Best Country Clubs in the Philippines

With golf becoming more popular recently, there’s a chance that you’re considering joining a country club.

But contrary to what you may think, country clubs are not just for golf enthusiasts. It’s also a great gateway for other recreation and social activities.

If you’re still on the rocks about joining a country club, or you want to know more about it, you’re on the right place.

What is a Country Club?

A country club is an organization that offers membership for people who want to enjoy different kinds of activities like golf, tennis, swimming, and other social and dining activities. T

hese clubs have state-of-the-art and expansive facilities such as restaurants, golf courses, shops, and many more.

To become a member of a country club, you need to pay a specific amount of money. This way, you can access facilities and amenities, as well as enjoy perks.

The membership can be done by paying in full or on a monthly payment schedule.

Benefits of Country Club Membership

Here are some of the benefits of joining a country club.

It gives you access to top-tier golf courses

Regardless of what kind of level you are playing golf at, you can find a golf course that will suit your style and skill level in country clubs.

It also gives you access to other exclusive amenities such as locker rooms, cart rentals, and even tennis courts.

Country clubs want their members to improve so they have staff and professionals at all times.

They also offer discounted or free lessons to members. Without a membership, this can be very expensive.

Most country clubs also hold annual tournaments in different styles, as well as fundraisers.

These can range from serious championships, themed events, or organized just for fun.

It offers swimming, tennis, and other amenities

With a valid membership, you can go to the country club on a day off or on a lazy weekend and have a lot of fun.

You can swim in the pools, or enjoy nature. It also gives you access to the tennis courts and other activities like swimming.

If you are not a member, you are only allowed to use the facilities when they are not occupied by club members.

A lot of country clubs also offer other services such as fitness centers and spas.

Many of these amenities resemble resorts, but they are more accessible.

Because of this, you’ll feel as if you’re on a vacation when you’re spending time at your country club.

It offers community and socializing opportunities

When you are a member of a country club, you get to meet people with the same interests as you.

It is also a great place to form and foster new business connections and friendships.

This means that you can easily find your next tennis, golf, or business partner.

It allows you to have business opportunities

If you are into business or want to build a business, you can use the network that you have in the country club to your advantage.

It has event spaces, restaurants, and private lounges

If you are looking for a private place to have important meetings or events, you can use the facilities of country clubs.

Many of the country clubs have private lounges and restaurants where you can reserve for gatherings and events.

You can even rent the whole place out to hold a social event like a wedding.

There are a lot of country club members who will want to help you celebrate your special day.

Additionally, country clubs have lounges and restaurants that are only for the members.

You get to enjoy the best kinds of food and drinks that are only available here.

Why Join a Country Club?

We’ve rounded up some of the reasons why you should join a country club below.

It gives your family more opportunities for entertainment

When you are a member of a country club, your family can have more opportunities to play and have fun.

With the many activities you can do in the country club, there is nothing for your family to worry about when it comes to spending time together.

Additionally, you can also teach your children golf and other activities you love.

It helps you save money for golf and other activities

Membership fees are expensive but the amount of money you will save will make it worth it.

If you are into golf and you have a busy schedule, country clubs are the best place to be.

It enables you to network

Being a member of a country club gives you access to a lot of people that you can do business with.

It also gives you the opportunity to meet people with different interests which is great for networking.

Therefore, you can easily make connections that you can use for personal and business purposes.

Many business owners also hang out at the country club to have some time off with friends.

It promotes health and fitness

If you are into physical activities, this is a great place to work out and stay fit.

Many of the country clubs offer different kinds of facilities for different kinds of physical activity like golf, swimming, tennis, and other activities.

It gives your body the chance to rest and relax.

It offers personalized service

These country clubs want their members to feel like they are important.

They have staff and professionals who will assist you anytime you need help. They can also cater to your needs and preferences.

It has an amazing community

The community that you can have in the country club is eclectic and diverse. You will get to meet people from different backgrounds, and connect with them.

It allows you to bring friends

You can bring as many friends as you want when you are a member of a country club.

You may even pique their interest to become a member.

This is also a fun place to hang out with business associates if you want to impress them. You can play golf and tennis and enjoy delicious food in the restaurants.

Best Country Clubs in the Philippines

Wondering what the best country clubs are in the country? Here’s a list you can check out.

