Ria Bintan Golf Club: Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World

Gary Player has designed upwards of 130 projects in 38 countries on five continents. The fact that at one point he named Ria Bintan GC among his top 10 speaks volumes. The Ocean Course was completed in 1998 and is almost two separate experiences. Much of the front nine winds through the Riau jungle providing an intimate, native experience (I see you, long-tail macaque!). After you tee off on the par-5 seventh hole and begin walking down the fairway toward your ball (hopefully), the South China Sea reveals itself in spectacular fashion. There’s a reason this hole was voted the best par-5 in Asia. If the distraction doesn’t get to you, par is not a difficult score. The short par-3 eighth takes you down even closer to the water, and the entirety of the ninth borders the sea. It’s a memorable stretch on a course that will long linger in your mind. The Forest Course consists of nine Player-designed holes and exudes more of a parkland feel. Fairways are welcoming but the bunkering can bite (as at most Gary Player courses). Ria Bintan actually offers the opportunity to combine the Forest with one of the Ocean nines if you want to play 18.