I've always loved golf. There's nothing quite like the sense of calm—or exhilaration, at times—that you get from hitting the tee and walking on the well-manicured fairways alongside family and closest friends. It's therapeutic at best! And believe it or not, a good game of golf can offer you new perspectives and valuable life lessons, too.
Avid golfers would surely share my sentiments— they also hit the greens to destress and unwind.
But what's great is that in the past two years, amid the pandemic, we have seen the growing popularity of golf among other family members—kids even! Gone really are the days when golf was considered merely as a gentleman's sport.
Thankfully, we have a lot of world-class golf courses that will definitely excite you and challenge you. And mind you, these are at par with some of the best fairways you'll find abroad.
Sta. Lucia Land Inc. is one of the pioneers in this respect, having built premium fairways, designed by renowned golf course designers and architects. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned player, you'll find Sta. Lucia's golf courses are perfect for you. Here are some of them.Pinewoods Golf and Country Club
Located in the country's summer capital, Baguio City, Pinewoods Golf and Country Club, the only Par 72 course this side of the Mountain Province, offers both a challenging and fun course set against a backdrop of hills surrounding the outskirts of the city as well as a view of the Bay of La Union.
With a compact clubhouse that operates a now well-known restaurant for locals and visitors alike, Pinewoods is a perfect go to place for those who want a whiff of the cool mountain fresh air while enjoying the famous kare-kare, crispy sinigang and in demand sans rival. Fair warning though, the regular fog may sometimes join you during your game and meals.
At the same time, as part of the Sta. Lucia-developed golf courses, members of affiliated clubs can enjoy a discount on green fees to make their trip to Baguio worthwhile.
Orchard Golf and Country Club
Named one of the top golf courses in Asia and one of the top three courses in the Philippines, the Orchard Golf and Country Club is located in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
A famed destination for seasoned golfers, Orchard Golf features two 18-hole championship courses designed by golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. The Palmer Course is a traditional parkland layout, measuring over 7,000 yards with fairways winding through the mango groves and punctuated by lakes and large bunkers.
At the center of the 36-hole facility is a sprawling clubhouse with over 15,000 sqm of floor space, a grand ballroom that can fit more than 500 people, a 12-lane bowling alley, a basketball and volleyball court, tennis courts and badminton courts, a 25-meter swimming pool and kiddie pond, children's playrooms, a fitness gym and salon, and even a small movie theater.
Orchard Golf has also been the site of several prestigious international golfing events, including the Johnnie Walker Golf Classic in 1995.
South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates
Strategically situated in the pristine town of Catalunan Pequeño in Davao City, South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates is the first exclusive leisure development that affords members the pleasure of having access to both golf and country club, and beach.
The development boasts of an 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and has the majestic Mt. Apo and a portion of the Davao Gulf Sea as its backdrop. The cool weather and scenic views serve as a perfect antidote to the complexities of the city.
A picturesque community in Catalunan Pequeño Davao, South Pacific brings another first to the region as it successfully combines the exciting sport of golf, the fun beach experience and the relaxed country club atmosphere in one glorious getaway.