TIEZA Commits to Club Intramuros Golf Course Preservation and Sports Tourism Growth

Published on December 10, 2025

Travel often presents us with a choice: pursue a modern recreational activity or immerse ourselves in history. Rarely do those two paths converge seamlessly in one destination. Yet, nestled within the centuries-old walls of Intramuros, the historic core of Manila, lies a site that defies this dichotomy: the Club Intramuros Golf Course (CIGC). Established in 1906 during the American colonial period, CIGC is not merely a place to play a round; it is a living, breathing chapter of Philippine history—one of the few golf courses in the world built entirely within a preserved heritage district.

The challenge of maintaining such a site—a delicate balance between a high-standard sports venue and an irreplaceable cultural monument—has been taken up by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). TIEZA is proudly underscoring its commitment to CIGC’s legacy, ensuring that this premier sports tourism asset remains a treasured landmark for generations of Filipinos and international visitors.

A Golfer’s Heritage Dream: Playing Within the Walls

For a golfer, the experience at CIGC is incomparable. Imagine standing on the tee box, not just focusing on your swing, but looking up to see Spanish-era fortifications, massive stone bulwarks, and historic watchtowers looming in the distance. The course is a stunning juxtaposition of the perfectly manicured, modern green against the rough, centuries-old stone of Manila’s Walled City. .

CIGC offers a sensory journey that connects the athleticism of the present with the echoes of the past. It serves as a powerful reminder of Manila’s layered history, functioning as both a recreational amenity and a visible, accessible marker of colonial heritage. This unique blend of athletic pursuit and historical immersion is what elevates CIGC far beyond a standard golf destination, securing its place as an iconic tourist spot.

TIEZA’s Dual Mandate: Preserving the Past, Investing in the Future

TIEZA’s stewardship of the Club Intramuros Golf Course perfectly exemplifies two of its core mandates: maintaining quality tourism infrastructure and preserving cultural and historical assets. This responsibility is not simple; it requires a meticulous, heritage-sensitive approach.

The agency’s current efforts reflect this dedication to the twin goals of conservation and modernization. Significant work is underway, including structural conservation of the surrounding fortifications, heritage-sensitive landscaping that respects the site’s original character, and essential facility upgrades. Crucially, TIEZA is implementing advanced drainage and irrigation improvements to ensure the course remains world-class.

This balancing act ensures that the historical significance of the site is honoured without sacrificing the standards required of a modern sports tourism facility. By investing in practical upgrades like enhanced lighting and safety features, TIEZA ensures year-round playability, including the popular night golf offerings. This sustained preservation, led by TIEZA, is a commitment to keeping the spirit of the Walled City alive and functional for modern tourism.

The Silent Partner: Every Filipino’s Contribution to History

TIEZA’s Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid emphasized that the preservation of CIGC is made possible through the collective efforts of the nation, proclaiming, “Its continued preservation is made possible through the support of every Filipino traveler.”

This is where the story of CIGC becomes truly human and relatable. The ongoing operations, upkeep, and conservation work—from maintaining pristine fairways to protecting centuries-old structures—are directly supported by a portion of the travel tax collections. This mechanism, dubbed “Building Tourism Together,” transforms a routine tax payment into an act of direct contribution. Every Filipino traveller, whether flying domestically or internationally, becomes a silent partner in protecting a national treasure.

This financial transparency fosters a profound sense of shared ownership and national pride. It’s a powerful message: the past is not preserved solely by government decree, but by the ongoing collective commitment of its people.

Elevating Sports Tourism: A Strategic Asset

In the rapidly expanding global golf tourism market, CIGC stands as one of the Philippines’ most strategic assets. It offers a clear competitive advantage over thousands of courses worldwide. Its central location, combined with the unique selling point of heritage value and the practicality of night golf, makes it a key target for international golfers and tour operators seeking an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the standard round of 18 holes.

By investing in these enhancements, TIEZA is supporting the country’s broader goal of positioning the Philippines as an emerging golf tourism hub in Asia. The expected result is not just a boost in golf tourism arrivals but a positive economic ripple effect across Intramuros and the surrounding communities, generating jobs and wider recognition for Manila as a dynamic, historic capital.

Returning to the Community: Sundays at Club Intramuros

In a beautiful extension of its stewardship, TIEZA has recently taken steps to ensure CIGC serves the immediate community, moving beyond its function as an elite sports venue. In support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for the revitalization of Manila landmarks, TIEZA launched the “Sundays at Club Intramuros” initiative.

This program temporarily transforms the course into a vast, welcoming “green lung” within the capital’s historic center. The community is invited to enjoy non-golf activities such as walking, jogging, light exercises, and small group picnics within the historic walls. This open access reinforces the course’s role as a civic space, making heritage accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they play golf. It reminds residents that the landmarks of the past are meant to enrich the lives of the present.

The Club Intramuros Golf Course is a triumph of thoughtful governance and collective action. It is a powerful reminder that by preserving the country’s past—made possible by the joint efforts of TIEZA, the Department of Tourism, the Intramuros Administration, and every Filipino traveller—Manila is successfully shaping a stronger, more vibrant, and more historically conscious tourism future.