[VIETNAM GOLF COURSE INSPECTION] Tuan Chau Golf Resort - Distinctive journey through the heritage landscape  02:53, 20/07/2024

The survey team comprised members from the National Tourism Administration, the Sports Authority of Vietnam, the Vietnam Golf Association, and Vietnam Golf & Leisure Co., as well as seasoned international experts from Golf Development Solution (Australia) and Sporting Insights (UK). We dedicated an entire day to assessing Tuan Chau Golf Course, the largest golf course project in Quang Ninh Province, which was designed by Pacific Coast Design.

The journey from the heart of Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island, the largest island in the northern region, took approximately two hours. Upon arrival, we visited Tuan Chau Golf Course, which is situated amidst a premium entertainment zone and opulent villas and resorts, making it a prime location for golfers from all over the nation.

From the instant we set foot in the Tuan Chau Golf Resort, it was evident that we shared a unanimous perspective: the golf course was thoughtfully designed with attention to its landscape and carefully equipped with a varied range of facilities. The clubhouse also received considerable praise, boasting comprehensive technical infrastructure and contemporary amenities to cater to all customer requirements.

Nestled on the exquisite reclaimed terrain of the enchanting Tuan Chau Island, which gracefully adjoins the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Golf Resort boasts an impressive expanse of 7,388 yards across a sprawling 145 hectares. This magnificent course features two distinct loops of 9 holes, embodying the essence of a links-style golf experience. The layout presents a series of challenging, undulating fairways, adorned with over 100 strategically placed pot-shaped bunkers and expansive greens that gently slope from various unexpected angles.

The golf course boasts breathtaking vistas of the sea, with a stunning backdrop of palm trees that accentuates its links-style design. This unique setting offers an enchanting experience reminiscent of golfing in Germany or Switzerland. Furthermore, the course is adorned with luxurious Platinum Seashore Paspalum grass, meticulously chosen to harmonize with the local environment, ensuring an impeccable playing surface that caters to the desires of golf aficionados throughout the year.

Being the largest 18-hole golf course in Quang Ninh, the length of the course significantly contributes to the unique experience it offers. Nevertheless, Tuan Chau features two shorter par-4 holes, specifically hole 5 and hole 14, allowing players to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings after navigating the more demanding holes during their course assessment. Despite their shorter distance, these two holes still necessitate careful strategic planning for each shot from the players.

The four par 3 holes, while similar in length, present distinct challenges, with hole 8 being the most formidable. Two of the greens, along with several bunkers, draw inspiration from Hon Ga Choi, a notable landmark of Ha Long Bay. The final four holes of the course are arguably among the most challenging finishes, featuring three par-4 holes and one par-5 hole, all demanding that players navigate their drives over water. Notably, the par-5 hole extends over 700 yards, posing a significant challenge even for seasoned golfers.

Tuan Chau Golf Course presents a formidable challenge for players, not only due to its extensive layout and various obstacles but also because it necessitates meticulous selection of clubs for each shot. Nevertheless, the course offers golfers stunning vistas from every playing position. Each hole is designed to be both demanding and enjoyable. Furthermore, our panel has determined that the overall experience is enhanced by walking the course, as the proximity between holes is not far and the elevation changes are slight.

Mr. Stephan Morgan, a member of the judging panel and representative of Golf Development Solution, remarked on his initial visit to Tuan Chau Golf Course, stating that he was quite impressed with the well-appointed clubhouse. Despite the weather turning and rain occurring during the round, the unique challenges presented by each hole, along with the scenic views, enabled the judging team to thoroughly assess all 18 holes. Furthermore, he noted that the caddies at Tuan Chau Golf Course demonstrated excellent professional expertise, were amiable and welcoming, and displayed a commendable level of enthusiasm.

It is only after playing a round of golf at the Tuan Chau course and taking in the stunning natural landscape that we truly grasped the reasons behind the numerous favorable reviews from both domestic and international visitors regarding Tuan Chau Golf Resort. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned golfer who has frequented this venue or a newcomer experiencing it for the first time, Tuan Chau Golf Resort consistently offers delightful surprises.

Below are photos of us at Tuan Chau Golf Resort