The Greens of Sta. Barbara

Apart from old mansions, century old churches, festivals, and local delicacies, the oldest existing golf course in the Philippines can be found in Iloilo. Sta. Barbara Golf Course is recognized as such by both the National Historical Institute and National Golf Association of the Philippines.

It is tucked in the rolling fields in the hills of Sta. Barbara, a quaint little town approximately 30 minutes away from Iloilo City and 10 minutes from the Iloilo Airport. It started out as a 9 hole golf course in 1907, to serve as a past time for British expats, Scottish personnel of the Panay Railways company, and American colonizers.

The picturesque rolling hills are made more aesthetically beautiful by charming ponds and century-old acacia trees with majority having trunk diameters in excess of 2 meters -- preserved as part of the golf course's historic identity.

Presently, there exists a full 18-hole tournament course in the area. A modern club house was constructed in 1997 to accommodate its growing number of members.

One need not be a golf aficionado to appreciate the greenery. It is a perfect place to relax and bond in the company of friends and family, and may even be a nice spot for pre-nup pictures.

Iloilo Golf and Country Club
San Sebastian,
Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
• 63-33-5239777;
• 63-33-5239778
• sta.barbara@iloilogolfclub.com