A MASTERPIECE

A world-class golf course deserves a masterpiece of a clubhouse.

 With this in mind, the clubhouse of the 18-hole South Forbes Golf Club has been designed to be a gem of an Asian-inspired structure. One phrase sums up its effect on golfers and frequent guests: the structure seems like it’s flying atop its hilly site. And players hope for only one effect: they’ll score more eagles — and fly atop the leaderboard. 

The illusion of a flying structure is evident once one nears the clubhouse. It seems that the structure is standing just on stilts, very precariously engineered, as only eight wooden columns support the structure from its front view. Glass on all sides merges the inside and outside. A five-meter cantilever or overhang is featured prominently, unsupported, on both sides. Another five-meter roof overhang makes this structure a marvel. Of course, the dark brown roof’s skylight allows not only natural lighting to peer inside — but also for golfers to eye the heavens and reach the pinnacle of success.

 The verandah, or the cantilever, serves a double purpose: First, it affords a view of Tee No. 1, and second, it allows golfers and guests alike an opportunity to just take in the wonderful views at South Forbes.

 Upon entrance, minimalist Asian-inspired interiors delight the senses. Wood, stone, glass and pieces in earth colors dominate the interiors. The sound of ripples from an indoor waterfall at the right immediately relaxes the spirit. One can check the latest golf gear at the proshop at the left. From the spiral staircase, one can access two function rooms at the mezzanine level for confidential meetings.

 Casual affairs, meanwhile, can be arranged at the dining area beyond the staircase. One can choose between the indoors and outdoors. The more sought after, of course, will be the al fresco area, since its 50-meter long gallery gives diners a front row view of the action at Hole No. 18 — and even cheer for their favorite players during tournaments.

 At the lower level are the locker rooms and golf cart parking stations. Saunas are also on hand to give players time for relaxation after a challenging game.

 The Clubhouse is the top amenity for members of the South Forbes Golf Club. Its 18 holes will challenge the game of any seasoned player and offer convenience for new players. Asia’s leading golf course designer, the International Management Group (IMG), designed it to take advantage of the site’s natural hilly terrain.

 Previously, South Forbes also announced other plans that will make South Forbes Golf Club truly world-class. It will be the first in the country to use University of Georgia’s newest and most modern paspalum variety of grass, Sea Isle Supreme. This grass will be used from the tee to the fairways, and even the roughs, thus making South Forbes the country’s first wall-to-wall golf course. Thus, players can expect a consistent level of play from the tee to the greens since the use of just one grass eliminates contamination problems experienced in other golf courses.

 The clubhouse’s hilly site also drew praises from top geomancer Master Joseph Chau. Upon noticing that South Forbes is shaped like a dragon, he declared, "This piece of land looks like a dragon. As such, it will likely bring good fortune for its residents and investors." Then, he added: "The golf clubhouse is located at the ‘eye’ of the dragon….. The eye also stands for brightness, so when businessmen go here, they will get bright ideas."

For a private preview of the South Forbes Golf Club Clubhouse and South Forbes properties located in Metro Sta. Rosa, call 635-7777 or 631-8855 or visit www.southforbes.com.