Following the success of the Hann Casino Resort, Hann Philippines Inc. Chairman and CEO, Dae Sik Han, is set to capture the world's attention with his Hann Reserve initiative.
Nestled on 450 hectares of rolling greenery along the Zambales mountain range, Hann Reserve is the country's first eco-luxury golf and lifestyle estate. The massive project integrates high-end gaming, luxury residences, international dining, and a 2,000-student international school. However, the heartbeat of this master-planned community is its bid to become a first-of-its-kind golfing mecca in Asia, boasting three distinct courses designed by Nicklaus Design, KJ Choi, and Faldo Design.
At the core of the development is a unique partnership with the PGA of America, featuring a spectacular clubhouse and a PGA Performance Center designed to become a premier training ground for emerging global talent.
“We’re creating a new home of golf in Asia with an environment that is focused on education, excellence, and entertainment,” explains Tim Neil, General Manager of Hann Reserve Golf and a former professional golfer.
Hann Reserve's Three 'Es'
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ EDUCATION │ ➔ Integration with international school & PGA Academy
├─────────────────────────────┤
│ EXCELLENCE │ ➔ Elite player development & world-class facilities
├─────────────────────────────┤
│ ENTERTAINMENT │ ➔ Tech-driven ranges, short game layouts & VR screens
└─────────────────────────────┘
The education component will rely on a "PGA Village" concept integrated with the estate's international school. "Through the PGA to deliver high school education that creates softer landings for students who want to pursue careers as players or within the golf industry itself," Neil says. "We can help create that pathway through our relationships, which makes this PGA Village a real melting pot for education."
For player excellence, Hann Reserve is collaborating with major global manufacturers to foster the next generation of local and regional talent. Meanwhile, the entertainment pillar centers on a tech-driven range, virtual reality simulators, indoor screens, a short game area, and a Par 3 layout.
"Those are the three ‘Es’ that we’re focused on: education, excellence and entertainment," Neil notes.
The multi-billion-dollar project is unlocking its ultra-luxury offerings across three distinct phases:
“Golf is going to be the unique appeal of Hann Reserve,” Neil continues. “The remit and the mandate, certainly from Mr Han in the early discussions, was ‘I want a top-100 golf course’, so I think the actual product itself will have a global impact... No expense has been spared, and it has been meticulously planned to make sure there is an exceptional sequence of service and a great experience.”
The elevated terrain of Phase 1 presents dramatic fairways and sweeping views of the mountain range. Paul Stringer, President of Nicklaus Design, emphasizes that the layout enhances the natural topography rather than fighting it.
"We try to work with what’s given to us in terms of nature while also laying out a golf course that enhances the environment rather than fights it," Stringer tells Inside Asian Gaming.
Stringer describes the layout as a "thinking man's" course. While golfers are given plenty of room off the tee with very few blind shots, the strategy intensifies upon reaching the fairway.
"One of the things our designers have been trained in through their work with Mr Nicklaus is courses that really involve a lot of strategic thinking for the golfer," Stringer notes. "Most importantly, we want people of all abilities to play the golf course and have fun with it... You don’t want it to be so severe that they walk away not wanting to come back."
Hann Reserve positions itself as a self-described eco-community, featuring built-in sustainability measures:
“There is a real thirst among the newer luxury consumer for eco to be at the heart of their choices when it comes to travel," Neil says. "I think for the generation that we’re going to be catering for, it’s a key factor for them."
The estate doubles as a regional wellness hub, offering community parks, biking, ziplining, rainforest glamping, and a high-end spa. Hot springs may also leverage the area’s volcanic geology.
This robust ecosystem is designed to deliver a premium VIP experience, specifically tailored to the domestic market and elite casino members.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ THE VIP CASINO ECOSYSTEM │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ [ Hann Casino Members ] ──➔ Enjoy Exclusive Playing Rights │
│ │
│ [ Domestic Priority ] ──➔ Core Focus & Casino VIP Benefits │
│ │
│ [ International Layer ] ──➔ 60% South Korean Target Audience │
│ ──➔ Regional Strategy: JP, TW, HK, SG │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
“The uniqueness of Hann Reserve as an integrated resort with these incredible golf courses is that it will provide a great opportunity if you’re a member of Hann Casino, if you’re a VIP or someone who utilizes the property here in Clark, to enjoy the benefit of playing at Hann Reserve," Neil reveals.
While the domestic market is the priority, international tourism will heavily favor South Korea, projected to account for roughly 60% of foreign visitors, alongside regional strategies targeting Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The launch timing aligns perfectly with a global boom in golf tourism, an industry that generated roughly US$25 billion in 2024 and continues to expand by 5% to 10% annually.
"Something we always talk about internally is that we’re not here to replicate. We’re here to reinvent," Neil concludes. "We’re trying to create quality golf at the highest level, with something for multiple groups of consumers."
Stringer agrees that the scale of the destination sets a new benchmark for Southeast Asia. "The people who like to travel to the Philippines tend to come from the cold countries like China and Korea and Japan... Well, why not play somewhere that is a great golf destination with a beautiful hotel, an integrated resort, and a casino? From that aspect, I think Mr Han is offering those people som
