Nine Bridges - Bridging of East and West at Jeju's Best
You step up onto the tee box and soak in the picturesque contours of the terrain that surrounds the green, lingering for just a little longer to enjoy the magnificent layout. This must be the signature hole, where architectural ingenuity has been made to create an unforgettable 무료웹툰다시보기 impression with the visiting golfer.
The problem with The Club at Nine Bridges is that you have too much to remember of your experience there. Instead of a sole signature hole, there are eighteen distinct, memorable and outstanding ones carved out from the volcanic land of Jeju, an island located about an hour's flight time south of Seoul.
Since its completion in August 2001, Nine Bridges has staged 4 LPGA championships and has had over a dozen accolades added onto its honour roll, including being ranked the number 1 golf course in Korea no fewer than 6 times by various golf publications. In addition, it is currently ranked a respectable 55th place in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World by Golf Magazine (US).
The charm of Nine Bridges lies in its ability to integrate what Mother Nature has put forth before the course architects - Ronald Fream and David Dale - into the fine championship design to produce a golf course of unrelenting pace and balance. It is characterised by over 100 bunkers, some of which are steep, brick-walled type similar to those found on great Scottish links courses. No two holes in succession move in the same direction, which means each hole presents its own challenge considering the persistent winds on Jeju Island.
Built over 3 years at a cost of approximately US$100 million, no stone is left unturned when it comes to the luxurious elements of the resort.
The club's spacious locker room includes a traditional Korean bath with three stone tubs - each of a different temperature - as well as modern showers and complimentary shoe care. After retiring from the day's game, guests can retreat into one of the 67 cottages or five villas designed by Jean-Michel Gathey. The largest villas, finely fitted with a melodious blend of Asian culture and Western convenience, have 4 bedrooms within its 5,600 square feet compound and overlook the beautiful 18th green.
You can also expect the most delectable gastronomic fares at Nine Bridges. Apart from satisfying the Asian palate, top chefs from the U.S. were also initially imported to impart culinary skills in Western cuisine to the staff there.
Access to play this immaculately manicured course is limited to members and their guests only. Now is as good a time to make the right acquaintance in Korea.
