Daily TribuneIn a golf world that often feels obsessed with distance and power, The Vineyard Golf Club is a refreshing change of pace. It proves that great golf doesn’t have to be long — it just has to be thoughtful, fun and beautiful.
OVERLOOKING Taal Lake, The Vineyard features one of the country’s most scenic finishing holes today — a 189-yard approach to an island green below.
Photographs by Rey Bancod for DAILY TRIBUNE
THIS short opening hole greets golfers — many of whom quickly wish they had warmed up properly before starting their round.
Let’s be real — when most golfers hear “par-3 course,” they imagine a basic little layout, maybe good for beginners or a warm-up round. But The Vineyard Golf Club in Tanauan, Batangas? That’s a whole different story.
This brand-new, all-par-3, 18-hole course is anything but basic. It’s challenging, beautifully designed, and set in one of the most scenic spots in the country. Whether you’re there to sharpen your short game or just soak in the views, The Vineyard delivers something special.
This is where grit and growth meet.
The Vineyard doesn’t let you hide behind long drives or easy birdies. Every hole is a small test of endurance, focus and honesty with your shot-making. You’ll miss greens, you’ll face tough chips and you’ll confront your own tempo under pressure. That’s the grit.
But every round also teaches you something: how to adjust to the wind, how to trust your wedge, how to read a break, how to stay patient after a bad shot. That’s the growth. The Vineyard is built for golfers who want to be challenged and improved, not just entertained.
Every hole is a test— in the best way
Here, there are no easy holes. It’s 18 par-3s, back to back — each one asking the same question: Can you stick the green?
But don’t let the short yardages fool you. Between the elevation changes, wind off the lake, tricky green complexes, and smart design, you’re constantly adjusting. One minute you’re hitting a wedge, the next you’re gripping a long iron into the breeze. It’s a nonstop test of touch, tempo and mental game.
Short game skills? You’ll need them
The Vineyard is basically a playground for your wedges and putter. Miss a green, and now you’re staring down a tough chip or a nasty little bunker shot. Hit the green, and you’re not safe yet — many are sloped, multi-tiered, or guarded by sneaky breaks.
Putting here isn’t just important — it’s survival. But if you love dialing in your short game, this place will keep you coming back.
Fast rounds, tight matches, and night golf
One of the best things about The Vineyard? You can knock out a full 18 holes in about two hours. No long walks. No 600-yard par-5s. Just pure, focused golf.
And while it’s fun and laid-back, it can also get intensely competitive — because every hole is a scoring opportunity. One bad shot, one missed birdie putt, and you’re suddenly down in match play.
Bonus: Night golf is available, too. If you’ve never played under the lights, it’s a totally different experience — and very cool.
Not just a Course — It’s an experience
What really sets The Vineyard apart is the setting. The course sits overlooking Taal Lake, with gorgeous views in almost every direction. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and a far cry from your usual golf environment.
After your round (or even if you’re just tagging along), you can hang out at the open-air restaurant that looks out over the course. And while you’re waiting for your food? Hit the nearby practice green. Nothing like draining a few putts before lunch.
Here’s the catch: It’s exclusive
Now for the fine print — The Vineyard is private, with only 100 members total. So unless you know someone with access, you’ll need to find a friendly member willing to bring you along.
And the green fees? Not cheap. P4,000 on weekdays, P5,000 on weekends, plus a little extra if you want to play at night. It’s a splurge, no doubt — but with no crowds, no slow groups, and an unforgettable atmosphere, many say it’s worth every peso.
Even more to come
If you think the par-3 course is impressive, just wait. Construction is already underway for a nine-hole, par-36 course — which means The Vineyard is on its way to becoming a full-on golf destination. Imagine a future day where you start with the long game on the new layout and then shift to the par-3s to fine-tune your short game.
Getting there: Less than two hours from Manila
One of the best parts? The Vineyard Golf Club is less than two hours from Metro Manila. Depending on traffic and your starting point, the drive is about 66 kilometers via the South Luzon Expressway and STAR Tollway, making it an easy and convenient getaway for a quick round or weekend trip .
Final thoughts
In a golf world that often feels obsessed with distance and power, The Vineyard Golf Club is a refreshing change of pace. It proves that great golf doesn’t have to be long — it just has to be thoughtful, fun and beautiful.
So if you ever get the chance to play this exclusive little gem in Tanauan, say yes. Grab your short sticks, soak in the view, and enjoy a round that’s short, sweet, and seriously unforgettable.
