Lao Lao Bay (East)

Constructed for the Japanese Shimizu Corporation by Greg Norman’s design company in the mid 1990s, the 36-hole Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort is one of half a dozen courses competing for tourist golfers on the small tropical island of Saipan which is the largest of the fifteen Northern Mariana Islands.

The West Course, with Mount Tapochao in the background, is the more open of the two 18-hole layouts and there are water hazards to be found on half the holes, especially on the back nine, where a watery grave awaits at no fewer than six of the holes.

The club market the East Course as the premier of the two at Lao Lao Bay and it’s laid out along the cliffs, with spectacular views from the 4th to 7th overlooking the shoreline. The par three 6th is the signature hole on the course, where the tee shot is played over crashing waves to a green perched 136 yards away along the edge of the cliff.

The following edited extract is from 150 Golf Courses You Need To Visit Before You Die by Stefanie Waldek:

“The island of Saipan has a population of less than 50,000 people but it has six golf courses – not too shabby a ratio. Though they’re all impressive for various reasons, Lao Lay Bay Golf and Resort’s East course stands out for two reasons.

First, it’s set on top of a cliff, so it has amazing views. You even have to hit over the ocean at the signature 6th. Second, it’s a Greg Norman-designed course [and] if you ever find yourself in the Northern Mariana Islands be sure to book a tee time here.”