Top 9 Best Golf Courses in Manila for 2026
Experience the Best Golf Courses in Manila: A Guide to the Top-Rated Courses in the Philippines’ Capital
Manila is one of the most practical places to base yourself for a golf trip in the Philippines. It’s a city where you can find high-end championship layouts right alongside the country’s deep colonial history and a massive food scene.
The Course Lineup
The sheer number of courses within driving distance of the city center is impressive. You have legendary clubs like Wack Wack and The Country Club, which have hosted the Philippine Open, as well as more accessible spots like Club Intramuros if you want a quick round inside the old city walls. Other heavy hitters include Manila Southwoods, Riviera, and Orchard. Most of these were drawn up by big-name architects, so expect fast greens, strategic bunkering, and plenty of water. There’s enough variety here that you can find a punishing pro-level test or a more forgiving resort-style course depending on how you’re hitting it that day.
Beyond the Fairways
What makes Manila work as a destination is everything that happens after the 18th hole. It’s a city with a lot of character, you can spend your afternoon wandering through the Intramuros district or checking out the modern hubs in Makati. It’s busy and the traffic can be a hurdle, but the quality of the golf and the local hospitality usually make the logistics worth it. Whether you’re a serious stick or just looking for a fun getaway with friends, Manila has the infrastructure to back it up.
1. Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club
Southwoods Golf & Country Club
Manila Southwoods has been one of the heavy hitters in the Philippines since it opened in 1992. It’s built a reputation for being a tough test of golf while staying pretty focused on environmental sustainability. You’ve got two 18-hole tracks here – the Masters and the Legends – both designed by Jack Nicklaus, so you can expect a lot of strategic bunkering and forced carries.
The Masters is the championship layout. At over 7,200 yards, it’s a long walk with plenty of lakes and creeks to swallow up wayward balls. The fairways are tight, and the 9th hole in particular requires a very precise drive if you want a look at the green. The Legends course is a bit shorter and more of a “target” golf experience, where you’re constantly threading the needle between water and sand. The 16th is the one everyone talks about there; it’s a real test of nerves late in the round.
Since it’s a private club, you can’t just show up and play; you’ll need to be a member or book through a verified golf tour operator. The facilities are top-tier, featuring a Jacuzzi, massage rooms, and a large banquet hall for post-round events. It’s a professional, high-end environment that doesn’t really let up from the first tee to the 18th.
>>> Golf at Manila Southwood Golf & Country Club and a nearby golf course with our Manila Golf Package 4 Days.
2. Wack Wack Golf & Country Club
Wack Wack Golf & Country Club
Wack Wack is probably the most famous name in Philippine golf, located in Mandaluyong just a short drive from Manila. It’s a private club that’s home to two 18-hole courses – the East and the West – and it carries a lot of history within its gates.
The East Course is the one that gets all the attention. It has hosted the World Cup and the Philippine Open, and it’s known for being a very difficult walk. You’re dealing with elevated greens and fairways that don’t always give you a flat lie. The 8th hole is the legendary par 3 that everyone talks about; it’s a “make-or-break” spot where a par feels like a birdie. If you can get through the 8th with your score intact, the rest of the round feels a lot more manageable.
The club isn’t just about the fairways, though. It’s a massive complex with a driving range, a gym, a pool, and even a barber shop and gift shop. It has that old-school country club feel where members spend the entire day. It’s a professional, high-end environment that doesn’t really have a parallel in the city.
3. Philippine Navy Golf Course
Philippine Navy Golf Course
The Philippine Navy Golf Club is one of the most accessible courses in Metro Manila. Since it’s built on a former military base, it has a straightforward, unpretentious vibe that’s a nice break from the more exclusive private clubs in the area.
At par 70, the course isn’t going to break any distance records. It’s known for being relatively short with wide-open fairways, which makes it a great “confidence builder” if your driver has been acting up. It’s the kind of place where high handicappers can actually enjoy their round, but it’s also a favorite for locals who just want a fast game. Because it’s so close to the city center, you can be on the first tee in minutes rather than hours.
