Guide to affordable golf courses
Playing golf is often seen as a pursuit of the wealthy. But these facilities prove that penny pinchers can play golf too even in this day and age.
Take note that the prices mentioned here are how we found them last we checked. They may have been adjusted or will be adjusted soon with the rising cost of fuel and other supplies.
CATTLE CREEK GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
This nine-holer in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan offers tremendous value for money. Last we checked it only cost P1,220 to play the nine holes twice on a weekend. On weekdays it’s just P1,020. Such a deal for an interesting, challenging layout among mature trees that’s only an hour away from Quezon City Circle on most times of the day.
PHILIPPINE ARMY GOLF COURSE
This par 33 nine-hole layout is just a stone’s throw away from BGC, yet as of last year it only cost P1,650 WITH caddie on weekdays to do eighteen holes there. (An additional tip is expected.) Army is tight, lined with trees, and fraught with water hazards, meaning you will have to play well to score. As befitting its name, this course will help keep you in military fitness because there are no carts nor cart paths and everyone has to walk.
BASA AIR FORCE BASE GOLF COURSE
Tucked away in the town of Floridablanca, Pampanga is one of the hottest budget golf finds in all of Luzon. When we played Basa Air Force last year we paid just P400 green fee, and we were told that was unlimited play. Incredibly, that’s also the rate for both weekends and weekdays. The 3,146-yard nine-hole par-36 track is no pushover. It’s substantially long enough and varied, with very consistent greens. We hope they keep this green fee for a long time.
AIR FORCE CITY GOLF COURSE
As of last year this 18-hole course inside Clark Air Base in Pampanga could be played for only P1,000 on weekdays for Filipinos and P1,200 for foreigners. Unlike other military courses, Air Force City welcomes non-Filipinos without a need for a clearance. Its expansive fairways make it a very chill round, although the elevated greens need some skill to manage. The total yardage is 6,045 yards for this par-72 track.
FERNANDO AIR BASE GOLF CLUB
This 18-hole par-72 course in Lipa, Batangas has a juicy weekday Twilight rate starting at 12:30 pm that is hard to beat: P1,200 INCLUDING caddie, last time we checked. You just need to give an additional tip. Fernando Air Base offers wide and flat fairways ideal for beginners and high handicappers. The weather is cooler than most since the course is 380 meters above sea level. The best part of your round will be the unique par-6 18th, which stretches almost 700 yards from the tips.
CLUB INTRAMUROS GOLF COURSE
This quirky par-66 18-hole course that snakes around Manila’s old walled city can be played for around P2,000 on a weekday if you walk. That’s all-in with caddy. Club Intramuros really is a golf course unlike any other in the Philippines, with lots of water hazards and devilish short game shots thanks to the elevated and undulating greens framed by daunting bunkers. There is night golf as well that isn’t too expensive either. The green fee for that is P1,500 for locals and P2,500 for foreigners. Take note, Club Intramuros is closed as a golf course on Sundays, when it serves as a public park.
VETERANS GOLF CLUB
This par-70 course in Quezon City is one of the most ideally located golf facilities in Metro Manila. As of last year the weekday green fee was P1,500 for Filipinos and P2,000 for foreigners. Pinoys pay just P1,800 on weekends. You get a very pleasant and short course that will test your skills no matter what level golfer you are. You can also ask them about the annual Playing Privilege Rights scheme which can come out to be a good deal for players who play often.
NEW ASIA GOLF AND SPA RESORT
This 18-hole par-72 course might be off the beaten path in Capas, Tarlac. But located under an hour away from Angeles City is a golf venue surrounded by dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. According to the Facebook page of golf booking agent Haja Golf, you can play it for just P1,000 on weekdays AND weekends until the tourist season starts again in October. Cart sharing is P1,500, the caddie minimum is P600, and there are the usual minor consumable and insurance fees.
NAVAL EDUCATION TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND GOLF AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY
About an hour’s drive from Subic Bay lies NETDCGRF, a military course inside Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales. This is a par-69 18-hole course that is one of the more interesting military offerings. There are plenty of water hazards to bedevil even seasoned golfers. The green fee for Filipino civilians is P1200 seven days a week. If you’re nearby, teeing up is a no-brainer!
CANLUBANG OLD COURSE
This nine hole layout has been a go-to budget round for cash strapped golfers for decades. Tucked away in Canlubang, Laguna, it is separate from the more illustrious North and South courses at Canlubang Golf and Country Club nearby. Old Can, also referred to as Canlubang Sugar Estate Golf Course, can be played for as low as P700 for 18 holes the last time we checked. You won’t get perfect conditions, but if you dial down expectations, it’s a hoot to play.
SOUTH FORBES GOLF CLUB
The weekday Twilight Rate at this picturesque par-67 in Silang is just P1,800, and that includes a cart beginning at 12 noon. You still need to pay for a caddie. South Forbes is carved out of the jungles of Cavite and is hilly, narrow, and offers breathtaking views of the lowlands below. It’s a must-play for players looking for inexpensive golf that is also visually appealing.
MPLI GOLF COURSE AND DRIVING RANGE
Formerly known as Angeles Sports and Country Club, MPLI (Malabon Property Landholdings Inc.) Golf Course and Driving Range can be found in the heart of Angeles City, Pampanga. This is a modest nine-hole collection of par-3s that is an ideal spot for beginners, kids, seniors, and new female golfers. When we played it two years ago we paid only P700 to play eighteen holes on a Sunday. Worth a quick round if you have business in the city.
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