Mount Malarayat (Mt. Makulot & Mt. Lobo)

It is a good distance of Manila, Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club is more tranquil than its competitors close to Manila, and are affected by the noxious scent of pollution. However it's quite a long drive to take a day trip from Manila and you're advised to book a local lodging.

JMP Golf Design Group JMP Golf Design Group was an American collaboration founded in the year 1985 with Brian Costello, Mark Hollinger and Bob Moore. Together, they've completed projects in several countries. Their Asian portfolio has been bursting in Chinese, Thai and Korean projects and Mount Malarayat in the Philippines.

The hefty tiering of the greens is an important feature of the golf course at Mount Malarayat. There are not only single but also double and triple levels, and at times the tiers are oriented sideways rather than facing forward. The par 3 8th hole of Mount Lobo nine, the 8th hole is a double tier. Mount Lobo 9th hole, the middle layer of the three-tiered green is located beneath the back and front tiers, which are in line with each other. From the tee, it appears that there's a gap within the middle of the green. The tiering process reduces its size by 2/3, an excellent example of how contours and slope could be utilized as hazards within the boundaries of a putting green. It's not the only golf hole that is unique and earlier in the nine is a par 3 where you are able to play between two hills and a lake with a green that is so large that you can play with multiple clubs differentiators.

It is also worth noting the bunker configurations. The bunkers are designed with a sense of creativity. Some serve the standard function of protecting fairways and greens, while others are more aesthetic in their purpose. The architects have designed numerous variations in the arrangement of bunkers. we can see crossing bunkering and more linear layouts. It is a great driving course, but first-time players should take note of the caddy's advice.

The two most interesting holes in the course include the 7th hole of the Mount Makulot nine and the 9th on the Mount Lobo nine. The 7th hole on Mount Makulot nine is a bit famous since it's featured on golf magazine's Best 500 Holes in the World. It is an attractive fairway with a good bunkering that runs from left to right. After you have rounded the gentle nook, which is covered by brown rushes, the lake and green will come in view. In spite of a solid drive, the possibility of taking on the green is a risky one. A more conservative second should be threaded to stay clear of bunkers. The 9th hole on the Lobo is an angled hole that is it is essentially a double dogleg, an left-right, right-left arrangement. The desire to play the hole from the tee can be impeded by a tree that is well-placed with a wide and swaying limb. A majority of players will opt to take a shot towards the directional bunker. The straight shot towards a green that is surrounded by sand, water, and rocks is an challenging alternative. But even from the perfect approach area, the third shot is not a way to go. From the fairway to the left the green, it appears thin. This green is located right in the front of the clubhouse, so it is the perfect finishing hole. So the architects have tried to bring an air of formality by incorporating a sculptured rock garden and the waterfall.

Although Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club is quite a distance from Manila for an excursion of a day It is unlikely that you will be a victim of the congestion that is typical of the golf courses closer to Manila The environment is quite pleasant. Carts are not required, which is good because this is a pleasant course to walk around.

Reproduced with permission from The Finest Golf Courses of Asia & Australasia by James Spence.