Surabaya as the city of heroes seems to have a new historical heritage icon that is Ahmad Yani Golf Club. This golf course is one of the oldest golf course in Indonesia alongside with the Jakarta Golf Club or Rawamangun golf course in Jakarta. The 119 years old golf course is a witness of historical events the battle of Surabaya. Located on Gunungsari Street, Surabaya, Ahmad Yani golf course is not only a golfing place for local golfers, but also as a green open space and home for local flora and fauna. At least there are 80 species of trees and various kinds of animals live in this area.
The golf course in Surabaya which is originally referred as the Gunungsari golf course was built in 1898 during the Dutch colonial period and designed by Prof. Erich Kremmer. Then it’s changed to Ahmad Yani Golf Association in 1965. The Ahmad Yani Golf Club has an area of 60 hectares with 8 hectares of its total area is used as a conservation area. The Ahmad Yani Surabaya golf course was designed with hilly contour, narrow fairways and dominated by old trees as the main obstacles. This condition makes the golf course which has 18 holes and par 72 became the suitable place for golfer who seek a challenging golf course while enjoying the beauty of local flora and fauna along with views of its natural beauty.
You can find the tomb of Dutch Military leader Frederik Jacob Rothenbuhler in the 18th hole. There are also four monuments to mark and honor the four troops of the Republic of Indonesian Students (TRIP) who died in this place in the battle of 28 November 1945. The existence of this tomb and monuments make Ahmad Yani golf course considered as a historical heritage by local government.
Ahmad Yani Golf Club Facilities and Green Fees
Just like any other golf course, the Ahmad Yani golf course also features several facilities for both the golfer and visitors. There are driving range facility as practicing place for the golfer also golf training classes by professional trainers. You can also enjoy function hall on the 2nd floor of club house, pro shop where you can buy the latest golf equipment and Resto 1989 on the 1st floor. Uniquely, this restaurant does not provide a list of menus for the visitors because the dishes are always changing every day depending on the restaurant chef. Interesting right?
Another surprising facility is the all male caddie service. The Ahmad Yani golf course does not offer buggy cart facilities so golfers and caddy have to walk from one course to another. If you want to relax or take a shower after playing golf, there are showers, massage and locker room facilities in the clubhouse. The Ahmad Yani Golf Club is the perfect golf course if you want to practice, doing historical tour and find new friends. The warm and cozy atmosphere of the clubhouse and its friendly services make this place as a golfer’s second home in the middle of bustling city Surabaya.
