BAGUIO CITY, July 10 -- The opening of the Camp John Hay golf course to the public following the turnover of the leased property to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority is boosting golf tourism while encouraging more local residents to take up the sport.

"We are more open because our golf course is now public, and locals are already enjoying it," John Hay Management Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit Singh Reandi said during a press conference Friday after the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club for the co-hosting of the 76th Fil-Am Golf Tournament.

"As you can see in the driving range, many have started playing golf in Baguio," he added.

Reandi said opening the c...