Against a canvas of cloudy skies and a backdrop of cool weather, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) teed off a new era of travel with the official launch of the ‘Philippine Golf Experience’ (GolfEx) at the pristine fairways of Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Clark, Pampanga.
It not just about a game; it’s a strategic swing aimed at placing the Philippines squarely on the global golf tourism map.
The ceremonial tee-off, led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, marked the beginning of a nationwide caravan designed to showcase the country’s rich golf destinations.
“Together, let us show the world that in the Philippines, golf is never just a game—it is a journey through nature, a discovery of our culture, and, above all, an encounter with the warmth of Filipino hospitality,” said Frasco..
“With the Philippine Golf Experience, we are not merely opening a tournament. We are setting in motion a bold new era for Philippine tourism—one that is innovative, inclusive, proudly Filipino, and ensures that it uplifts the lives of our people. “
Joined by a powerhouse of government officials, industry leaders, and foreign diplomats, the event was a powerful display of what Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera described as “synergy.”
“The secret here is synergy—synergy with our locators, synergy with government agencies, synergy with our foreign friends, and above all, the leadership of the Department of Tourism, under the guidance of our President,” Devanadera said, highlighting the collective effort driving this ambitious project.
The choice of Clark as the inaugural venue was no accident. With its world-class international airport and modern infrastructure, Clark has cemented its position as a gateway for global tourism. Frasco noted that the city’s readiness, combined with the premium quality of venues like Mimosa Plus, perfectly embodies the future of Philippine tourism—one that is both globally competitive and inclusive.
The GolfEx program, an offshoot of the DOT’s successful “Philippine Experience Program,” is built on the principle of “high-value, low-impact” tourism. It aims to attract visitors who stay longer, spend more, and engage more deeply with local culture, thereby sustaining livelihoods and strengthening local economies.
The launch event was a full-circle experience, showcasing the multifaceted nature of golf tourism. Participants, including ambassadors from countries like Japan, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates, not only took part in an 18-hole friendly tournament but also received golf lessons from the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines and embarked on a cultural tour of Clark’s landmarks.
The tournament itself was a celebration of skill and camaraderie. Players like Philip Naingue, who took home the best overall score, and Philip Naingue, who hit a rare albatross, embodied the spirit of excellence the program hopes to foster. As DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand C. Jumapao stated, “Today’s winners are not only champions on the course, but ambassadors of our vision. Through golf, we bring together sport, travel, and culture in a way that showcases the beauty, hospitality, and potential of the Philippines.”
Beyond the fairways, the launch signaled a movement. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, from local officials like Senator Lito Lapid and Governor Oyie Umali to leaders of the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. Their presence underscored the crucial collaboration between the government and the private sector, a key ingredient for the initiative’s success.
