Golf tips in Manila?

[oliversax]

going there 4/25-4/29/10, need help

Hi all,

The last time anyone wrote about the golf in the Philippines was in 2008, so I thought I might be able to get some up to date tips on where to play, how to get on the best courses. I'm going to stay in Metro Manila for a few days, 4/25-4/29/10. I hear the traffic can be quite terrible so I'm leary of driving too far.

So here are my questions:
- What are some of the best courses in Manila that a US citizen can get on?
- Cost is not an issue b/c if I come this far, I want to play the best, but I would like to know how much I should expect to pay. Cost?
- What is the acceptable fee for tipping the caddy (previous poster said US$10), bag gopher, cab driver?
- Is there a website that has the details of the courses in Manila (yardage, style of course design, rating, layout, rates, address, etc)?
- Is it possible to walk up as a single, will they match me w/ another group (I'm going w/ some buddies but doubt they will play golf b/c of all the partying at night)?
- I assume it's best to play at dawn b/c of the heat and humidity, is this correct? Any extra gear needed?
- Any precautionary measures to be taken while playing (ie, don't look for my ball over the fence or I might get mugged. LOL)?

Another GolfWRX member helped me tremendously w/ golf tips in Shenzen. I'm hoping someone can do the same for Manila.

Thanks!

[rollnsf]

Hi Oliver-

I frequently do golf trips to Manila (I was born and grew up there) but usually my brother or dad set up where we play. Most of the courses are private, but I'll ask my brother which good courses are open to tourists.

I guess the big question is if you're willing to go outside the city where you'll have better options. I would highly recommend this. If so, let me know how far. I'll find out what your options may be in terms of courses open to the public. I did a search and found a manilagolfshuttle site which might be able to help with more info on what courses are available and also get you to and on the course. I've never used them. I'm sure there are other golftour sites available.

Answers to your other questions below.


- What are some of the best courses in Manila that a US citizen can get on?
The best courses are outside the city. There are a ton of options that are about an hour away. If you want to stay within the city, Sun Valley is a public course and is the best public course in the Philippines. The feel is like a private course. Valley Golf is also a decent track, but you'll have to play the Executive Course. Intramuros is also an interesting option - I've never played it but hear it's a fun track. It's also open at night. For better options, you'll have to drive outside the city. How far would you be willing to drive? Let me know and I'll find out what courses would be open to the public.


- Cost is not an issue b/c if I come this far, I want to play the best, but I would like to know how much I should expect to pay. Cost?
I think you should pay PP1500 - PP4000 for green fees. This is about $40 - $80.

- What is the acceptable fee for tipping the caddy (previous poster said US$10), bag gopher, cab driver?
I usually tip the caddy at least PP500, which is a little over $10. Be generous! They don't make much:(

I tip the bag gopher, locker attendant about $1 (PP40). Taxi drivers I would tip the same percentage as here.

- Is there a website that has the details of the courses in Manila (yardage, style of course design, rating, layout, rates, address, etc)?
I'm not aware but I've never really had to look for one. federationgolf has some info on their member courses. I also found golfph.com.

- Is it possible to walk up as a single, will they match me w/ another group (I'm going w/ some buddies but doubt they will play golf b/c of all the partying at night)?
Yes.

- I assume it's best to play at dawn b/c of the heat and humidity, is this correct? Any extra gear needed?
Yes, or late in the day. Bring your umbrella, it will be useful for the sun also. You can even ask for someone to hold it for you.

- Any precautionary measures to be taken while playing (ie, don't look for my ball over the fence or I might get mugged. LOL)? Not that I can think of. The caddies will tell you where you shouldn't go. Also, if you are a tourist, sometimes they automatically give you the less experienced caddies. Ask for a good caddy if possible.

[xxio]

I was trying to send you a PM about Manila-golf but it seems you are not allowed to get PMs?

I help run a golf forum that is catered to Filipino golfers. Send me a PM if you are interested.

[rollnsf]

[quote name='xxio' date='23 March 2010 - 12:50 AM' timestamp='1269330626' post='2335016']
I was trying to send you a PM about Manila-golf but it seems you are not allowed to get PMs?

I help run a golf forum that is catered to Filipino golfers. Send me a PM if you are interested.
[/quote]

xxio-

Could you send me the link to the forum? I'd be interested in checking it out. Thx.

