‘When you play, you see the actual course and everything that needs to be done.’
Photograph by Marc Anthony Reyes for the daily tribune THE Manila Southwoods has been one of the best — if not the best — competition courses in the country for the past 30 years.
Daily Tribune file photo ALABANG Country Club is once again priming up for the staging of its widely popular Mango Tee this January.
For non-golfers, they all look the same, golf courses. Open space, trees, grass, water, sand and clubhouse.
Yet no two golf courses are the same. As a golfer, you remember certain courses — for good reason or for bad.
Maybe it's the first golf course you played. Or the one where you first broke 100. Or the one where you totally lost it and vowed not to play again ever.
One thing for sure. Each and every one of them are managed to bring about the finest experience for their members and guests.
The Tribune Golf tried to get in touch with some people behind these superb courses in the country and asked what are the highs and the lows for their respective domains this year.
Answers are diverse, some are extensive, some are short. But every one put in an honest representation of their golf course.
Here are some of them:
Alabang Country Club
"I'm very happy here in Alabang. The respect I get from members, the board and the management committee. The environment was better than I expected. This is gravy. I already retired. For the last seven years all I did was play golf. In summers I go to Alaska. But I enjoy what I'm doing.
"This year, we made a record in terms of players. In one day, we had 250 players in an 18-hole tournament. We only average 175. On weekends maybe 205 players. The course is in better shape than before although now we are in the process of preparing for the Mango Tee. You have to do something, like aerating, you put sand. The irony is that more players create higher stress level on the course.
"Because you know, it's the location, most of my members are around Alabang, some even come here already in their golf carts. I'm sure we have about 100 to 120 players who live around the course who just bring their carts.
"But more golfers create impact in the course. We are working on it. It takes time. We close some holes while doing work on others. Some members understand that, some don't. We hired a new contractor last May. They are the ones who maintain Manila Golf, Wack Wack and Valley.
"This is a 40-year-old plus club, so we need rehabilitations. I play two to three times a week. It's better than just inspecting from the golf cart because all you see is the cart path. When you play, you see the actual course and everything that needs to be done. The texture of the sand, areas that need work."
"I mean we are talking of 50-hectare garden here. Sometimes in your own garden you don't get to tend it completely, what more for a golf course."
— Benjie Sumulong, golf director, Ayala Alabang Golf and Country Club. They are in the thick of preparation for the 2024 Mango Tee slated for 29 January to 3 February.
Luisita Golf and Country Club
"Just like some other (National Golf Association of the Philippines) NGAP-members clubs that support our efforts to grow the game, we don't charge green fees to all juniors aged 18 and below. We open our course for them to enjoy and develop their skills."
— Bones Floro, general manager, Luisita Golf and Country Club. It is one of only two Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf courses in Asia, and widely considered the grand old dame of Philippine golf courses. Floro is also secretary general of the national golf governing body, NGAP.
Camp John Hay Golf Club
"Camp John Hay Golf Club has truly impressed golf enthusiasts with its exceptional performance in 2023, culminating in the highly acclaimed 73rd Januarius Fil-Am Invitational. The club's dedication to maintaining a world-class golf course shone through as their maintenance staff worked tirelessly to recover the course after hosting a remarkable 18-day event with over 1400 participants.
"We are grateful for the hard work and commitment shown by the entire Camp John Hay Golf Club team in ensuring that the course is returned to its pristine condition. Their unwavering dedication is a testament to their passion for providing an unparalleled golfing experience for our members and their guests.
"As we move forward to the 25th year of celebrating the club, there is no doubt that Camp John Hay Golf Club will continue to thrive. The momentum gained from the success of 2023 will undoubtedly propel the club towards greater achievements in 2024.
"With the upcoming Chairman's Charity Cup scheduled for January 20-21, 2024, the preparations are well underway. Golf enthusiasts can expect another extraordinary event showcasing the club's commitment to excellence and their unwavering support for charitable cause.
"Camp John Hay Golf Club looks forward to welcoming golfers from all over as we continue to make our mark in the golfing community and provide an unforgettable experience on our 'airconditioned' course."
— Jude Eustaquio, general manager Camp John Hay Golf Club. They just successfully hosted the Fil-Am Golf Invitational.
Summit Point Golf and Country Club
"The new Zoysia greens, the greenside bunkers, and the Zoysia approach areas (false front) have been the highlight of 2023 for Summit Point.
"The renovation, which was started in 2021, is now reaping praises from golfers, members and guests alike, as they rave about the true roll of the greens and the overall aesthetic improvements of this quaint golf course in Lipa City."
— Vic de Guzman, general manager, Summit Point Golf and Country Club. They are hosting in 2024 the First Lipa City Fiesta Barako Golf Tournament.
Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club
"We have a very active membership. And at the same time, we are busy renovating the clubhouse facilities. We are in the middle of doing the ballroom. We just finished the men's and ladies' room as well as the Mulligan Bar.
"Next year, we move to the offices as well as the veranda. In the golf course we are looking at upgrading our fairways and put new Bermuda grass. It's been 30 years since the original Bermuda grass was planted we need to replace it with new.
"We just had the Chairman's Cup. We are happy to announce that we successfully defended the PAL Interclub title in Cebu. And we played in the Fil-Am, we won the Fil championship and second in the Am division."
"During our Invitationals last March, we drew 600 players from 450 the previous year. This year's Chairman's Cup we had 490 players."
— Jerome Delariarte, golf director, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club
