For years, John Hay was a playground for American officers and their families. After the US military left, it became a private club for members and their guests. But following a recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), it’s now back under government control.
On January 6, a court sheriff, along with police, enforced the ruling and handed over the 247-hectare property to the BCDA. However, there are still some legal issues regarding claims from Camp John Hay Golf Club members and owners of villas and hotel rooms in the area.
In the weeks leading up to the transition, the BCDA took proactive steps to ensure everything went smoothly. They struck short-term deals with Landco Pacific Corp., the real estate arm of the MVP Group, to manage the Manor and Forest Lodge hotels, and with Golfplus Management Inc. and Duck World PH for the golf course's maintenance and operations.
Bong Arguelles, president of Golfplus, is dedicated to keeping the Jack Nicklaus-designed course in top shape during this transition. He’s brought in staff, equipment, and resources to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the nation, this gem is now open to anyone who can book a tee time or gets lucky as a walk-in. BCDA chairman Larry Paredes rightly points out that while there might be fancier courses out there, Camp John Hay, with its fresh Baguio weather and unique challenges, truly stands out.
Both Paredes and BCDA president and CEO Jake Bingcang are on the same page regarding the future of Camp John Hay. They’re looking to establish a long-term lease agreement, either with current partners Golfplus and Duck World PH or with other interested parties. Importantly, BCDA director Pocholo Ponce De Leon noted that one of the key conditions is that the John Hay course remains accessible to the public.
Camp John Hay Golf Club
Nestled in a breathtaking landscape crafted by American golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his Golden Bear International Group, Camp John Hay Golf Course stands out as one of the country’s premier destinations. This 18-hole, par-69 course features vibrant foliage, rolling fairways, and maintained bentgrass greens. With the refreshing scent of pine trees and caddies in white overalls and green caps, it truly captures that Augusta vibe during Masters week—making it unlike any other public course in the nation.
