We were scheduled into Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club for a full day .. departing Hanoi at 07:00 and returning after 18:00. This would give us a full day to experience both of their unique 18-hole championship courses: Lake Course and Sky Course.
Upon arrival, we were graciously greeted by the club’s General Manager, Mr. Tim Haddon and the Operations Manager, Ms. Van Manh Nguyen. Sky Lake’s highly regarded caddie staff quickly attended to our bags and prepared us for our morning round on The Lake Course.Lake Course
Set at 7,887 yards from the Blue tees, the links-style Lake course has been described by many as one of the most challenging courses in Vietnam. With varying elevations and topography, the course weaves its way around Van Son Lake which sits prominently in the centre of property.
Designed by Korean golf course architect, Ahn Moon Hwan, the course makes use of very well placed bunkers and fast greens to challenge golfers of all calibres.
I found the most difficult hole on the Lake Course to be the par-5, 5th hole, a dog-leg left with the lake bordering the left side for the length of the hole. Also along the left were strategically placed bunkers positioned to catch our drive and as well as the second shot. For the long hitter looking to reach the green in two, Caddies will advisable the golfer to keep the ball on the left side of the fairway. The approach shot is challenging as the green is well-protected -- the lake cuts in front of a green which is also
After finishing the Lake Course, we proceeded to have lunch in Sky Lake’s large modern clubhouse. It offered great views over the surrounding countryside from its elevated position. After lunch, we moved on to our afternoon round on the Sky Course.
Sky Course
The Sky Course is accessible to non-members and is designed to be enjoyed by golfers of all levels. Also designed by Korean architect Mr. Ahn Moon Hwan, the course maintains the natural beauty of the landscape creatively and consistency throughout the layout.
The course is long and challenging as it plays to 7,265 yards. Routed over rolling hills, we were impressed with the scenic views overlooking the surrounding farmland. Fairways and large multi-tiered greens follow the land’s naturally hilly contours, increasing the difficulty and challenge of the course. Though most fairways are wide enough to catch most off-center shots, straying off the fairway can result in difficult lies in the thick rough
The signature hole of the Sky course is the 15th, which soars above the rest of the course. It is aptly named Dien Bien Phu (after the pivotal highlands battle been French and Vietnamese forces in 1954 that resulted in France’s withdrawal from Indochina) due to its topography and difficulty.
Future plans for Sky Lake Resort include a golf academy, a 296 room condominium-style hotel, 295 serviced golf villas, 19 resort villas and 48 terraced houses.
Both courses had provided us with unique challenges and amazing vistas. Given an opportunity, golfers should try and play both the Lake and the Sky Courses. Playing both courses on different days is highly recommended.
For more information:
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club
Van Son Lake Area
Chuong My, Hanoi
Tel: +84 4 3371 1234
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