IN NEW CLARK CITY, A GOLFER’S PARADISE

By Chrisee Jalyssa V. dela Paz

Golf in the Philippines has come a long way since it was first introduced in 1886, when British railway workers played the sport in a mere three-way golf course built in the paddy fields south of Intramuros, Manila. Today, the Philippines is slowly becoming a golfer’s paradise with the rise of Hann Reserve, an ultra-luxe integrated golf resort in New Clark City, Tarlac.

Imagine playing golf in an 18-hole championship golf course by no less than South Korean professional golfer KJ Choi (also known as Choi Kyung-Ju), and having the Philippines’ first Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA)-affiliated player development facilities. All these while having the view of the scenic Mt. Arayat and Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Not one, but three

Golf enthusiasts across the globe will soon enjoy not just one, but three 18-hole world-class designer golf courses in New Clark City: a valley course by Asia’s most successful golfer Mr. Choi, a mountain course by world-renowned leader in golf course design Nicklaus Design, and a river course by worldwide golf ambassador Sir Nick Faldo (Sir Nicholas Alexander Faldo).

“It is my utmost pleasure to be a part of this landmark integrated resort development in the Philippines and offer a memorable golfing experience for Filipino golf enthusiasts and visiting players alike,” Mr. Choi told local media in a briefing in April.

As with Mr. Choi’s signature golf courses across the globe, players can expect a challenging but enjoyable and rewarding course designed with utmost attention to detail, working with the unique lay of the land and highlighting the locale’s natural strengths and features.

Most luxurious hotel brands

Aside from the unique golf course concept, Hann Reserve will also house international luxury hotel brands Banyan Tree and Angsana Resort, Sofitel and Emblems by Accor Group, and The Luxury Collection and Westin by Marriott International; a mixed-use commercial center; a public park; exclusive residences; an international school, among others.

KJ Choi’s valley course is part of the second phase of development of Hann Reserve. Its initial components are targeted for completion by 2027. The Nicklaus Design golf course, which forms part of the first phase of Hann Reserve, is set to be finished by 2026, along with a clubhouse and Banyan Tree hotel and residences.

The Sir Nick Faldo river course, which broke ground in November 2022, is slated for completion in the latter part of Hann Reserve’s second phase by 2028. The entire 450-hectare Hann Reserve development is estimated to cost US$3 billion, with its first phase already underway with an initial cost of Php 9 billion.

“We are excited and proud to create a truly world-class golfing experience befitting Clark as an equally world-class leisure and entertainment destination,” said Dae Sik Han, chairman of the Hann group of companies.

A first of its kind in the country, Hann Reserve is an integrated leisure lifestyle development with a unique golf resort concept.