Battle Over a Century-Old Landmark
The future of Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila has become a lightning rod for a broader debate about heritage, urban green space, and the economic fabric of the historic Walled City. The Manila City government’s plan to convert the course into a public forest park has drawn strong opposition from stakeholders, heritage advocates, and golf lovers who warn that a living piece of the city’s history could be erased in the name of more green space.
The Case for Preservation
Advocates of keeping the golf course point to its cultural, economic, and historic value. A petition titled “Save Club Intramuros Golf Course” has gained momentum among golfers, employees, and residents who fear job losses and a drop in tourism revenue if the site is repurposed. They argue that the course represents a unique part of Manila’s identity, one of the few open-air heritage landmarks within Intramuros’ ancient walls.
The petition emphasizes that converting the site without thorough consideration would mean not only losing a century-old facility but also undermining decades of livelihoods and tradition tied to the golf course. They note the human impact on caddies, maintenance staff, and other workers who rely on the course for a steady income.
<h2 Economic and Social Impact
Club Intramuros is managed by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Supporters say the course contributes to the local economy by attracting local and foreign golfers and generating tourism-related revenue, aligning with TIEZA’s mandate to promote sustainable tourism and infrastructure development. They argue that preserving the site can continue to deliver economic benefits while also serving as a cultural anchor in a city that values both history and modern living.
Heritage Meets Modern Urban Needs
Club Intramuros has a storied past: it sits on land that once housed the moat around Manila’s Spanish-era walls and has evolved through the American colonial era into an 18-hole course. The facility was modernized in the 1980s with updates overseen by notable designers and leaders who valued golf as a tool for skill-building and community engagement. Today, it stands not only as a sporting venue but as a living museum of Manila’s urban evolution.
<h2 Avenues for Compromise and Modernization
While the city cites underutilization of the course and a desire to expand green infrastructure, opponents urge a path that preserves heritage without forgoing environmental goals. They propose modernization, eco-friendly integration, or complementary green spaces that respect the course’s historical landscape. The call is for a balanced plan that protects jobs, sustains tourism, and keeps a cherished public asset accessible to the people of Manila.
<h2 The Road Ahead
Ultimately, the final decision rests with national leadership, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is expected to review the project’s merits and stakeholder concerns. In the meantime, supporters of Club Intramuros insist that any green-space initiative should incorporate the site’s heritage significance, perhaps through careful redevelopment that maintains parts of the golf layout, preserves historical markers, or repurposes portions of the land without erasing its living culture.
As Manila negotiates the tension between conservation and modernization, the Club Intramuros debate highlights a broader question for cities worldwide: How can urban growth co-exist with heritage, ensuring that historic sites continue to educate, inspire, and stimulate local economies?
