Bread, coffee and golf in Baguio

I just got back from the lovely city of San Francisco in the United States. Now I am hoping to spend some time and play the famous Fil-Am golf tournament in Baguio later this month.

The Fil-Am is one of the oldest golf tournaments in the Philippines. It also has the record of having the most number of entries and brings back a lot of Filipinos and some Americans from the US to spend a few weeks in the charming city of Pines.

It is played on two contrasting golf courses, Baguio Country Club (BGC) and Camp John Hay.

The BGC is one of our oldest courses that was redesigned by our very own amateur legend, Luis “Golem” Silverio.

I grew up playing at Baguio Country Club when it still had sand greens, and staying at the club, which has evolved into being recognized as the only five-star mountain resort in the country.

It has been efficiently run by the general manager, Anthony de Leon, since 1997 and he has done a wonderful job making it feel like home for many.

From the smell of the bakery that greets you at the entrance to the aroma of the native coffee that wafts through the air in the veranda, I cannot help but look forward to returning this year.

Meanwhile, the John Hay course offers a contrasting perspective in that it is very modern, having been remodeled by the Nicklaus group. It boasts of The Manor, a four-star hotel.

Come the tournament, I am definitely looking forward to seeing old friends and perhaps making a few new ones.