The facilities are basic but functional, you’ve got a driving range and a practice green to warm up. It isn’t a luxury resort, but if you’re looking for a convenient, affordable round in the middle of the city, this is usually the first place people suggest.
4. Alabang Country Club
Alabang Golf & Country Club
Alabang Country Club is one of the more prestigious spots in Manila, dating back to the early 80s. It’s a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, which usually means you’re in for a strategic round where course management matters more than just raw power.
The course is famous for its conditioning, the fairways and greens are usually kept in great shape year-round. If your game feels a bit rusty, you can head to the range or book time with a pro, but you’ll definitely need your wits about you for the 4th hole. It’s a notorious par 4 filled with sand and a tricky dogleg that forces you to navigate around the water. The lakes and creeks aren’t just there for the view; they’re constantly in play, making accuracy a priority over distance.
The club functions as a complete social center, featuring a gym, multiple pools, and a few different dining options. It’s got that established, high-end feel you’d expect from a classic Manila club. If you’re looking for a round that’s as much about the scenery as it is about the technical challenge, Alabang is usually near the top of the list.
5. Club Intramuros Golf Course
Club Intramuros Golf Course
Club Intramuros is basically a par-66 “executive” course built inside the ruins of a 16th-century fortress. It’s located right in the heart of Manila, with the fairways squeezed into the old moats surrounding the walled city. Because it’s only 4,150 yards, you can usually knock out a round in about three hours, but the layout is surprisingly tricky. It’s narrow, and if you miss the fairway, you’re likely hitting off a stone wall or landing in a water hazard.
The biggest perk is that they have a full lighting system for night golf. It’s a completely different atmosphere playing with the city skyline on one side and ancient stone walls on the other; plus, it’s the best way to beat the Manila humidity. It isn’t a long-drive competition kind of course; it’s more about accuracy and enjoying the weirdness of playing golf in a historical landmark.
The clubhouse is straightforward and unpretentious, with a decent restaurant and locker rooms. It’s popular with locals who want a quick game after work and tourists who want to see the sights without putting their clubs away. It’s easily the most memorable “short” course you’ll ever play.
6. Orchard Golf & Country Club
Orchard Golf & Country Club
The Orchard Golf & Country Club, located in Dasmarinas, Cavite, just south of Manila, is a world-renowned golf club known for hosting numerous professional and amateur tournaments. Its Palmer Course, in particular, has gained a reputation as a Championship layout, having hosted events such as the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1995 and the World Golf Tour in 1996. In 2020, Golf Digest USA voted the Orchard Golf & Country Club the second-best golf course in the Philippines.
The Palmer Course is a long, wide course with a total length of 7067 yards, surrounded by picket fences and a lush orchard. Its greens are encircled by subtle contours, adding an extra level of challenge to the game. As an 18-hole par 72 course, the Palmer Course offers a different experience on each hole, making it a truly satisfying round of golf for players.
In addition to the golf course, the Orchard Golf & Country Club also offers a range of luxurious facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, sauna, tennis courts, and restaurants. Golfers can also visit the Pro Shop to purchase golf equipment. With its challenging layout and top-quality amenities, the Orchard Golf & Country Club is a must-visit destination for golfers in the Philippines.
7. Villamor Air Base Golf Course
Villamor Air Base Golf Course
Villamor is the closest thing to an “airport course” you’ll find, sitting right on the edge of the runway at NAIA. It’s a par-72 layout that’s mostly flat, but don’t let the lack of hills fool you – the wind here is a constant factor and the water hazards are positioned exactly where you don’t want them. It’s a storied track that has hosted the Philippine Open, so it’s got more history than your average military course.
One of the best things about Villamor is the old-growth trees. The fairways are framed by massive mango, mahogany, and eucalyptus trees that provide some much-needed shade and a bit of a challenge if you stray off the short grass. If you’ve got time before your tee time, the practice facilities are decent, with a range and a dedicated chipping area.
