best golf courses in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago known for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture, is also a haven for golf enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape ranging from mountainous terrains to coastal plains, the country offers golfers a stunning array of 111 golf courses that cater to every player’s dream. In this article, we will delve into the top 11 best golf courses in the Philippines, each boasting unique features that make them stand out. From the championship courses in bustling Metro Manila to the tranquil fairways nestled in the country’s scenic provinces, these golf courses in the Philippines offer a blend of challenging gameplay, impeccable maintenance, and spectacular views. They are not just venues for the sport but destinations where one can experience the beauty and hospitality that the Philippines is renowned for.
Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club
Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club is a highly regarded and luxurious golf destination in Manila, Philippines. Since its construction in 1992, the club has gained international recognition and is considered by many to be the most challenging and environmentally responsible golf course in the country. The club features two courses – the Masters and Legends – designed by Jack Nicklaus and known for their challenging layouts and stunning surroundings.
The Masters course is longer, with bunkers, lakes, creeks, and narrow fairways, particularly on the 9th hole. The Legends course is shorter and features fairways situated between bunkers and water hazards, with the 16th hole being the most challenging. Some experienced golfers believe the Masters course to be the most demanding in Asia, with a total length of over 7,200 yards.
The club has also hosted the 1996 World Amateur Team Championship and various Philippines Open tournaments. In addition to its golf courses, Manila Southwoods also boasts additional facilities such as a Jacuzzi, banquet hall, and massage room. As a private course, players must be accompanied by a member or book a tee time and golf tour through a third party.
Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club
Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club is a golfer’s paradise in Batangas, Philippines. This stunning club, set against the backdrop of the majestic Malarayat mountain range, offers a refreshing and scenic golfing experience. The 27-hole championship course, designed with a blend of natural landscapes and challenging layouts, is spread across a lush, verdant expanse, making it a visual treat as much as a golfer’s challenge.
Each hole at Mount Malarayat is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the natural terrain, featuring undulating fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards that test both skill and strategy. The signature holes, with their breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding countryside, provide a serene and invigorating setting for golfers of all skill levels.
The club also boasts world-class facilities, including a clubhouse with excellent dining options and a pro shop, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious experience. At Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, golfing is more than a sport; it’s an experience of nature’s beauty, tranquility, and the thrill of the game.
Wack Wack Golf & Country Club
Wack Wack Golf & Country Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Philippines, founded in 1930, and is home to two 18-hole courses, the East and West Courses. Both courses were designed by the renowned golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and are known for their challenging layouts and well-maintained fairways and greens.
The East Course at Wack Wack measures 6,632 yards and is known for its narrow fairways and small greens. The West Course measures 6,597 yards and is known for its hilly terrain and strategically placed bunkers. Both courses offer a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
In addition to the golf courses, Wack Wack Golf & Country Club also offers a range of amenities and facilities for its members and guests. These include a driving range, practice greens, a golf academy, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. The club also has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center.
Villamor Air Base Golf Course
Villamor Air Base Golf Course is situated in the heart of Metro Manila – one of the best destinations for golf in the Philippines. It offers a unique golfing experience that contrasts the bustling city life surrounding it. This 18-hole course, while primarily serving as a recreational facility for military personnel, warmly welcomes civilians looking for a round of golf in the city.
The fairways at Villamor Air Base Golf Course are lined with trees, providing not only a beautiful, green canopy but also a challenging obstacle for golfers. The course is well-maintained, with fairways and greens kept in excellent condition despite its high volume of play. What makes this course stand out is its accessibility and convenience for city dwellers and visitors alike. It’s a perfect escape for those looking to enjoy a quick, enjoyable round of golf in Manila without venturing far from the city’s center.
The Orchard Golf & Country Club
The Orchard Golf & Country Club, located in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines, is a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Graham Marsh. The course features three nine-hole courses – Pine, Cypress, and Palm – each with its unique characteristics.
The Pine Course measures 3,246 yards and is known for its wide fairways and large greens, while the Cypress Course measures 3,281 yards and features narrow fairways and small greens. The Palm Course, measuring 3,307 yards, is a combination of the Pine and Cypress courses with a mix of wide fairways and small greens. In addition to the golf courses, The Orchard also offers a driving range, practice greens, a golf academy, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. Other amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Membership at The Orchard is open to individuals and families and the club hosts a variety of golf tournaments and social events throughout the year.
Fairways & Bluewater Golf & Country Club
Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf & Country Club is a luxurious golf destination located on the island of Boracay in the Philippines. It is the only golf course on the island and has been voted one of the most luxurious golf resorts in the world by Condé Nast Johansens Guide. The 18-hole par 72 course, designed by Graham Marsh, has hosted various national and international golf tournaments, including the Asia Golf Tour and Johnnie Walker Tour.
The course features flat fairways and water hazards on the first nine holes, while the back nine is hilly with fewer hazards. The picturesque course offers stunning views of the clear water and white sandy beaches, making it a memorable and enjoyable place to play golf. In addition to the golf course, Fairways and Bluewater Resort also offer villas for accommodations and a pro shop for golf amenities. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, scuba diving, banana boating, and other water sports at the resort.
