Onward and Upward

Paul Myers examines the state of the game in Vietnam - where golf is growing, at least in terms of course construction, faster than anywhere else on the planet

The Nicklaus-designed course at Quy Nhon will soon be joined by another 18 holes, this time designed by Schmidt-Curley design

Already, in Danang - where four courses have opened in the past five years and more than 100,000 rounds of golf are being played annually - the courses are booked solid by Koreans and Japanese in the December-March high season, with a steady number of westerners coming for Vietnam’s renowned culture and food to complement its new-found golf attributes.

All four new FLC resorts will greatly add to Vietnam’s currently limited high-season golf-playing capacity.

Large hotels, each with 500-800 rooms, convention centres and up to 1000 high-end villas are key components of each resort. Standalone villas, most with spectacular ocean views, will sell for upwards of US$1 million each, while less-pricey townhouses are also being offered.

Pages

Written by Paul Myers

Click here to see the published article.

The Challenge of the Championship
Can you design a “championship” golf course? It is not uncommon for a client to ask this of a golf architect. But what does this mean and how do you design and set-up a course that is...
Daring to be Different
Guangdong province aside, Bangkok is the most popular destination for Hong Kong golfers. This really comes as no surprise: countless flights serve the Thai capital, reasonably-priced yet quality...
The Root of the Issue
The choice of grass for a new (or renovated) golf course is one of the most important decisions on any project. The cost to maintain this grass will run into millions of dollars over the years as...
From Tee to Shore
Such has been the rate of golf course construction in China in recent years that you’re more likely to find the world’s best golf course architects traipsing through the glades of Yunnan and the...
Lie of the Land
If you happened to watch the Open Championship last month you would have noted how much Royal Liverpool called for great creativity - and in many cases the need to improvise or invent shots....
Upping its Game
In many ways, Bali is the holiday island that has it all. Feted for its immense beauty and deep-rooted Hindu/ Animist culture, the island attracts a steady flowing stream of visitors looking to...
What to Make of the Unconventional?
The Open Championship was first played at Prestwick, that grand old links on the west coast of Scotland. At that time, back in 1860, Prestwick consisted of 12 holes and would be extended to 18...
Short, But Sweet
Every golfer loves a great par-3; there is something magical about hitting a crisp wedge close to the pin on a short hole or a towering hybrid to the green on a long one. Par-3s are often the...
An Historical Stay
In many ways, the most high-profile golf clubs in China have taken golf the game new level. Take, for instance, Dragon Lake Golf Club, a fine 45-hole complex situated in Guangzhou's...
A Little Piece of Scotland
Pinehurst Resort is unquestionably one of America’s greatest golfing beacons. The longtime home of famed golf course architect Donald Ross, it was the gathering place of the first meeting of...

Pages