Riverside Golf Club

Riverside Golf Club is located on the opposite side of the Cikeas River and the Jagorawi Toll Road to the Arnold Palmer-designed course at nearby Emeralda Golf Club. Designed in 1995 by Bob Harrison, Greg Norman’s lead architect, Riverside Golf Club, along with the now closed layout at Nirwana Bali, is yet another creation whereby the headline architect receives the praise.

It’s hard to argue with the marketing billing, which states that the layout provides “an adrenaline-charged ride in a setting of lush natural greenery.” In fact, it may be an understatement.

Routed through the serene hills of Jakarta's countryside, with rainforest wrapping around each hole, the layout traverses streams, valleys, waterfalls and even rice fields on its 6,846-yard journey from the first tee to the home green.

The longer and narrower outward nine, despite three par fives on the card, is a tough test where both length and accuracy will be rewarded. Short holes often play dramatically and whimsically over valleys where it’s hard not to grin when standing on these exciting tee boxes.

Riverside is a fun course, and although it will never compete with Norman and Harrison’s finest homeland designs, it’s a course worth seeking out if you find yourself in Jakarta with time on your hands.