Balesin Island Club

Membership cost: Starts at 3 million

Monthly dues:

Corporate and diamond: P6,360 (consumable P3,000)
Gold: P7,432 (consumable P3,400)

Location: Balesin Island, Polillo, Quezon

Considered as one of the most popular country clubs in the country, Balesin is a great place for a quick getaway because it’s just 20 minutes away from Manila via plane.

It offers beautifully-designed theme villages that are inspired by iconic destinations such as Mykonos, St. Tropez, Toscana, Costa del Sol, and Phuket.

Members can get fourteen free villa nights annually, as well as free use of amenities and facilities.

Some of its amenities include:

Clubhouse suites and lounge
Dining room
Music lounge
Pools
Wine cave
Boutique
Playroom
KTV rooms
Cigar divan
Sports center
Spas
Medical clinic
Picnic grove

Alviera Country Club

Membership cost: starts at P630,000 to P1 million

Monthly dues:

P3,740 (consumable P500)

Location: Porac, Pampanga

This is the first country club of its kind in Central Luzon. It is built with nature in mind in the sprawling landscape of Porac, Pampanga.

Some of its amenities include:

Pools (including lap pool)
Sports bar
Restaurant and café
Billiard Hall
Indoor play area
Game room
Theater rooms
Tennis courts
Courts for volleyball and basketball
Board rooms and meeting rooms

Manila Polo Club

Membership cost: P24 million

Monthly dues:

P5,500 (consumable P1,000)

Location: 35 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City

The favorite hang-out spot of some of the wealthiest politicians, celebrities, socialites, and business tycoons, Manila Polo Club is one of the best and most exclusive country clubs in Asia.

It was founded by William Cameron Forbes in 1909.

Some of its amenities include:

Archery range
Bowling alleys
Badminton courts
Polo/Showjumping/dressage
Bullrings
Gym and aerobic room
Exercise and weights workout room
Martial arts
Tennis, pelota, and squash courts
Gold driving range
Cogon village
Sports lounge
Beauty lounge and barbershop
Swimming pools

Alabang Country Club

Membership cost: P7.5 million

Playing rights:

Alabang Country Club (A): P40,000
Alabang Country Club (B): P45,000

Monthly dues:

Proprietary member: P5,000 (consumable P500)
Playing rights member: P6,120 (consumable P500)

Location: Acacia Avenue, Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City

This is one of the best country clubs in the country for members who want to enjoy leisure facilities.

With its 18-hole golf course, driving range, and other facilities, everyone in the family will surely find something to pique their interest.

Some of its amenities include:

Massage rooms
Sauna
Driving range
Basketball courts
Ten lane tenpin bowling
Golfers veranda
Dining rooms, bar, snack areas, coffee shops
Lap pool
Ballroom
Barbershop and beauty salon
Tennis, volleyball, and squash courts
Skating rink
Library and reading room

The Palms Country Club

Membership cost: P950,000

Playing rights:

P60,000

Monthly dues:

P3,300

Location: 1410 Laguna Heights Drive, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

This three-hectare country club is so private even its website requires secure log-in from the members.

Club members can enjoy more than just golf, but also other sports like tennis. They also offer tons of dining options and event venues.

Some of its amenities include:

Restaurants and bars
Spas, sauna, and treatment rooms
Salon
Massage facilities
Gym
Tennis, badminton, and squash courts
Bowling lanes
Pool and billiard tables
Bars
Japanese restaurants
Rock climbing
Golf practice area

Wack Wack Golf & Country Club

Membership cost: P48 million

Playing rights:

P400,000

Monthly dues:

P8,300

Location: Wack Wack Road, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City

This is one of the oldest members-only clubs in Manila. It was established in 1930, and it offers some of the best golf courses in the Philippines.

Some of its amenities include:

Restaurants
Driving range
Clubhouse
Pools
Parlors
Golf course
Barbershop
Ballroom
Function rooms, meeting rooms, banquet hall

Manila Golf & Country Club

Membership cost: P1.2 million

Monthly fees:

P12,000

Location: Harvard Road, Forbes Park, Makati City

This club is one of the most historic country clubs in the Philippines, with history dating back to 1901. The present country club came into existence in 1969.

Some of its amenities include:

Pitching green
Tee houses
Gymnasium
Driving range
Function rooms and boardroom
Coffee shop
Restaurant and bar

Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club

Membership cost: P350,000

Monthly dues:

P4,000 (consumable P1,000)

Location: Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas

This country club is great for people who want to recharge and enjoy recreational activities.

It also features works by prolific local designers such as Kenneth Cobonpue to perfectly match the design theme by Manny Samson.

