We spent 2D and 2N at the Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam, which overlooks the Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam. The course is located a short ferry ride from Singapore and is located in Indonesia. Our golf tour is arranged by the golf course and you literally do not have to lift a finger in the whole process.
Brief History of Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam course
The course opened in 2009 and is created by the famous golf architect trio of Thomson, Wolveridge & Perret. It is an 18 hole Par 72 course and has consistently been ranked as one of the highest-rated courses on the island. A very open and wide course that has some steep slopes and some killer hazards that take some skill to miss.
Location of Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam
How to get to Padang Golf Sukajadi
From Singapore (and leaving from Tanh Merah Ferry terminal, as Harbourfront is currently still not open post-Covid, it is a short 45-minute ferry to the Indonesian island of Batam. You can actually see it from Singapore on a clear day. We went with Majestic Ferries (link) and the ferry’s average price is 40 SGD for a one-way trip. Padang Golf Sukajadi Golf course is only 10 minutes taxi ride from the ferry. You can use the Grab/Gojek transport apps which costs about 4 SGD. We are here with a golf tour package group so we had a bus waiting for us. When we arrived, we had a helper from the golf course there to collect our clubs and luggage and then ushered us on the bus to the hotel.
Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam towers over the course and is designed as a meeting centre also for golf tourism. The balcony of the rooms overlooks the course and is the place to stay if you are playing here. More about the Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam stay.
The General course layout at Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam
It is an 18 hole Par 72 course and has played host to many local, regional and international events and is slowly getting busier as the world reopens. The 6340m course has four different tee boxes for every level player.
With plenty of space on the course, they have added many hills, slopes and mounds which add another level of difficulty. The hazards are plentiful and unforgiving, so make sure to check the layout of each hole if you haven’t played here before. The caddies (which we highly recommend) know the course inside and out and can assist you in shot selection and green movements.
The course will reward players who play smart and try not to take on the hazards. The pin placement is fairly generous which helps on the difficult approach shots. Advanced players will have ample opportunities for birdy putts on this course as well. The course is well maintained as the grass and gardens grow super fast in this part of the world. The greens are cut often and we found that they are lightning-fast, especially on the front 9 where even gentle putts are flying.
In terms of on-course refreshments, there are none, however, you can fill up the ice cooler before you leave and the drinks are super cheaper and easy to access. There is limited toilet access on the course and I am unable to locate any obvious toilet stops on the course.
A massive shout out to the caddies who provide us with exceptional course-specific knowledge on club selection, ball finding and putting lines. They make the whole experience enjoyable and easier to get around.
Noteable Holes at Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam
The opening hole is a long wide and open par 4 with a water hazard 150 m for the tee off. With a big tree on the right, most players either go hard and long left, or lay up short of the big tree.
The 5th hole is a cracker too with a lot of thought required of the tee. A huge water hazard to the left, you are met with another waterway 50m short of the green as well, so most just lay up before the waterway. The pin at the back provides a safer approach shot but nailing your second shot here is the key.
Hole 12 is one of my birdie holes and is a short par 3 – 149m. With hazards everywhere short, you need to hit the back of the green. The pin is also at the back so good shots are rewarded. The bunkers at the front are deep so overhit if you can.
Final Thoughts
The course in general is in good shape, well maintained and nice to go around. With a few slopes and hills, make sure you have the cart to get you everywhere. There is also limited shade so make sure you have the sleeves and sun cream all sorted.
As mentioned, the Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam is a semi-private club, but there are public tee times available. With lockers, bar and free ice coolers available, the clubhouse is a great spot to eat and drink post-golf as well.
Staying at the Radisson is a must, as it makes your whole experience quicker and more enjoyable. There are no shops around to buy things, however, the hotel has reasonably priced food and beverage options for you.
This course is for players of all levels, but would be good to make sure your driver is solid as there are a few longer tee-offs. Cheap beers and usually good weather also mean that if you are a social golfer you will have a blast. The package we got with the club is all-inclusive, so got the Radisson hotel accommodation, breakfast, caddies, carts, and green fees at a ridiculously good rate.
Facilities at Padang Golf Sukajadi Batam
- Proshop – offering a fair selection golf equipment and accessories.
- Driving range – floodlit for evening practise or hit a few balls prior to starting.
- Changing rooms – fair facilities with showers, towels, lockers etc all in the basic price.
- Restaurants – 1 small canteen with decent local food but plenty of drinks.
- Club rental – available
Key information:
Address: Club House Sukajadi, Jl. Sudirman, Sukajadi, Batam Kota, Sukajadi, Kec. Batam Kota, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia +62 778 8073013
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