[gandor]

here's the only forum you'll need...you're welcome

[url="http://www.pinoygolfer.com/forum/index.php"]http://www.pinoygolfer.com/forum/index.php[/url]

[xxio]

Gandor thank you for pointing him the right direction.

[Guia]

I understand that old Clark AB in Angeles City is now a resort with golf courses. Not but an hour from[sup] [size="4"]Manila.[/size][/sup]

[drpino]

Whatever you decide, make sure you don't miss out on playing Intramuros under the lights. Golf at night under stadium lighting in the middle of a metropolitan city with all it's traffic (both foot and auto/bike/jeepney/etc) is likely the most unique golf experience you'll ever have and my two rounds there still rank in my top 5. Last tee time is somewhere around 9pm. If you play it, be prepared to be heckled by students and young adults chilling in the parapets of the fort. I drove a par 4 green during one round and proceeded to 3 or 4 putt... quite embarassing

Within greater Metro Manila there are quite a few clubs but most of the nicer ones are private (e.g. Alabang, Manila Southwoods, Wack Wack, Manila Golf, etc). If you can hook up with xxio or some of the other Filipinos here and on PinoyGolfer who may be members at these private clubs, you can probably get on a few of them. I've played Alabang quite a few times thanks to my uncle and his friends.

You really have to go outside of Metro Manila to play the nicer tracks that aren't private. Be prepared for minimum travel of one hour each way and lots of traffic.

Here's a cursory overview (by no means comprehensive... there are SO many more) of courses/clubs in the Philippines with some course stats: [url="http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/philgcs.html"]http://www.worldgolf...es/philgcs.html[/url]

Eagle Ridge has 4 courses (Dye, Aoki, Norman and Faldo) and I usually end up playing a few rounds there whenever I'm on the other side of the globe. Ayala Greenfields is a nice track...not sure if it's private though. Santa Elena is private but one of the nicest I've played there. Eastridge is also a very scenic and challenging course. Orchard is private but really nice. Evercrest has some big elevation changes and deep gorges/ravines that make for a challenging round.

You can travel not that far to Tagaytay and play Tagaytay Highlands and Riviera... there are a few more in that area as well.

Now that I think about it, I may have played more different courses in the Philippines than I have in the US Be sure to enjoy the tea houses and umbrella girls while you're at it!

Some courses that aren't all that great but ones that you shouldn't have trouble getting on are Navy and TAT Pilipinas.

As for your questions, my best answers...

- What are some of the best courses in Manila that a US citizen can get on?

See above.

- Cost is not an issue b/c if I come this far, I want to play the best, but I would like to know how much I should expect to pay. Cost?

Not much if you earn in dollars or euros... anywhere from about $35US to $150US. Last time I was there, many of the semi-private courses had started to charge foreigners (i.e. non-Philippine residents) a bit more.

- What is the acceptable fee for tipping the caddy (previous poster said US$10), bag gopher, cab driver?

$10US tip for caddies was fine last time I was there (500p)

- Is there a website that has the details of the courses in Manila (yardage, style of course design, rating, layout, rates, address, etc)?

See above but your best resource is PinoyGolfer.com

- Is it possible to walk up as a single, will they match me w/ another group (I'm going w/ some buddies but doubt they will play golf b/c of all the partying at night)?

You'll be paired up... can't recall seeing many singles (except maybe at the private clubs). Golf in the Philippines is a very social event. Foursomes with caddies and umbrella girls ends up being 8-12 people... a small entourage or parade down every fairway.

- I assume it's best to play at dawn b/c of the heat and humidity, is this correct? Any extra gear needed?

Just stay hydrated. Umbrella girls are helpful to always have shade. There's a reason there are tea houses every six holes or so... stop, eat, drink, rest and be on your way. Don't expect four hour rounds... not even close.

- Any precautionary measures to be taken while playing (ie, don't look for my ball over the fence or I might get mugged. LOL)?

Depending on the course, you'll likely see people OB selling snacks and balls. Intramuros is a riot... hit your ball OB into the street and you have the option of buying your ball back from one of the guys hanging around or a pedestrian in the vicinity

The Philippines is a real golf destination for Asia - always good weather, not far from the neighboring countries and relatively inexpensive. I absolutely relish my time there... both on and off the course.

Forgot to mention, at times you may feel like you're in Korea... the number of Koreans who not only visit to play but live in the Philippines is quite astounding.

[oliversax]

Thanks for all the great replies, esp. DrPino for the extensive and detailed reply. Will put all your tips to good use next time I'm in the Philippines.