THE country is home to Asia's oldest national golf championship - The Philippine Open - which was first played in 1913 at Manila Golf Club. Around its vast archipelago which includes more than 7,000 islands, there are a large number of superbly challenging first-class golf courses. These include Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, Sherwood Hills and the Sta. Elena Golf Club. BT checked out a few others worthy of inclusion in a golf itinerary.

Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club

One of the country's newest in its golf course portfolio and it is simply stunning. The first-class, 82-hectare layout is one that you will want to keep returning to - if not for its beauty then certainly its challenges, risk and reward holes, and amazing vista - the back nine holes sweep alongside the West Philippine Sea with views across Subic Bay.