Golfing In Tahiti: A Tropical Paradise

is there golf in tahiti

Tahiti is an island in French Polynesia, famed for its stunning beauty, vibrant marine life, and luxurious overwater bungalows. While the island does not have any golf courses directly on it, nearby islands such as Tahiti and Moorea offer beautiful golf courses. The Golf de Tahiti, also known as the Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course, is located in the district of Atimaono in Papara. It is Tahiti's only 18-hole golf course, offering a challenging and scenic golf experience with views of the Pacific Ocean. The course is suitable for players of all handicaps and is praised for its quality and setting. Additionally, Moorea, easily accessible from Tahiti, features the renowned Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course, designed by architect Jack Nicklaus. This course spans 6,797 yards, providing a par 70 challenge and catering to golfers of all skill levels. With its mountain and ocean views, it offers a unique golfing experience in a picturesque setting.

Characteristics Values
Number of Golf Courses 2
Names of Golf Courses Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course (Golf d'Atimaono), Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course
Location Tahiti, Moorea
Year Opened 1970
Course Designer Hawaiian architect Bob E. Baldock
Course Length 5,950-6,944 meters
Par 72
Holes 18
Course Type Suitable for all handicaps
Course Setting Beautiful vistas of mountains and ocean
Amenities Pro shops, driving ranges, clubhouses, restaurants, bars, golf academies, rental services
Nearby Attractions Maraa Grotto, Yota Tahiti Private Island Tours, Cascade de Fautaua, Vallée de la Papenoo

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Tahiti's golf courses

Tahiti has two golf courses to choose from: one in Tahiti and one in Moorea. The Tahiti golf course, also known as the Atimaono Golf Course, is located in the municipality of Papara, approximately 35 km from the airport. The course measures 6,184 meters (6,777 yards) and is a par 72. It offers a unique golfing experience with challenging long fairways and a 75-hectare green oasis. The course was designed by Hawaiian architect Bob E. Baldock and opened in 1970. It is praised for its beautiful setting and well-maintained greens and fairways.

The Moorea golf course, known as the Moorea Pearl Green, is located in the village of Temae and was designed by Jack Nicklaus. It is a more recent course, built in 2007, and is just a few minutes away from the Moorea airport and ferry terminal. The course features 650 meters that run alongside the lagoon, providing a unique golfing experience.

In addition to these two courses, there is also a mini-golf course at Rainbow Park in Pirae, offering an 18-hole course for families and less serious golfers. This mini-golf course provides stunning views of the green forests of Tahiti.

The Tahiti golf course, with its refurbished pro shop and clubhouse, offers a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for golfers. It is committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as the installation of photovoltaic panels contributing to 30% of the facility's energy needs. The Moorea Pearl Green course, on the other hand, is praised for its nicer setting, decent rental equipment, and better overall upkeep.

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Golf de Tahiti

The course spans 6,944 yards and provides a par 72 challenge. It is suitable for players of all handicaps and has received international praise for the quality of its greens and fairways, as well as its beautiful setting. The layout occupies part of the largest area of flat land on the volcanic island of Tahiti, nestled between the lush jungle-clad mountains and the island's beautiful reef-lined lagoon. The neatly tree-lined holes are laid out in an open area of rich tropical vegetation, including breadfruit trees, lemon, grapefruit, letchees, and avocado.

The golf course has implemented environmentally friendly initiatives, such as planting 200 palm trees in 2022 and 2023 to enhance the greenery, as well as the installation of photovoltaic panels that contribute to 30% of the facility's energy needs. Water conservation has also become a priority, especially during periods of lower precipitation.

In addition to Golf de Tahiti, there is also a mini-golf course at Rainbow Park in Pirae, which offers a fun-filled attraction for families with superb views over the green forests of Tahiti. For more serious golfers, the nearby island of Moorea offers the renowned Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

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Tahiti's golf history

Golf has been a part of Tahiti's history for several decades, with the game gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike. The island boasts two golf courses, offering a unique golfing experience with their stunning settings and challenging fairways. Here is an overview of the history of golf in Tahiti:

Tahiti's First Golf Course

The International Golf of Tahiti, also known as the Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course, was the first golf course to open on the island. Located in the municipality of Papara, about 35 km from the airport, the course spans 75 hectares of lush, green land called Atimaono. The course was designed by Hawaiian architect Bob E. Baldock and opened in 1970 after three years of construction. It measures 6,184 meters (6,777 yards) and is a par 72 course, offering a challenging and unique golfing experience. The course is known for its long fairways and occasional glimpses of the Pacific Ocean through the trees.

