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Thursday, 08 March 2001 00:00 |
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RBA Golf Club - Brunei Darussalam ...... by Andrew Ng (Mar 2001) This is where the golfing public and alligators of Bandar Seri Begawan gather. Owned and operated by RBA, the course is located at the airport location right next to the runway just 20 minutes from Bandar Seri Begawan.
Designed by Max Wexlar, the flat layout is probably the most difficult in Bandar Seri Begawan because it is tight and windy most days. Beginners with a fear for water will be terrified over 15 of these 18 holes. The fairways are planted with Tifway while the greens are Tifdwarf grass. Green fees are only B$60 on weekdays and B$80 on weekends with a buggy fee of B$20.
Par 3s
The 12th at 130 metres off the back tee (black) is the shortest hole on the course. This hole with its elongated (left to right) green requires accurate club selection because you have a bunker at the front while the rear is "out of bounds". It is a pretty hole with water between the tee and green.
The 14th is the longest par 3 here at 199 metres from the back tee. The green is slightly elongated front to back and there is a bunker at the front left and palm trees around the green.
The 2nd is a nice picturesque pretty 168 metres shot over water to the green. There are bunkers to the front left and right and its a great "warm-up" hole as you begin your round.
Locals will testify that the 5th is one of the most difficult hole on this course. It is only 175 metres from the back tee. However, the club house complex is almost in the way on the right and this is of course "out of bounds". Power wires dangle threateningly and bunkers guard the front left and right of the sloping green. When the wind blows, par is a great score to have on your card here.
Most difficult holes
On the front nine, in addition to hole 5, hole number 6 a 506 metre par 5 presents is rated with a handicap index of 2. the tee-shot presents a narrow landing area with water to the left and the caddy cart track and monsoon drain on the right. OB runs the entire length of the right side of this hole and those with a tendency to slice will be more than terrified. The green is tucked into the corner with a bunker on the left and a cart track on the right and rear.
Hole 7, a mid-length par 4 requires accurate shot making from the tee and thereon to the green. From the tee, bunkers await on the left and water threatens on the right. You get there safely and you are presented with a shot over water which stretches right up to the green on both sides. The green is narrow at the front and you cannot afford to miss.
Hole 8 is a longer par 4 at 373 metres with the approach shot to the green requiring accurate shots. Water stretches along the left and out of bounds loom on the right.
On the back nine, the 13th a 557 metres very long par 5 is a dog leg right with water threatening the first two shots and bunkers and palm trees guarding the green. All along the right, out of bounds. This hole is difficult also because of its overall length and accuracy required.
The 16th is a rather short par 4 at 286 metres from the back tee. However, the tee shot requires accuracy. You could be out of bounds on the right or in the water on the left. Some of the experienced locals play an iron off the tee rather than a driver or 3 wood on windy days to stay out of trouble.
The 17th is another of those holes where you have water from tee to green on the left and out of bounds on the entire right side. The green is almost an island and a lovely challenge. This is perhaps the most beautiful hole on this course from my point of view.
The course is tight and the greens are faster than at the Empire. The locals here do like a good wager and be forewarned that it is a medium difficult course.
Address
RBA Golf Club (next to the airport)
MPC P.O. Box 998
Bandar Seri Begawan BB3577
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 673-2-343724, 673-2-343726
Fax: 673-2-343727
Director/General Manager: Haji Yahya Cheman
Getting There
Make this your first and/or last stop in your visits to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam and its approximately a 5 minutes ride from the airport. From the city of Bandar Seri Begawan, its approximately 15 minutes by taxi.
Where to stay
Any hotel in the city or at The Empire Hotel & Country Club which is approximately 20 minutes away
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 April 2008 09:42 )
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