Manila become the first tourist destination because it has the largest international airport in Philippines and one of the most famous golf courses that is Orchard Golf and Country Club.
Parkland Type Course Designed by Gary Player and Arnold Palmer
About 30 minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can find the remarkable Orchard Golf and Country Club (OGCC). It offers two world class golf courses, The Legacy Course (Arnold Palmer Course) and The Tradition Course (Gary Player Course). Those two golf legends built two 18-hole competition courses in Dasmarinas, 27 kilometers Southwest of Manila.
Both courses have hosted international competitions such as the World Golf Tour 1996 and the Johnnie Walker Classic 1995. Its also hosted professional and amateur tournaments such as The Philippine Professional Tour, The Philippine Amateur Matchplay Championship and other events. OGCC also knew actively promoting junior golf and maintain wildlife conservation.
Arnold Palmer Course
Both Arnold Palmer Course and Gary Player Course were originally the Mango Orchard course where many mango trees are scattered around the course. Meanwhile, the Arnold Palmer course is known for the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1995. The last nine holes in Arnold Palmer Course are quite challenging for both amateurs and professionals. The hole in par 4 is located on a hill with a water hazard in front of the green. The 18th hole become the most challenging hole in the last nine where more than a dozen fairways and bunkers on the green side prevent you from scoring the best.
Gary Player Course
On paper, the Gary Player Course at Orchard Golf and Country Club looks like an ordinary course. But, it will change your perception immediately. The fairway bunker on the right side not only plays as a barrier, but also to trick the golfer who is trying to make a long shot. The strong wind in the opening hole will change the course of the ball easily if you don’t hit it in accordance with the wind’s direction.
The 8th hole is the easiest of the first nine. But, you have to be careful when facing two bunkers in the middle of the fairway and the sloping green before heading to the next hole. On the last hole you have to make a strong tee shot to avoid a big mango tree in the middle of the fairway. Pay attention to the pin’s position in the green because it is quite deep and sloping from back to front.
The Best Grass and the Best Clubhouse in the Philippines
Your golfing ability will significantly increase thanks to Tifton 419 grass on the fairway and Tifdwarf in the main greens. The view of the Orchard Golf in Manila is spectacularly beautiful where you can see beautiful fairways, lagoons, hills, sand traps, lakes and thick grass scattered throughout the vast course. There are also more than 2500 fruit trees scattered at several points.
Orchard Golf and Country Club has one of the best clubhouse in Philippines. Its spacious clubhouse offers a pro shop facility, driving range, putting green area, shower, locker room for women and men, tennis court, basketball court and bowling alley. There is also swimming pools, sauna, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, mini cinema and functional rooms to relax. Orchard golf course is the perfect place to satisfy your golfing hobby while relaxing after work hours.
