Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao
Posted By philippine evolution staff on September 29, 2012
philippine-evolution.com
APO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Photo from: flickr.com/photos/fraginal/3330068963/
Located in lush terrain where irrigation is not a problem, it is payable anytime of the year. A par 72, it has 7,079 yards if played from the back tree. The greens are huge but relatively flat, adorned by pristine white sand traps. Water hazards abound in his challenging layout which is further tricked with vast areas of coconut and mahogany trees. Its signature hole is No. 11, a par 3 guarded by a large pond in front. The highlight of Apo is tee mound No. 10 which offers a scenic view of Mt. Apo, the countrys highest peak. – youtube.com/watch?v=8tLK1bRHH3g
Photo from: golfph.com
Photo from: welovedavao.com
Apo Golf & Country Club is located in Barangay Bago, about 30 minutes drive south of Davao City proper, along the AH26. Keep a lookout for the entry gate. The roadside signage comes out of no where. Been there many times and still have to keep my guard up There is a long winding road leading to the caddy shack and the clubhouse. Make sure to stop the caddy shack on the right hand side of the road and drop your bags before proceeding to the clubhouse. If you have a preferred caddy you can request it then from the caddy master, if not it will be by rotation.
Photo from: davaocitygolf.com
Photo from: article.wn.com
The clubhouse was undergoing renovation in our last visit and they were bringing it up to date. The club is a everyday mans course. Nothing over the top or expensive. It is actually very reasonably priced for locals and “foreigners”. They list their amenities as having a swimming pool, pelota courts, practice green and driving range. As of November 2009 and the previous 4 years before, I have never seen the swimming pool in a usable condition and never even seen the pelota courts.
Photo from: davaobagobohousehotel.com
Photo from: sports.nfo.ph
The putting greens are in good condition and depict what you can expect on the course in terms of speed and condition. The driving range has approximately 20 stalls and is dirt based. It is also only about 220 yards deep. They have a net surrounding it. (the 10th hole wraps around the range) I never even considered pulling the driver while at the range. But it is sufficient for warming up before playing.
Photo from: pinoygolfer.com
Photo from: agoda.com
The staff at Apo really are very warm and friendly. This may not be the top course in Davao as far as facilities or conditions (although conditions are typically good), but their staff is very professional and very helpful. They treat their guests and members as if it were a top tier club.
Photo from: davaocitygolf.com
Photo from: panoramio.com
The course itself is used in several professional tournaments throughout the year. The front 9 is fairly straight forward with wide fairways and back to front sloping greens. The greens at Apo are kept in very good condition. They typically run from 10-11 on the Stimp meter. The 10th hole is what they are known for as from the tee you have a great view of Mount Apo (Philippines highest peak) and the 11th hole is a par 3 that might as well be a island green as there is a pond that extends from tee to green and the all around the green is death. There is no bailout area. But never fear, if you drop a couple in the water, the local kids will be glad to go and fetch them for you The back 9 continues on this theme of fairly tight tree lined fairways with twists and turns. The back is more of a placement layout than a bomber one.
Photo from: panoramio.com
Photo from: pinoygolfer.com
The caddies at Apo are knowledgeable and can help you shave a few strokes off, especially if you have never played the track before. We typically use the same caddies every time we visit, a trio of brothers (sons of the former club pro, i believe) they are all 3 very personable, professional and very good golfers in their own right. Although I hear the youngest of the 3 is giving it to his older brothers these days
Photo from: panoramio.com
Photo from: pinoygolfer.com
We have never eaten in the restaurant (although we have gotten snacks and drinks) on site but we have eaten several times at the food stalls outside the main gate. Just park right inside the gate and walk back to the main road. The resturant on the corner has excellent food that is very inexpensive. Their adobo and their curry goat is delicious.
Source: davaocitygolf.com
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