Santa Barbara Golf Club: The oldest golf course in the Philippines
Posted by on November 21, 2009
I have been to Iloilo for 7 times this year, and I have already lost count since I first stepped into this province when I was still in Grade 6. But honestly, it was my first time to actually visit the Santa Barbara Golf Club located at the town of Santa Barbara in Central Iloilo.
Santa Barbara Golf and Country Club opened in 1807 and has just celebrated its centennial year two years ago. Currently, its official name is Iloilo Golf and Country Club.
When it opened 102 years ago, the golf course was then exclusive only to the British and Americans. It was only five years later, in 1812 when the Filipinos were allowed to played in the golf course.
Right behind the Club House of the Golf Club is a Golf Museum where old golf balls, trophies, medals, magazines and old photographs are on display.
We asked the permission of the front desk to allow us to go to the greens itself. I am no golfer aficionado, but I am truly amaze at its vast expanse. The place is just so big and the grass is so well-maintained.
The club has 18 holes and measures 6,056 yards.
good thing it wasn’t a playing day when you went there.
last time when i brought my visitors there we weren’t allowed the greens since “baka matama-an kami ng bola” lol
by the way