Monday, May 11, 2009 [ manilatimes.net ]
AN upcoming golf facility to be put up at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone has signed up a golfing legend to design the course.
Ace golfer Annika Sorenstam, who represents IMG’s Golf Course Services Division, recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Subic Neo Cove Corp. to develop a 54-hole course in the northwestern part of Subic.
This golf course is part of the $250-million fully integrated leisure, entertainment, and sports facility on a 457-hectare beachfront property in Barangay Cawag, Zambales, to be developed by Subic Neo Cove.
“SBMA has given this Neo Cove project free port status as part of our policy to enhance the investment appeal of the Subic Freeport and therefore contribute to further stimulating our economy,” said Armand Arreza, Subic Bay Management Authority administrator.
“Our initial foray in the freeport zone of Subic signals the extreme confidence of various highly funded multinationals with respect to both the near and long-term economic investment prospects in the Philippines,” said Steve Yang, Subic Neo Cove chairman.
The tract of land for Subic Neo Cove’s investment was consolidated by businessman-sportsman Robert Aventajado, Imagine Realty Corp. chairman.
“This agreement underscores the investor appeal of the Philippines for projects of this magnitude even amidst the global economic slowdown,” Aventajado said.
Sorenstam, who has won the most number of international lady golf tournaments, said: “[This project is] another venue for me to share my passion for the game of golf . . . My goal is to design courses that golfers of any age, gender or skill level can enjoy equally.”
Sorenstam said their group, which is the IMG division that handles golf course design and management services for Asia Pacific, will come up with a golfer-friendly fairway that has generous landing areas. “These give each individual the opportunity to be challenged based on their skill level, while smaller greens and challenging approaches will make it a true and fair test to remember,” she said.
-- Ben Arnold O. de Vera
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