Senayan National Golf Club

Since 1962, Senayan National Golf Club has been popular amongst local Indonesia golfers due to its location in the heart of the central business district. However, the original course was short and scruffy with tight fairways, mature trees and an old clubhouse.

In December 2012, Senayan National reopened its doors to members and visitors after a complete makeover by the JMP Group and golf course architect Bob Moore. The 32 hectare Jakarta golf course feels far larger than the site actually is and there is an abundance of birds on this oasis in Jakarta city. Course quality is one of the best in Jakarta.

The new Senayan National is still short. A par-69, playing a humble 5,600 yards awaits the golfer. The course is visually stunning. The native cow grass is completely absent, being replaced with Paspalum turf grass tee-boxes, fairways and rough and Tifeagle Bermuda grass greens. Previous flat fairways have given way to earth mounded and undulated fairways. Jakarta’s skyscrapers stand tall around the course, so playing in this lush oasis among tall buildings is like being transformed into days gone past.

Senayan National opens with a 540 yard par-5. The narrow landing area fairway rewards accuracy over distance on the first drive. With the large lake flanking the left side, a 3-wood is a good idea. Due to the short yardage and mature trees all over the course, accuracy and proper club selection will be favored all day at Senayan National over distance.

Holes 3 and 4 are back to back par-3 ones of 175 and 140 yards, respectively. The first of the duo plays to an elevated green which is well-guarded by an excellent bunker complex. A largish holding pond is situated in front of the tees, which while visually appealing, does not come into play. A well struck iron is needed to hit the receptive back-to-front sloping green. Playing back to back par-3 holes is rare, but not unheard of. The next one at Senayan is very short, but protected by two sand bunkers and a large lake fronting the green. Miss on the short side will find water for certain.

The Senayan National signature hole is the 7th. A very short 428 yard par-5 requires shooting down a corridor of trees towards the tall tower behind the green. A few photos here will leave a lasting impression specifically of the round at Senayan National and Jakarta in general. The large oaks on the sides of straight fairway are ready to catch any wayward balls. Going for the green in two is possible for long hitters, but a lay-up with short chip to the green is not a bad play for par or a one putt birdie.

The Senayan National clubhouse and facilities are modern and first class. Entering from the main gate gives visiting golfers the feeling of an exclusive country club away from Jakarta city. The clubhouse is spacious, with high ceilings and luxurious furnishings. The golfers terrace with large balcony area on the second level overlooks the Jakarta golf course. The ground floor houses a European styled coffee shop and Japanese restaurant.

The practice putting green is a large undulated area that mimics ones found on the course itself. Golf carts are optional at Senayan, although walking is the more traditional way to play. Locker rooms are clean and modern while the pro shop sells all the top brand names golf apparel, balls, and accessories.

Golf carts are optional, so for those who enjoy a walk-in-the park, this Jakarta golf course in the heart of the city might be just the one to include in a complete Jakarta golf package.