Golf de Tahiti

Golf de Tahiti, or Golf d'Atimaono as the locals call it, has undergone significant transformations over the years. The course was created in the 1970s on the site of a former cotton and sugar cane plantation. It occupies the largest area of flat land on the volcanic island, nestled between the jungle-clad mountains and the reef-lined lagoon. The neatly tree-lined holes offer a beginner-friendly layout, with minimal bunkering along the fairways. The course has seen recent refurbishments, with a renovated clubhouse and pro shop, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Moorea Pearl Green Course

In 2007, a new golf course was introduced to the island of Moorea, just a few minutes from the airport and ferry terminal. The Moorea Pearl Green is an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus and built by Grégori International. This course provides stunning views, with 650 meters of the course running alongside the lagoon. Moorea offers a more relaxed golfing experience compared to Tahiti's main island courses.

Tahiti Open and International Tournaments

Tahiti's golfing history also includes the establishment of the Tahiti Open, a professional golf tournament launched in 1982 by the Federation Polynesienne de Golf. The tournament has attracted golfers from Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand, with Australian and New Zealand players dominating the scene. Additionally, the annual Tahiti International Open, held at the Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course, is now part of the PGA circuit, attracting international golfers.

In conclusion, Tahiti's golf history spans several decades, with a focus on creating unique and challenging courses that showcase the natural beauty of the islands. The game has brought people together, fostering a sense of community and competition through tournaments like the Tahiti Open. The combination of well-maintained courses, stunning views, and a vibrant golfing culture has contributed to the growth of golf in Tahiti.

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Tahiti's golf competitions

Golf enthusiasts visiting Tahiti can look forward to two golf courses in French Polynesia, with one in Tahiti and another in Moorea. The former, the Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course, is located on the west coast of Tahiti, about 40 km from Papeete. It was created in 1970 on an ancient cotton plantation in Atimaono and is a par 72 course, spanning 5,950 to 6,777 yards. The course is suitable for players of all handicaps and has received international acclaim for its quality and beautiful setting.

The Tahiti Open, the national open golf championship, is held annually and was first launched in 1982 by the Federation Polynesienne de Golf. The tournament has seen international players from Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii participate and has a purse of $125,000. The Tahiti Open is now part of the PGA circuit, attracting even more professional golfers to the island.

The Golf of Atimaono also hosts the annual Heiva Maohi Hui Popo competition, which has an entry fee of around $23. This includes a round of golf, lunch, and prizes.

For those seeking a more casual golfing experience, there is an 18-hole mini-golf course in the middle of Rainbow Park in Pirae, which offers stunning views of Tahiti's green forests.

The Moorea course, called the Moorea Pearl Green, is an 18-hole course in the village of Temae, designed by Jack Nicklaus and built by Grégori International in 2007. It is located just a few minutes from the Moorea airport and ferry terminal and is a popular choice for golfers, with 650 meters of the course running alongside the lagoon.

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Golf near Tahiti

Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Tahiti offers not one, but two stunning golf courses. These courses promise a unique golfing experience, combining the sport with the breathtaking natural beauty of French Polynesia.

Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course

Also known as the Atimaono Golf Course, this 18-hole course is located on the south side of Tahiti, in the municipality of Papara. It was established in the 1970s on the site of an ancient cotton plantation, and is nestled amidst lush jungle-clad mountains and a reef-lined lagoon. The course offers a variety of tropical vegetation, including breadfruit trees, lemon, grapefruit, letchees, and avocado. With a length of 5,950 to 6,944 meters, it is a par 72 course that caters to golfers of all handicaps. The quality of the greens and fairways, along with its beautiful setting, has earned it international acclaim. The course also features a clubhouse, pro shop, and a restaurant.

Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course

A short ferry ride away from Tahiti, on the island of Moorea, lies the Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course. Designed by renowned architect Jack Nicklaus, the course spans 6,797 yards and offers a par 70 challenge. It is known for its scenic vistas, incorporating both mountain and ocean views. The course provides a range of amenities, including golf cart and club rentals, a golf shop, and a restaurant with stunning views.

In addition to these two full-sized courses, Tahiti also offers a mini-golf course at Rainbow Park, providing family-friendly fun with superb views over the island's green forests.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are two golf courses in Tahiti.

The golf courses in Tahiti are called the Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course (also known as Golf de Tahiti, Golf d'Atimaono, and Atimaono Golf) and the Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course.

The Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course is an 18-hole course that is suitable for players of all handicaps. It is located on the west coast of Tahiti, about 40 km from Papeete, and offers stunning views of the ocean and tropical vegetation. The course is 5,950-6,944 metres long and is a par 72.

The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course is renowned for its scenic vistas, incorporating both mountain and ocean views. The course spans 6,797 yards and is a par 70 challenge that caters to all levels of golf enthusiasts. It is easily accessible from Tahiti via a short ferry ride.

In addition to the two golf courses, there is also a mini-golf course at Rainbow Park in Pirae, which offers superb views over the green forests of Tahiti.

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