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After two memorable days of golf at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Cavite, Philippines, I'm pleased to share my scores and thoughts on this unique experience.
On February 18th, I tackled the Norman Course, finishing with a total of 16 over par (88 strokes) - 4 over on the front nine and 12 over on the back nine. The following day, February 19th, I played the Aoki Course, improving slightly with a total of 13 over par (85 strokes) - 5 over on the back nine and 8 over on the front nine.
Considering my limited golfing opportunities in Korea, where I rarely visit driving ranges or even screen golf facilities, I'm quite satisfied with these scores. However, playing with borrowed clubs presented its own challenges. While the driver felt comfortable, I struggled with the woods, utility clubs, and irons. The unfamiliar setup and different distances led to numerous missed shots. This experience has convinced me to bring my own clubs on my next visit.
My solo round at the Aoki Course was particularly memorable. The course's design, with its wide fairways and strategic layouts, provided both accessibility and challenge. Playing alone allowed me to focus on my game strategy and fully appreciate each hole's unique features.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my junior colleague of 30 years, who made this solo golfing opportunity possible. Your thoughtfulness in arranging this experience is deeply appreciated.
A special mention goes to KPGA pro Junhyuk Park. Thank you for the privilege of playing a round with you. Your skills were truly impressive, and I wish you the best of luck in securing your first win in the 2025 season.
This golfing adventure at Eagle Ridge GC has been a remarkable experience. For anyone planning a golf trip to the Philippines, I highly recommend including this gem in Cavite on your itinerary. The courses offer a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels.
Solo Golf Adventure: Mastering the Aoki Course at Eagle Ridge GC, Philippines
Solo Golf Adventure: Mastering the Aoki Course at Eagle Ridge GC, Philippines
Join a seasoned golfer's solo journey through the challenging Aoki Course at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Cavite, Philippines. Discover insider tips, hole-by-hole analysis, and the unique experience of playing alone on a world-class course.
1. Introduction: A Unexpected Solo Golf Expeditiion
Last February, I embarked on an unforgettable golfing adventure in Cavite, Philippines. Thanks to a 30-year junior colleague, I played 5 rounds at the prestigious Eagle Ridge Golf Club, including two solo rounds - a rarity in my golfing life!
Playing alone is virtually impossible in Korea, making this experience truly unique. Despite the solitude, I found myself busier than ever, strategizing, taking photos, and calculating distances. Today, I'll share my memorable solo round on the Aoki Course.
2. Eagle Ridge GC: A Golfer's Paradise in the Philippines
Eagle ridge golf & country club
www.google.com
Home - Eagle Ridge
We are the largest golf facility in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. We are an exclusive membership Club that has four championship...
eagle-ridge.com.ph
Eagle Ridge Golf Club boasts multiple world-class courses, including the Aoki Course designed by the legendary Isao Aoki. Known for its weekend-golfer-friendly layout, the Aoki Course features wide fairways and minimal rough, perfect for players of all levels.
3. Navigating Check-In as a Solo Player & Embarrassment!!!
My junior colleagues and acquaintances are members of Eagle Ridge GC, so they check in through advance reservations, but even if they haven't made a reservation, check-in is no problem thanks to their long-standing friendship with the managers here.
However, when trying to check in without a member and without a reservation, the local employee in charge of check-in seemed very embarrassed!
I was just as embarrassed because it wasn't intentional!!!
Normal check-in is,
1) Advance reservation by a member or agency (tourist), 2) Purchase of voucher (2,200 pesos) if you are a tourist, 3) Check-in and receipt of passport, 4) Locker entrance...It's a process similar to Korea???
I don't have a reservation, I don't have a member with me, and I don't have an agency!!!
So I and the local check-in staff can't help but be embarrassed!!!
What should I do in this case???
I'll just have to beg~~~
Mixing English and Tagalog, I begged for a Favor and succeeded in checking in by purchasing a voucher for 2,200 pesos!!!
For reference, the 2,200 pesos includes Food Consumerbles, which is 300 pesos that can be used to purchase food or drinks at the clubhouse, and if you don't use it, it disappears as it is.
If you visit, be sure to use Consumerbles 300 pesos!!!
4. Drive Shot Filming at Norman Course on 2/18!!!
I don't have any shot photos taken at the Aoki Course on 2/19
So, I'm posting photos of continuous drive shots taken by the caddy at the Norman Course the day yesterday
You can't see my face, right???
