A Rainbow Over The Hills

A Rainbow Over The Hills -

 

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in this issue, we change speed from the golf instruction and focus on golf experience here in Indonesia. With so many wonderful golf courses available throughout Indonesia and the Jakarta neighborhood, materials and inspiration for this column is in great abundance. The only problem is where to start.

Luckily, I recently met the new general manager at Rainbow Hills while attending Indonesian Masters back in early May. Werner Jayson is no stranger to the management of golf courses here in Indonesia, after being involved in several outstanding golf courses over the years. Rainbow Hills is not the first collaboration with Werner's famous golf course designer / architect Bob Moore, and with the ongoing construction of an additional nine holes, and the renovation of existing facilities and clubhouse, not better team could be assembled for the task. What follows is an account of a recent visit to Rainbow Hills, and my overall impression of golf and facilities.

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The drive on Rainbow Hills was nice, less than an hour drive from Jakarta via the toll road Jagorawi; the output is Sentul City. Since the release of the toll, the golf course is an easy discovery with clearly marked signs in mind. About 15 minutes from the toll exit along a well-paved road winding through several quaint, if not charming villages in the Sentul area. Keep in mind, the Rainbow Hills is indeed a mountain course and the climb is evident throughout the drive to golf course.

As I arrived at the clubhouse entrance, the staff greeted me warmly and with welcoming smiles I have come to appreciate and admire so much about Indonesian hospitality.

THE CLUB HOUSE

There are no secret to the Expat golfer insider 'as clubhouse facilities in Indonesia are unparalleled. Of course, this is also the case at Rainbow Hills. The size of the clubhouse is in that one approaches the entrance drive, but once inside there are subtle hints and a room with a view. I would not classify the club as either sober or opulent, to say that the approach shot into the 18th green offers the best perspective. From this point of view the club house is really something to see. Keep in mind that a good amount of food provided and continues throughout the entire property. A   renovation of the club starts in July and will be completed by the end of the year.

MANAGEMENT

As mentioned, Werner Jayson is no stranger to the management of golf courses. While Rainbow Hills is perhaps one of the most distinguished associations "Jayson" in Indonesia's management experience was in 1994, with a resume that includes Gading Raya, Emeralda, Imperial and Padivalley. Folks, we're not just talking about the implementation of the pro shop or adjustment of departure times. The involvement of Werner Jayson began before the current facility, continuing on the opening and the management and operation of the golf course designs of world-class monitoring. Thank you Mr. Jayson, a job well done!

GOLF

A design exceptional course does not come on the cheap, and Rainbow Hills property has spared no expense in the Bob Moore JMP hiring for the job. The JMP / Moore portfolio is long and distinguished; you can visit the website for JMP building: http://www.jmpgolf.com/Portfolio.htm.

No doubt you'll recognize some of the many signature courses assigned to the JMP team in the world. In addition to Rainbow Hills, JMP is also responsible for the following list of Indonesian gems golf courses: Padivalley (Makassar), the Royal Jakarta (Halim), Padang Golf, (Batam) and Royal Sumatra (Medan)

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Again, Rainbow is a provision of mountain course, 18-hole Bermuda fairways and greens and soon the course will host 27 holes with nine scheduled for late November this year. The course measures 5,895 meters 'blues', and course rating of 72.3 with a slope of 137. Not a terribly long course by today's standards, but not short either. Many challenge awaits with valleys, gullies, ravines and even water to fight; t and accurate approach shots are required to mark.

The land is located in the mountains of Bogor region, with sloping fairways, hitting blind approach and elevated tees that present golfers with panoramic mountain views in the entire property. According to Jayson, Bob Moore insists that all the holes he designed a golf course are "signature", preferring not characterize every hole as a "signature" hole. That said, anyone who has played Rainbow Hills knows he is the par 5, 13th hole, overlooking the valley and the adjacent volcanoes that stands out as the signature hole at Rainbow Hills. The layout of the course really gives you the feeling of isolation. Living in the Jakarta area as I do with the "progress" of humanity and ubiquitously, the departure of all the noise and bustle of civilization is welcome as is the real meaning out of it all.

I highly recommend Rainbow Hills for any golfer. An easy drive and escape the urban sprawl in the remote countryside. You will be greeted with a warm and friendly service and supported by the staff of some 300 employees and a management team, very aware of the many options available to golfers in Jakarta; Rainbow Hills is definitely one of the best.

To contact the course and to book a tee time, you can visit their website at :. Http://www.rainbowhillsgolf.com

Until next time, hit 'em right!

 

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