Just 20 minutes from Jakarta, Emeralda Golf Club offers an elite golfing experience, owned by PT Karabha Digdaya. As a members-only club, Emeralda offers personalized luxury with bespoke service and monthly tournaments with prizes up to USD 40,000. Beyond golf, the club provides a holistic luxury experience with a traditional spa and an exquisite clubhouse for special events.  

Emeralda Golf Club has hosted numerous prestigious international tournaments, including the Alfred Dunhill Masters (1995), Volvo Asian Matchplay Championship (1996), and multiple iterations of the Mercedes-Benz Master Indonesia from 2008 to 2010. The club has also received numerous accolades, such as being named The Best Luxury Golf Club in Southeast Asia in 2022, and winning the title of Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia in 2023 and 2024. It has been recognized as the 2nd Runner-Up for Best Course in Indonesia at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit (2019, 2022) and was honored as The Most Stunning Golf Venue in Asia (2017). Additionally, Emeralda, which can host 220 golfers in its tournaments, consistently ranks among Indonesia’s Top Ten Best Courses, including a spot in 2015 and 2016. 

Yenny Tanudjaja, the club’s alluring general manager, sat down with us to share more about the holistic experiences that the club offers. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Emeralda Golf Club has won a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for three consecutive years. What do you believe sets Emeralda apart from other golf clubs in the region? 

Yenny Tanudjaja: Emeralda Golf Club’s recognition by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for three consecutive years highlights its commitment to excellence and the unique qualities that set it apart from other golf clubs in the region. Several factors contribute to this distinction, such as our courses, which are signature designs by world-class legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, who personally visited the premises in 1991 to create them. The course conditions have been meticulously maintained ever since. 

LLA: With courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, how does Emeralda Golf Club ensure that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a challenging yet accessible experience? 

YT: As part of our commitment to lifestyle, we ensure that every hole is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. With green speed ranging from 9.5 to 10.5, achieving a lower score is absolutely possible. As Indonesia sees a growing number of new golfers, the courses have been kept accessible to those with less experience. Furthermore, Palmer and Nicklaus brought their individual styles to the design, resulting in a course that combines traditional golfing elements with modern strategic challenges. Palmer’s design is known for its inviting playability, while Nicklaus’s course emphasizes precision and risk-reward shots. Together, they create an environment that caters to all skill levels.  

LLA: Emeralda Golf Club is renowned for its thorough course maintenance. Can you share more about the processes and efforts that go into keeping the greens in such pristine condition? 

YT: Our superintendent has over 10 years of experience in the golf industry. We reinvest a substantial portion of our revenue to ensure the grass remains in excellent condition. Each day, we perform a meticulous series of treatments using top-end machinery to uphold the club’s reputation for maintaining pristine course conditions with meticulous attention to detail.  

LLA: The club’s bespoke service is a standout feature. How does this personalized service enhance the overall experience for members, and what feedback have you received from them about it? 

YT: We have a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Each of us at the club is the change agent who always delivers services that exceed the expectations of our members and guests. 

LLA: Monthly member tournaments with substantial prizes foster a sense of community. How do these events contribute to the club’s vibrant social scene, and what has been their impact on member engagement? 

YT: Monthly member tournaments at Emeralda Golf Club play a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant social scene and enhancing member engagement. These events, coupled with substantial prizes, significantly contribute to the club’s sense of community in several ways, such as building a social atmosphere that supports member retention and engagement. Over the years, these tournaments have strengthened the club’s identity as a hub for social interaction, networking, and community-building. 

LLA: Emeralda Golf Club offers a comprehensive luxury experience beyond golf, including gourmet dining. How do additional amenities enhance the overall value and appeal of the club for its members? 

YT: Our food and beverage specialists preserve the best Indonesian traditional recipes and source high-quality local spices and ingredients to deliver exceptional dishes to our members and guests 

LLA: As an active member of various key industry associations, how does Emeralda Golf Club stay ahead of industry trends and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of its members? 

YT: The owner, general manager, and all department heads are members of several club associations. Our main aim is to actively contribute to the development of the golf industry in Southeast Asia. Each of us is committed to giving our best to the association and the industry. We continuously seek advice and maintain active discussions within our areas of interest. 

LLA: Can you share a memorable story or highlight from your time managing Emeralda Golf Club that encapsulates the club’s values and mission? 

YT: Since I joined six years ago, the club has turned its financial reports from red to blue within just six months. Over the years, both player numbers and profits have increased significantly. 

We thank you for spending time and sharing with us today, Yenny. 

To book your next golfing and pampering experience at Emeralda Golf Club, please visit http://www.emeralda-golfclub.com/.