The Complete Guide to Golf in Vanuatu

Vanuatu has a small but varied golf scene, with options ranging from 18-hole coastal golf near Port Vila to a quirky 13-hole resort course, an affordable island-style course on Santo and even a casual grass mini-golf course for families.

The country’s main golf destination is Port Vila Golf and Country Club on Efate, an 18-hole course with a distinctive split layout. The front nine includes 12 holes running alongside the beach, with ocean views adding plenty of tropical drama to your round. The remaining six holes of the back nine are set across the road, swapping coastal scenery for peaceful hill views.

Also on Efate, Warwick Le Lagon Resort Golf Course offers one of the more unusual golfing experiences in Vanuatu with its 13-hole layout. It’s part of the wider resort facilities and is best suited to guests looking for a relaxed game close to their accommodation.

Over on Santo, Santo Golf Club is a scenic and very affordable option at Palikulo Bay. This nine-hole course uses alternate tees to create a full 18-hole, par 72 round, winding uphill through tropical parkland and coconut palms. As you climb the elevated fairways, Pacific Ocean views open up beautifully, which is not a bad excuse for taking a little longer between shots.

For something more family-focused, Eden on the River Mini Golf Course in Rentapao, Efate, approximately 19 km (12 mi) east of Port Vila, offers a casual grass mini-golf course included with general entry to the property.

In short, golf in Vanuatu is not about polished formality. It’s about tropical settings, laid-back island charm and courses that range from scenic full rounds to fun resort and family activities.

Continue scrolling to learn more about the courses in detail.

Port Vila Golf and Country Club is Vanuatu’s premier golf destination, offering an 18-hole course with coastal and mountain views.

The layout is one of its most distinctive features. The course has 12 holes on the front nine running alongside the beach, giving golfers plenty of ocean views, while the remaining six holes of the back nine are set across the road with scenic hill views.

The club is open from 7 am to 5 pm daily and welcomes both members and visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed and tropical, so expect island-style hospitality rather than stiff formality.

The clubhouse is the social heart of the club, with a restaurant and bar serving reasonably priced burgers, sandwiches and beverages during operating hours. It also doubles as an event venue, with the grounds available for marquee wedding receptions.

You can hire equipment on-site, including clubs for different skill levels, left and right-handed players, women and children. Motorised buggies are also available, while push trolleys are free.

For those wanting to sharpen their swing, professional coaching and lessons are available from an accredited instructor. The club also has an active local community, with regular competitions, social events such as the weekly "chook run" and annual tournaments including the Vanuatu Golf Open.

Port Vila Golf and Country Club Statistics

Location: Route to Mele, Port Vila, Efate. Signposted on the roadside, approximately 500 m (550 yards) east of Mele Road and the turn-off to Hideaway Island.
Holes: 18 holes
Par: 72
Distance: 5,943 m (6,500 yards)
Club Hire: Yes
Buggy Hire: Yes
Clubhouse: Yes
Pro Shop: Yes
Course Type: Park-style
Coaching/Lessons: Yes
Opening Hours: from 7 am to 5 pm daily

Santo Golf Club is Vanuatu’s scenic island-style golf course on Palikulo Bay in Santo.

The course is a nine-hole layout that plays as a full 18-hole, par 72 round thanks to alternate tees. This gives golfers a longer game while still keeping the experience relaxed, simple and very Santo.

The course winds uphill through tropical parkland, with coconut palms dotted across the landscape and Pacific Ocean views opening up as you climb the elevated fairways. It’s the sort of place where the views might make you forget your scorecard for a moment, which, frankly, is sometimes the healthiest way to play golf.

Santo Golf Club operates year-round on an honesty system, adding to its laid-back island charm. Green fees are very affordable and include club hire, with unlimited golf available across the course.

Just note that the clubhouse only opens for weekend competitions, so come prepared. Bring water, sun protection and anything else you’ll need for your round, as facilities may be limited outside competition times.

Overall, Santo Golf Club is a great option for travellers looking for affordable golf in Vanuatu with a friendly local feel, tropical scenery and sweeping ocean views.

