Today, 12 September marks the first day of a 3-week tour to find Vietnam's Best Golf Course for 2015. Organized by Vietnam Golf Magazine, the tour covers the full country from North to South.
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Ms. Yen, Vietnam Golf Magazine
Mr. David Hill, The Dàlat at 1200 |
The day started with an early morning flight into Dalat, with panelists arriving from Hanoi and Danang. Flying in from Hanoi, I was joined by Mr. Pham Tien Van, Ms. Yen and Mr. Tung from Vietnam Golf Magazine. Flying in from Danang was Mr. Mark Siegel from GolfAsian.
We were graciously picked-up at Dalat’s Lien Khuong Airport by Mr. Do Van Trac, the Chairman of Sacom - Tuyen Lam Resort. We were taken to the resort and checked into our rooms. More on Sacom tomorrow.
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The Dàlat at 1200
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After lunch we made our way to The Dàlat at 1200, where we would spend the afternoon and enjoy our first round of golf on this tour.
Located 1200 metres above sea level, the club is intended to be an exclusive country club and private estate. When arriving, guests are generally awestruck by the vista, an elevated view of a the golf course surrounded by fir trees and other lush vegetation.
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| The Dàlat at 1200 |
We were greeted by the club’s General Manager Mr. David Hill and Director Mr. Quý for an introduction to the course before the round. Each of us were assigned a golf caddy and golf cart for the round … eight golfers and nearly a dozen caddies joining the group.
Visually, one of the first things we had noticed was that the new clubhouse and parts of the back nine were still under construction. Completion of the course seemed to be a month or two off, likely readied for upcoming tournaments later this year. The clubhouse and guest lodging would be ready in 2016.
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| The Dàlat at 1200 |
Though only four or five of the holes on the back nine were playable, we decided to begin play at the 10th hole, a par-4. Our focus was to see how the new nine was shaping up. After finishing the playable holes, part of the group continued on to the front nine.
Our group was a mix of players, those who were quite skilled in their game, to those who were new to the game. Our variety of skill-levels were sure to show how the course would play for any golfer. I found that for a single-handicapper playing a good game should allow them to come in with a low score. For those not playing to their abilities, the
course would prove to be difficult. It has quite a few places where water and other hazards will come into play.
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| The Dàlat at 1200 |
Personally, I found the third to be the most unique hole, their signature hole. With a tee on one of the hills that frame the course, the golfer is placed high above the green. A drive that is a bit left or right will find its way into trouble.
Though construction limited the number of holes we could play, I found the layout of the course and the use of its natural terrain have set it up to be one of Vietnam’s top courses in coming year. The course provides a challenge to all who play it, and will reward those who are playing at the top of their game.
After the round, the club generously treated our group to an extensive and very tasty barbecue. A selection of seafood, meats and vegetables were well prepared and enjoyed by all.
As the golf course matures, the new clubhouse and lodging are completed, and the private villas are readied, The Dàlat at 1200 should become one of the top golfing destinations in Vietnam. Keep your eyes on the club in 2016 and beyond.
Further information on the course:
The Dàlat at 1200
Da Ron Commune, Duong District
Lam Dong Province, Dà Lat
Vietnam
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