Top 10 Toughest Golf Courses in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with an abundance of golf courses, each one offering a unique challenge. For those looking for the ultimate test, there are some of the toughest golf courses in Vietnam that will truly test their skills. From long holes to narrow fairways and tricky greens, these courses will challenge even the most experienced golfers. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an intense game of golf, these courses have something for everyone. So get ready to take on some of Vietnam’s most challenging golf courses!
Vietnam’s Most Challenging Golf Courses
1. Hilltop Valley Golf Club
Hilltop Valley Golf Club
Hilltop Valley Golf Club in Vietnam, designed by IMG, ranks the first position in the list of toughest golf courses in Vietnam. Nestled in the Hoa Binh hills and mountains, this 27-hole course offers a challenging terrain and beautiful views. One of its unique features is its hilly landscape, with each hole offering a different and demanding golf experience.
While the first 9 holes are located in the valley of the Da Che mountain range, the 9 holes behind are steeper and higher, winding along the way to the top of the mountain, providing a stronger swing and sense of adventure. However, the course’s beauty and excitement come with a challenge, as players must navigate through the numerous streams, lakes, and luxuriant trees.
The most significant challenge is the careful placement of hazards, including water features and the steep, rugged terrain. Golfers must face the risk of errant shots landing in these hilly areas and lakes, resulting in significant penalties.
2. FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club is one of the top golf courses in Vietnam, located near the picturesque Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful settings. The course was designed by the famous golf course designer, Schmidt-Curley, and offers golfers a unique and challenging experience.
One of the most notable features of FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club is its undulating terrain, which presents golfers with a variety of challenging shots. The course also features a number of water hazards, including a lake that comes into play on several holes. The greens are well-guarded by bunkers, and their undulating nature adds to the difficulty of making accurate putts.
The course’s signature hole is the 13th, a long par-5 that features a large water hazard that runs through the length of the hole. Golfers must make precise shots to avoid the water and reach the green in regulation.
3. FLC Sam Son Golf Links
FLC Sam Son Golf Links
FLC Sam Son Golf Links is a world-class golf course located in the beautiful coastal city of Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. The course offers a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels, with a design that takes full advantage of the natural features of the landscape.
The course is known for its challenging layout, which features a number of hazards that can catch out even the most experienced players. The undulating fairways and well-placed bunkers make accuracy off the tee a must, while the fast and tricky greens require a deft touch with the putter.
One of the most challenging holes on the course is the 16th, which requires a long and accurate drive to avoid the water hazard on the left side of the fairway. The green is protected by deep bunkers on both sides, making approach shots a real test of skill.
>>> Explore more demanding golf courses in Hanoi & North Vietnam.
4. Montgomerie Links Vietnam
Montgomerie Links Vietnam
Montgomerie Links Vietnam is a world-renowned golf course that offers a unique challenge for even the most experienced golfers. The course is designed by legendary golfer Colin Montgomerie and features lush and tight fairways that test the precision and focus of every golfer. Every hole is designed to require a high level of accuracy and control to score well, making it a great test of one’s mental and physical toughness.
One of the most challenging aspects of Montgomerie Links Vietnam is its numerous bunkers and water hazards that are strategically placed throughout the course. These hazards require golfers to carefully plan their shots and make strategic decisions to avoid losing strokes.
5. Hoiana Shores Golf Club
Hoiana Shores Golf Club
Hoiana Shores Golf Club,located in central Vietnam, is one of the most challenging golf courses in Vietnam that presents a formidable challenge to even the most skilled golfers. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features a unique blend of seaside and inland terrain, with sweeping sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and rolling hills.
One of the standout features of Hoiana Shores Golf Club is its challenging hazards. The course is dotted with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and deep rough, making accuracy and precision a must for every shot. The signature 4th hole, in particular, is a par-3 with a treacherous green protected by a large bunker, posing a tricky challenge for golfers.
In addition to the hazards, the course’s layout and wind conditions can also pose a challenge. The links-style design of the course means that the wind can be a major factor, with gusts coming in off the ocean and affecting shots. The wide fairways may look inviting, but golfers will need to plan their shots carefully to avoid trouble.
6. Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Ba Na Hills Golf Club, located in Da Nang, Vietnam, is known for its breathtaking beauty and challenging golf hazards. Designed by Luke Donald, the 18-hole, par-72 course showcases immaculate fairways and greens, surrounded by a diverse mix of natural topography and vegetation.
