The country’s biggest golfing event is underway, kicking off with a tournament at a historic venue before moving on to a two-day exposition on everything golf.
The Philippine golf industry took a significant step forward Thursday as stakeholders, brands, and tourism leaders gathered at the historic Intramuros Golf Club for the GolfCon Invitational, the official curtain-raiser for Philippine GolfCon 2026.
Held from March 12 to 13, the two-day night golf competition brings together sponsors, partners,
and leaders from across the golf ecosystem to celebrate collaboration, strengthen industry
relationships, and highlight the growing importance of golf tourism in the Philippines.
Set within the storied grounds of Intramuros—the only golf course located inside the historic
walled city of Manila—the event also aims to spotlight the cultural and heritage value of one of
the country’s most unique golfing destinations. By hosting the invitational at this iconic venue,
GolfCon organizers hope to reinforce the role of historic golf courses in attracting local and
international visitors while supporting the communities that surround them.
The ceremonial tee-off featured a distinguished lineup of personalities representing the golf,
tourism, and diplomatic communities, including US-based PGA Coach Nathan Kang; President
of Camp John Hay Golf Club, Manjit Reandi; Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Harsh
Kumar Jain; Director for Golf Tourism and Special Projects of the Department of Tourism, Lyle
Fernando Uy; and GolfCon Chairman Jesse Guerrero.
According to organizers, the GolfCon Invitational represents more than a friendly competition—it symbolizes the collective effort of industry leaders working together to elevate the Philippines as a premier golf destination in Asia.
“The Philippine golf industry is thriving, and the opportunities ahead are tremendous,” said
GolfCon Chairman Jesse Guerrero. “GolfCon is about bringing the entire ecosystem
together—from golf courses and brands to tourism leaders and event organizers—so we can
build stronger communities around the game and unlock its full potential for tourism and
economic growth.”
Several of the country’s leading golf distributors, brands, and suppliers are supporting the
initiative, including PacSports, Empire Golf, J10 Sports, Icon Golf, Transview Golf, Malbon Golf,
The Turf Company, and GolfCartsPH—all of whom play a vital role in supplying equipment,
technology, and services that help sustain the sport nationwide.
Their participation reflects the growing momentum behind golf as both a sport and an economic driver, supporting thousands of jobs across golf courses, tourism services, retail, hospitality, and event management.
Following the GolfCon Invitational, the official opening ceremonies of GolfCon 2026 will take
place on March 14 at 10:00 AM at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel.
The two-day expo will bring together golfers, industry professionals, tourism stakeholders, and
enthusiasts for what is expected to be the largest gathering of the Philippine golf industry.
Attendees can explore the latest developments in golf equipment, apparel, training technology,
course management solutions, and golf tourism experiences.
Highlights of the expo include:
• Exhibits from leading golf equipment and apparel brands
• Golf technology and innovation showcases
• Virtual golf simulators and interactive experiences
• Industry networking among golf clubs, tourism agencies, and suppliers
• Special promotions and sales on golf gear and apparel
As the Philippine golf community continues to grow, GolfCon aims to serve as a unifying
platform where industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts come together to strengthen the
future of the sport.
More importantly, the initiative underscores a shared belief: that golf is not only about
competition on the fairways, but also about supporting the communities, destinations, and
livelihoods that make the game possible.
With continued collaboration among government, private sector partners, and golf stakeholders, GolfCon 2026 signals a powerful step toward positioning the Philippines as one of Asia’s most exciting destinations for golf tourism.
Images from GolfCon 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
GolfCon 2026 is the premier annual gathering for golf enthusiasts, professionals, and industry innovators. It serves as a comprehensive platform to showcase the latest advancements in golf technology, course design, and training methodologies.
Attendees can expect interactive equipment demonstrations, masterclasses led by PGA-certified coaches, keynote sessions on the future of sustainable golf course management, and the latest releases in golf tech, including advanced launch monitors and AI-driven swing analysis tools.
Yes. While the event caters to seasoned golfers, it features dedicated “Golf 101” workshops, beginner-friendly equipment fitting sessions, and opportunities to connect with local golf communities, making it an ideal entry point for those new to the sport.
The event features a sprawling “Tech Demo Zone” where visitors can test the newest drivers, irons, and putters from major global brands. Many vendors also provide on-site fitting services to help players optimize their gear based on their swing data.
Interested attendees can register via the official GolfCon website or through designated partner apps. Following their social media channels and signing up for their newsletter will provide real-time updates on speaker lineups, exhibit schedules, and early-bird ticket promos.