A Tropical Golf Destination Awaits in New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a short flight from east coast Australia and makes a fantastic place for a golf holiday with friends.

From the courses in Tina and Déva to those in Ouenghi and Dumbéa, golf in New Caledonia is incomparable. Although each course has its own unique identity, all of these spectacular courses are abundant in natural beauty that originates from the archipelago’s varied geography.

At Dumbéa, the course follows the river. At Ouenghi, the soft valleys of this countryside course invite you to complete all 18 holes, while at Déva and Tina, the views from many of the holes allow you to see straight out over the Pacific Ocean.

It’s worth noting that New Caledonia is a family-friendly destination and the golf courses here are no exception. If you’re travelling with young children, why not book them in for a lesson? Or, if you have teens, be sure to take the opportunity to play a round together while you’re there.

There is also an abundance of other non-golfing activities to enjoy including: dive and snorkel excursions, Kanak village tours, mountain biking trails, fresh market trips and more.

Tina Golf Course

Golf de Tina is a fabulous golf course in Noumea. First impressions count and the pro shop staff are incredibly welcoming to visitors. Expect to see peacocks a plenty roaming the fairways and, yes, they are friendly too.

The lush fairways at Tina are laid out along the coast overlooking a lagoon. Each hole is revealed as the course winds its way through mangrove plantations within a special nature reserve, allowing visitors to experience a truly tropical game of golf at this jewel in the Pacific.

The 5,889-metre Tina is touted as the premier New Caledonian layout and the course uses the natural lie of the land to great effect with a hilly front nine and a back nine which follows the shoreline. Seasoned golfers consider Tina to be one of the best French courses at the other end of the world.

Deva Golf Course

Golf De Deva is located within the sprawling Sheraton Deva property – a prime beachfront location on the Southern Province. The golf course is a Pete Dye design and an absolute pleasure to play.

The course is home to the New Caledonia Ladies Open (last played in 2019 and prepped for a return next year) and you’ll usually find a mix of friendly locals and resort guests playing. I visited mid-week and out of the holiday season and enjoyed an unhurried round.

The 18^th fairway treks toward the shimmering lagoon and green with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the fringing coral lagoon. Only eight years old, it’s still a young course and, although it’s bordered by mountains, it has just enough subtle undulation to keep it interesting.

The wide fairways allow one to be a little loose off the tee, but most shots into the greens will test the very best of golfers.

Travel Tip: bring the family to the Sheraton Deva and book golf lessons everyone, there’s plenty of fun to be had by all on the course. Plus, there are heaps of non-golfing activities to keep the kids entertained on holiday in New Caledonia too.

Dumbea Garden Golf Course

New Caledonia’s oldest golf club features a superb 18-hole, Par 72 course surrounded by the Dzumac and Humboldt mountains. If you’re not the world’s best golfer you can relax because this course is suitable for the beginner, amateur or experienced golfer. The latter will certainly find enough challenging holes to test their gameplay strategy.

Dumbea also features a driving range and a great clubhouse with terrific meals served on their alfresco deck, a top spot to enjoy a post-round beverage. This is living!

Note: players heading to Dumbea and/or Tina are best to take up a seaside base at Le Meridien Hotel, Noumea. It’s by far the most central golf ‘stay & play’ location in New Caledonia for traveling golf groups and/or couples. 

Ouenghi Golf and Country Club

Peace and fresh air away from the city is the order of the day at Ouenghi Golf Club, just a few kilometres south of Boulouparis village. The 18-hole 6,049 m golf course is attached to Paillottes de la Ouenghi Hotel complex which boasts an excellent restaurant, great for a gourmet break between greens, and even a few horse-riding trails.

The course has retained its original layout and the flame trees and kauri trees throughout look absolutely beautiful but also throw up a technical challenge or two.

Ouenghi Golf Course has a prime countryside position between the mountains and the river and offers an accessible course with a friendly atmosphere.

It’s a 30-minute drive from La Tontouta International Airport to Ouenghi and I’d recommend taking an easy day trip from Noumea to play here. Otherwise, be sure to stop by and play nine on your way to Golf De Deva at the Sheraton.

Bourail Shuttle Service was our pick for luxury car transfers in New Caledonia. They also offer an array of guided east and west coast tours. Get in touch at bss.bourail@gmail.com or phone + 687 71 12 40

Alternatively, hire a car and explore New Cal’s golf courses at will. The roads are in good condition and navigating your way around the provinces is simple.

A driving range in the heart of Nouméa

Looking to work on your technique or simply enjoy a few swings in Nouméa? A trip to the Pacific Golf Driving Range is ideal. Part of the Henri Milliard Hippodrome (racecourse) complex, this driving range features 20 undercover bays and is the place to practise your golf swing while admiring the scenery.

GETTING THERE

Air Carlin flies direct from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Noumea twice weekly. Expect premium service aboard and note all sports equipment (yep, even golf bags) go free of charge.