The one-of-a-kind course of Dakak Golf Club is nearing completion.
Started five years ago, the Greg Norman-designed layout has one of the most unique features in a golf course–seven holes on the front nine facing the Sulu sea.
Located 20 minutes away from Dipolog Airport, the Dakak golf course, found inside the sprawling, largely untouched portion of the famous beach resort, had its front nine already in play for three years.
On Nov. 24, the other half of the course will be formally inaugurated with the inaugural Chairman’s Cup tournament, in honor of former Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, whose vision started this project.
“Construction process on our ‘Ocean 9’ is now reduced to shaping and grass turfing on the three fairways, with cart path development and landscaping on-going and scheduled to be mostly completed by the end of September,” said Dakak Golf president Rick Gibson.
“The Habagat seasonal winds have brought welcome rain showers to assist the grow-in of our newly-planted tees, fairways and greens, and a newly adjusted maintenance program has greatly improved the condition and playability of the greens on our now in play ‘Hillside 9’,” said Gibson.
Modifications were also made along the way to maximize the topography of the area. Paths and natural bridges to connect islets for more challenging greens were created. Grass for the fairways was grown nearby. Training for employed locals was upgraded.
“The transition of our umbrella girls into fully trained caddies is on-going, with the additional benefit of many of our young ladies becoming respectable golfers as well,” added Gibson, a former Asian Tour champion. “Competition on-course within the staff is becoming fierce, while revealing talents otherwise hidden before the introduction of golf at Dakak only a few short years ago.”
The Dakak Golf Club Monthly Medal tournament was started in July, with the second edition held last Aug. 18. The champion of each tournament received free entry into the Chairman’s Cup.
Dakak Golf Academy design has been completed by John Cope of Cope Design Group, and the site is merely awaiting further fill materials before shaping, drainage, irrigation and grassing are completed before the end of 2019. The design includes options to play either a three-hole practice course or a nine-hole par 3 course, along with covered hitting bays for driving range practice and a short game practice area. The space will have lights to allow play and practice at night, a convenience rarely found in the Philippines.
International golf organizations have already inquired about holding tournaments at Dakak Golf when it is fully operational. The goal is for Dakak Golf to become an international golfing destination in the next few years.