Golf travel by itself is quite an exciting prospect for a group of buddies wishing to test out their skills on links away from their home course, familiar territory or not. There is always much to look forward to – the games itself, the wagers, the club houses, the courses, the spectacular holes, the scores one shoots and of course, the camaraderie that binds the golfers both on and off the course. And yet, occasionally the opportunity arises to add something else special, which even if not a passion for all, serves as a backdrop to the golf excitement. Eating, Drinking and Entertainment often count for major factors in a golf holiday and are decision points for a destination. Music has always been a good ally for a destination and the prospect of witnessing a live concert during a holiday is always a bonus. But if there is something as big as the Java Jazz Festival, that can be clubbed with a golf holiday, then it’s a different deal altogether. The sound of Java Jazz Golf Jam may just be sweeter than Java Jazz itself.
The Java Jazz Festival that takes place in Jakarta every year will be celebrating its 15th edition in 2019. With class live acts having graced the stages of the festival, which in recent years have been as many as 14, there is nothing ordinary about this event, in fact nothing gets better than this, except itself. Performers in the previous years have included Earth, Wind & Fire, Incognito, James Brown, Patti Austin, Chaka Khan, Manhattan Transfer, Chick Corea, Toni Braxton, George Benson, Santana, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Lisa Stansfield, Sting, Lee Ritenour, Goo Goo Dolls to name just a few of the illustrious many who have wowed the fans. And one of the best things about the festival is that while the big names will bring you in, the lesser and newer acts will leave you no less raptured.
With the backdrop and the evenings taken care of, it’s the turn of golf. Jakarta is blessed with incredible golf courses, designed by the top names that serve as the perfect complement to the music to follow. Royale Jakarta, home to the recent Indonesian Masters is as good a layout you will find anywhere in South East Asia, while you are certain to be bewildered by the spectacular beauty of the Damai Indah – BSD golf course in West Jakarta designed by Jack Nicklaus. Pantai Indah Kapuk designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, not too far from the airport is also in the same class, quality and maintenance wise, albeit a little flatter than the previous two, but no easy ride in any case. The more private Pondok Indah Kapuk is regarded by many as the best in Jakarta which you will not find surprising, especially as you are finishing your round on the magnificent par 5 18th. There are other options too that will help you plan a perfect Java Jazz Golf Jam.
