By Adrian Flores
In its almost three-decade old operations, the Masters of the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, chaired by former real estate tycoon Bob Sobrepeña, remains true to its commitment as one of the great, toughest golf courses in the Philippines.
For starters, the Masters, one of few signature golf courses designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his Golden Bear team, is quite long at around 7,300 yards from the tips. It is lengthy, alright, but this is just one aspect of its many characters.
The strong winds that practically blow in all directions in the mid morning and early afternoon adds more color and depth to how to play the Masters and score well. It is a hazard alright but sometimes it is a risk-reward type of layout that could benefit the golfers.
Currently, the Masters is on the tail-end of a rehabilitation project that, when everything is done, will be the Perfect venue for the Nomura Cup, or the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, a tournament in partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines.
“Masters will be ready in time for the Nomura Cup next week and the Chairman’s. Cup,” says golf director Jerome Delariarte, noting that the Masters hosted the Philippine Open, Eisenhower Cup and a host of international and local events.
