STA. ROSA, Laguna (AFP) — The Philippines is laying out the red carpet this week to some of golf’s biggest names, part of a grand government plan to diversify tourism with sport at the forefront.

The Southeast Asian nation is pitching for a share of the huge golf tourism market in Asia that is projected to generate $9 billion by 2030, according to figures from US analysts Grand View Research. 

To showcase what the country can offer, the government has thrown its weight behind this week’s International Series Philippines (ISP) presented by BingoPlus featuring four major champions and the cream of Asia.

The country rakes in a shade over $40 billion a year from tourism, say official figures, but the contribution from golf is negligible. 

That is because the Philippines has not been an easy destination for cash-rich golf tourists, according to industry expert Mike Besa.

Private clubs have been largely inaccessible to visitors, with members unwilling to share their facilities.

“Golf in our country is difficult, at best,” Besa said. “Most times it’s just frustrating for the unseasoned traveller.” 

“Even large tour operators have thrown their hands up in surrender at the rigours of doing business here.”

It is far easier to go to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam or Japan, where tourists are readily accepted on the course and their cash is welcomed in the clubhouse.

Lyle Uy, director for golf tourism and special projects at the Philippine government’s Department of Tourism, has been tasked with changing that landscape and opening up the game. 

He did not reveal details of the government’s financial investment in this week’s event, one of nine elevated International Series tournaments on the Asian Tour with a $2-million prize fund.

But he said its support took many forms.

“Number one is trying to convince our friends from different countries to look at the Philippines,” Uy told AFP in the shadow of the opulent Sta. Elena clubhouse, south of Manila.

Out on the course, set in a sprawling private estate, former Masters champions Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Charl Schwartzel pulled in big crowds against a backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.

It is the most prestigious lineup ever assembled for a golf tournament in the Philippines. 

But the beautifully manicured fairways and greens may reinforce a view that golf is only for the rich in a country where poverty is rife and the average GDP per capita is about $4,000. In nearby Hong Kong it is $54,000.