Rising above Xuan Huong Lake in the central highlands of Vietnam is Dalat Palace Golf Club, the oldest golf course in the country. Built in the 1920s, it served as the personal course of Emperor Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last emperor. Though the course has been through a few changes in its 95 years, it still retains its original charm along with the feel of a leading, historical club.
The trees and shrubbery around the course were a testament to the maturity of the course. Despite having the city grow around the course, Dalat Palace still maintains its status as one of the country's preferred golfing venues. I particularly enjoy the setting as it exudes a vibe as a golfing oasis within an urban setting.
We were fortunate to spend a good part of the day at the club, playing an 18-hole round followed by a nice lunch hosted by the club’s General Manager, Tran Quoc Hung. The round was interrupted for about 10 minutes by a heavy rain, but we were able to resume and complete a full 18.
On the 513-yard 18th hole, I played it a bit cautious, teeing-off with an iron rather than a driver out of concern for the motorists on the road. A busy thoroughfare created a tight out-of-bounds on the right hand side, and was a draw for too many wayward balls. A few other holes dictated a club selection for better ball placement than for distance.
The course underwent a multi-million dollar re-development in 1994, re-opening amid much anticipation. It remains the most awarded club in Vietnam, and continues to be a draw for both residents and international tourists.
To contact the club:
Dalat Palace Golf Club
Trần Nhân Tông, Phường 1
tp. Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Tel: +84 63 3821 201
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