November 2, 2026. Baguio Country Club (BCC), in the highland city of Baguio on Luzon in the Philippines, has reopened its 18-hole golf course following a renovation lasting approximately two years. The Philippine Star reported the return to play on November 2. Its report does not specify the exact date on which the first post-renovation round took place: November 2 is the report date, not a proven opening-day ceremony.
New turf, but distinct playing surfaces
The renovation includes a change from the former Bermuda turf to Zoysia matrella on the greens and Zoysia japonica in the teeing areas. Those are different grasses used in distinct parts of the course. It would be incorrect to infer from this that every fairway was replanted with either variety.
The project has been described as an adaptation to local climate conditions, but no independently verified figures for irrigation savings, green speeds, construction costs, the designer of any revised routing, or environmental performance have been disclosed in the cited report. Claims about measured benefits therefore remain premature.
A major November test
BCC is scheduled to co-host the 76th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational from November 24 to December 12, 2026, alongside Camp John Hay Golf Club. Camp John Hay is a separate venue in Baguio, not an addition to BCC. Organisers expect approximately 1,500 players from the Philippines and abroad; this is an estimate, not confirmed attendance.
At a July 24 organisers' event attended by BCC representatives, the two venues renewed their partnership. The team competition will use a four-to-play, three-to-count Stableford format: four golfers play, but three scores count for the team. This is not foursomes or conventional stroke-play team scoring. Organisers hope the change will improve the pace of play; whether it does so will be seen during the event.
Reopening does not establish public access
A reopened golf course is not necessarily freely accessible without booking or conditions. Players should check BCC's current visitor, membership and tee-time arrangements directly with the club. The confirmed development is the return of its existing 18-hole course, not the construction of a second course and not the completion of the November competition.
Sources: The Philippine Star, November 2; organisers' July 24 announcement and BCC leadership comments.
