Bali is home to four full length golf courses, one par three course and one nine hole course. With the sole exception of Handara Golf & Resort Bali, all the other courses are set near the south coast of the Island. Due to their similar settings, all three other full courses, the par three course and the nine hole course share similar climate and playing conditions.
What makes Handara so unique is its setting up in Bali’s central lake district. With cooler temperatures, fresher air and greener vegetation, Handara Golf & Resort Bali is a golfing experience unlike any other on the island. Those golfers choosing to get up early and tee off before 8am are unlikely to see temperatures above 25° C. These cooler temperatures and frequent cloud cover make Handara the only enjoyable place on the island to play 36 holes in one day.
While the course plays nearly 7,000 yards from the tips, the altitude makes this distance somewhat more manageable. Golfers unaccustomed to playing at elevation may think they have gained superhuman strength. This may sound nice at first thought, but the increase in distance can wreak havoc on your ability to control approach shots and hold greens in regulation.
We are here today to discuss how to adjust your distances when playing at altitude. With an elevation of 1250m (4100ft) Handara is just on the edge of being considered an “altitude course.” With that said, it really stands out against its sister courses in the South, which are all at sea level.
The general rule of thumb is to subtract 10% to adjust for the thinner air through which your golf ball will travel on its way to glory. For example, if you normally select a 4 iron for your 200 yard shot, you should consider taking your 180 yard club, perhaps a 6 iron or a choked 5 iron.
Most pros agree that there is no exact science when it comes to adjusting for altitude. Players with a higher shot trajectory will find it more difficult to adjust for altitude while those with lower, more penetrating ball flight are more likely to adjust more consistently. When in doubt, favor one less club until you get the feel for the course.