In my prime a long time ago, I was a long hitter of 260~280m...^^
Now, 230~250m ^^
5. Hole-by-Hole Analysis: Conquering the Aoki Course as Solo Player
Isao Aoki is said to have made a big name for himself in the Asian golf circuit with his unique putting style~~
At Eagle Ridge, he created a great championship course that utilizes unique terrain to continuously present challenges to players of various levels, and
The Aoki Course is intentionally designed for weekend golfers and has wide open fairways and negligible rough. The course is not heavily contoured or bunkered, but some greens can be problematic if placed on the wrong side of the pin placement.
Then, shall we start my 4th round, solo emperor rounding at the Aoki Course at Eagle Ridge GC in Cavite, Philippines???
At first, I went to the 1st hole of Front 9, but there were so many players that I got permission from the starter and moved to Back 9 to tee off from the blue tee.
The Aoki Course is par 72, 6,466 yards based on the blue tee^^
5-1. Aoiki Course 10th Hole Par 4, 403yards
Hole Strategy: Thread your way between the two tall trees in the middle of the fairway to the perfect landing area and you will have only a mid-iron in. A small green with some slope, an imposing ravine on the left and a fairway that narrows the farther you get from the tee are this hole’s main defenses.
10th hole Par 4, 403 yards~~~ Handicap 16th hole
The distance is a bit long, but it looks flat~~~ Let's tee off with confidence!!!
Just because you hit with confidence doesn't guarantee that it will be correct
In golf, the ball doesn't go as you hope it, The ball goes as the golfer hits it !!!
I pulled the tee shot and landed on the left side... About 150 yards left, so with a 7 iron...
Failed 2 on with a slight back hit, 3 on 2 putt... Bogey
I am having difficulty because I did not bring my clubs and am playing with a junior colleague's club,
so I am not familiar with the iron
5-2. Aoiki Course 11th Hole Par 5, 572yards
Hole Strategy: The second bunker does not come into play on this par-5, serving more as an optical illusion and aiming point than hazard. But the pond further along is real and wet. It begins to come into play just where the fairway starts to narrow. The green is appropriately small, just 30 yards deep with a single bunker and falling off to the rear.
The strategy is that although it is a par 5, it is difficult to get 2 on because there is a hazard in front of the green...
The tee shot is aimed between the bunker and the bunker, the second shot is to the front of the hazard...
and I decided to do 3 on with a wedge...
The tee shot is pulled and goes in the direction of the left bunker, just like the 10th hole
The second is with a 6 iron, the third is with a 52 degree wedge to the green over edge
Create a par by attaching it to the hole...
Am I returning to my old skills
5-3. Aoki Course 12th Hole Par4, 339 yards
Hole Strategy: Short holes often present the most interesting challenges. For most players driving the green is not one of the options at the 12th, but the various layup possibilities each offer different rewards. The farther away and left you land off the tee, the better the angle into the green. The closer to the end of the fairway, the narrower the green, but shorter the approach. Take your choice.
I decided to tee off targeting the bunker in the middle and aim for 2 on...
How can golf go as planned? The driver is pushed and lands under a tree past the right bunker...
The second shot is a back hit to the hazard in front of the green...
I was underestimating it and got into big trouble!!!
It's 4 on and 2 putt double!!!
5-4. Aoki Course 13th Hole Par 4, 412 yards
Hole Strategy: The tee shot on this narrow driving hole will dictate all that follows. Laying up before the bunker calls for a long second to a very narrow green or another layup to avoid disaster on the right. Any attempt to find a shorter second shot means challenging the hazard on the right. Note the deep green.
Par 4, 412 yards, handicap 2 hole. It is a slightly right dog leg hole, so it is difficult to get 2 on unless you shoot in the direction of the right hazard.
Decided to shoot aggressively.
It doesn't hit solidly and pulls slightly, leaving the second 180 yards...
I second with a 5 iron, but another slight back hitㅜㅜ Failed 2 on!!!
Approach the third shot short and about 10 meters putting!!!
But,
A 10 meter putt is sucked into the magic of the hole... Par!!!
5-5. Aoki Course 14th Hole Par 4, 385 yards
Hole Strategy: Another gem of a short hole, try to stay on the plateau between the bunker left and the 100 yard sprinkler or be faced with a delicate lob into a small green with a lot of movement. The green is tilted back to front and will accept a lower than normal shot, which may be wise – an aggressively hit short iron could back up and spin off the green.
