Eagle Ridge (Nick Faldo)

The Nick Faldo course at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club is one of four 18-hole layouts at an extensive sports complex where indoor bowling, basketball, swimming and tennis are all on offer to the members. It’s stating the obvious really by proclaiming this 72-hole golf facility to be the most comprehensive in the Philippines.

Located close enough to Metro Manila for convenience yet far enough away to fully appreciate the countryside, Eagle Ridge’s four championship tracks – designed by Isao Aoki, Andy Dye, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo – are served by three different clubhouses. For those who wish to stay and play, there’s also a 60-bedroomed hotel (the Microtel Inn & Suites) on site.

Opened for play in 1997, the Faldo course is probably the toughest at Eagle Ridge, with the par five 4th rated stroke index 1 on the card. Visually intimidating, the S-shaped fairway on this hole tapers all the way from tee to green. On the back nine, the 434-yard 18th concludes the round in fine style, veering uphill and left across a ravine towards the home green.

Architect Nick Faldo had this to say when the course was inaugurated: “I believe we have created an extremely playable and enjoyable golf course. I wanted to design a layout that would require thought and attention to every individual shot, a course that rewards and punishes in a fair and logical way. With demanding and occasionally spectacular bunkering throughout, our design at Eagle Ridge features a good variety of wide and tight fairways and greens that demand a variety of approach shots and a delicate touch.”