The pandemic certainly has wreaked havoc in the world’s economy as various industries faced losses or closures. Unfortunately, the golf industry was also drastically hit by the pandemic’s economic effects; as lockdowns were enforced and hindered people from leaving the safety of their homes.
Despite the world’s economic breakdown, there are still a number of businesses including certain golf clubs that were able to thrive and grow as their shares increased. To save the Philippines’ golf industry, The National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) established mandatory safety guidelines that are in line with the COVID protocols enforced by The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Golf clubs across the country must comply with these guidelines to ensure the safety of their members and employees:
- Allowing caddies as long as social distancing is observed.
- Caddies are not allowed to carry players’ equipment.
- Caddies are not allowed to handle golf sets, golf carts, golf balls, gloves and other items that are handed or exchanged with players. They can only point where the golf ball landed.
- Caddies can only clean the sand areas when the player hits the ball.
- Reopening of locker rooms is halted along with other accessory activities.
Certain golf clubs may only allow a limited number of members and guests to avoid crowding. Therefore, in addition to NGAP’s safety guidelines, inform your golf club of your planned visit beforehand as they may have guidelines specific to their club.
The top 4 golf club shares in the Philippines that appreciated—despite the ongoing pandemic—from the beginning of 2020 up until January of this year are as follows.
At the very top of the list is The Manila Southwoods Golf and Country with a growth of 120,000 shares. Located in Carmona, Cavite, Manila Southwoods is open to members, qualified dependents and accompanied guests where they must all adhere to the club’s COVID protocols.
The Country Club at Tagaytay Highlands follows with a leap of 100,000 shares. Tagaytay remains to be one of the ideal destination for Manila’s urban residents who are looking to relax, unwind and enjoy its cool climate away from the city’s busy and congested atmosphere. The club is open to members, qualified dependents and a maximum of two accompanied guests for members with tee time reservations (maximum of three members per flight).
Montemar Beach Club rises at 70,000 shares followed by The Orchard Golf & Country Club at 20,000 shares. Montemar is located on the coast of the West Philippine Sea in Bagac, Bataan where members are treated with impressive benefits in this beach side paradise. The Orchard along Aguinaldo Highway in Dasmariñas City, Cavite is a prestigious golf club with an impressive array of exclusive and world-class amenities.
Golf clubs not only provide an avenue for a relaxing game of golf, but they are also perfect for spending leisurely time with families and friends, as long as COVID protocols are followed.