The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) launched its inaugural Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) programme on Friday, August 29. The initiative aims to attract more foreign and domestic golfers to the lush fairways of the Philippines.

The event, held at Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Pampanga, included lessons as well as a tournament tailored for diplomats and golf enthusiasts. This program stands as a part of the DOT’s bigger campaign known as the Philippine Experience Programme, pushing for the Philippines to be identified as a premier golfing destination in the region.

High-value low-impact tourism was a major theme of the launch, with Secretary Christina Frasco declaring: > “Tourism, after all, is not only about how many people have arrived, but rather about how many livelihoods it sustains, how many enterprises it strengthens, and how deep the pride of place it nurtures across our communities.”

She emphasized that golf, if conducted sustainably, can afford low-impact and high-value tourism experiences, encouraging travelers to engage more with local environments and communities.

In a related interview, Elisa Bulawit, executive secretary of the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, remarked that expanding golf tourism offers significant potential for growth. Bulawit noted: > “If you would notice what Vietnam is doing, they’re also highlighting the best golf courses that they have and that’s what the DOT is doing now. We possess numerous fantastic golf venues that remain to be discovered by golf fans.”

Visiting golfers are assured of world-class service and the famously warm Filipino hospitality. “In Luzon, we have golf courses that would score 9/10 in terms of quality. And we also have those in Visayas and Mindanao,” Bulawit shared.

The DOT is targeting increased visitors from Japan, Korea, and the U.S., both professional and amateur players, to experience Philippine golfing. Secretary Frasco mentioned plans to enhance promotional activities in other markets such as Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.

She concluded: > “The experience of the Philippines is like no other; it’s not just the golf courses that are excellent but also the appealing destinations beyond them. You can play golf one day and relax on the beach the next, or perhaps even try diving.”