Subic Sensation

Around 130km from Manila, Subic Bay was once site of a major US Naval Base. The base was closed back in 1991, but the area still attracts a healthy foreign presence due to its proximity to the capital and also its tremendous possibilities for scuba diving. Now the opening of Anvaya Cove represents another prestigious addition to the range of leisure activities available in the vicinity of Subic Bay.

A mid-morning tee-off time necessitated an uncomfortably early departure from our Manila hotel. As the urban sprawl of the city softened into coconut palm-studded rice fields and then into the dramatic mountains-meet-ocean tableaux of Subic Bay, however, the effort began to feel more worthwhile.

By the time a rare competent drive and approach shot had secured par at the first and the azure expanse of the West Philippine Sea had come into view on the second tee, all memory of the early morning blues had faded into complete insignificance.

One of the things our group liked most about the course was the sheer variety of terrain and experiences it offers over the 18-holes. While sections of Anvaya Cove are played inland through funnels of massive trees, other holes – especially the stunning stretch from 11-13 – are more coastal in character and utilize the course’s stunning location to full show-stopping effect.