Some of its amenities include:

Pools
Badminton, tennis, and squash covered courts
Sundry shop
Game room
Snack bars
Children’s center
Bowling and billiards hall
Gym
Library
Restaurants
Function rooms

The Country Club at Tagaytay Highlands

Membership cost: P650,000 to P1 million

Location: Country Club Rd, Tagaytay, Cavite

This is a one-stop recreation club that houses tons of leisure activities for the entire family.

They are also known for housing Gourmet Avenue which features the Italian restaurant Toscana and Japanese restaurant Akasaka, among many others.

Some of its amenities include:

Restaurants
Meeting rooms
Library and reading room
Karaoke bar
Pools and Jacuzzis
Game room
Children’s recreation and learning center
Kids biking course
Trekking trail and packages

Baguio Country Club

Membership cost: P4.7 million

Monthly dues:

P6,000

Location: Country Club Road, Baguio City

This is a picturesque historical landmark in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Established in 1905, Baguio Country club is also the first and only 5-star mountain resort in the country.

Some of its amenities include:

Pitching green
Driving range
Tee houses
Table tennis, pelota, squash courts
Swimming pools
Restaurant, coffee shop, and bar
Boardroom and function room
Beauty salon
Clubhouses

Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club

Membership cost: P1.5 to 1.9 million

Monthly fees:

P5,600

Location: Barangay Mabayo, Morong, Bataan

This country club features an 18-hole all-weather golf course, as well as an extensive sports complex.

It’s one of the best country clubs in the country for family bonding time thanks to its beautiful seaside setting.

Some of its amenities include:

Cafes, restaurants, wine room, bar and grille
Game room
Beach cabana
Library
Clinic
Spas function rooms
Playgrounds
Ziplines, rope course, kid’s obstacle course
Kids discovery classroom
Ecological trails
Kids indoor and outdoor play areas

Valley Golf & Country Club

Membership cost: P1.7 million

Playing rights:

P209,000

Monthly dues:

P4,000

Location: Don Celso S. Tuason Ave. Antipolo City

Located in the rolling hills of Antipolo, this country club was established in 1958.

It was opened in 1961 and since then, it’s been a popular hangout of golf players and aficionados.

Some of its amenities include:

Tee houses
Viewing deck
Lounge
Boardroom and function room
Game room
Pools
Gymnasium
Steam bath

The Country Club

Membership cost: P4 million

Monthly dues:

P16,500

Location: Brgy. Don Jose and Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

This country club features a golf course designed by former British Open Champion and master golf course architect Tom Weiskopf so it is challenging even for experts.

It also houses different facilities to accommodate every need of players.

Some of its amenities include:

Putting green
Tee houses
Pro shop
Bar and restaurant
Driving range
Clubhouse

Cebu Country Club

Membership cost: P8.5 million
Membership fee (10 years validity): P1.5 million

Playing rights:

P249,408

Monthly dues:

P6,048

Location: Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Kasambagan, Cebu City

This is the oldest golf course in Cebu. After it was established in 1928, most of its members were expatriates.

Just like other country clubs, they also offer a wide array of recreational activities.

Some of its amenities include:

Tee houses
Function rooms
Restaurant
Practice facilities
Swimming pool
Bowling alley
Tennis court and badminton court
Hotel/accommodation

Does it make financial sense to join a Country Club?

At first glance, joining a country club may seem like a huge investment. However, this investment will make sense if you constantly play golf, and want to enjoy other amenities.

When you’re a country club member, you don’t have to worry about shelling out cash every time you want to enjoy your hobby.

Related: Personal Finance Fundamentals

Is Country Club Membership a Good Investment?

The answer depends on a few things. Take into consideration these factors:

How often do you plan on playing per month?
Will your family enjoy the membership as well?
What are the current country club prices you’re considering?
How much are the transfer fees?

If you want to buy a country club share, you should also put into consideration whether or not its value will go up or down. Therefore, you have to discern well.

How much is the Country Club Membership in the Philippines?

There are many fees to consider if you want to join a country club in the Philippines.

For example, you need to pay a one-time initiation fee which usually comes up to more than 1 million pesos for established golf courses. The initial deposit can range from 20–50% of the total membership fee. Many clubs also offer staggered or annual payments.

You also need to take care of monthly fees for maintenance, and green fees for the golf courses.

Finally, you need to pay a transfer fee if you want to transfer your membership to another person. This amount is usually lesser than the one-time initiation fee.

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