Short par 4 service hole!!! This is a hole where you have to aim for a birdie!!!
The tee shot hits well as planned and flies~~
About 40 yards left for the second~~~
And it's stucted~~~
This Philippine visit... First birdie and last birdie haha, Yahoo Birdie!!!
5-6. Aoki Course 15th Hole Par 3, 193 yards
Hole Strategy: This long par-3 plays longer due to the prevailing wind and a green set on a hillock about 20 feet above the tees. You will be asked to hit a variety for his shots on this hole, depending on pin position and the disposition of elements.
Perhaps because I was excited about the birdie on the last hole, I forgot to take a picture at the tee box...
This hole had a slice wind blowing~~~
I decided to tee off with a slight fade shot with a 4 iron...
It doesn't hit solidly and goes into the green side bunker...
I did a bunker shot, but a 15 meter butting... 2 putt Bogey!!!
5-7. Aoki Course 16th Hole Par 5, 443 yards
Hole Strategy: Add a tiny green with lots of slopes, a hazard crossing the fairway at driving distance and an iron for the second shot and you have a tantalizingly short par-5 that is rich with risk and reward.
Precision rather than brute strength will win the day there. Hit a long iron or fairway wood off the tee or fairway wood off the tee to avoid the hazard and you will have a long iron uphill to the very shallow green.
This hole is par 5, handicap 6, but if you send the tee shot well to the front of the hazard, you can get 2 on
I decided to aggressively select a drive!!!
The tee shot hit well as intended~~~
There are only about 160 yards left for the second shot to the pin~~~ I'm greedy for 2 on!!!
However, greed is just greed~~~ I also make excuses for the team in front...
Because of the late hole out of the team in front
It seems like the roots have taken root in the ball after waiting for a long time!!
30 yards left with a back hit~~~
Attach to par!!!
5-8. Aoki Course 17th Hole Par 3, 122 yards
Hole Strategy: Again the short hole triumphs with a challenge to shotmaking and precise clubbing. Once, on the green, a birdie is less likely than a 3-putt. Make sure you examine the line as you walk to the green and look at the hillocks surrounding the green and affecting the roll.
I decided to swing 2/3 with a 9 iron.
The tee shot is pulled slightly and goes to the left!!!
It's far and the downhill is severe... It seems to be more than 15 steps with footsteps!!!
I did the pot slightly...
Pin over~~ Bogey!!!
5-9. Aoki Course 18th Hole Par 4, 435 yards
Hole Strategy: The tee shot on this narrow driving hole will dictate all that follows. Laying up before the bunker calls for a long second to a very narrow green or another layup to avoid disaster on the right. Any attempt to find a shorter second shot means challenging the hazard on the right. Note the deep green.
Par 4, 435 yards handicap 4... It looks a bit difficult...
The tee shot seems important~~~
The tee shot hit well, but there was a communication error with the caddy, so I hit while looking to the left...
Later I found out it was dangerous... Hazard direction!!!
200 yards left in the rough...
It hit well with a 4 iron, but failed to get 2 on and 3 on 2 putt Bogey!!!
5 over in back 9!!!
It's not as bad as I thought!!!
However, you can't stop time... Even if the tee shot hits well from the blue tee, it is difficult to grab a short iron!!!
Should I go to the white tee now?
Shall we move to Front 9 and start?
" The caddy makes a proposal~~~
She suggest we make a bet!!! If I finish the front 9 with 5 over par or better, and the caddy finishes with 7 over par or better,
we'll bet 100 pesos!!! "
5-10. Aoki Course 1st Hole Par 4, 436 yards
Hole Strategy: Hit a long smooth drive off the tee, avoid the fairway bunker and your round will be off to a good start. The hole is not as short as it looks from the tee. The shape of the green and the placement of the two bunkers protecting it calls for shaping your approach, depending on the pin positioning.
The hole is 436 yards long, not short, but if you avoid the left bunker,
you'll have to use a long iron, and getting 2 on is possible.
I remember being 5 over on the back 9 with hope!!!
The tee shot was pushed and faded, heading towards the right trees
About 200 yards left in the rough... Hook lie
I hit it with a 4 iron, but it was pulled again and went towards the bunker!!!
The bunker shot turned out well, and I stuck it close to the pin, but it didn't go in!!!
Bogey!!!
