Sir Nick Faldo with VIP guests during his visit to Laguna Bintan.
Bintan, Indonesia: Laguna Golf Bintan has unveiled its upgraded oceanfront golf course at a grand re-opening event graced by six-time Major winner and Laguna Golf Ambassador Sir Nick Faldo.
Attended by more than 100 invited guests and regional golf media, the event comprised a series of activities with a media conference, an exclusive golf clinic by Sir Nick, an 18-hole tournament, evening cocktails followed by a gala awards dinner.
Sir Nick said: “I’ve been a big fan of the Banyan Tree brand and visited Banyan Tree Phuket resort 25 years ago. After designing the Laguna Lăng Cô golf course (Danang, Vietnam), I am proud to be the ambassador of the Laguna Golf brand. It is my first time here in Laguna Bintan and I’m blown away by the natural beauty of this resort.”
Ravi Chandran, Banyan Tree’s Senior Vice President and Laguna Resorts & Hotels Managing Director, said: “The extensive upgrade over the past 12 months had brought the course to a higher level, complementing Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts in Laguna Bintan.
“With the third hotel brand’s new property – Cassia Bintan – slated to open in mid-2017, the golf course will add to the lifestyle aspiration of our guests and potential homeowners as a lifestyle golf membership comes with each apartment purchase. Just a 45-minute ferry from Singapore, we believe our integrated Laguna Bintan destination will attract more Singaporean and regional golfers and guests.”
Beachfront holes with views of the South China Sea now decorate both the front and back nine, while the course also weaves through tranquil lagoons, lush jungle and Bintan’s famous rugged rocks on 60 hectares of tropical paradise.
Paul Wilson, Group Director of Golf at Laguna Golf, said: “The layout of our course in Laguna Bintan is remarkably strong in terms of design and playability. Our main focus of this project has been restoring the green complexes to their original size and structure while giving emphasis to the enhancement of the natural surroundings such as highlighting the beachfront, and accentuating the natural rock formations and dense jungle.”
Holes 16 and 17 are the highlight of the course. The long par-four 16th plays through the jungle and back towards the sea, while the signature par-three 17th challenges golfers to tee off from a spectacular natural rock formation perched high above the sea.
Originally designed by Greg Norman, the course first opened in June 1998.
With great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife, the new landscaping aims to provide visitors with a new sensorial golfing experience while the extensive practice facilities include comprehensive short game areas with experienced on-site golf instructors.
SPH’s S. Murali (left) and Laguna Banyan General Manager Alpha Eldiansyah (right) look on as the ceremonial ribbon is cut by Ravi Chandran and Sir Nick Faldo.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option.
Laguna Bintan’s relaunch also marked the official unveiling of the Singapore Press Holdings’ Golf Card with Sir Nick being presented with an honorary membership.
In commemoration of its relaunch, Laguna Bintan is offering a ‘Stay and Play’ Package comprising unlimited golf and special privileges.
The article "Laguna Golf Bintan Showcases ‘Extensive Upgrade’" was originally published on http://www.agif.asia/2016/11/laguna-golf-bintan-showcases-extensive-upgrade/
