Dakak: Next golfing paradise

MANILA, Philippines — Nearing completion, Dakak Golf Club hopes to become the next golfing destination this side of the world in six months time.

Not only will it feature unique attractions but also boasts of holes never before seen in other prominent courses around the world.

“We are very pleased with the results of the development,” said Dakak Golf chairman Cesar Jalosjos during yesterday’s formal launch of the Greg Norman-designed course at Manila Hotel. “It will be an unforgettable experience to play there.”

Norman himself marveled when he first saw the type of topography, vegetation and weather during his initial visit some years ago.

“This is a beautiful spot, no question. It’s hard not to like this place,” Norman said.

According to Dakak Golf president and former Philippine Open champion Rick Gibson, natural wonders dominate the 50-hectare, 6,500-yard par-72 horse shoe-shaped layout carved out at the back of the famous Dakak Park and Resort in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

“Most of what you will see is unheard-of in golf,” said Gibson, a former Asian Tour champion who is overseeing the finishing touches on the course’s back nine. “To begin with, there is a record 1.9 miles of ocean in play, beating the record 1.6 miles of Pebble Beach.”

The front nine of the course is already open for play, and the grass is already being laid down on the back half of the course, which will be fully operational by November, according to Jalosjos.

It features three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s on each nine with every hole offering its own unique challenges.

In fact, seven of the first nine holes face the Sulu Sea. Many of the holes would also require a golfer’s shot to go over water with one needing a near-perfect tee-shot over a waterfall to reach the green. The entire course is a seamless blend of blue and green, with almost no man-made structures in sight.

In fact, Dakak Golf officials said all the needed materials for completion are right on site with the grass for the course being specially grown nearby.