The best thing to rise out of the ashes of the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption has to be Pradera Verde.

Set amidst the plains of Lubao in Pampanga, the first course of a planned 36-hole development provides golfers with a playground that will be both attractive and challenging to players of all levels.

The boringly flat terrain of the area has been transformes by imaginative earth-moving into a golf course that looks benign and welcoming at first glance.

Don’t be deceived. When a liberal sprinkling of intimidating bunkers, strategically-placed water hazards and famed gusts of the Central Plain of Luzon, come in to play, this course can bite back at the golfer who takes it for granted.

With four sets of tees, the course can be set-up to suit golfers with different levels of talent. The ladies can enjoy

the 5,394 yard ladies tees, the Seniors can play the course at 5,992 yards, the Blues measure 6,395 yards and the Black tees can be stretched to 7,214 yards. Just perfect for a leisurely round in the weekend or a pumped-up course for a professional event.

Given those yardages, ball placement will be utmost importance here. You will have to put your ball in places that will make your approach shots less complicated.

Unfortunately while course continues to mature, the wide-open feel of the course will offer few targets or aiming points to guide you except for the distant trees in the background. The challenge then of Pradera Verde is in visualizing your shot, knowing where to aim and getting your yardages right.

The wide-open sky will be your canvas.