The drive into Danang Golf Club makes for a grand entrance -- a first glimpse of the immaculately groomed links-style course -- offering a prelude to the impending round on one of Vietnam’s most highly decorated golf clubs.
Opened in 2010, the course designed by Greg Norman has quickly received accolades by numerous groups as one of the 15 best new courses in the world, best golf course in Vietnam, best course in Asia, along with various other tourism-related awards.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by Joe Millar (the club’s General Manager), as well as the club’s professional caddie and clubhouse staff. With a friendly smile they escorted through registration and into the locker rooms to prepare for our round. The staff was efficient, getting us onto the tees within ten minutes of arrival.
Fairways are generous, there are no out-of-bounds, and only a small number of water hazards. Sculpted bunkering, shaped putting greens, and waste areas have been cut directly from the natural sand dunes. The fairways are lined and well defined by long needle pines -- miss the fairway into the trees and you’ll likely need to pitch from the sand and pine needles to a safe spot just to get back into play.
The course is reminiscent of both Scottish links golf and Australia sand-belt courses. Designed by Australia's Greg Norman Golf Course Design firm, the course presents a unique challenge that golfers of all abilities will enjoy. A good score will require careful shot selection in order to have a chance to go for the undulating greens in regulation.
The club’s signature hole is the par-3 16th, which has the East Sea as a back-drop -- a visual masterpiece. The hole often plays into a strong headwind, which makes for a very tricky club selection. Combining the wind with the firm, fast greens this hole makes for a difficult hole to par.
Overall, the course was in great condition and is one of the best each of us had played. The caddies were quite friendly, knowledgeable and well trained. Mine particularly was very capable helping me select the proper club, pointing out where I should play my next shot, as well as reading the break on the green.
Back at the 4,000 square meter clubhouse, we had time for a nice lunch and further discussion about the club and it’s facilities. The food offerings are some of the best in Danang. Coupled with the club’s with first class standards and service, it makes for one of the best golfing stops anywhere.
Danang Golf Club on the coast of Vietnam’s East Sea is rightfully recognized as one of Asia’s top links-style courses, and is most certainly on our list of courses to play over and over.
Danang Golf Club
Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son
Danang City, Vietnam
website: www.dananggolfclub.com
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