Next on the tee: A nation rising

Golf in the Philippines is having its moment.

Two weeks ago, the country witnessed Miguel Tabuena make history by winning the International Series Philippines at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna, beating some of the world’s best.

Tens of thousands showed their support by attending the four-day event presented by Bingo Plus. The presence of major champions Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel placed the country in the global map.

Once seen as an elite pastime tucked away behind country club gates, it’s now transforming into one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. From packed driving ranges to junior tournaments brimming with fresh faces, the energy around the fairways is unmistakable — and the numbers tell the story of a sport in full swing.

A growing golf nation

There are now more than 100,000 active golfers across the Philippines — a remarkable leap for a sport that once felt niche. Even more exciting is the surge of young players. Since 2020, junior participation in clinics and tournaments has soared by an astonishing 75 percent. It’s not uncommon these days to see kids swapping gadgets for golf clubs, learning the game at grassroots clinics or competing in weekend events.

At the forefront of this phenomenon is the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) under Oliver Gan whose dynamic leadership resulted in year-long activities.

This wave of youth enthusiasm is reshaping the landscape of Philippine golf, injecting it with fresh talent, competitive fire and a renewed sense of community.

Courses expanding,

communities growing

The growth isn’t limited to players. Golf courses are sprouting across the archipelago, with more than 110 now open and at least 15 new venues developed since 2022. From the rolling greens of Batangas to the scenic layouts in Cebu and Davao, the sport is becoming more accessible to players of all skill levels.

It’s a welcome change for enthusiasts who used to travel long hours for a round. Families, beginners, and weekend warriors now have more places to play — and more reasons to keep coming back.

Filipino talent taking

on the world

Aside from Tabuena, other Filipino golfers are also making headlines abroad, flying the country’s colors high on international tours. Among them Juvic Pagunsan, Justin Quiban, Sean Ramos, Lloyd Jefferson Go and Angelo Que, among others.

And who could forget Yuka Saso’s historic triumph at the 2021 US Women’s Open? Her victory not only made her the first Filipino major champion but also inspired thousands of young girls to dream big and believe that Filipino golfers belong on the world stage.

What about young prodigy Rianne Malixi whose victories in the US Women’s Amateur and US Girls Championships brought enormous pride for Filipinos?

Women power in the fairways

Women’s golf in the Philippines is thriving like never before. Today, about 30 percent of beginners signing up for golf programs are young girls, and over 3,000 now compete in junior tournaments nationwide.

LPGA standout Bianca Pagdanganan, with her trademark power and poise, has become a role model for aspiring athletes. Her success, along with that of Saso, Malixi and other Filipina golfers like Dottie Ardina, Clariss Guce, Pauline del Rosario, Abby Arevalo and Princess Super has opened doors and changed perceptions — showing that golf is truly a sport for everyone.

From the grassroots up

Perhaps the most encouraging development is happening at the grassroots level. Golf is reaching new communities through free clinics and school programs. In 2024 alone, over 125 free sessions introduced more than 10,000 kids to the sport.

These initiatives, led by local associations and private sponsors, are bringing golf to barangays and public schools — places where the game was once unheard of. The message is simple but powerful: golf is for everyone, regardless of background.

The business of golf

Beyond the fairways, the sport is turning into a multi-billion-peso industry. The golf equipment market is projected to hit nearly US$282 million in 2025, with steady growth expected in the years ahead.

The Philippines is also positioning itself as a prime golf tourism destination in Asia. International tournaments like the upcoming 2025 International Series at Sta. Elena Golf Club drethousands of visitors and millions in tourism revenue. In 2023 alone, golf tourism generated roughly P1.3 billion — a 36 percent jump from pre-pandemic levels.

Historic courses like Iloilo’s Santa Barbara Golf Club, built in 1907, now stand alongside new championship layouts in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, offering world-class experiences for both locals and foreign visitors.

A movement, not just a sport

There’s something special about what’s happening in Filipino golf today. It’s not just about trophies or tee times — it’s about momentum. It’s about families spending weekends together on the course, young players dreaming of LPGA and PGA glory, and communities rallying to make the sport more inclusive.

Icons like Tabuena, Saso, Pagdanganan, Malixi, Quiban and Pagunsan are proving that Filipino golfers can compete — and win — on the world stage. And with grassroots efforts continuing to grow, the next generation of champions might already be out there, swinging their first club at a school clinic.

So, whether you’re a lifelong player, a curious beginner, or just someone looking for a new weekend hobby, now’s the perfect time to join the movement. Filipino golf isn’t just growing — it’s thriving, transforming, and welcoming everyone to the fairway.

Because right now, the future of Philippine golf looks brighter than ever.