Summit Point Golf & Country Club
Summit Point Golf & Country Club is a highly regarded golf destination located in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines. Built in 2006 to serve the growing tourism industry in Manila, the course is recognized as one of the 15 best golf courses in the Philippines. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features 18 holes inspired by famous golf courses around the world, such as St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Augusta National, and Cypress Point.
Located in a mild climate region, Summit Point offers a pleasant climate year-round and breathtaking views of the Mt. Malayarat Mountain Range. In addition to the golf course, the club also offers a driving range, swimming pool, restaurant, locker room, and lounge for its visitors. The lush gardens, fresh air, and stunning scenery of Summit Point Golf & Country Club make it a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit.
Club Intramuros Golf Course
The list of best Philippines golf courses cannot miss the Club Intramuros Golf Course – a unique and challenging golf experience in Manila, Philippines. The course, named after the “walled city” of Intramuros, which was built during the colonization period to protect the city from foreign invaders, is 4,150 yards with 18 holes and is small enough to be played in approximately two hours.
However, the course is not without its challenges, as it features bunkers and water hazards that add difficulty to the game. Club Intramuros is one of the few courses located within the city of Manila and is the only course in the city offering night golf. In addition to playing golf, visitors to Club Intramuros have the opportunity to learn about the Philippines’ history under colonization and experience the historical atmosphere of the rebuilt walls.
Alabang Country Club
Founded in 1981, Alabang Golf and Country Club is one of the most well-established golf courses in Philippines. The course was designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and features back tees and well-maintained fairways and greens. While the course is of medium length and suitable for players of all skill levels, it also includes challenging elements such as sand traps, dog legs, and water hazards, particularly on the fourth hole. The course is surrounded by lakes and creeks, providing a picturesque setting for a game of golf.
In addition to the golf course, Alabang Golf and Country Club also offers a range of amenities and facilities for its members and guests, including a driving range, a teaching pro, a fitness center, swimming pools, a field, and restaurants. The club is open to visitors all year round and requires proper golf attire. It is a popular destination for local and international golfers and offers an enjoyable and memorable experience for all. If you are looking for world-standardized golf hazards in the Philippines, Alabang Golf and Country Club is a must-visit destination.
Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club
Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club is a world-renowned golf course located in Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. Designed by the famous golf architect Richard Bigler, the course boasts 18 challenging holes and is known for its beautiful views of Taal Volcano. The course features Tifton 419 and Tifdwarf grasses on the fairways and greens, providing an enjoyable experience for all golfers.
The 10th hole is a signature hole of the course, where golfers can take a gondola trolley via a cable car system to the top of the mountain. In addition to the golf course, Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club also offers a mini-golf course for kids in the clubhouse, a restaurant known as the Golfer’s Lounge, and a range of other amenities and facilities for its members and guests. The club is a popular destination for local and international golfers and hosts a variety of tournaments and social events throughout the year.
Ayala Greenfield Golf & Leisure Club
The Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club is an 18-hole championship golf course that is well-known and highly regarded in the Philippines. Located in Calamba, Laguna, it is located close to Manila City and is easily accessible. Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this course offers a thrilling and challenging game for players of all levels. It features windy fairways, hillsides, ravines, trees, bunkers, and small downhill slopes, all of which are strategically placed throughout the course to test players’ skills. In addition to the championship course, the club also offers an extensive range of high-quality facilities and activities for its members and guests. These include a driving range, practice greens, a golf academy, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar.
In addition to the golf course, Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club also offers a range of amenities and facilities for its members and guests. These include a driving range, practice greens, a golf academy, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. The club also has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center.
From the serene fairways of Mount Malarayat to the convenient and strategic play at Villamor Air Base Golf Course, these top 11 golf courses in the Philippines showcase the best of what the country has to offer. They provide not only a test of golfing skills but also a chance to immerse in the stunning natural beauty and warm hospitality.
If you’re planning a golf holiday in the Philippines and need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is well-equipped to help you tailor a perfect golfing itinerary that suits your preferences and schedule. With our knowledge of the country’s top golf destinations, we can ensure your golf holiday in the Philippines is both enjoyable and unforgettable. Let us help you tee off on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the Philippines in the upcoming time.
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View Comments
Can’t believe STA ELENA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB is NOT in your list.
Hi Nini,
Thank you so much for your suggestion!
Actually, our list of best golf courses in the Philippines is updated every 6 months, mostly basing on our golfer's feedbacks. We are going to update this article next month and will consider the Sta Elena Golf & Country Club.
Best regards,
Linh Chi.
I think you should go to Anvaya and Sta. Elena before giving the best golf course in the Philippines.
Hi Ensiang,
Thank you so much for your suggestion!
We will consider these courses when updating the article. We would be happy if you can give us some more information or picture of these courses.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Linh Chi.
Truly agree on the Manila Southwoods
Hi Lloren,
Thank you so much for your sharing!
It seems that you have had a wonderful golfing experience here. How about other Philippines golf courses? Share with us and our readers your experience if you have ever played there.
Best regards,
GolfLux Team.
Hi thinking of buying a 2 bed apartment in Philippines with my filipina wife but would.like you to point me in the right direction for the best place that has the best golf
My dream would be to play everyday I'm there if possible
Help me find my dream pls
Danny
Hi Danny,
Thank you so much for contacting us!
Our travel expert will get back to you with a private consultation through email as soon as possible.
Best regards,
GolfLux Team.