
Why You’ll Love This Hidden Island Course
A few things make our course stand out from the rest of Fiji’s golfing options:
- A true tropical layout, weaving through palms, flowering shrubs and lush island flora, playing alongside the ocean on the back of the island.
- The 9-hole format keeps things relaxed, with no pressure to commit a full day
- Suitable for most skill levels, so beginners and seasoned players can play together
- Quality clubs and equipment are available on-site, including left-handed sets on request
- An open-air clubhouse bar where you can wind down with a cold beer after your round
It’s also one of the more affordable rounds you’ll play in the region. Current pricing is FJD $45 per person for 18 holes including clubs and a trundler, or FJD $35 per person if you’ve brought your own gear.
What to Expect Out on the Course
The course is a mix of par 3s and par 4s, designed to be walked rather than driven. Here’s how the layout breaks down:
- Hole 1: 301 metres, par 4
- Hole 2: 225 metres, par 4
- Hole 3: 228 metres, par 4
- Hole 4: 100 metres, par 3
- Hole 5: 227 metres, par 4
- Hole 6: 226 metres, par 4
- Hole 7: 227 metres, par 4
- Hole 8: 180 metres, par 3
- Hole 9: 277 metres, par 4
It’s a walking course only, no buggies available, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The walk from the resort to the first tee is roughly 10 to 15 minutes, which is a nice warm-up in itself.
If you’re after a longer game, you can book two consecutive rounds and play it as an 18-hole loop.
How to Book Your Round
Booking is easy. Just head to Reception prior to your planned round, and the team will book your tee time. Clubs, balls and equipment are available at the club house. A few quick tips to make the most of it:
- Early morning rounds are cooler and quieter, with the first tee off available from 7am
- Last tee off is 3pm, so plan accordingly if you’re aiming for 18 holes
- Pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and dress for a tropical climate (light, breathable clothing works best)
- Bring your phone or a small camera for the views, they’re worth capturing
For more info before you arrive, check out our golf activity page or browse our full list of resort activities.
Make a Full Day of It
One of the best things about our course is how easily it fits around the rest of the resort’s activities. A round in the morning leaves you the whole afternoon to enjoy the island, and there’s plenty to fill it with.
A few ideas to inspire the rest of your day:
- Tee off at 7am, head back for breakfast, and spend the afternoon snorkelling or kayaking in the lagoon before sunset drinks at Brigham bar
- Get the boys together for a morning round, follow it up with lunch at the resort, then finish the day with beach volleyball, tennis, or a kava ceremony
- Drop the kids at the Coconut Kids Club, tee off with your partner or mates, and meet back up for lunch and a swim by one of our four pools
- Play 18 holes in the morning, settle in for a lazy lunch, then head out for an afternoon of scuba diving or fishing
Golf is just one of the activities on offer at the resort, which is what makes a holiday here different from a dedicated golf trip. You can play a round in the morning and do something completely different in the afternoon.
Ready to Tee Off at Plantation Island Resort?
The Plantation Island Resort Golf Course is an easy round to add to your stay. It’s not flashy, it’s not formal, and it’s not the kind of course you need to book six months in advance to play. Just a good round in a beautiful spot.
If you’ve already got a stay booked, swing by Reception when you arrive and we’ll line up a tee time. If you’re still planning your trip, get in touch with our reservations team and we’ll help you put the rest of your holiday together.
Plantation Island Golf FAQ
How far is the course from the resort?
The course is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the main resort area. There’s no buggy transfer, so wear comfortable shoes and grab a bottle of water before you head off.
Can I hire a buggy?
No, the course is walking only and buggies aren’t available to hire. The 9-hole layout is designed to be walked comfortably and most rounds take around an hour and 20 minutes.
What are the tee-off times?
The first tee off is 7am and the last tee off is 3pm. Morning rounds are the most popular as the temperature is cooler and the light is great for photos.
Can I play 18 holes?
Yes. You can book two consecutive rounds on the 9-hole course to play it as a full 18. Just let the activity desk know when you book.
Do I need to bring my own clubs?
No. We have 20 half sets of quality golf clubs available for hire, including left-handed sets on request. If you’d prefer to use your own clubs, you’re welcome to bring them.
Is the course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is designed to be enjoyable for all skill levels, with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to introduce someone to the game without the pressure of a championship layout.
Can I buy food and drinks at the clubhouse?
Beverages are available at the open-air clubhouse bar, which is the perfect spot to wind down after your round with a cold beer or soft drink. Food isn’t currently served at the clubhouse, but there are plenty of dining options back at the main resort.
Are there times of year when the course is unavailable?
The course is open year-round and bookable any day. The only exception is one day each November, when we host the annual Animals Fiji fundraiser, which takes the course out of standard bookings for that single day.
