PAOAY, Ilocos Norte — The historic Paoay Golf Course is moving toward rehabilitation and reopening as the provincial government of Ilocos Norte and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) pursue efforts to restore the facility and strengthen the province’s tourism industry.
The development was reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on October 17, 2026, citing the provincial government’s plans with TIEZA.
The project could give Paoay another reason to attract domestic and international visitors, especially golfers seeking destinations beyond the country’s established golf hubs. Its location near the scenic Paoay Lake also presents an opportunity to connect sports, leisure and sightseeing in one destination.
A golf course with bigger tourism ambitions
The Paoay Golf Course is an 18-hole facility in Barangay Suba, Paoay, situated near the well-known Paoay Lake. It has long been viewed as a potential draw for international golf tourists, including visitors from East Asia.
In a July 2024 report, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) said the course covered part of a 77-hectare sports and recreation complex and that rehabilitation efforts had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also identified the facility as the only golf course in Ilocos Norte and one of the few in the Ilocos Region.
The provincial government and tourism officials have viewed its revival as a way to attract more visitors, encourage private investment and create economic opportunities for local communities.
What improvements are planned?
TIEZA’s procurement documents provide a clearer picture of the planned rehabilitation. The scope includes work on the golf course’s grass, bunkers, greens, fairways, tee boxes, lake features and drainage and irrigation systems.
The project documents also list improvements or additions involving a driving range, mini-golf facility, golf accessories, pump houses, comfort rooms, a caddie station and bag-drop area, a tee house, and provisions for night golf.
These plans suggest that the redevelopment is intended to go beyond basic repairs and support a more complete golf and recreation experience.
TIEZA published a notice of award in December 2025 and subsequently posted the contract agreement and notice to proceed on January 27, 2026. Its bidding documents set a contract ceiling of ₱267.64 million and specified a completion period of 420 calendar days. These are procurement terms, however, and should not be interpreted as confirmation that all facilities are already completed or operational.
Why this matters for Ilocos Norte
The golf course’s revival could complement other tourism attractions in the province, including Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bangui windmills, and the beaches and natural attractions of Pagudpud.
A rehabilitated course could encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more at nearby hotels and restaurants, and explore other destinations across Ilocos Norte. Local businesses and workers could benefit if increased visitor demand translates into actual spending and employment.
The project also fits into a broader tourism-development effort around Paoay. TIEZA has separately pursued plans for the development of Paoay Lake and the sand dunes, potentially creating opportunities to link golf, nature-based activities and local tourism services.
The big question: When will it fully reopen?
While the rehabilitation has advanced through formal procurement milestones, the exact date when the golf course will fully reopen to the public, along with final operating arrangements and visitor rates, should be confirmed through official announcements.
The project’s long-term success will depend not only on restoring the course but also on maintaining its facilities, securing effective operations, attracting visitors and ensuring that nearby communities benefit from tourism growth.
For Ilocos Norte, the Paoay Golf Course represents more than a sports facility. It is a potential tourism asset that, if successfully rehabilitated and operated, could help expand the province’s appeal to golfers and leisure travelers alike.
