Subic Bay Freeport Zone is preparing for a return to the international sporting stage, with plans to host a major women’s golf championship and a possible Women’s Tennis Association tournament.
The Philippine Sports Commission and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority are exploring a partnership to rehabilitate key facilities and reposition the Freeport as a leading sports tourism destination.
Among the events being considered is the 2027 Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship, tentatively scheduled for February at the Subic International Golf Club. The PSC, SBMA and golf club are also discussing a three-year hosting agreement with the National Golf Association of the Philippines.
The tournament is expected to attract some of Asia’s top female golfers, potentially bringing athletes, officials, spectators and tourists to Subic.
PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio said staging international competitions could help revive the area’s sporting legacy while creating opportunities for aspiring Filipino athletes.
“Subic has the potential to be the breeding ground of the nation’s finest athletes while standing tall as a remarkable sports tourism destination,” Gregorio said. “Hosting world-class tournaments here will inspire communities and elevate Philippine sports to global standards.”
Subic has long been associated with endurance sports, particularly triathlon. It also served as a venue for the 2019 and 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
However, several facilities at the Subic Bay Sports Complex have hosted few international competitions since the 2019 regional meet. These include the historic Remy Field track oval and football pitch, a 2,000-seat gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court and a 25-meter swimming pool.
SBMA Chairman Eduardo Alino said renovating the facilities would benefit not only athletes but also the local economy and community.
“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 said.
Gregorio inspected the facilities during a visit that began at the Subic International Golf Club. He was joined by Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, PSC Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda.
The group met with Subic International Golf Club President and Chief Operating Officer Rei Miyamoto, General Manager Delnar De Vera, Executive Vice President Narumi Atarashi and SBMA Director Honorio “Yuri” Allado to discuss preparations for the proposed golf championship.
Attention later shifted to the Freeport’s tennis facilities, which could be upgraded to meet international competition standards.
Tiangco said refurbished courts could allow Subic to pursue a WTA tournament similar to the WTA 125 competition successfully staged in Manila earlier this year.
“With the proposed upgrade of the tennis courts, Subic can host a WTA tournament that will bring in fans and federations,” Tiangco said. “This will be a game-changer for Subic in terms of fan engagement and global recognition.”
The PSC and SBMA plan to explore joint funding for the renovations. The initiative is expected to follow the commission’s existing strategy of working with local governments and national agencies to restore or complete sports facilities across the country.
Gregorio said the proposed tournaments should be viewed as more than stand-alone sporting events. He said they could stimulate tourism, encourage community participation and strengthen the Philippines’ profile as an international competition venue.
“Hosting international tournaments is not just about upgrading facilities,” he said. “It’s about uplifting the entire community, inspiring athletes and showcasing the Philippines as a world-class sports destination.”
If the planned improvements and hosting agreements push through, Subic could once again become a regular stop for elite international competitions—and reclaim its place on the global sports map.
