As I reach the practice ground at Iguassu Falls Golf Club I am unable to find the ball dispensing machine, only for the professional to come to my rescue – just so you know the machine is in the little hut at the top of the cart path before you head down the range.
After a nice warm up I head to the 426-yard opening hole, there are 5 different teeing options one of them being a beginner’s tee, which I really like the idea of. Iguassu isn’t about to become a golf destination just yet – there is another course some 30 minutes away just over the boarder in Paraguay – but it is a great option for couples and families coming to see the falls and enjoy some golf while they are here.
The 1st isn’t a tough hole and has one bunker up the left hand side to catch any stray balls. Depending on your skill levels the 2nd could turn out to be a very tricky hole with water left and in front of the green and a stream running between the two that crosses the fairway
What I am enjoying about Erik Larsen’s design is that the fairways are wide and there are not many chances to lose a lot of golf balls, it is what you would call a typical resort course, but laid out very well, over some beautiful terrain with some stunning views.
This course is not a push over, the 5th that is a par 5 has a semi island green and so does the par 3, 6th hole that follows it. One of Iguassu’s striking features is the red tinged sand in the traps and I have to say I really like them after seeing everyone plummeting for white-sanded bunkers around the world.
There are some great little par 3s on the course, my favourite being the 158-yard, 15th that is followed by the 16th which I think is probably one of the best par 4s on the course along with the 423-yard 13th hole.
As I arrive at the 18th it certainly has that crescendo feeling to the round, the fairway gently moves downhill with a slight dog-leg left and after a good solid drive I have 240-yards to go downhill and with a touch of wind behind and the hybrid seems to be the perfect club, which I duly dispatch to the front edge. But it’s the backdrop of the beautifully designed clubhouse and hotel that add an extra bit of glamour to the end of the round.
As I said Iguassu Golf Club is a resort course so I know you will enjoy it know matter what your handicap or if you are a beginner, but for the better players among you, it is also a great challenge and one I know you will want to take up several times during your stay here.
Top: Stunning opening hole. Above Sunrise over the 18th green and clubhouse
Red sand bunkers on the 3rdMore red sand at the 6thSunsetting over the 15th
Top: Stunning opening hole. Above Sunrise over the 18th green and clubhouse