The clubhouse definitely feels like a throwback to an older era of Manila golf, but it’s functional. You’ve got the standard locker rooms and a few spots to grab a San Miguel and some local food after your game. It’s a straightforward, no-frills choice for anyone who wants to play 18 holes without venturing too far from the terminal.
8. Riviera Golf Club
Riviera Golf Club
If you’re looking for a course that will actually punish a bad shot, the Langer Course at Riviera is it. It’s arguably the toughest layout in the region, having hosted the Philippine Open in ’98 and ’04. It isn’t a “relaxing” Sunday round; it’s a technical, wind-swept test of golf that requires a lot of strategy.
Langer designed this place with plenty of optical illusions. A fairway might look open, but the actual landing area is usually choked by trees or a hidden hazard. From the very first tee, you’re forced to navigate tight corridors and smart bunkering. The 16th is a beast – a 577-yard climb with a spectacular view of the Silang hills, but the 17th is the one that stays in your head. It’s a steep downhill par 3 (or short 4 depending on the tees) that is notoriously difficult to judge; if you’re a beginner, this hole alone might make you want to head back to the clubhouse.
The conditions are usually top-notch, but you need to bring your “A” game. It’s a professional-grade course that doesn’t offer many bail-out options.
9. The Country Club Philippines
The Country Club Philippines
If you’re looking for the absolute peak of golf exclusivity in the Philippines, it’s The Country Club. Usually just called TCC, this place isn’t actually “in the heart of Manila”, it’s a bit of a drive south, but it’s where the most serious golf in the country happens. It’s a private Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that’s hosted the Philippine Open and is famous for being incredibly difficult when the wind picks up.
The North Course is the more traditional of the two, with big, rolling fairways and plenty of trees. It’s a beautiful walk, but you still need to be smart with your club selection. The South Course is where things get really technical. The greens are smaller and the water hazards are positioned to catch anything that isn’t struck purely. It’s a professional-grade environment where the conditioning is consistently better than almost anywhere else in the city.
Because it’s a private club, you can’t just book a round online; you have to be invited by a member or be part of a high-end golf tour. The facilities are exactly what you’d expect from a place this prestigious: high-end locker rooms, a quiet spa, and a clubhouse that serves some of the best food in the region. It’s not just a “luxury experience” – it’s a bucket-list destination for anyone who takes the game seriously.
Manila is one of the best jumping-off points for a golf trip in Southeast Asia. You get a mix of old-school heritage clubs and modern, sprawling resorts that offer a serious challenge. The best part is that once you’re off the course, the city’s food and nightlife are right there. We’ve narrowed it down to the nine courses that are actually worth the drive and the green fees.
Manila’s golf scene is all about variety. You can play a historic round at Wack Wack in the morning and be at a massive 72-hole complex like Eagle Ridge by the next day. While the traffic in the capital can be a hurdle, the quality of the courses at Southwoods or Orchard usually makes the commute worth it. You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy these tracks, but you’ll definitely want to bring your game for the championship layouts. If you’re putting together a Philippines itinerary, these nine spots are the essential starting point for any decent golf tour.
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Three of us are interested to play golf in the Philippines.
We will be at Manila Feb 27 and leaving Manila on March 3.
We are looking for three rounds of golf. (every other day).
Can you help get us schedule tee time in golf courses closer to Manila?
Hi Antonio,
Thank you so much for contacting us!
Our travel expert will contact you with the detailed tour program as soon as possible.
Best regards,
GolfLux Team.
Including green fees and any other cost related for this trip
This is Mahes. I am Malaysian, looking at 3 rounds of golf in Manila area for either one or two flights. Looking at 4 night stay in hotel and transportation. Please quote. Thank you
Hi Mahes,
Thank you so much for your interest! Our golf expert will contact you via your email as soon as possible.
Thank you so much!
Best regards,
Linh Chi.