The Philippines is laying out the red carpet this week to some of golf's biggest names, part of a grand government plan to diversify tourism with sport at the forefront.

The Southeast Asian nation is pitching for a share of the huge golf tourism market in Asia that is projected to generate $9 billion by 2030, according to figures from US analysts Grand View Research.

To showcase what the country can offer, the government has thrown its weight behind this week's International Series tournament featuring four major champions and the cream of Asia.

The country rakes in a shade over $40 billion a year from tourism, say official figures, but the contribution from golf is negligible.

That is because the Philippines has not been an easy destination for cash-rich golf tourists, according to in

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