They say the three most important aspects to ensure the success of a new business are "location, location, and location". Well if indeed that was true back in 1991 then the construction of the Bali Golf and Country Club right in the heart of the luxury five-star resort area of Nusa Dua was certainly a wise decision. With more than 5,000 hotel rooms within a five-minute radius, this course enjoys something of a captive audience.

But by no means is its positioning the only thing going for the club. Designed by the internationally respected team of Nelson and Wright and rambling over hills, around lakes, and alongside the beach, this is a magnificent and very challenging course to play.

The Area of Nusa Dua used, many years ago, to be mainly unwelcoming swamp until farsighted Jakarta and foreign businessmen saw a vision of Bali's first purpose-built and specially landscaped five-star resort area and set about creating the infrastructure to support such as development. The Golf course was an integral part of the master plan.

Because of its convenient setting and being blessed with arguably the weather on the island, Bali Golf, and Country Club was an immediate hit with the tourists and enjoyed exceptional visitor numbers in its first years of operation, even hosting the 1994 Alfred Dunhill Masters attended by Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie and a host of other golfing greats. It was during this time that the course record of 63 was set by Nick Faldo.

With Bali Golf and Country Club only a stone's throw away from a large proportion of the island's holidaymakers, there really are not many excuses for missing out on this great opportunity. There are various types of clubs and shoes for hire for those who didn't come with golf in mind and for beginners there is even a Western pro to help you onto the first tee.

Ted Moore has been coaching the transient residents of Nusa Dua and beyond for nearly 10 years and his friendly encouraging style is guaranteed to straighten you out and get the most basic of players swinging smoothly. Even if you don't have the time for a full round, an hour in Ted's company will leave you basking in a satisfied glow of achievement.

Most tourists in Bali do not need to travel more than 30 minutes to get here and all taxis or rent car drivers know the way. Right at the southern end of Bali's "by pass" you drive through the towering Balinese gateway signifying the entrance to the Nusa Dua resort and the beautiful signature 12th hole par three offers you the first glimpse of Bali Golf and Country Club on your right. Guests of hotels in the Nusa Dua area need only ask the front desk to call the club for an instant complimentary pick-up.

On arrival you are greeted in typical Balinese style with an elegant uniform, welcoming smiles, and helping hands. The pro shop is bright and cheerful and stocked with a wide range of standard accessories and a good selection of designer clothes.

Bali Golf and Country Club is unique, to my knowledge, in Indonesia for its policy of limiting caddies to one per buggy, however, as buggies are permitted on most fairways this is normally quite sufficient. The mostly male caddies generally know their stuff and will mask, clean, and place your ball on the green unless you indicate otherwise.

The course is a great pleasure to play with wide fairways and clear approaches, but don't for a moment take this to mean it is easy. There are plenty of well-placed bunkers, ravines, and lakes to negotiate and good course management is essential. One of the most appealing features for me is the abundance of wildlife throughout the course specifically, the black herons and bee-eaters on the 9th green, hordes of Javan pond herons on the 18th fairway, and huge, but very shy, water monitor lizards around the lake between holes 11 to 14-and your entire round is accompanied by vivid blue flashes and the ever-present raucous shout of the kingfishers.

After your exhilarating game you can relax with a cool drink on the terrace overlooking the 18th fairway or adjourn upstairs for some excellent local and international cuisine in the charming restaurant with views of the lake and ocean beyond. My favorite place is the little "bale" (pronounced "bar-lay") which looks over the lake and provides a panoramic setting for lunch.

Bali Golf and Country Club is a little on the pricey side, however, you are paying for convenience as well as quality and a round here should most certainly be part of every golfer's vacation.

A variety of discounts and special packages including play at Bali Golf and Country Club are available through golf agents on the island. I particularly recommend taking the "Golf Bali" three-course package which includes all transfers and takes in all three of Bali's word-class 18-hole courses including the majestic Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club in the mountainous center and Greg Norman's awesome Nirwana Bali Golf Club.