Jolshiri Golf Club: Dhaka’s New Landmark Nestled in Jolshiri Abashon City
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🕐 2025-09-20 16:56:23
Rabb Majumder
Editor and Publisher of The Security World
Origins and early development Golf in Bangladesh began primarily through colonial and expatriate influences. As in many parts of South Asia, cricket and football dominated, while golf took root more slowly. The sport’s presence grew in urban centers and military communities, where golf clubs and practice facilities were established to serve officers, expatriates, and golf enthusiasts.
Emergence of formal clubs and organizations1940s–1960s: The establishment of more formal golf facilities began, often within the compound grounds of clubs associated with businessmen, government, or the armed forces.
Post-1971 (Independence of Bangladesh): After Bangladesh gained independence, there was renewed interest in developing sports infrastructure, including golf, as part of nation-building and promoting sports at all levels.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, psc
Chief of Army Staff & Chief Patron, Jolshiri Golf Club
National and regional growth Urban centers: Golf activity increased in major cities where club culture could flourish, with courses and driving ranges serving members and patrons.
Domestic tournaments: Local and regional tournaments started to provide competitive opportunities for Bangladeshi golfers,
contributing to the sport’s growth and popularization.
Major General Md Hasan Uz Zaman, ndu, afwc, psc, M Phil,
Major General Md Hasan Uz Zaman, ndu, afwc, psc, MPhil,
Engineer-in Chief, President & Chairman, Jolshiri Golf Club.
Military and corporate clubs: Many clubs associated with the armed forces and large corporations helped sustain interest and investment in golf, offering training, coaching, and competitions. International influence and achievements Bangladeshi golfers have participated in regional and international amateur events, drawing on opportunities provided by associations with national and regional golf bodies. Cooperation with neighboring countries and international golf organizations helped Bangladeshi players gain exposure, coaching, and course development insights.
Lt Col Arif Ahmed Belal, psc (Retd), Member, EC and CEO,
Jolshiri Golf Club.
Infrastructure and current status Courses and facilities: The number of golf courses in Bangladesh remains modest compared to cricket and football, but dedicated clubs and driving ranges exist in major cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong.
Coaching and development: Coaching programs, junior clinics, and club championships contribute to nurturing local talent and expanding the sport’s reach.
Tourism and corporate interest: Golf is increasingly seen as part of corporate hospitality and tourism, with some clubs hosting events that attract regional players. Notable challenges and opportunities Climate and course maintenance: Bangladesh’s tropical climate can impact course maintenance and playing conditions, requiring robust agronomy and resource management.
Accessibility and affordability: Expanding access to golf for broader segments of society remains a challenge, given equipment costs and club membership models.
Grassroots development: There is potential for growth through school and university outreach, junior programs, and partnerships with international golf bodies. Looking ahead with rising interest in sports diversification, Bangladesh has opportunities to grow golf through: Development of more public or semi-public courses and training facilities. Partnerships with international golf organizations to provide coaching and knowledge transfer. Increased participation in regional amateur events, which can raise the profile of Bangladeshi golfers. Initiatives to make golf more affordable and accessible to aspiring players from diverse backgrounds.
Dhaka, Bangla-desh — A tranquil green escape has emerged on the outskirts of Dhaka as Jolshiri Golf Club (JGC) opens its fairways within Jolshiri Abashon Project, a smart residential city shaping the capital’s new urban identity. Set between the Purbachal Expressway and Madani Avenue in Sector 17, JGC blends modern design with pastoral scenery, anchored by the Arc Bridge over River Balu—a striking backdrop that underscores the course’s page-turning debut in 2023 and its official inauguration in 2024.
Born from a Vision
JGC grew out of Jolshiri Abashon, launched as a forward-looking smart city project in 2010. The golf course began as an ambitious 18-hole plan in 2014 but was scaled to a 9-hole layout in 2018 due to land considerations. Earthworks commenced in 2019, and the course’s evolution accelerated under the guidance of international golf expertise. In 2021, renowned golf course architect Paul Jansen of Jansen Golf Design & Construction led the 9-hole layout, aided by Brig Gen Selim Akhter (Retd), BP. Landscaping and grading of fairways and greens began in January 2021, laying the groundwork for a greenspace that harmonizes with Jolshiri Abashon’s broader urban design.
The clubhouse Foundation and ceremonial milestones followed: the foundation stone was laid on April 1, 2023, by General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff and Chief Patron of the Bangladesh Army. A maiden tee-off tournament on December 29–30, 2023 tested feasibility and showcased the course’s potential. The formal inauguration took place on June 21, 2024, with General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed presiding as guest of honor.
A Place for Recreation and Challenge
JGC promises a golf experience that welcomes players of all levels. Its carefully crafted 9-hole layout threads through Jolshiri Abashon’s landscape, offering scenic vistas, strategic challenges, and a serene environment away from the city’s bustle. For seasoned golfers seeking competition and casual players seeking leisure, JGC aims to be a preferred destination.
Beyond the greens: a vibrant community space
The vision for Jolshiri Golf Club extends beyond sport. Plans for a clubhouse, practice facilities, and additional amenities are set to transform JGC into a social hub where residents and visitors convene, socialize, and engage in healthy leisure activities. As Dhaka continues to grow, JGC seeks to anchor Jolshiri Abashon as a landmark that merges world-class recreation with sustainable urban living.
Looking Ahead
As Jolshiri Abashon City advances, Jolshiri Golf Club stands poised to contribute to Dhaka’s recreational and cultural landscape. The course’s integration with a smart-city framework reflects a broader trend of leveraging green spaces and sports facilities to enhance quality of life and community resilience.
For more information and upcoming events, residents and golf enthusiasts can stay tuned to Jolshiri Abashon’s official channels and local community bulletins.
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