PHILIPPINES — The Philippines has launched its first official golf reservation platform, GOLAMAN, designed to connect international golfers with the country’s sprawling fairways. The mobile app aims to put the Philippines on the global golf tourism map while funding grassroots sports development.
A Digital Gateway for Golfers
GOLAMAN allows local and foreign players to check real‑time tee‑time availability and book rounds instantly across dozens of participating courses. The platform integrates flight schedules and green fees into one seamless experience, removing the friction that often discourages international travelers. Developed by Korean‑led company PGRR, the app is set to be fully operational by September 15, 2026.
More than a booking tool, GOLAMAN is a unified digital ecosystem that links travel, course management, and national sports development. Its launch brought together major government agencies, including the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Tourism Promotions Board. The collaboration signals a whole‑of‑government push to diversify the country’s tourism offerings beyond beaches and heritage sites.
A High‑Value Travel Segment
Golf tourists typically spend significantly more than average leisure travelers on accommodation, dining, and transport. By making the Philippines more accessible to golfers from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Middle East, GOLAMAN taps into a lucrative niche. The app currently covers over 79 golf facilities, with plans to reach more than 120 nationwide.
TPB COO Marga Nograles highlighted the economic potential of the sport, noting that golf tourism creates jobs and drives business across the value chain. PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, NGAP President Al Panlilio, and NGAP Secretary‑General Bones Floro all attended the launch, lending the project both government and sports community backing. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the initiative.
Funding the Future of Philippine Golf
A unique feature of GOLAMAN is its commitment to reinvestment. A portion of the app’s revenue will be channeled directly to the PSC and NGAP to support youth training and national team development. This model aligns with the country’s “Grassroots to Gold” sports philosophy, ensuring that commercial success on the fairways translates into opportunities for young Filipino athletes.
CEO Aaron Kim of PGRR emphasized that the platform was built not just to facilitate bookings but to grow the sport itself. By attracting more international golfers and generating sustainable revenue, GOLAMAN aims to create a virtuous cycle where tourism and athletic development reinforce each other. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices.
