An Expat's Guide to the Best Golf Courses in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Being an expat in the Philippines is everything but complicated. As you may already know, Filipinos are hospitable, optimistic, friendly, accommodating, and can speak English, which are just some of the many things foreigners find endearing about the Philippines.

Natural wonders and opportunities for people from different walks of life are abundant, especially for expat golfers. Staying in the Philippines will surely be a treat for golfers, as this gives them the freedom to explore the best links throughout the tropical country.

This article is for expats who have a flair for scenic, rewarding golf courses. Scroll further to find out which courses deserve a spot in your itinerary!


The Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club

Designed by the golf legend himself, Jack Nicklaus, The Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club is, no doubt, one of the best courses in the country. In fact, Southwoods earned the Best Golf Course in the Philippines title from Golf Digest in 2020! The beautiful country club located in Carmona, Cavite, hosts two 18-hole golf courses: The Masters and The Legends, both of which come with strategically placed bunkers and hazards that will challenge golfers of all levels. For hobbyists, The Masters course is recommended.

It’s important to note that The Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club is a private golf club, so only members or guests of members have access to its facilities.


Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club

Situated in the verdant Lipa, Batanga, mountainscape lies Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club, a 185-hectare golf resort community teeming with natural landscapes and well-maintained man-made amenities offering relaxation recreation. If you’re looking for a tranquil location, this is the place to be. The golf and country club became a host for two acclaimed tournaments: The ASEAN Tour and Philippine Open.

Mount Malarayat features three golf courses designed by J. Michael Poellot Golf Design Group: Mt. Makulot, Mt. Lobo, and Mt. Malipunyo. Aside from these three scenic golf courses, Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club comes with a golf shop, function rooms, spa, pavilion, sports facilities, and other features offering recreational activities.

As an additional safety measure for this pandemic, guests must present their vaccination cards before checking in. And for not fully vaccinated individuals, they are required to submit a negative result of antigen nasal test or RT-PCR test valid for 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively.


Valley Golf & Country Club

Located in the serene rolling hills of Antipolo, Rizal is Valley Golf & Country Club, a par-72, 18-hole course designed by Jas H. Scotts. Back in 1991, Valley Golf hosted the XVI Southeast Asian Games Golf Championship. Today, both novice and pro golfers can benefit from the strategically placed bunkers and hazards, well-manicured greens, and the breathtaking landscapes Valley Golf offers.

The place boasts two courses: The North Course and The South Course. Aside from the two courses, Valley Golf comes with top-tier amenities, such as a driving range, two clubhouses, lounge, gym, pro shop, clinic, spa & sauna, swimming pool, and restaurants.


Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club

Touted as the “Best Kept Secret in Philippine Golf” by BusinessMirror News, expat golfers will enjoy the exclusivity that Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club offers. The golf club boasts not only one but four golf courses designed by renowned pro golfers and architects: Greg Norman, Isao Aoki, Nick Faldo, and Andy Dye—each of which comes with distinct characteristics and challenges for golfers. With four 18-hole par-72 courses, Eagle Ridge is the biggest golfing facility in the Philippines. This golf club is located in General Trias, Cavite, and club members and their guests can play on these challenging courses and their premier amenities.


Closing thoughts

Hopefully, our list of the best golf courses in the Philippines will help enhance and nurture your golfing experience in the tropical country. For course advisory updates, always make sure to visit their website and Facebook pages before booking a tee time!

About the Author

Jordan Fuller is a passionate golfer and traveler from Nebraska, United States. He also enjoys giving accessible professional golf advice, equipment reviews, and other golf know-hows on his website, Golf Influence.

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