Top 5 Reasons to Play Golf in the Philippines
The Philippines may not be a top golf destination in the world but it leaves great satisfaction to golfers who travel to play at its courses. The 7th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) organized in Manila in May 2018 with the slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” attracting 214 golfers from 33 countries has been a testament to the joyfulness of golfing in this country, giving golf travelers worldwide more reasons to visit and golf in the Philippines.
Should You Visit and Golf in the Philippines?
1. An Abundance of Beautiful Golf Courses
Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club
The Philippines boasts nearly 100 golf courses, with most being private or membership-based clubs that were traditionally challenging for visitors to access. However, the situation is evolving, and approximately 30 clubs across the country now cater to visiting golfers, including several in and around Metro Manila.
Despite being comprised of over 7,000 islands, golf in the Philippines is primarily concentrated in easily reachable and popular locations, mainly on the main island of Luzon. Some of the most beautiful golf courses in the Philippines can be named Intramuros Golf Club, Wack Wack Golf Club, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, etc.
2. A Perfect Combination of Golfing and Sightseeing Activities
Boracay beach
Golf serves as an added attraction for a country renowned for its tropical islands, stunning beaches, vibrant rainforests, exceptional diving, and diverse historical heritage.
Manila is a lot to take in. It’s chaotic, but there’s plenty to do if you know where to look. Intramuros is the classic tourist stop for a reason – the old walls and the Manila Cathedral are legitimately impressive. If you want a more local feel, just head over to Binondo. It’s the world’s oldest Chinatown and the food there is incredible. Most people staying near the airport end up at Resorts World because it’s easy; you’ve got the casino, plenty of shops, and you don’t have to worry about missing your flight.
If you’re trying to mix a golf trip with a beach holiday, Boracay is basically the only answer. Fairways & Bluewater is the main course on the island. It’s a links-style layout, which can be a bit of a challenge if the wind picks up, but the scenery makes up for any bad shots. There is something uniquely cool about playing a full round of golf and then heading straight to the beach for a swim. It’s probably the most relaxed way to do a golf trip in the Philippines.
3. Smiling & Friendly Caddies
Caddies in the Philippines
The presence of friendly and cheerful caddies enhances the enjoyment of your game, whether they are driving golf buggies, pushing golf trolleys, marking scorecards, providing yardages, assisting in locating lost golf balls, or tending to the pin and marking and cleaning your ball once you reach the green.
In contrast to certain Asian golf destinations, Philippines golf courses often employ both male and female caddies, who not only possess golfing skills but may also have lower handicaps than the golfers they accompany! Caddies are typically mandatory in most courses and their services generally cost between PHP300 and PHP500 (less than USD 10), plus a gratuity.
Each golf club has its distinctive uniform for caddies. Upon the arrival of groups, the caddies line up to welcome them and promptly unload the golf clubs from the bus, escorting them directly to pre-assigned buggies. In addition to golf caddies, some clubs offer the option of umbrella carriers that keep you shaded from the tropical sun whenever you step out of the golf buggy, traverse the fairways, or await your turn to putt on the greens.
4. An English-Speaking Country
The best part about a golf trip to the Philippines is that you don’t have to learn a new language just to get around. Since English is an official language, you can actually have a real conversation with your caddie about the break on a green or talk to the guy at the pro shop without everything getting lost in translation.
It honestly changes the whole vibe of the holiday. You aren’t just pointing at menus or guessing what a sign means. You can grab a cab, order dinner, or ask for directions and actually be understood the first time. It makes the “travel” part of the trip feel a lot less like work, so you can just relax and enjoy being out on the course. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to joke around with the locals without a massive language gap in the way.
5. A Diverse Range of Accommodation
Shangri Las Mactan Resort & Spa in Cebu, Philippines
The accommodation scene in the Philippines is massive, so you have plenty of options. If you’re there primarily to play, your best bet is to book a stay-and-play at one of the dedicated golf resorts. Having a villa right on the course is a huge plus – it just cuts out all the travel stress.
If you’re playing a course that doesn’t have its own lodging, don’t sweat it. You’ll usually find a bunch of hotels just a few minutes away. You can go as high-end or as budget as you want; there are plenty of sleek, modern resorts if you want to be pampered, or simple boutique hotels if you just need a decent bed. Basically, no matter where you’re teeing off, you’ll be able to find a place that fits your vibe and your budget without much of a headache.
To enjoy the best of golf in the Philippines, you had better visit between January and April, when the temperature is pleasant with little-to-know precipitation. Other times of the year may offer better prices for green fees, accommodation, sightseeing, etc. So, choose the time that best fits your preference and create a wonderful golf holiday in the Philippines. Check out our best Philippines golf tours or contact us for a tailor-made program.
Read more:
I want to retire is the Philpines expensive to live and play golf.lm british
Hi Michael,
The cost of retiring in the Philippines can be significantly lower than that in Britain (about 44% lower, according to our research). Various factors contribute to this difference, such as living expenses (housing, food, transportation), healthcare, and general lifestyle costs.
Golf courses in the Philippines are beautiful with affordable green fees/membership fees. You can play golf year round in this country if you want.
One more advantage, Philippines is an English-speaking country, eliminating the language barriers.
So, it is a good idea to choose the Philippines for your retirement.
Best regards,
Linh Chi.