Subic Bay is setting its sights on a return to the international sporting stage, with the proposed hosting of a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament and the 2027 Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship forming part of efforts to revitalize the Freeport’s sports facilities and establish it as a premier sports tourism destination.
The proposed initiatives are being pursued by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in partnership with national sports organizations and private-sector stakeholders.
At the heart of the initiative is the planned rehabilitation of the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which could once again welcome major national and international sporting events.
Subic Sets Its Sights on WTA Tennis
One of the most promising opportunities is the potential staging of a WTA tournament in Subic Bay.
During a recent visit to the Freeport, PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio toured the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which includes the historic Remy Field, a 2,000-seat gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a 25-meter swimming pool.
The tennis facilities, in particular, could provide the foundation for bringing international women's professional tennis to Subic, subject to the proposed upgrading of the courts and the necessary requirements for hosting a WTA event.
Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, who joined the PSC delegation during the visit, highlighted the potential of the upgraded facilities.
“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,” Tiangco said.
For Subic Bay, the prospect of hosting professional women's tennis would provide more than an opportunity to stage high-level competition. It could bring international athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and tennis organizations into the Freeport while introducing Subic to a broader global sporting audience.
The proposed initiative also builds on Subic's established experience in hosting sporting events and its existing tourism infrastructure, creating opportunities to combine competitive sport with leisure, recreation, and tourism.
Revitalizing a Sporting Legacy
Subic Bay already has a long history as a sports destination.
The Freeport has regularly hosted triathlon events and served as a venue during the 2019 and 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
However, several of its sports facilities have seen limited international use in recent years.
The proposed rehabilitation of the Subic Bay Sports Complex aims to change that.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño emphasized that upgrading the facilities would benefit not only athletes and sporting events, but also the wider community and the Freeport's tourism economy.
“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,” Aliño said.
The rehabilitation initiative is therefore envisioned not simply as an infrastructure project, but as an investment in Subic's long-term potential as a destination for sports, tourism, and recreation.
International Golf Returns to the Spotlight
Alongside the tennis initiative, Subic Bay is also preparing to welcome an important international golf event.
During Gregorio's visit, the PSC delegation proceeded to the Subic International Golf Club (SIGC) to discuss preparations for the 2027 Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship, scheduled for February.
Gregorio was joined by Tiangco, PSC Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido, and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda for discussions with SIGC President/Chief Operating Officer Rei Miyamoto, General Manager Delnar De Vera, Executive Vice President Narumi Atarashi, and SBMA Director Honorio “Yuri” Allado.
The PSC, SBMA, and SIGC are exploring a three-year partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines to host the tournament, which is expected to bring leading women golfers from across Asia to Subic Bay.
The championship would provide another opportunity to showcase Subic as an international sports destination while generating activity for the Freeport's tourism, hospitality, dining, transportation, and other service sectors.
Sports Tourism as a New Growth Opportunity
The proposed tennis and golf events form part of a broader vision for sports tourism in Subic Bay.
International sporting events can generate activity well beyond the venues themselves. Athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, media, and sports organizations create demand for accommodation, dining, transportation, recreation, and other tourism-related services.
Subic's existing combination of sports facilities, hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments, natural attractions, and accessibility provides a strong foundation for developing this market.
The strategy also complements the Freeport's existing tourism offerings, allowing visitors to experience Subic not only as a destination for leisure and adventure but also as a venue for world-class sporting competition.
A Partnership for Subic's Sporting Future
The PSC and SBMA are set to pursue the rehabilitation of Subic's sports facilities through government support and partnerships, with the goal of restoring the Subic Bay Sports Complex and preparing it for future competitions.
For the PSC, the initiative is consistent with its continuing efforts to work with local government units and government agencies in restoring and completing sports facilities across the country.
In Subic, that partnership could help bring renewed life to facilities that have played an important role in the Freeport's sporting history.
“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 said.
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