As the saying goes, golf is the gentleman’s sport. Where other sports may have boxy, plain arenas, golfers compete in lush greens with stunning vistas unlike any other. In the Philippines, a tropical paradise with over 7,000 islands, the game is elevated by the balmy tropical weather and unique views that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. According to website Top 100 Golf Courses, there are almost a hundred different courses in the Philippines where golfers can enjoy their sport. Here are eight of the most beautiful spots in the archipelago where you can tee off.
Fairways and Bluewater
Perhaps one of the most famous islands in the country, Boracay Island is home not only to stunning white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, but an impressive golf course as well. Fairways and Bluewater is an 18-hole course that was designed by famous Australian golfer Graham Marsh, and has played host to competitions like the Johnnie Walker Tour and the Asia Golf Tour. Play with a stunning view of clear waters, and once you’re done, head down to the beaches for a quick and relaxing dip.
For more details, visit Fairways and Bluewater’s Facebook page here.
Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club
Far away from the smog and pollution of Metro Manila and tucked into the Malarayat Mountain Range in Batangas is the Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club. Designed by the JMP Golf Design Group, golfers can tee off to majestic views of the mountain range and enjoy the cool, fresh breeze as they move from one hole to the other. The greens’s severe tiering make it a particularly exciting challenge for sportsmen, and the unmissable 7th on the Makulot 9 is featured in Golf Digest’s Best 500 Holes in the World.
For more details, visit Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club’s Facebook page here.
The Orchard Golf & Country Club
When it comes to world-class championship courses, the Orchard Golf & Country Club is one of the best in the country. Home to two courses designed by legendary golfers Gary Player and Arnold Palmer, the Orchard has played host to several international professional and amateur level golf tournaments over the course of its history. Located just outside of Metro Manila in Dasmariñas, Cavite, golfers are treated to sweeping green vistas against a bright blue sky in this club.
For more details, visit The Orchard Golf & Country Club’s Facebook page here.
Alta Vista Golf & Country Club
Located in the heart of Cebu City and with stunning views of the bay is the Alta Vista Golf & Country Club. Although the fairways and greens may be more narrow than most, Alta Vista makes up for the space issues with a gorgeous course designed by Gary Palmer. The greens are well-maintained and the caddies are knowledgeable about the course and the game, making a great golfing experience par for the course.
For more details, visit Alta Vista Golf & Country Club’s Facebook here.
Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club
One of the most incredible courses in the country, Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club also boasts some of the most picturesque views of Taal Volcano. A challenging 18-hole course designed by renowned golf architect Richard Bigler, the local landscape blends seamlessly with the different holes, all in all contributing to a truly unique experience.
For more details, visit Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club’s Facebook page here.
Sta. Elena Golf Club
Named the best golf course in the Philippines by Asian Golf Monthly, Sta. Elena Golf Club is one of the most popular and coveted courses to play at in the country. The 27-hole course has 3 different courses that allow golfers at any skill level to enjoy themselves. The intricate designs of each bunker, hazard, and tree are all thanks to famous designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. Also awarded as one of the top 100 golf courses outside America by Golf Digest, Sta. Elena Golf Club is an absolutely unmissable course.
For more details, visit Sta. Elena Golf Club’s Facebook page here.
Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club
Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club is home to two courses, both noted as Jack Nicklaus courses. The Masters course is one of the tougher Jack Nicklaus courses in Asia, and the second course, Legends, is a little more forgiving but no less enjoyable. The Masters Course has played host to several Philippine Open Tournaments, as well as the 1996 World Amateur Team Championship. The greens are peaceful and well-designed, and allows for an enjoyable, if challenging, day out.
For more details, visit Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club’s Facebook page here.
Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club
If you’re looking for a beach getaway that comes with courses that are enjoyable for all skill levels, then Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club is exactly what you need. Situated along the Bataan Coast and with a gorgeous view of the ocean, this 18-hole course was designed by Kevin Ramsey of Golfplan. Enjoy the ocean breeze as you look out into the blue of Subic Bay, and make the most of a course that utilizes everything the area has to offer.
For more details, visit Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club’s Facebook page here.
James Gonzales is a Filipino-American travel enthusiast and writer currently based in the Philippines. After living and working in New York for 10 years, James decided he wanted to see more of the world and leave the city behind. In the course of saving up for what would become an epic trip across Asia, he wrote about previous traveling experiences for various travel websites and publications based in the Lower East Side.
James focused on journeying through the Philippines in the hopes of understanding his roots, and began Daydreaming in Paradise to share his thoughts and experiences. He’s always looking for like-minded travelers to trade stories and swap tips with, and he hopes you’ll join him on his journey.
