Golf enthusiasts must know the significance of the golf course in Iloilo as the oldest in the country as well as in Southeast Asia. It is recognized both by the National Historical Institute and the National Golf Association of the Philippines as the “oldest existing golf course”. Located in Brgy. San Sebastian in the Municipality of Santa Barbara it is 16 kilometers from the city of Iloilo. It is just less than 5 minutes of driving from the Iloilo Airport.
This 18-hole gold course covers a span of more than 37 hectares. Aside from its natural contour of plains and rolling hills, this golf course is such a wonderful scenery and have one of the best sunsets in Panay. International tournaments are also held here.
How it all started
Golf is a European sport and it comes no surprise when Scottish and British engineers started this golf course after they noticed the rolling hills as they were constructing a railway system for Panay during the height of the sugar industry in the early 1900s. During 1920s, Santa Barbara Golf and Country Club as it was called was exclusive for the Americans and the British. As time goes on, Filipinos became members mostly from the most affluent members of society.
During the Second World War, it was ravaged by Japanese forces but it was also used as barracks for American troops. After the liberation, it was formally known as Iloilo Golf and Country Club, Inc.
As a national treasure, it is nice to know that although it is a country club based on membership, you can freely wander around for free…
For more information, visit their official website. Click here!
4 Comments
Nice article… Full of insights… nice pix.
Nice pix? 🙂 I think they were far better if a man with that red scarf was taking them..
Thanks for dropping by..