SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is banking on the potential of the Subic Golf Course’s capability to bring in more tourists next year, as golf course operator Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc. is closing the facility for a one-year renovation phase.

“We believe that Subic Golf’s potential to bring in more tourists next year is evident with their highly successful junket flight program that brought in more than 1,800 Koreans to Subic,” SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said.

Arreza said the renovation of Subic Golf is also a means to prepare local tourism establishments “for more opportunities coming their way.”

According to Hanafil President and CEO Benjamin John Defensor III, the one-year renovation plan would cost around $5 million and is part of the $48 million development program intended for Subic.

“We are committed in fulfilling our development of the Subic golf area. In the bigger picture of things, the golf course will only be one of the attractions that we are going to build,” Defensor said.

Hanafil is the second largest investor in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Defensor said the company contracted Netforce, the country's leading golf builder and designer, for the renovation.

“We chose Netforce, a company who has an extensive experience in building golf courses. We would also like to support the economy by hiring Philippine companies like Netforce,” Defensor said.

He added that the company will reshape the whole golf course and replace the existing grass which will be finished by November next year.