WENANG GOLFAfter your diving experiences and your Highland Tour, you may think, what next? For those who like the game of golf, a visit to Manado's only public course would be another true Minahasan experience. Wenang Golf Course is located on the road to/from the airport (any taxi driver will know). It is set in the typical countryside of Minahasa generally planted with coconut trees. Here, of course, most trees have been cut but there are still plenty around so that harvesting the coconuts is still practiced and naturally contributes in a small way to cover the operating expenses of the course. This 9-hole course was opened in 1978 and from the looks of the clubhouse and facilities, it would be fair to say that not much may have changed. Functional would be a good word but then all you need is there, including a well stocked pro-shop, restaurant(Mie Bakso only!), various drinks, etc. You can also rent clubs, shoes, etc. There are changing facilities, showers, etc but as stated earlier they are dated. So, even if you left your gear at home, and you feel like to play there is really nothing to hold you back. The course itself is laid out in a very tight straightaway manner so that fairways are close together, and at times you may have to duck (you will be warned by your caddy) as a ball may be approaching from say tee-off at 6 onto your 5, or from 2 to 5. The 9-hole challenge consists of 2 holes at par 5, 2 at par 3 and the rest at par 4. Each one has a water hazard. The fairways are well grassed with native species and the greens are covered in Japanese grass (local name). It is kept short and well watered (writer's observation) but they appear as the main challenge as the grass grows in different directions, and this variation is random by green and among greens. A golfer with a low handicap may easily get the ball on the green in 2 shots on a par 4 hole then expecting a birdie! However, the surprising green may only reward with a boogie. That's the challenge. After you stamp your feet (or whatever else you do to vent your frustration) you look around, observe the scenery - look at the towering mountain Klabat - and it's over. Next one better. Listen to your caddy; they are expert greens readers. The course is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. It gets a bit hot from 10 to 2 so you can practice during that time on the covered driving range if you wish. A bucket of 50 balls costs Rp. 6,000. Each hole also has a little shelter (pondok) where you can find reprieve from the rain or shine. And on weekdays you don't have much competition. Green fees are Rp. 175,000 for foreigners and Rp. 125,000 for Indonesian/domestic guests. This includes a nominal amount for a caddy but you must tip him afterwards. Of course, you are not limited to 9 holes only. The course has double marked tee-off areas for both male and female players. So you can do your 18 holes if that is your standard.
photo by. Andy AJ
Facilities:
- Club House
- Locker
- Shower
- Pro-Shop
- Restaurant
- Golf Club for hire
- Shoes for hire
- Driving Range
Golf Course Info:
Member of: APLGI
Year Built: 1978
Designer: Pemda Sulawesi Utara
Total holes: 18
Total Pars: 72
Type Course: Member
Owner: Government of North Sulawesi
Address:
Jl. Mr. A.A Maramis, Kairagi II
Manado
Phone: [62-431] 811480
Fax: [62-431] 811480
