Palembang Golf Club has firmly established itself as one of Indonesia’s most distinguished golf destinations in South Sumatra. Combining classic heritage with modern comfort, this club stands out through its well-crafted course design, comprehensive facilities, affordable green fees, and long-standing reputation as a host of prestigious tournaments.
Highly praised by both local and visiting players, Palembang Golf Club offers a calm and scenic atmosphere, especially during early morning tee times. Golfers often compliment the pristine fairways and smooth greens, the friendly and professional staff, and its welcoming environment for beginners. In fact, the course frequently serves as a training ground for junior golfers and newcomers to the sport.
Overall, Palembang Golf Club symbolizes both the rich history and continuous growth of golf in Palembang. With its inclusive concept, full facilities, and easy accessibility, this club is ideal for practice sessions, casual recreation, or competitive play. For golfers seeking a classic yet modern experience, Palembang Golf Club remains one of Indonesia’s most appealing venues. Here is a review from GoGolf.
Historical Background and Strategic Location
Also known as Padang Golf Kenten, the Palembang Golf Club is among the oldest and most iconic golf courses in Indonesia. Located at Jl. A.K.B.P. Cek Agus No. 23, Bukit Kenten, Palembang, the course was originally built during the colonial era and officially opened to the public in 1926. It holds the distinction of being the second-oldest golf course in Indonesia, right after the Rawamangun Golf Course in Jakarta.
During the Dutch colonial period, the course was managed by Stanvac Oil Company and served as a recreational facility for expatriates and company officials. Following Indonesia’s independence, ownership and management transitioned to the South Sumatra Regional Government in partnership with PT Pertamina, transforming it into a public sports facility accessible to a wider community. This transition helped the club evolve from an exclusive enclave to a community-oriented recreation hub while retaining its prestigious atmosphere.
Its strategic location in the heart of Palembang adds to its popularity. Situated close to TNI residential areas and Pertamina housing complexes, the club is easily accessible to both locals and out-of-town visitors. It lies just 10–15 minutes from major hotels such as Sofyan Inn Malaka and Zuri Express Palembang, making it a convenient stop for tourists or players attending tournaments.
The surrounding Bukit Kenten area remains lush and tranquil, with greenery and tall trees that create a refreshing microclimate. The peaceful environment, whether in the early morning or late afternoon, makes golfing here feel relaxing and rejuvenating. For many, Palembang Golf Club is not just a sporting venue but also a weekend retreat for families seeking to unwind amid nature.
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Course Design and Playing Experience
Covering approximately 72 hectares with a par-72, 18-hole layout, Palembang Golf Club offers a beautiful blend of technical challenge and natural beauty. The course is surrounded by small forests, gardens, ponds, and mature trees, providing both visual appeal and strategic obstacles for golfers.
One of the course’s signature characteristics is its well-positioned bunkers, varying in both size and placement across nearly every hole. These bunkers demand thoughtful shot selection and careful ball control — a single misjudgment can easily halt your momentum. Additionally, several holes require golfers to navigate shots over water hazards or along tree-lined fairways, making accuracy and strategy essential throughout the round.
The undulating terrain adds further complexity, particularly across the mid-to-long holes, challenging golfers to adapt their swing mechanics to elevation changes. While beginners can still enjoy the wide fairways and forgiving layouts on some holes, experienced players will find the course’s technical subtleties both stimulating and rewarding.
The natural setting enhances the immersive experience — morning dew on the fairways, birdsong, and the soft breeze through the tall trees create an atmosphere that promotes focus and calm. It’s this serene yet competitive balance that makes Palembang Golf Club a preferred venue for both national and international tournaments.
Facilities: Modern, Complete, and Family-Friendly
Palembang Golf Club complements its beautiful course with comprehensive facilities that cater to golfers of all ages and skill levels, as well as families looking for recreation and relaxation.
Driving Range and Golf Academy
The club features a well-equipped driving range designed to help golfers refine their swing or warm up before a round. The range includes target greens, training zones, and professional instruction, ensuring effective practice sessions. A golf academy with certified coaches is also available, making it an excellent place for beginners and juniors to learn the fundamentals of the game.
Pro Shop and Locker Facilities
The Pro Shop stocks a wide selection of golf equipment and apparel from leading international brands. Clean and spacious locker rooms ensure post-game comfort, while the sauna facilities provide a relaxing way to recover after a long round.
Sports and Family Amenities
Beyond golf, Palembang Golf Club offers additional sports facilities such as a swimming pool and badminton courts, further enhancing its family-friendly appeal. A three-hour badminton session costs only Rp250,000, making it an affordable leisure option for visitors.
Clubhouse and Dining
The clubhouse features a restaurant with panoramic golf course views, equipped with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. It’s a favorite spot for lunch meetings, corporate gatherings, or family get-togethers. The menu ranges from local Indonesian specialties to Asian and Western cuisine, served at reasonable prices.
These amenities make Palembang Golf Club not just a sports facility but a complete lifestyle destination — perfect for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Tournaments and Reputation
Over the years, Palembang Golf Club has earned a strong reputation as a trusted host for prestigious golf tournaments. Among the most notable events held here are the International Ladies Amateur Tournament (2003), Pekan Olahraga Nasional (2004), and the International Senior Golf Open Championship (2005).
This success stems from a combination of well-maintained fairways, capable management, and complete facilities, which make it a reliable choice for high-level events. The challenging yet fair course design and serene atmosphere help professional players maintain focus during competition — a key reason many associations continue to select Palembang as their tournament venue.
Active involvement from PT Pertamina and the South Sumatra Regional Government also ensures that every event is well-organized and fully supported by local infrastructure. The government continues to promote Palembang Golf Club as part of the region’s sport tourism development initiative, highlighting its importance beyond just golf.
In addition to major championships, the club regularly hosts community tournaments, local championships, and junior competitions, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young golf talent in the region. This continuous investment in youth programs has made Palembang Golf Club a key player in developing future professional golfers from Sumatra.
Affordable Green Fees, Easy Access, and Accommodation Options
One of the most attractive aspects of Palembang Golf Club is its high value for money. With green fees starting at only Rp100,000, it ranks among Indonesia’s most affordable golf destinations without compromising on course quality. Fees vary depending on player category, age group, and membership status, allowing flexibility for everyone from casual visitors to frequent players.
Accessibility is another strength. Located near TNI and Pertamina residential areas, the club can be easily reached by private car or public transport. From central Palembang, visitors can take a minibus toward Tanjung Senai or Indralaya, then continue on foot to the course.
For out-of-town guests, accommodations such as Zuri Express and Sofyan Inn Malaka are conveniently located just 10–15 minutes away. A range of alternative lodging options — from budget-friendly hotels to premium stays — are also available in the surrounding area, making it suitable for both day trips and weekend getaways.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Course with Enduring Legacy
With nearly a century of history, Palembang Golf Club remains a living legacy of Indonesia’s golfing heritage. Its combination of heritage charm, technical design, and accessibility ensures it continues to attract golfers from across the country.
From its colonial origins to modern-day tournament prestige, the club has evolved gracefully while maintaining its authenticity. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills, enjoy a family day out, or compete in a professional setting, Palembang Golf Club offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
For golfers visiting South Sumatra, Palembang Golf Club is not just a course — it’s an experience that connects the past and present, inviting every player to become part of its enduring story on the green.
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