Coming from a family with a love for golf, it always thrills me to be out on the green.

This sport, which has always been a favorite family bonding exercise, has taught me a lot of things, from staying calm, overcoming my negative thoughts, to being confident in what I am capable of.

One thing I am looking forward to once it is safer to venture out of our homes is rekindling my love for golf. I can't wait to walk on that beautifully manicured fairway to get a healthy dose of vitamin D. Thankfully, we have in the country quite a number of world-class golf courses where one can do a fun round to practice one's swing or work more seriously on becoming a seasoned pro.

One property player that has hit a hole-in-one when it comes to creating well-designed, champion golf courses is Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Without a doubt, the company has set itself apart by being a pioneer in the development of playgrounds for serious golfers and aficionados. It has even hosted the prestigious international golf tournament, the Johnnie Walker Championship Tournament, in one of its projects, cementing its position as the country's premier golf course developer.

Sta. Lucia unveils yet another well-thought-out development in this segment with The Villages at Lakewood City. Situated in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, golf lovers looking for a home up north will not be found wanting with this masterplanned estate's three first-class villages, 18-hole championship golf course and modern country club.

Homebuyers can choose from The Villages at Lakewood City's exclusive residential subdivisions, Bel Air, Bellevue and Belgrove, each featuring modern and classic homes with a distinctive theme to suit future residents' unique tastes and desired lifestyles. The 88.4-hectare development stands along Maharlika Highway, an unbeatable location as it allows residents convenient access to some of Sumacab East's best schools, hospitals, commercial establishments and more. NE Pacific Mall is an easy 1.7 km drive while SM Cabanatuan is just 13 minutes away from The Villages at Lakewood City.

Meanwhile, Lakewood City Golf Course is the first and only championship golf course in Nueva Ecija while the Lakewood Country Club prides itself as the biggest country club in the province.

The country club offers an assortment of facilities for your rest and recreation needs. It features a grand ballroom, function rooms, bar and an all-day coffee shop where one can get together with family and friends and celebrate life's simple pleasures and major milestones. Country club members are given access to the club's first-rate amenities, from sports and recreation to health and beauty.

For fellow golf buffs down south, there's Summit Point Residential Estates and Golf & Country Club. Nestled at the heart of thriving Lipa City in Batangas, Summit Point is a delight to play at, especially with Lipa's cool climate and breathtaking scenery.

It spans across 220 ha of lush flora with the Malarayat Mountain Range as your backdrop, definitely a plus for golfers and nature lovers like me. Imagine breathing in fresh, clean air and nothing but the gentle rustle of bamboo trees as you prepare to take a swing. Definitely a golfer's haven, Summit Point's golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and is the first of its kind champion course in the country.

Other golf and country club developments golf lovers should check out are Rancho Palos Verdes and South Pacific, both in Davao City; Orchard Golf and Country Club, Royale Tagaytay and Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, all of which are in Cavite; The Pinewoods in Baguio City; Caliraya Springs in Cavinti, Laguna; Beverly Place in Mexico, Pampanga; and Alta Vista Cebu in Cebu City.

I can't wait to see you soon on the green! In the meantime, let us all observe strict health and safety protocols. Stay safe everyone!