26/03/2023
The Growing Golf Industry in the Philippines: A Promising Future
Mar 26, 2023
The golf industry in the Philippines is on the rise, with increasing interest in the sport and a growing number of golf courses and facilities. The country's tropical climate, picturesque landscapes, and world-class courses have made it an attractive destination for golfers from around the world. Add up the unique Filipino hospitality at its best and relatively a pretty much more affordable rates as compared to our neighboring countries which I will detail on my next write up.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are currently around 122 charming golf courses in the Philippines, with more being developed each year. This growth has been fueled by both local and international investments in the industry, with many courses and facilities being developed by both private and public entities.
We found out, that there were several factors that contributed to the recent growth of the golf industry in the Philippines, to serve our deteriorating attention span, here’s just two of them. First reason - social media. Placed in the number one spot, private and public posts on social media effectively provided a platform for influencing families, friends and friends of friends to take their own comfort zones to go out and try hitting the driving range and to some, even the fairways! Social media has played a significant go-to information in promoting the sport to many, as a hobby in killing time to a few, being golf’s inherent visually appealing attribute, in every angle in any way, in short - instagrammable. The second finding we unearthed is that golf, like many sports out there served our coping mechanisms especially during those painful lockdowns. Some of us could have gone insane. But, golf helped some of us a lot go through the rough. Just thankful for golf, eh?
Golf have been our inspiration to stay away from that couch, go out and get some dose of vitamin D from the faithful Sun, pitch, putt, and swing our golf clubs away. Interestingly true in every sense, every golfer reading this can attest, I guarantee you.
The growth of the golf industry in the Philippines has also had a positive impact on the local economy. With the re-opening of airports, immigrations gates, and lifting of health restrictions that crippled all of us from our caves, golf tourism has now become a significant source of revenue for the country, with many golfers traveling to the Philippines. Many are now able to play on some of our world-class if not championship courses around the beautiful archipelago. This has led to the development of related industries, such as golf equipment manufacturing, golf course maintenance, and human resources, people are now back to work - to name the immediate few outcomes. What is actually stunning to say the least is the number of indoor golf facilities that has been slowly but growing steadily just in the past pandemic period. Expect the editorial team to write about this very soon.
In addition to the economic benefits, the growth of the golf industry in the Philippines has also had social and environmental impacts. The sport has become a way for Filipinos to stay active and engage in healthy competition, and has provided opportunities for golfers of all ages and backgrounds to connect and share their passion for the sport. The industry has also placed a growing emphasis on sustainability, with a number of courses beginning to implement eco-friendly practices to minimize their impact on the environment. Talk about water shortages coming soon as announced by the authorities the coming of that periodic dry spell a.k.a. El. Niño.
Overall, the growing golf industry in the Philippines promises a bright future for the sport, the economy, and the country as a whole. With the country’s stunning courses, talented golfers and golf trainers, coaches, and supportive community, the Philippines is poised to become a major player in the global golf industry.
Photo below: Winners at The Golf Invitational 2023 pose for a group photo held last February 27 and 28.