Subic Bay eyes international spotlight with golf and tennis tournaments

Subic Bay Freeport Zone is poised to reclaim its legacy as a premier sports destination with the possible hosting of two international events next year—the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship and a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament—in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Eduardo Alino expressed their shared vision to bring both prestigious competitions to Subic, a move that would not only revitalize its sports facilities but also rebrand the Freeport Zone as a magnificent sports tourism hub.

“Subic has the potential to be the breeding ground of the nation’s finest athletes while standing tall as a remarkable sports tourism destination. Hosting world-class tournaments here will inspire communities and elevate Philippine sports to global standards,” Gregorio said.

Subic Bay is no stranger to international sporting events. Its pristine beaches and well-paved roads once regularly hosted triathlon races, while the Freeport Zone staged multiple-nation meets such as the Southeast Asian Games in 2005 and 2019.

Yet since the 2019 SEA Games, facilities like Remy Field’s track oval and football pitch, the SMBA gymnasium, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts have rarely seen international action.

“Upgrading these facilities is essential, not only to attract athletes and fans but also to encourage people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and invest in Subic as a sports and tourism destination,” Alino emphasized.

Gregorio began his Subic visit at the Subic International Golf Club (SIGC), joined by Philippine Tennis Association secretary general and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, PSC Chief of Staff Professor Loujaye Sonido, and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda.

They met with SIGC President/COO Rei Miyamoto, General Manager Delnar De Vera, EVP Narumi Atarashi, and SMBA Director Honorio “Yuri” Allado to discuss staging the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship in February 2027.

The PSC, SIGC, and SBMA are exploring a three-year partnership  with the National Golf Association of the Philippines to host the event, which will invite the finest lady golfers from across Asia.

Allado later toured Gregorio around the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which houses the historic Remy Field, a 2,000-seater gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a 25-meter pool—all in need of refurbishment.

“With the proposed upgrade of the tennis courts, Subic can host a WTA tournament that will bring in fans and federations, much like Manila’s successful staging of the WTA 125 earlier this year. This will be a game-changer for Subic in terms of fan engagement and global recognition,” Mayor Tiangco noted.

The PSC and SBMA will host the WTA together with the Philippine Tennis Association.

Both Gregorio and Alino agreed to pursue renovations with PSC and SBMA funding, aiming to restore the glory of the Subic Bay Sports Complex and position the Freeport Zone as a magnet for local and foreign tourists.

“The PSC is committed to delivering on its promise. Hosting international tournaments is not just about upgrading facilities, it’s about uplifting the entire community, inspiring athletes, and showcasing the Philippines as a world-class sports destination,” Gregorio concluded.

The PSC has consistently partnered with local government units and agencies to restore or complete unfinished sports facilities across the country. The same strategy will now be applied in Subic, ensuring that the Freeport Zone once again shines on the global sports map.