The Philippines is known for its islands, beaches, and festivals, but another attraction is gaining ground—golf tourism. With world-class courses set against mountains, coastlines, and urban skylines, the country is becoming a top destination for golfers looking to combine sport with leisure.

The Rise of Golf Tourism

In 2025, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) to highlight the country’s golf destinations. This initiative encourages both local and international golfers to explore more than 100 courses across the archipelago. It positions the Philippines not only as a tropical getaway but also as a competitive golf tourism hub in Asia.

GolfEx showcases how the sport can help diversify the tourism sector. By offering premium experiences that mix sport, luxury, and sightseeing, the program aims to attract travelers who want more than just the usual beach holiday.

Where to Play: Top Golf Courses in the Philippines

Golfers can find a mix of championship courses and scenic fairways across the country. Some of the most popular include:

• Clark and Pampanga – Courses like Mimosa Plus and Pradera Verde offer challenging layouts in Central Luzon, surrounded by greenery and mountains.
• Tagaytay Highlands – Cool weather, stunning Taal views, and challenging slopes make this a favorite for both golfers and leisure travelers.
• Manila Southwoods, Cavite – A championship course close to the capital, ideal for golfers with limited time.
• Cebu Country Club – A long-time favorite in the Visayas, combining challenging play with city convenience.
• Anvaya Cove, Bataan – Known for its seaside fairways, perfect for golfers who love ocean views.
• Southlinks and Sherwood Hills – Designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, these courses bring international prestige to Philippine golf.
• Brigada Golf Range, General Santos City – A rising star in Mindanao, this 12-hectare golf range inside the Brigada Business Hub offers a serene escape for golfers in the south. Known for its wide practice fairways and community vibe, the range recently gained attention after players scored its first-ever hole-in-ones during weekly challenges. Brigada Golf Range adds a unique regional flavor to golf tourism, showing that the sport is growing well beyond traditional hotspots.

Golf Meets Leisure

What makes golf tourism in the Philippines unique is how easily it blends with other travel experiences. After a round of golf, visitors can enjoy:

• Beach Escapes – Courses in Batangas, Cebu, Davao, and GenSan are just minutes away from beaches.
• City Life – Manila-based courses give golfers access to shopping, dining, and nightlife after play.
• Cultural Experiences – Golf trips can be paired with visits to heritage sites in Pampanga, Bataan, or Cebu.
• Wellness and Luxury – Many golf resorts feature spas, infinity pools, and fine dining, making them ideal for golfers and non-golfing companions.

Why Golf Tourism Matters

Golf tourism attracts a high-value market that supports local communities and hospitality industries. It also promotes sustainable development, as many courses integrate eco-friendly practices like water recycling and native landscaping.

The Philippines’ natural beauty adds another layer. Few countries can offer golfers the chance to tee off with views of volcanoes, rainforests, and coastlines all within a single trip.

With support from the DOT and private sector, golf tourism is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. New facilities, upgraded courses, and international tournaments are being lined up to put the Philippines firmly on the global golf map.

✨ Whether you are a seasoned player chasing championship courses or a casual golfer seeking leisure and scenery, golf tourism in the Philippines offers the perfect blend of sport, travel, and culture. And with emerging venues like Brigada Golf Range in General Santos City, the fairways of the south are ready to welcome travelers into the swing of a truly Delightful Philippines experience.

By Direk Erine