5-11. Aoki Course 2nd Hole Par 4, 414 yards
Hole Strategy: This long hole is protected by a hazard running along the right and crossing the fairway just under 100 yards out. Compounding the difficulty is a small green with some interesting movement, some of it counter to the main slope trend..
This hole is quite challenging!!! It's 414 yards with a handicap of 3.
The tee shot is crucial. I decided to tee off carefully with a driver.
The shot didn't hit solidly and was pulled, heading towards the left trees.
For the second shot, I landed behind the hazard in front of the green.
The third shot ended up in a bunker over the green!!!
I successfully escaped the bunker, but finished with a 4 on and 2 putts... Double bogey!!!
5-12. Aoki Course 3rd Hole Par 5, 525 yards
Hole Strategy: Here is a chance for the big guns to show off. The green on this downhill par-5 is reachable under favorable conditions. Of course, the first bunker guards the landing area. The second shot must flirt with the bunkers on the left. Shots landing beyond the last of them have a good chance of running onto an interesting green protected by mounds left and sand right.
Although it's a par 5 with a length of 525 yards, if the tee shot goes well, it seems possible to aim for a birdie~~~
The tee shot didn't hit perfectly, but it headed towards the right bunker~~
The angle for the second shot wasn't ideal
I tried to hit it with a 4 iron~~~ It was pulled to the left and couldn't reach the green in three shots.
About 80 yards left to the pin, I used a 52-degree wedge for the fourth shot.
I couldn't stick it close to the pin, leaving about a 10-meter putt...
Oh!!! This one was sucked into the hole like a birdie!!!
A par that feels like a birdie!!!
5-13. Aoki Course 4th Hole Par 3, 137 yards
Hole Strategy: Here is proof that short holes can have real teeth. The small tri-corner green has several rolls that serve to help the bunkers protect the green from easy pars. The green is very exposed to the elements, making club selection tricky.
A slice wind is blowing~~~ A slight headwind with a slice! The player in front of me is playing alone,
and I wonder if they're a pro or an aspiring pro!
Since they're playing from the yellow tee, I feel like cheering them on!
The team in front of them consists of four Koreans, but their play is very slow!!!
Initially, there was no one behind me, but suddenly four Koreans around my age or older caught up~~~
For this hole, I aimed for the left side of the green with a 7 iron~~~
However, the wind didn't affect it much
It landed on the green, but the putt looked challenging!!! A double break with a downhill slope!!!
I insisted on aiming straight, but the caddy suggested looking left, so I adjusted my grip slightly and putted...
The result was a putt that broke from left to right, but not too much, leaving about 1.5 meters to the left of the pin.
I jokingly told the caddy that they might be cheating on me because of the bet~~~
Anyway, it's a par!!!
5-14. Aoki Course 5th Hole Par 4, 262 yards
Hole Strategy: Count the defenses against scoring on this great short hole: 12 bunkers, a hazard of primeval proportions, wind blowing every which way, a mounded and sloping green and the pounding of your heart. Obviously, driving the green is a real possibility but be prepared to pay the price for extra testosterone. Over several rounds, a drive and a pitch may well yield the best average score.
They stood in a circle right behind the tee box, watching me take my shot without any manners!!!
However, I couldn't let those rude people get the better of me!!!
My tee shot was really solid and flew straight to my target. One of the four shouted, "Nice shot!"
Thanks! You helped increase my focus!!!
Honestly, if there weren't any teams in front, I'd consider going for a 1 on~~~
The green is beyond the tree visible in the middle!
I decided to give up on the 1 on and try to clear the tree in the middle.
The tee shot was really well hit!!!
It's been a while since I've had a birdie chance!!!
Unfortunately, the putt just missed the hole, resulting in a par!!!
5-15. Aoki Course 6th Hole Par 5, 499 yards
Hole Strategy: If you are willing to risk sand or the hazard on the left, you can shorten the dogleg by almost 50 yards on this medium length par five. A safer line keeps to the right but almost eliminates any attempt to reach the green in two. There is a swale on the right that will deflect approaches that are short and right. The green is quite long and the hole generally plays slightly uphill.
This hole is a slight dogleg to the left, par 5, 499 yards. To shorten the distance by about 50 yards,
I should aim for the right side of the trees on the left, but for safety,
I decided to target the center for my tee shot.
The tee shot at the 6th hole was relatively well hit!!!
However, I missed the second shot and couldn't reach the green in three, leaving it on the edge of the green
I finished with a 4 on and 2 putts... Bogey!!!
