SuperGolf is just the beginning: Aemil Ahmed Sobhan

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get good breaks from bad shots, and you get bad shots from good breaks, but no matter what, you have to play the ball where it lies.”

Quoting legendary golfer Bobby Jones, Bashundhara SuperGolf Managing Director Aemil Ahmed Sobhan signed off with a simple invitation at the glittering launch of the five-star facility in Bashundhara Residential Area on Thursday: “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s play SuperGolf.”

Designed in the mould of the renowned American Topgolf concept, SuperGolf brings together technology-driven golf, dining, entertainment and social experiences under one roof, offering Dhaka a different take on the traditional golfing experience.

There is no conventional driving range or traditional golf course. Instead, the facility features technology-driven bays and advanced golf simulators, allowing players to enjoy the game while spending time with family and friends.

For Aemil, however, SuperGolf represents more than a new sporting venue.

“It is an extraordinary pleasure to stand here in front of each and every one of you today, at what is a very important time for Dhaka, for Bangladesh and for Bashundhara,” Aemil said.

“I am both honoured and excited by this fact.”

Reflecting on the changes Bangladesh has experienced in recent years, Aemil said SuperGolf was conceived as part of a broader transformation in Dhaka’s entertainment landscape.

“Through them, there has been growth and lessons learnt, and through them, change has inevitably come,” he said. “Bashundhara SuperGolf is part of that change, with the aim to redefine the entertainment scene in Dhaka.”

Aemil said the project began with a simple question: what if things could be done differently?

“When I first started working on this project, I said to myself, ‘What if we did things differently to how they’ve always been done?’” he said.

“What if we made a venue that people enjoyed coming to, that treated its employees fairly, and delivered on its promises every single time?”

After the efforts of more than 200 employees and countless late nights, Aemil said that vision had finally become reality.

“I can say with full confidence: Dhaka, we’ve done it,” he said. “Bashundhara SuperGolf marks a new change in the Dhaka entertainment scene.”

The facility has 68 deluxe bays across the ground and first floors, with each bay accommodating up to six players. The concept allows families and friends to play, eat and socialise together rather than treating golf as an individual pursuit.

The entertainment extends beyond the bays. Guests can order food while playing, while Urban Crave is located on the ground floor and Heritage on the second floor.

The Nineteen Hole Lounge Restaurant offers a larger setting for post-golf dining, while guests do not need to bring their own equipment, as the necessary golfing gear is provided by SuperGolf.

Aemil said the project was also part of a wider legacy and ambition at Bashundhara.

“Next year marks 40 years since the start of Bashundhara, and one man has sat central to its beginnings, its challenges and its growth,” he said, referring to Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan.

“That man is Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, who you all know as the chairman of this company, but to me, he has another name. Dada, thank you for all you have done.”

Aemil also expressed his ambition to contribute to Bangladesh through the opportunity he has been given.

“I believe I can make a difference using the opportunity I’ve been given. I believe in Bangladesh, and I believe I can bring positive change in this country,” he said.

“I know it’s going to be hard, but I am determined to give it my best shot.”

Tanvir Bashundhara Group (TBG) Managing Director Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan said SuperGolf should be viewed as part of a much larger vision for Bashundhara and Bangladesh.

“Today we are starting the journey of Bashundhara SuperGolf. I would like to sincerely thank the entire team, and my brother, Aemil Ahmed Sobhan, Managing Director of Sanvir Bashundhara Group, for turning this dream into reality,” Ibrahim said.

“Our people deserve places that reflect the dignity of the country we are collectively building. This is where Bashundhara sees tremendous potential, and we are ready to realise it.”

He said Bashundhara would focus on developing the entertainment, sports, leisure and tourism sectors over the next two decades.

“Over the next 20 years, we are committed to investing significantly in and developing the entertainment, sports, leisure and tourism sectors,” he said.

He pointed to Sports City, Central Park, River City and SuperGolf as projects forming part of that wider development.

“And this is only the beginning,” Ibrahim said, outlining plans for a major tourism development in Cox’s Bazar featuring a world-class resort, sports complex, sports university, water park, theme park, circus and another SuperGolf facility.

“Bashundhara Resorts will bring tourists from around the world to Bangladesh,” he said.

Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan formally inaugurated SuperGolf at the ceremony.

Bashundhara Group Chairman Shafiat Sobhan Sanvir, Bashundhara SuperGolf Managing Director Aemil Ahmed Sobhan and Bashundhara Group Managing Director Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan were present at the event.