Santo Golf Club Statistics

Location: Palikulo Bay, Espiritu Santo, approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of Surunda.
Holes: 9 holes/18 holes using alternate tees
Par: 72
Club Hire: Yes, included with green fees
Clubhouse: Yes, open weekends
Course Type: Park-style
Coaching/Lessons: No
Opening Hours: Year-round, honesty system

Warwick Le Lagon Resort Golf Course is one of Vanuatu’s more unusual golfing options, thanks to its 13-hole layout. That’s right, not nine, not 18, but 13 holes, making it a quirky resort course for guests who want a casual round between swims, spa time and sunset drinks.

The course is part of Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa, one of Vanuatu’s larger resort properties, with accommodation, pools, restaurants and activity areas spread across the grounds. Golf is one of the resort amenities available to guests, adding another easy activity for those staying on-site.

The course has faced maintenance challenges over the years, and at the time of writing, the course is around 80% operational. For this reason, guests should expect a resort-style course that is still being brought back up to standard rather than a polished championship layout.

Equipment is available, including club hire, trolley hire, golf balls and buggy hire. However, buggy availability is very limited, with only one buggy running for the course.

Overall, Warwick Le Lagon Resort Golf Course is best suited to resort guests looking for a relaxed, convenient game rather than golfers seeking a full-scale golf club experience. Its 13-hole format, resort setting and casual island feel make it a memorable option, if only because you’ll probably never again have to explain why your round finished after hole 13.

Warwick Le Lagon Resort Golf Course Statistics

Location: Elluk Road, Erakor Lagoon, Port Vila, Efate.
Holes: 13 holes
Club Hire: Yes
Trolley Hire: Yes
Buggy Hire: Yes (Limited)
Clubhouse: No
Pro Shop: No
Course Type: Park-style
Coaching/Lessons: No
Opening Hours: All day, daily

Eden on the River Mini Golf Course is a casual family-friendly activity at Eden on the River in Rentapao, approximately 19 km (12 mi) east of Port Vila.

The 18-hole mini golf course is located within the Eden on the River property, after the café area. It’s included with general entry, which also gives visitors access to the swimming areas, tubes and other general facilities on the property.

This is a grass mini golf course rather than a polished artificial-turf setup, so come with the right expectations. The last time we visited, the grass was a little long in places, but it was still fine for a casual game, especially if you’re there with kids or just looking for something relaxed to do between swims.

Mini golf is not the main attraction at Eden on the River, but it fits nicely into the property’s broader mix of nature, culture and family activities. While you’re there, you can also combine it with swimming in the natural pools, a bridge walking tour, a cooking tour, a kava plantation tour or simply a laidback afternoon by the river.

Eden on the River Mini Golf Course Statistics

Location: Rentapao, Efate, approximately 19 km (12 mi) east of Port Vila.
Holes: 18 holes
Club Hire: Yes
Trolley Hire: No
Buggy Hire: No
Cafe: Yes
Pro Shop: No
Course Type: Mini Golf
Coaching/Lessons: No
Opening Hours: from 9 am to 4 pm, daily

Golf in Vanuatu ranges from complimentary resort golf for guests to very affordable island-style rounds at local courses. Mini golf is usually bundled into a general attraction entry fee, so you’ll often be paying for a broader day out rather than mini golf alone.

Overall, golf in Vanuatu is very affordable compared with many overseas courses, especially if you’re happy with a relaxed, tropical course rather than a manicured championship setup.

Approximate costs for golf in Vanuatu include:

• Green fees: 0-2,500 VT
• Club hire: 0-2,000 VT
• Trolley hire: 0-500 VT
• Golf buggy/cart hire: 4,000 VT
• Golf balls: 200 VT per ball
• Mini golf access: 1,500 VT per adult/750 VT per child/0 VT for under 4s

At some courses, equipment is included with your green fee, while others charge separately for clubs, trolleys, balls or buggies. Buggy availability can also be limited, so it’s worth checking ahead if you don’t want to walk the course.

For the best value, look for courses offering unlimited golf or included equipment hire. Just remember that some smaller or more casual courses operate with limited facilities, so bring water, sun protection and anything else you’ll need for the round.

For more approximate costs for your holiday, check out Vanuatu Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Vanuatu Cost?