Surabaya, Indonesia
Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia and has a rich and colorful history - often overshadowed by the big brother Jakarta on the west, and the more popular Bali, on the east. The city was founded in the 13th century and grew into an important trading center during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was a hub for the spice trade and attracted merchants from all over the world. In the early 19th century, Surabaya became a center of resistance against the Dutch colonialists who had occupied Indonesia. The city played a key role in the fight for independence, and its residents played a crucial role in shaping modern-day Indonesia.
And yes, it is an old favourite of golfing travellers in the region, before the sprouting of dozens of new courses particularly in Thailand and Vietnam over the past decade. But as they say, old can be gold, and in Surabaya, golf is ‘headlined’ by Taman Dayu Golf Club & Resort, opened since 1995, often regarded as the best in Indonesia.
Ciputra Golf Club
Located in the heart of Surabaya, Ciputra Golf Club & Hotel is a premier golf destination that offers golfers of all levels an unforgettable experience. Designed by the legendary golf course designer, Andy Dye, the 27-hole championship golf course features rolling fairways, challenging bunkers, and stunning views of the city skyline.
Again a relatively mature course which opened in 1994, it offers 3 9-hole loops, named Valley, Lake and Hills respectively. The Valley and the Lake Course will form the typical 18 hole line up. Check out Andy Dye’s signature par 3 at Hole #12, which resembles the original at TPC Sawgrass designed by his uncle.
The convenience of playing in the city, before or after heading out to Tamna Dayu or Finna makes the complete package for Surabaya.
Taman Dayu Golf Club & Resort
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Taman Dayu strategically located golf club set in the lush green foothills of Mount Welirang, with additional views of Mount Arjuno and Mount Semeru.
The course is part of an integrated resort that covers 600 hectares of prime land, including an academy of golf, driving range, The Golf Club, The Pro Shop, exclusive locker rooms, a Jack Nicklaus VIP Locker, The Gym, swimming pools, The Bungalows, The Residence, The Clubhouse, and a selection of restaurants and lounge, a health spa, banquet and meeting facilities, and mountain and forest adventure activities.
The conditions are always great, the reviews good, so there’s little reason to say ‘no’ to a game at Taman Dayu.
Finna Golf & Country Club
Finna Golf & Country Club is located in Prigen, Pasuruan, which is in East Java province.
The challenging course designed by the acclaimed International golf course architects, British Open Champion and winning Captain of the 1998 Presidents Cup Tournament, Peter Thomson along with Michael Wolveridge and Ross Perret. The architects whose pedigree includes such courses as the New course, St. Andrews, Scotland; The Royal Hongkong Golf Club; and the Bali Handara Country Club, has skillfully incorporated Finna’s grounds and natural features into their design to create a golf experience to rival the best in the world.
Nature herself has created a superb setting for this 6,345-metre, par-72 mountain course, and set in rolling foothills of outstanding natural beauty which affords scenic vistas of the surrounding countryside from every hole. The Hole 5 Par 3 has true Indonesian flavour, with views of the countryside and Mt. Penanggungan. From elevated tees, which were formerly terraced rice paddies, the shot is played over traditional rice paddies and a fast-flowing stream, to a distant manicured green.
Enjoy!
