Ayala Greenfield Estates tough but golfer-friendly

From among the more than 200 golf courses he had designed spanning three decades, six continents and 39 countries, this future golfing haven from the Ayala Greenfield Estates in Calamba, Laguna should rank among the best from Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s creations.

If only for the "hill" around which the course has been designed should be enough pull for the golfers of all levels for its uniqueness with the knoll, rescued from the ravages of quarrying, and the course expected to provide a different kind of challenge — against the wind, with it or on the cross.

"When I design courses, there’s one thing I keep in mind: It’s always easy to design a tough course. But it’s hard to design a challenging course and at the same time, golfer-friendly," said Jones.

He was referring to the Ayala Greenfield layout, a virtually short and easy course with 6,500 yardage but could be deceiving since the challenge could come right from the very first hole till one holes out on No. 18.

Yet, it offers a way out with the back nine of the layout featuring three par-5s – a rarity in golf courses.

"When you design a course, there’s no rule saying you can’t have three par-5s, which are, essentially, birdie holes. We wanted this course to be playable. There are multiple tees, hazards with bail-out shots and open-entrance greens," added Jones.

Jones surveyed the site, carved out of a rolling terrain and set amid tree groves and man-made gardens, last week and liked what he saw on the progress of Ayala Land and Greenfield Development Corp.’s latest residential project, the Ayala Greenfield Estates, a 500-hectare community near Mt. Makiling with a breathtaking view of Laguna, Tagaytay and Batangas.

"This is harmonious with the land. We shaped it so that when you play here, you’d think it was here for something like 30 years," said Jones.

"We didn’t have to move millions of tons of dirt. We just shaped it according to the natural contour of the land. This golf course is consistent with the existing environment, not contradict with what nature has to offer," said Greg Graham, Ayala Greenfield’ golf counselor.

"The goal is not to defeat the best players but to find out who they are," he added.

And it would take an "old fox" like Jones to "defend against golfers" strengths and still encourage ordinary hackers to go back to the first tee after a round.

"Most golfers are not made with the average player in mind. This one is," said Graham.

Tristan dela Rosa, senior vice president of Ayala Land, Jun Bisnar, AVP, and Mel Cruz, the project director, were all in praise of the course and how it blends with its natural surroundings.

And it’s not just about golf. The club house will feature hangouts such as play rooms, spas, gyms, badminton and basketball courts and other things that can complement a round of golf or pass your time while waiting for your round to start.

The course is set to open early next year, with the first nine holes operational by the middle of this year.

Meanwhile, Ayala-Greenfield Estates lot owners will have a share in the Jones-designed golf course.  With an activation fee, one can play the all-weather fairways of the championship golf course. While one hits the greens, one’s family can relax at the Golf and Leisure Club, which includes a spa and wellness center, a badminton court, a bowling alley as well as food and beverage facilities.