So you’re thinking about picking up golf in Cebu. Good choice. The island has a surprisingly vibrant golf scene, and unlike many other places in Asia, it’s relaxed, unhurried, and genuinely welcoming to newcomers. The pace of play is slow, the courses aren’t overcrowded, and the service is friendly.
But starting out can be intimidating. Which courses are beginner-friendly? Can you rent clubs? How do you find a good instructor? Here’s an honest, no-nonsense guide to getting started.
Where to Play: The Best Courses for Beginners
Not all golf courses are created equal, and as a beginner, you want somewhere that won’t punish every single mistake. Here are the courses in Cebu that are genuinely welcoming to newcomers.
Mactan Island Golf Club
If you’re a beginner, this is probably your best bet. Located right beside Mactan-Cebu International Airport, it’s incredibly convenient. The course features a relaxed ambiance, flat fairways, and wide-open spaces, making it ideal for beginners or a casual round. The terrain is mostly flat, so you won’t be exhausted before you even finish the front nine. It’s also worth noting that the course has a driving range and practice putting green.
One reviewer mentioned bringing two beginners along, and the caddy patiently taught them throughout the round. That’s the kind of experience you want when you’re just starting out. The course is simple, flat, and enjoyable for players of all ages.
Club Filipino de Cebu
Located about 20 minutes from Cebu City, Club Filipino de Cebu is considered one of the most beginner-friendly golf courses in the area. It embodies the spirit of local golf, where the sport is seen as an everyday activity connected to the community rather than something exclusive. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are known for being welcoming to players of all skill levels. Middle to high handicappers will find the course particularly enjoyable when played from the white tees, offering a balance of challenge and playability.
Cebu Country Club
Now, here’s the honest truth. Cebu Country Club is the most famous golf course in Cebu, established in 1928 and redesigned by Gary Player. It’s a stunning course with narrow, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy. The greens are consistent in speed, and the course emphasizes strategy and course management rather than brute force. It’s best suited for mid to low-handicap players.
Can a beginner play here? Yes, but be prepared to lose some balls. The course is flat and can be enjoyed even by beginners, but the narrow fairways mean you’ll need to keep the ball straight. If you’re completely new to the game, it might be more frustrating than fun. Save this one for when you’ve had a few months of practice.
Alta Vista Golf & Country Club
Perched on a hillside 500 feet above sea level, Alta Vista offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cebu City, Mactan Island, and the Bohol Strait. The course was designed by Gary Player’s Black Knight Design Group and features hilly terrain with significant elevation changes. The layout curves along the hillside, with many holes requiring precise club selection rather than long shots.
Is it for beginners? It can be, but it’s challenging. The course is generally recommended for intermediate to experienced golfers, especially those with a handicap of around 10 to 20. The caddies are friendly and give a lot of tips, which helps, but the hills and wind make it a tough introduction to the game.
Liloan Golf and Leisure Estate
A newer addition to Cebu’s golf scene, Liloan combines modern design with natural landscapes. It’s currently a 9-hole course located just north of Cebu City, with plans to expand to 18 holes. The relaxed atmosphere and well-maintained facilities make it worth considering for beginners.
Where to Rent Clubs
Here’s some good news: you don’t need to buy a full set of clubs just to try the sport. Most of Cebu’s major golf courses offer club rental services.
Cebu Country Club offers club and shoe rental on-site. The pro shop is well-stocked, and you can arrange rentals when you book your tee time.
Alta Vista Golf and Country Club also provides club and shoe rental. The club offers rentals including golf sets, shoes, and even umbrellas. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can arrange rentals on-site.
Mactan Island Golf Club and Club Filipino de Cebu also offer rental services, though you may want to call ahead to confirm availability.
The general rule across most courses is that rental clubs are available, but the selection might be limited. If you’re particular about your equipment—or if you’re left-handed—it’s worth calling the pro shop in advance to check what they have.
Where to Take Lessons
Taking lessons is the smartest thing a beginner can do. Trying to figure out the swing on your own usually leads to bad habits that are hard to break later.
At the Golf Courses
Most of the major clubs offer golf lessons. Cebu Country Club has practice facilities and professional instructors available. Alta Vista offers golf lessons with practice facilities including a driving range, putting green, and chipping area. Club Filipino de Cebu has a well-maintained driving range where players can practice their swing.
Driving Ranges and Practice Facilities
If you’re not ready to commit to a full course lesson, driving ranges are a great place to start. Camp Lapu Lapu Golf Driving Range is an ideal spot for beginner golfers looking to hone their skills. It offers affordable rates, with buckets of balls priced at 25 pesos each and an hourly fee of 250 pesos.
Cebu International Golf & Resort in Badian features a state-of-the-art driving range where players can warm up or work on their swing with the help of a professional instructor.
Golf Tour Operators
Companies like GolfLux specialize in golf packages and can help organize lessons as part of a broader golf experience. This can be a convenient option if you want a package deal that includes green fees, rentals, and instruction.
Practical Tips for Beginners
Start at the Driving Range
Before you step onto a course, spend time at a driving range. It’s cheaper, less intimidating, and you can hit dozens of balls in the time it would take you to play a few holes. Work on your grip, stance, and basic swing mechanics before worrying about course strategy.
Book in Advance
During the dry season from November to May, and especially during December and January, tee times fill up fast. Book at least a few days ahead, and if you’re playing on a weekend, book even earlier.
Understand the Caddy System
Caddies are standard at most Cebu golf courses. They carry your bag, help with club selection, read the greens, and offer advice. For beginners, a good caddy is invaluable—they’ll keep you moving, help you find lost balls, and give you tips on course management. Tipping is customary, so plan for around PHP 250 to PHP 500 per round.
Dress Appropriately
Most clubs enforce a dress code. Collared shirts, golf shorts or pants, and soft-spike golf shoes are standard. No denim, no sleeveless shirts, and no hard spikes. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are your friend in Cebu’s tropical climate.
Bring Sun Protection
The sun in Cebu is intense year-round. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Many golfers also carry a lightweight rain jacket during the wet season (June to October), as afternoon showers can appear suddenly.
Don’t Worry About Being Bad
Everyone was a beginner once. The golf community in Cebu is friendly and welcoming, and the courses aren’t crowded or competitive. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Golf is supposed to be fun.
Getting Started: A Simple Plan
If you’re completely new to golf, here’s a simple roadmap:
- Visit a driving range like Camp Lapu Lapu. Hit a few buckets of balls just to get a feel for the swing.
- Book a lesson at one of the clubs. A single hour with a professional will save you months of frustration.
- Play your first round at Mactan Island Golf Club or Club Filipino de Cebu. The flat terrain and forgiving layout will make the experience enjoyable rather than punishing.
- Rent clubs until you’re sure you want to commit. Most courses offer rentals, so there’s no need to invest in equipment right away.
- Gradually explore other courses as your confidence and skill improve.
Cebu is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to learn golf. The courses are beautiful, the pace is relaxed, and the community is welcoming. All you need to do is show up.
Author
John Paul Ybañez Paquibot
Licensed Real Estate Broker | PRC No. 00014132 | DHSUD No. CVRFO-B-03/18-2672
Bachelors Realty and Brokerage, Inc. Cebu
G/F Cap Building, Brgy. Corner, Osmeña Blvd.
Arlington Pond St. Extension, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
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