Guide to the best golf courses around Manila
Some Manila golf course boast fantastic city views
The Philippines is fast becoming a haven for golf lovers and Manila is home to some of the best courses in the country. These are found in as varied terrains as in tranquil parkland outside the city centre, to next to the international airport and even hugging the old city walks of the historic Intramuros district. Therefore, anyone who arrives in Manila wanting to swing a club will not go home disappointed. Those that want golf lessons in Manila could try Joe Cantada Golf Learning Center. (2nd Avenue, Bagumbayan, Taguig (by Fort Bonifacio). Tel: +63 (0)2 8386543). More on Manila activities.
Recommended Manila golf clubs
Wack Wack Golf and Country Club is amongst the oldest golf clubs in the Philippines and was founded in 1930 by prominent American resident William J. Shaw. Situated in Mandaluyong City of Manila, it is considered one of the finest courses in the world with two 18-hole offerings – the West and East Courses. Green Fees range from Php2,000/3,000 (week/weekend) for the West Course and Php3,000/5,000 for the East Course. (Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, Tel: +63 (0)2 723 0665).
Manila Golf and Country Club is one of the most exclusive Manila golf clubs and has an extremely challenging dog leg-heavy back nine. Measuring 6,093 yards at par 71, guests must be sponsored by members. (Harvard Road, Forbes Park, Makati City, Metro Manila, Tel: +63 (0)2 817 4948).
Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, in Quezon City, is an 18-hole par 68 Manila golf course that measures 5,203 yards and welcomes tourists to come and enjoy a round. All equipment hire can be provided and there are qualified coaches as well. (Tel: +63 (0)2 911-8142)
Fort Bonifacio Golf Club is arguably the cheapest place for golf in Manila as it is run by the Philippine Army rather than a strictly commercial enterprise. Nonetheless it is maintained to a very high standard and is a great place to escape the hustle of the city for a few hours. A relaxed option for golf in Manila with 18 holes and costing only Php1,000 during weekdays and Php1,500 at weekends. (Bonifacio Naval Station (BNS), Fort Bonifacio, Tel: +63 (0)2 858-323 or 858-464)
Intramuros Golf Course hugs the old city walls
Club Intramuros is undoubtedly the most unique gold course in Manila as it actually rubs up against the old Spanish ‘walled city’ in the centre of town. Although quite a short 18-hole offering in the city at only 5,262 yards and par 60, it is certainly a memorable experience to play and the short, narrow fairways offer a challenging round. Waywood shots can find themselves bouncing down the cobbled lanes of the Intramuros, so watch out for that slice and perhaps lay-up rather than attempting to drive the green!
(Tel: +63 (0)2 478-470 or 492-806).
Capitol Hills Golf & Country Club is a parkland 18-hole golf course in Manila boasts 7,044 scenic yards. The 10th hole is the most famous and involved teeing off from an elevated position. There are many water hazards but smooth, wide fairways. (Tourist green fees: Php2,000/2,500 weekday/weekend, Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City, Tel: +63 (0)2 931 3050).
Eastridge Golf Club is a picturesque parkland Manila golf club is situated in the foothills of Angono with magnificent views of Lake Laguna and the city of Manila. There is an 18-hole course here, par 72, which range from 5,913 to 7,103 yards depending on the tee used. (Bo. Bilibiran, Binangonan, Rizal, Tel: +63 (0)2 648 7777, eastridge@manila-online.net).
Valley Golf Club is a semi-private golf club which accepts tourists outside peak hours (during the week) and offers a challenging location straddling the Antipolo Hills. (Antipolo, Tel: +63 (0)2 665 8565).
Villamor Air Base Golf Course is another relaxed Manila golf course in Pasay City which is perfect if you’ve a few hours layover at the city’s airport, as it is location right next door to the domestic and international terminals. There is a great 18-hole course here, par 72, which ranges from 6,290 to 6,937 yards depending on tees and booking is not normally required. It is also home of the Philippine Masters tournament. (Colonel Jesus Villamor Air base, Pasay City, Tel: +63 (0)2 833 8630, email: vgcgm@skyinet.net).
Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club boasts a pair of par 72 Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole offerings called the Legends and Masters Courses. Although these are essentially the newest and most exclusive private golf courses in Manila, tourists can turn up and play the Legends Course during the week at a cost of Php8,250.00 per person. This includes caddie fee and golf cart. The club has hosted the Philippine Masters three times. (Bo. Cabilang Baybay, Carmona, Cavite, Tel: +63 (0)46 430 0268).
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