Top 10 Toughest Golf Courses in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to a multitude of challenging golf courses that are favored by enthusiasts of the sport. Some of the toughest golf courses in Indonesia can be named Bali National Golf Club, Damai Golf & Country Club, New Kuta Golf Club, etc. Each of these courses offers a unique test of golfing skills with the level of difficulty varying depending on the player’s abilities and the weather conditions of the playing day.
Most Challenging Golf Courses in Indonesia
1. Bali National Golf Club, Bali
Bali National Golf Club
Bali National Golf Club is one of the toughest golf courses in Indonesia, located in the popular tourist destination of Bali. The course is known for its challenging design and is considered a true test of golfing skills. It features well-manicured greens, lush fairways, and strategic bunkers that demand precision and accuracy from golfers.
One of the most distinctive features of Bali National Golf Club is its greens, which are known for their speed and undulation. This can make putting a real challenge for golfers, as even a well-hit putt can roll off the green if it is not properly aimed. The bunkers on the course are also well placed, requiring golfers to carefully consider their shots and make accurate decisions. The overall layout of the course also adds to its toughness, with multiple doglegs and narrow fairways that demand precision from golfers.
2. Damai Golf & Country Club, Bali
Damai Golf & Country Club
Damai Golf & Country Club in Bali features rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and large, well-manicured greens that are difficult to hit and even harder to putt. The course is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, adding to its beauty and difficulty. One of the main challenges of playing at Damai Golf & Country Club is the wind, which can be a significant factor in many of the holes. The course is also known for its demanding greens, which are fast and often have severe undulations that require precise putting skills.
In addition to the challenging layout, Damai Golf & Country Club also offers a variety of tee boxes, allowing golfers to choose the level of difficulty that best suits their skill level. This makes the course enjoyable for players of all abilities, but also allows experienced golfers to test their skills against one of the toughest golf courses in Indonesia.
3. New Kuta Golf Club, Bali
New Kuta Golf Club
New Kuta Golf Club in Bali is a perfect golf destination for seasoned golfers. The course is known for its challenging design and offers a true test of golfing skills. One of the most distinctive features of New Kuta Golf Club is its large, undulating greens that are fast and often require precise putting skills. The bunkers on the course are also well placed, requiring golfers to carefully consider their shots and make accurate decisions.
>>> Explore more must-play golf courses in Bali, Indonesia.
4. Bogor Raya Golf Club, West Java
Bogor Raya Golf Club
Bogor Raya Golf Club is a challenging golf course in Indonesia’s West Java region. The course is known for its demanding layout and beautiful surroundings, making it a popular destination for golfers. It features rolling fairways, well-manicured greens, and strategic bunkers that require accuracy and precision from golfers. Bogor Raya Golf Club trademarks significant elevation changes, which add an additional challenge to the game. Golfers must navigate uphill and downhill shots, making club selection and shot-making a crucial factor in their success on the course.
5. Sentul Highlands Golf Club, West Java
Sentul Highlands Golf Club
Sentul Highlands Golf Club is a challenging golf course located in Sentul, West Java, Indonesia. One of the main hazards on the course is the bunkers, which are strategically placed around the greens and fairways, requiring golfers to carefully consider their shots and make accurate decisions. In addition, the course features well-manicured greens that are known for their speed and undulation, making putting a real challenge for golfers.
Another hazard to be aware of at Sentul Highlands Golf Club is the water hazards with ponds and streams that come into play on several holes, requiring golfers to make accurate shots and avoid costly penalties. The overall layout of the course also adds to its difficulty, with multiple doglegs and narrow fairways that demand precision from golfers.
6. Jagorawi Golf & Country Club, West Java
Jagorawi Golf & Country Club
Jagorawi Golf & Country Club is a renowned golf club located in the Cikeas River Valley and surrounded by former jungle-land. The club boasts 45 holes of championship golf, including the Garden Course, which is now commonly referred to as the “Old Course”. This challenging course was designed by Thomson and Wolveridge, Zakir, and Max Wexler. It opened in 1979 with its first nine holes. The remaining holes were opened two years later in 1981. The course is known for its toughness, with its undulating terrain and well-placed hazards providing a true test for golfers of all skill levels.
7. Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club, Bintan
Bintan Lagoon Golf Course
Bintan Lagoon Resort – Ian Baker’s Finch Course is also considered one of the toughest golf courses in Indonesia, designed to take players on an adventure through the rolling, lush jungle during their golf holiday in Indonesia. The course offers a demanding but enjoyable round of golf, with its dramatic terrain and scenic water hazards. Despite its challenging layout, players will find the course too much fun to be overly concerned with their score. The course winds its way through the jungle, testing the skills of golfers with its undulating terrain and strategic hazards.
8. Ria Bintan Golf Club, Bintan
Ria Bintan Golf Club
The Ocean golf course at Ria Bintan Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, offers a unique golfing experience with two distinct playing atmospheres. For the majority of the course, you’ll traverse through the lush jungle of Riau, encountering wildlife such as monkeys, small deer, and wild boar. Along with the traditional seaside holes, the 7th hole offers a stunning view of the sea from the fairway, and the par 3 9th requires a medium iron played parallel to the beach to reach the green. The last touch of the sea is felt at the par 4 10th where you play along the beach beside the waves.
The course is well-bunkered, with the greens on the fast side and consistent in their roll. The semi-hidden pond on the 1st hole and the water that runs along the right flank of the 4th hole are notable hazards. The 18th hole, with a stroke index of 6, ranks as the toughest on the course, requiring a long tee shot and a draw shot for the approach. Overall, Ria Bintan Golf Club is a well-conditioned and challenging course with a good score relying on playing the par fours well.
9. Laguna Golf Bintan, Bintan
Laguna Golf Bintan
Laguna Golf Bintan is a magnificent golf course located on the Indonesian island of Bintan. It was designed by none other than Australian golfing legend Greg Norman, who created a challenging and beautiful course that can be enjoyed by players of all levels. The course winds its way through lush tropical vegetation, taking in stunning views of the East Sea and surrounding islands.
One of the standout features of Laguna Golf Bintan is its undulating fairways, which provide a thrilling test of golf. The bunkers are strategically placed and well-maintained, adding an extra challenge to the course. The greens are fast, true and well-manicured, making for a high-quality putting surface.
The key strength that makes Laguna Golf Bintan one of the toughest golf courses in Indonesia is its variety. The course offers a mix of open holes with expansive fairways and challenging holes through dense jungle, with water hazards, bunkers, and undulating greens providing a test of golfing ability. The 9th and 18th holes are especially memorable, with stunning views of the sea and challenging shots to tricky greens.
10. Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Jakarta
Royale Jakarta Golf Club
The Royale Jakarta Golf Club is a 27-hole course that presents various challenges to golfers of all levels. The layout of the course is strategic, with well-placed bunkers, water hazards, and rough areas that demand precision shots. One of the main challenges of the course is the accurate approach shots to the greens, which are often surrounded by bunkers and protected by water.
Another demanding aspect of the course is the undulating terrain, with many uphill and downhill shots that require careful club selection and good balance. Golfers must also contend with narrow fairways, which require straight and accurate drives. Additionally, the course features some long par-4 holes that demand long and accurate tee shots, making it a test for even the longest hitters. The greens at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club are also challenging, with many slopes and breaks that require good speed and accuracy control.
>>> Read more: Top 15 Best Golf Courses in Indonesia 2024/2025
Best time to play golf in Indonesia
The best time to play golf in Indonesia depends on the region and the climate in that area. Generally, the dry season, which typically runs from May to September, is considered the best time to play golf in Indonesia, as the courses are in good condition and there is less likelihood of rain disruptions. In Jakarta and other areas with a tropical climate, it can be hot and humid during the dry season, so early morning or late afternoon rounds are recommended. In Bali and other areas with a more temperate climate, the weather is pleasant year-round, making it a great destination for golfers at any time.
It is important to check the weather carefully while planning a golf holiday in Indonesia. You can also consult with a local travel agency for the best advice on Indonesia golf holidays, and when & where to go for the best golf experience.
