A KOREA-based company is investing $2 million to develop an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Cebu.

The golf course is seen to complement the P2-billion 550-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, which is set to have its soft opening by December this year.

Bruce Chiongbian, vice president of developer Phil-BXT Corp., said they are looking at three possible sites for the golf course, all within easy reach from the Imperial Palace in Maribago, in Mactan Island.

“Cebu still lacks enough number of golf courses of international standards. We all know golf is a favorite past time for many tourists,” Chiongbian said. “In order to be a top tourist destination, we need to have at least five golf courses.”

Imperial Palace has just completed its six towers that will accommodate most of its 556 accommodation units—making it the largest hotel in Cebu by far.

Work is also ongoing for the over 3,000-square meter fresh water park as well as villas dotting the 8-hectare property.

Chiongbian said they would need 70 hectares for the golf course and is considering properties in Cordova town, also in Mactan island, and two other towns in mainland Cebu.

Imperial Palace is set to open all of its rooms and villas to the public through a soft opening in December. It plans to fly in its management team by July.

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A KOREA-based company is investing $2 million to develop an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Cebu.

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