Golf in Vietnam is full of Eastern Promise

Golf in Asia is no longer a well-kept secret. Over the past 20 years, the Continent has emerged as a top breeding ground for talent, as well as world-class courses.

The likes of China, Korea, and Japan have established themselves as fantastic tourist destinations for golfers who have the inclination and budget to really spread their wings. Now, Vietnam wants a bit of that action, too.

With golfing legends such as Colin Montgomerie, Sir Nick Faldo and Greg Norman all designing courses in the country, it has emerged as a nation with a rich golfing potential and which the International Association of Golf Tour Operators recognised as the ‘Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year’ in December 2007.

It comes as no surprise, then that the unveiling of The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip golf course has attracted some attention. Designed by the aforementioned Norman, it is expected to become one of the country’s top courses in next to no time.

Then there’s Laguna Lang Co GC, crafted by Sir Nick Faldo. In his design, the Englishman has conceived a course of striking variety, with woodland, rivers, beach landscapes all awaiting golfers.

Routed around towering sand dunes, with great views of Vietnam’s national forest and the expansive shoreline of the The Grand Ho Tram Strip, the course offers a thrilling 18 holes of golf in beautiful surroundings.

Norman himself commented on the courses stunning landscape, hailing it as a venue perfect for golf.

Of course, there are many other great golf developments in this truly beautiful country, The Dunes course at Danang GC being a good example. It has a ‘linksy’ feel to it, evoking the spirit of Scottish golf. However, one glance over Vietnam’s tranquil East Sea, and you recognise this is a far cry from the wind-swept courses on the Scottish coast.

Elsewhere, situated on the Central Coast – affectionately known as the ‘Golf Coast’ – is the Montgomerie Links course, created by Colin Montgomerie. Golfers here do battle with quick fairways and massive, slopping greens.

Then there’s Laguna Lang Co GC, crafted by Sir Nick Faldo. In his design, the Englishman has conceived a course of striking variety, with woodland, rivers, beach landscapes all awaiting golfers.

One of the oldest courses in Vietnam is found at Dalat Palace GC, and it, too, is worth a visit. Established in 1922, it is a rare parkland Vietnamese course, with wide inviting fairways and a relatively straightforward layout. This is in contrast to the difficulty of the links courses, bringing variety to the country’s range of layouts.

If you haven’t yet visited golf’s new Asian frontier, a trip to Vietnam is a ‘must’.

Get more out of Vietnam

Bring a brolly

Vietnam has a rainy season, usally lasting from May until September. If you’re playing golf around
this time, you can expect it to rain quite frequently, so waterproofs and umbrellas are a must.

Be careful around traffic

Motorcycles and mopeds are very popular modes of transport in the country and, as a result, its roads are hectic and bustling with traffic. Be careful when travelling and crossing them.

Get medical insurance

Injuries on the course are rare but a rolled ankle or a bump on the head from a stray ball can happen. The problem with that? Medical treatment in the country isn’t free. Get insured for piece of mind.

Eat at your golf club

Street food sold in markets or food from venders in the city can sometimes be a bit of a gamble. To ensure a hygienic meal that tastes great, opt for the food at your golf cub or hotel.

Always count your money

Count your zeroes when paying with, and receiving, cash. The 500,000 and 50,000 notes look very similar, in particular, so don’t get mixed up or you’ll find yourself considerably out of pocket.

Don’t drink tap water

You will need to take on plenty of water in the humid climate, especially during your round. The tap water isn’t good quality, though, and can be even worse in the immediate aftermath of the rainy season. Buy bottled water to stay healthy and hydrated.