The course’s most challenging aspect is its hazards. From streams to large hardwood trees and other natural features, golfers of all levels are tested throughout the course. In particular, the 17th hole stands out as the most challenging, with its tee box situated at the course’s highest point and golfers are required to weave their way back down to the valley while navigating an array of hazards.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club is not for the faint of heart. Luke Donald’s expertise is evident in the layout, which takes full advantage of the site’s natural features to create a rewarding yet difficult golfing experience. The course’s varied terrain and hazards guarantee to challenge even the most experienced golfers, making it a must-play for those looking for a true test of their skills.
7. Dalat Palace Golf Club
Dalat Palace Golf Club
Dalat Palace Golf Club is a golf course situated in the beautiful city of Dalat in Vietnam. It is one of the toughest golf courses in Vietnam that offers a unique experience to golfers of all levels. The course is situated in the hills, and its natural surroundings offer breathtaking views and a cool, refreshing atmosphere but a really challenging round of golf.
Dalat Palace Golf Club boasts 18 holes, each of which presents its own set of challenges to golfers. The fairways are narrow, and there are many hazards such as water and bunkers that come into play on most holes. The greens are also very demanding, with many of them being fast and undulating.
One of the most difficult holes is the 17th, which is a par-3 that requires a tee shot over water to a narrow green that is protected by bunkers. This hole requires accuracy and a steady nerve to avoid a penalty.
>>> Read more: Best Golf Courses in Central Vietnam
8. The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is a championship golf course located in the scenic coastal area of Ho Tram, Vietnam. The course is situated on a rugged cliffside terrain with natural sand dunes and coastal vegetation, offering 18 holes with a par of 71 and stretching over 7,000 yards. The fairways are undulating and the greens are fast, making it a true test of a golfer’s skill and precision.
The course also features a variety of hazards that golfers must navigate, including deep bunkers, natural grasses, and strong ocean winds. The par-3 15th hole is particularly challenging, as it requires players to hit their shots over a large ravine and onto a narrow green surrounded by deep bunkers.
9. Vietnam Golf & Country Club
Vietnam Golf & Country Club
Vietnam Golf & Country Club is a premier golf course located just outside of Ho Chi Minh City and one of the most challenging golf courses in Vietnam. The course boasts two 18-hole championship courses, the West and East Course, both are considered challenging golf courses in Vietnam.
The West Course features undulating fairways and tricky bunkers, making it a challenging course for golfers to navigate. The course is known for its difficult par-3 holes, with water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. The 9th and 18th holes, in particular, are known for their challenging water features that require a skilled shot to score well.
The East Course, on the other hand, is known for its tight fairways and dogleg holes that require players to be strategic with their every swing. It is also known for its large, undulating greens that challenge a player’s putting skills. The 17th hole is a standout, with a narrow fairway and a strategically placed bunker that can make or break a player’s round.
10. Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc
Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc
Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc is a masterpiece of IMG, one of the world’s leading golf course design firms, and features 27 holes spreading over 100 hectares of land. The course’s terrain is diverse, with natural water hazards, demanding sand dunes, and well-placed bunkers, making it one of the toughest golf courses in Vietnam.
The course’s most difficult hole is the 16th, a par-3 that requires a tee shot over a large lake and onto a narrow green surrounded by bunkers. This hole exemplifies the challenges that golfers will face throughout the course, including tight fairways, well-placed bunkers, and fast greens. Playing golf at Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc brings a really exceptional experience, especially for golfers falling in love with links-style course. It is a high risk high reward layout that you will want to return more times.
>>> Read more: Best Golf Courses in South Vietnam
Tips to Play Golf in Vietnam
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Vietnam. With its beautiful landscapes and challenging courses, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this country to satisfy their golf passion. For those who are new to the game, here are some tips on how to play golf in Vietnam.
First, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of playing golf in Vietnam. Make sure you understand what clubs you can use and what type of clothing is appropriate for each course. Additionally, make sure you know the etiquette when playing with other players.
Second, it is important to practice your swing before heading out onto the course. Make sure you’re comfortable with your stance and your grip before teeing off so that you can make a good shot every time. Additionally, be sure to warm up properly before each round so that your body is ready for a full 18 holes of golfing action!
>>> To enjoy a golf holiday in Vietnam to the fullest, you can refer to our Vietnam golf guide here.
Are these courses make you feel excited? Don’t hesitate to check out our best Vietnam golf tours or contact us for a tailor-made golf package.
