Sustainability sets the course at Anvaya Cove
Named Best Golf Course in Southeast Asia and awarded the GEO Certification, the Bataan estate champions responsible leisure
Raymond Bunquin, Anvaya Cove and Sports Club general manager; Carole Kerrey, director of certification, data, and credibility for GEO Foundation; and Joe Dagdagan, Ayala Land golf courses general manager
Luxury in golf today goes beyond scenic fairways, centering instead on purpose and environmental care. Recognized as the Best Golf Course in Southeast Asia and awarded the GEO Certification for Sustainable Golf, Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club proves that sustainability and world-class design can thrive together. It is one of only 18 facilities in Asia, and the second in the Philippines, to receive this global recognition.
For Ayala Land Premier, Anvaya Cove’s sustainability milestones embody its commitment to responsible development that values both people and the planet. Located in Morong, Bataan, the 620-hectare estate brings together residential communities and leisure destinations—including the Beach and Nature Club and the Golf and Sports Club—designed to coexist with the natural landscape overlooking Subic Bay and nearby mountain ranges. Covering 82 hectares, its 18-hole, par-72 course merges world-class design with environmental care, earning acclaim as Southeast Asia’s top golf course and ranking 15th in this year’s Top 100 Golf Courses Asia list.
The GEO Certification, granted by the nonprofit GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, serves as the global benchmark for golf courses that balance sport and sustainability. It is awarded only after a rigorous process of self-assessment, documentation, and independent audit that ensures each facility minimizes its environmental footprint while strengthening community ties. Beyond recognition, it stands as a trusted mark of credibility and long-term value for developers and investors in an era shaped by ESG principles.
At Anvaya Cove, this standard comes to life through a series of eco-driven initiatives seamlessly integrated into its operations, using endemic Zoysia turf grass, recycled runoff water for irrigation, and renewable energy to reduce its footprint. Through strict waste management protocols, specialized facilities like chemical and wash bays, and continued investment in renewable energy projects, the estate upholds international standards for sustainable golf operations.
Carole Kerrey, director of certification, data, and credibility at the GEO Foundation, explained that the certification represents more than recognition, it reflects an ongoing journey toward progress. “One of the biggest aspects of certification is a commitment to continuous improvement. The certification is not to be viewed just as a mark of distinction for what has been but a symbol of positive intentions and meaningful follow through,” she said.
In the same spirit, Manuel Illana, Premium RBG planning studio head, shared that Anvaya was planned to align development with environmental care. “It was created not only as a place for families to gather but also as a community that respects, protects, and thrives with its natural environment,” he said. Reflecting on the recognition, Illana expressed pride in the team’s work, noting that the GEO Certification affirms their original goal of designing a course in harmony with its surroundings, a vision that continues to guide Anvaya Cove today.