A deep dive into one of the Philippines' most exclusive courses. Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, Nicklaus redesign, and mango trees that will test your patience.

Alabang Country Club: Metro Manila's Hidden Golf Gem

Just 30 minutes from Makati. A world away from everything.

Nestled in the exclusive Ayala Alabang community, this 74-hectare paradise has been quietly serving up world-class golf since 1981. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and later refined by Jack Nicklaus in 1999, it's the course that serious Manila golfers whisper about—because getting in requires knowing the right people.

Alabang Country Club course overview - lush fairways and tropical setting

Course Stats

Par: 72
Length: 6,950 yards (from the tips)
Rating: 71.8 / Slope: 138
Designers: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1981), Jack Nicklaus (1999 redesign)
Hours: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily

The Layout

At nearly 7,000 yards from the back tees, Alabang demands respect. But what makes this course special isn't just length—it's the strategic placement of hazards and the undulating terrain that keeps you thinking on every shot. The Nicklaus touch is evident in the risk-reward decisions you'll face throughout the round.

Play from the forward tees and it's a pleasant, scenic round. Step back to the tips and suddenly those mango trees aren't just beautiful—they're ball magnets with an attitude.

Signature Hole: The 4th

Hole 4 at Alabang Country Club - water hazards, sand traps, and dog-leg design

If there's one hole that defines Alabang, it's the 4th. This beast combines everything that makes Jones Jr. and Nicklaus designs memorable: water hazards that stare at you from the tee, sand traps positioned exactly where you don't want them, and a dog-leg that punishes the overconfident.

Local tip: Take one extra club on the approach. The green plays longer than it looks, and coming up short means a watery grave for your Titleist.

Course Conditions

Consistently rated among the best-maintained courses in the Philippines. The fairways are immaculate—tight, fast, and forgiving enough for clean contact. The greens? Pristine. They roll true and at a speed that rewards good putting without being punishing.

This is a club that takes course maintenance seriously. You won't find bare patches, muddy bunkers, or rough that swallows balls. It's the kind of conditioning that justifies the exclusive membership.

The Clubhouse Experience

Alabang Country Club clubhouse - elegant Filipino architecture with modern amenities

Beyond the 18 holes, ACCI is a full-service country club. We're talking swimming pool, tennis courts, a football field, polo grounds (yes, polo), bowling alley, gym, spa, and enough dining options to make post-round celebrations a serious decision.

The 19th hole atmosphere is relaxed but refined. Cold San Miguel, a view of the 18th green, and the kind of clubhouse banter that only happens when everyone's just survived the same challenging round.

Getting In

Here's the catch: Alabang Country Club is strictly members-only. You'll need to be sponsored and accompanied by a member to play. No walk-ins, no exceptions. This exclusivity keeps the course uncrowded and pristine—but it means you'll need to cultivate your networking skills.

If you're in Manila on business, a round at Alabang is worth asking your local contacts about. It's the kind of course that makes the effort of getting in completely worthwhile.

The Verdict

Alabang Country Club delivers everything you'd expect from a Jones Jr./Nicklaus collaboration in a tropical paradise setting. The course is challenging without being cruel, beautifully maintained, and offers the kind of golf experience that stays with you long after the round ends.

Is it exclusive? Absolutely. Is it worth the effort to get invited? Without question.