Mike Besa Recommends: Best Golf Courses in the Philippines
Known for its world famous islands, white sand beaches, verdant forests, and rich and colorful culture, the Philippines isn’t that popular as a golfing destination compared to other countries such as Japan and Australia. However, it surely excites those lucky few who go here to play in its courses.
Who wouldn’t want to play in a course like this?
The country has almost 100 golf courses, most of which are in Southern Luzon. Wherever you play, the game is made more enjoyable by the smiling caddies attending to your every needs. Another brownie point is that English is practically spoken everywhere, making communication for foreign golfers much easier.
So, to help you decide where to play golf here in the Philippines, we’ve talked with Mike Besa, founder and administrator of PinoyGolfer, one of the largest golfing groups on Facebook, and Chief Marketing Officer of the Zamora Championship Course at Puerto Azul.
Mike Besa in his element
Can you tell us the overall characteristics of golf courses here in the Philippines?
The best golf courses in the Philippines are all private clubs. Access to tourists is limited in some, non-existent in others but welcome in those that don’t have the membership to sustain the club. There are some very good public courses that have opened up but, these are the exceptions.
Do you have any tips to enjoy golfing in the Philippines?
When playing in a private club, learn what the rules are for guests and be guided accordingly. Be prepared for a variety of conditions, from the cleanest most manicured fairways to cowgrass and Philippine Bermuda greens.
Can you share with us 3 golf courses that you personally like, and why are you recommending them?
First, the Zamora Championship Course at Puerto Azul in Ternate Cavite. I’m biased in this regard as I handle golf operations at the club. This is a championship course built on arguably the best golf property in the country. The front nine takes you on a tour of virgin rainforest and the back nine takes you on a tour of the wetlands and seaside. No course in the country takes you as close to the ocean as does the Zamora Championship Course. It’s still maturing, but this is an amazing golf property. To contrast the wild nature of the Zamora Championship Course, I recommend Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa Batangas. It’s a beautiful setting at the foot of the Malarayat mountain range and is always kept in superb condition. The layout features 27-holes of some of the most interesting golf in the country. Then to Baguio in Northern Luzon to Camp John Hay Golf Club. CJHGC is unique in that the weather is temperate in our normally tropical climate. It’s especially pleasant to play from October to early March when the weather is quite cool. The golf course is short and pleasant and the bentgrass greens are always fast and firm.
The Zamora Championship Course’s scenic back nine
Please tell us 3 courses that you enjoy playing in just for the course itself.
Hard to look past the three courses mentioned above. If you’d like two more, I recommend Calatagan Golf Club in Calatagan, Batangas. It’s a bit of a drive but it’s a charming layout done by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in the 1970’s. It’s the most unique of his golf courses here and is well worth the trip. Luisita Golf and Country Club in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac is a heritage golf course and was once one of the most private in the country. They have since opened their doors to non-members provided you call in advance to arrange a booking. This is a remarkable golf course; the only Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design in all of Asia and is a must play in the Philippines. Staying in this area, Subic International Golf Club is open for daily play. It’s in great condition but is on the pricey side. The service is excellent as is the food at the very modern clubhouse. The course is pleasant to play in and winds around the marshlands and up into the hills of Binictican are refreshing.
Are there any unspoken rules on golfing apparel?
Just be sure to check with each club for their protocols regarding guests. Clothing is straightforward; golf clothing is recommended. Jeans are not allowed. Flipflops or sandals are frowned upon in the dining areas. Some clubs require a shirt with a collar to dine at their restaurants.
What foreign golf players should expect when they play here in the Philippines?
The Philippines is known for its welcoming and warm acceptance of visitors to our shores. It is no different in golf. Come with an open mind and a good attitude and prepare to be spoiled beyond your wildest dreams on the golf course. The layouts are spectacular and on the best courses, the conditions are up to scratch as well. Don’t be put off if you have to play on cow grass and zoysia greens. These courses are the cradle of golf in the Philippines and for the most part remain pretty much as they were back in the early days of the game in the Philippines. Savor the food and enjoy the company of the locals. It will complete your experience in the Philippines and deepen your appreciation for how golf is being played in the country.
