New, exclusive course in The Philippines earning rave reviews
Each month or so in Asia, a new wonder course emerges — in China, or Fiji, or Tasmania. Accordingly, behold international golf’s Flavor of the Month, this time in The Philippines: Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club, which may just rise to Flavor of the Year.
Designed by Kevin Ramsey, a partner with the Santa Rosa-based course designers at Golfplan, Anvaya Cove is located two hours northeast of Manila, just down the road from the former U.S. Naval installation at Subic Bay. The 7,030-yard track opened for member play in December, and the initial reaction from members, international media and course raters has been straightforward and uniform: “Wow.”
Several holes play directly beside the West Philippine Sea, while others occupy bluffs 100 feet above the surf. Several more cut daring paths through thick, tropical jungle, while the remaining play along ridges some 300 feet above sea level.
“With that sort of elevation change, there are only a few holes that don’t have an ocean view, but it’s always a thrill to deploy salt water as a legitimate hazard, and we did that multiple times out there at Anvaya Cove,” said Ramsey, a former collegiate player at U.C. Davis. “Truly great golf courses can exist in a single environment, but I prefer those that play through a diversity of environments. The terrain here allowed us to create an uninterrupted string of really strong golf holes that play through five distinct environments, never repeat themselves, and never fail to elicit a strong emotional response.”
Such as “Wow.”
Anvaya Cove is the centerpiece of a luxury residential area developed by Ayala Land, the country’s most accomplished real estate developer. Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club is private, but rumor has it that tee times will soon be made available to guests of specific Ayala-owned hotel properties in Manila. Stay tuned.