5-16. Aoki Course 7th Hole Par 3, 190 yards
Hole Strategy: Crosswinds can play havoc with your clubbing and the ravine can play with your mind on this medium-long par 3. Adding to your woes is a green with several distinct pin placements that are jealously guarded by mounds. The swale in front of the right bunker is not a happy place from which to be chipping.
This par 3 is relatively long at 190 yards~~~
I'm torn between aiming aggressively at the pin or playing it safe by targeting the right side of the pin.
I decided to take on the challenge and aim directly at the pin with a 4 iron!!!
However, the shot was pulled and headed towards the hazard!!! It was a close call!!!
I ended up in the second bunker~~~
As an amateur golfer, I know I shouldn't be greedy, but I acted foolishly~~~
I finished with a 3 on and 2 putts... Double bogey!!!
5-17. Aoki Course 8th Hole Par 4, 395 yards
Hole Strategy: Thread your way between the two tall trees in the middle of the fairway to the perfect landing area and you will have only a mid-iron in. A small green with some slope, an imposing ravine on the left and a fairway that narrows the farther you get from the tee are this hole’s main defenses.
This hole is a par 4, 395 yards, but it's the number 1 handicap hole~~~
The fairway is narrow, and a large tree in the middle blocks the way
I took a deep breath and carefully teed off~~~
Oh no! The shot was pushed to the right
It's dangerous! If it goes over the right wall, it's out of bounds!!!
The caddy said we need to check~~~
For the first time today, I requested a mulligan and re-teed. It's okay! The ball went straight this time!!!
I should have done that with the first shot
I couldn't take a picture, but fortunately, the first ball is safe under the wall
I hit the second shot with a 7 iron for the remaining 150 yards, but it wasn't accurate, leaving about 30 yards...
I had a 3-meter putt left for 3 on, but another frustrating bogey!!!
Now I'm 7 over par!!! Sigh~~~
5-18. Aoki Course Hole 9th Par 4, 304 yards
Hole Strategy: The wide fairway is really an illusion on this clever hole. The fairway is in effect cut in half, since in order to attack the very long green, you must keep left to minimize the tree on the right. That creates a dilemma, since the hazard narrows the available landing area. Long hitters can easily run out of grass, so a strategic fairway wood or long iron might be a wise choice. Once safe, the real fun begins on a very deep and narrow roller coaster green.
It's a short par 4, but there's a hazard in front of the green!!! If I don't get an eagle on this final hole, I'll lose the bet!!!
Realistically, an eagle is tough, but let's get focused!!!
Since a driver could be risky if hit well, I decided to tee off with a 4 iron!!!
The 4 iron tee shot turned out well~
With the back pin, about 120 yards remained.
I used a 9 iron for the second shot with a 2/3 swing~~~
Unfortunately, it didn't land close to the pin.
I finished with a 3 on and 2 putts... Bogey!!!
The front 9 holes ended with an 8 over par!!!
I paid the caddy 100 pesos
And I generously paid the caddy fee for their hard work over the two days!!!
6. Epilogue: Wrapping Up My Solo Emperor Round
After completing all 18 holes, I ended up with several bogeys but also managed to secure some pars—and even one birdie during this round! While my score wasn't as great as I'd hoped (considering my past single-handicap days), this solo round at Eagle Ridge GC's Aoki Course was truly memorable.
Playing alone gave me time to focus on strategy and enjoy each hole's unique design without distractions—but it also made me realize how much I value sharing these moments with friends or fellow golfers.
" A big thank you!!! "
On 2/18 at the Norman Course, I was 4 over on the front 9 and 12 over on the back 9, for a total of 16 over, 88 strokes. On 2/19 at the Aoki Course, I was 5 over on the back 9 and 8 over on the front 9, for a total of 13 over, 85 strokes. For someone like me who doesn't play golf often in Korea and doesn't even go to the driving range or screen golf, this isn't a bad score!
Since I wasn't using my own clubs, the driver wasn't much of a problem, but with the woods, utility clubs, and irons, the distance and setup feel were different, resulting in many missed shots and incorrect distances. Next time I visit, I must bring my own clubs!
I want to thank my junior colleague who arranged this solo golf opportunity for me. Thank you, my dear junior!
" Also, I'd like to express my gratitude once again to KPGA pro Junhyuk Park for giving me the chance to play a round together. I wish you your first win in 2025!!! "
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