Puerto Azul is among the early championship courses spurred by the development of tourism golf. It is a regular par-72 layout, adjustable to 71 for the big events like the Philippine Open. It is decidedly one of the scenic courses, proud of its famous combination of mountain and sea. The first nine is a rugged terrain with mountains and pristine rivers and streams punctuating its profile and the second nine close to the sea. Its signature hole is the famous 17, a par 3 hole which is delineated by one of the deepest water hazards in Philippine Golf – the China Sea.