Sta. Elena Golf Club
Bo-Malitlit
Santa Rosa
Laguna
Philippines
Carved from historic sugar cane fields south of Manila, Santa Elena Golf Club stands as a testament to both Philippine heritage and modern golf design excellence. Named for a member of the distinguished Yulo family, whose hacienda originally graced these lands, the club has evolved into the Philippines’ premier social and golfing destination. As the country's leading private club, Santa Elena pioneered the use of Tiff Eagle dwarf Bermuda grass on its greens – a standard that has since been adopted throughout the nation.
Overcoming Challenges at Sta. Elena Golf Club
The 27-hole layout presents three distinct nine-hole courses, each offering unique challenges while maintaining the signature Robert Trent Jones II design philosophy. The course stretches through natural terrain characterized by:
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Strategic bunkering with graceful, sweeping curves
- Wide fairways allowing for multiple playing strategies
- Natural arroyos integrated as dramatic hazards
- Native tropical vegetation framing each hole
Engineering Marvel
The course’s construction represents a triumph of engineering and design. Massive arroyos, reaching depths of 60 to 70 feet, were either:
- Incorporated as dramatic natural hazards
- Strategically crossed to create challenging shots
- Carefully engineered with drainage systems where necessary This innovative approach to the terrain created a course that is both technically challenging and visually stunning.
Playing Experience
Santa Elena’s open, links-style layout embraces the wind as a key design element – what Robert Trent Jones Jr. calls “the unseen enemy.” Strategic highlights include:
- Generous fairways that reward thoughtful shot placement
- Sophisticated green complexes defended by classic Jones-style bunkering
- The signature par-three 17th hole, where the green dramatically perches between a deep baranca and artistic bunkers
- Ever-present winds that demand careful club selection and shot-making creativity
World Class Facilities
The club offers a comprehensive suite of amenities:
- State-of-the-art practice facilities
- Elegant clubhouse with panoramic course views
- Fine dining restaurant featuring local and international cuisine
- Luxury locker rooms and spa facilities
- Professional golf instruction
- Full-service pro shop
Santa Elena Golf Club — FAQs
Where is Santa Elena Golf Club located?
Santa Elena Golf Club is located south of Manila, Philippines, on land formerly used for historic sugar cane fields.
What is the history behind Santa Elena Golf Club?
The club is named after a member of the Yulo family, whose hacienda originally occupied the site. It has evolved into the Philippines’ premier private social and golf club.
Who designed Santa Elena Golf Club?
The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II, known for his strategic and environmentally sensitive golf architecture.
How many holes does Santa Elena Golf Club have?
Santa Elena features a 27-hole layout, made up of three distinct nine-hole courses, each offering unique challenges.
What type of grass is used on the greens?
Santa Elena pioneered the use of Tiff Eagle dwarf Bermuda grass on its greens, setting a standard now widely adopted across the Philippines.
What are some notable course features?
The course includes dramatic elevation changes, sweeping bunkers, wide fairways, natural arroyos, and native tropical vegetation framing each hole.
How were natural arroyos integrated into the course?
Arroyos up to 60–70 feet deep were either incorporated as natural hazards, strategically crossed to challenge players, or engineered with advanced drainage systems.
What kind of playing experience does the course offer?
Santa Elena offers an open, links-style layout that embraces wind as a strategic element. The course rewards thoughtful shot placement and creative club selection.
What is the signature hole at Santa Elena?
The signature hole is the par-three 17th, where the green perches dramatically between a deep baranca and artistic bunkering.
What facilities are available at Santa Elena Golf Club?
The club offers state-of-the-art practice facilities, an elegant clubhouse, fine dining, luxury locker rooms and spa, professional instruction, and a full-service pro shop.
