[VIETNAM GOLF COURSE INSPECTION] Legend Valley Country Club - Keeping the natural beauty of the wilderness intact
Legend Valley Country Club, also known as BRG Ha Nam, is ideally situated just over an hour's drive to the south of Hanoi. The complex features two 18-hole golf courses, both crafted by Nicklaus Design, with the southern course being the inaugural section completed within the Legend Valley Country Club Sports Complex. Upon our arrival at the golf course, we were captivated by the stunning natural scenery. The design of Legend Valley Country Club seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, characterized by the limestone mountains and the Red River Delta. The impressive limestone peaks that encircle the course, along with the tranquil lake and gently meandering streams, have transformed this golf course into a veritable paradise.
The South Course at Legend Valley spans an impressive 7,278 yards, and the golf experts on the judging panel experienced the course from the black tees to gain a comprehensive perspective. The 18 holes feature numerous substantial water hazards, striking mountain vistas, and several deep bunkers. Most teeing areas are elevated, with many positioned in distinctive locations such as canyons, atop rocky summits, or adjacent to the mountainside, allowing players to fully appreciate the stunning natural landscape. A notable characteristic of Legend Valley is its long, narrow greens, which are designed with undulations. This, combined with a grass speed exceeding 9.0, provides a remarkably smooth putting experience.
Out of the 18 holes on the course, 14 are strategically positioned near water hazards, designed to provide ample hitting areas while reducing the likelihood of the ball landing in traps. The bunkers on the course are characterized by their unique "sharp" edges, reflecting the angular contours of the nearby mountains. The back nine includes several remarkable holes, with holes 14 and 15 standing out as particularly impressive.
The 14th hole is a relatively lengthy par-4, featuring a lake situated to the right of the green and a valley positioned on the left. This hole stands out due to its putting green, which is set in a natural valley at the base of the mountain, elevated by 3 to 4 meters above the green. The considerable elevation difference between the back and front of the green challenges players to assess the precision of their short game skills.
Subsequently, at the medium-length par-3 15th hole, we commenced our play from a tee that overlooked a green situated atop a 15-meter-high rock formation at the foot of a towering cliff. Although the design of the green on this hole featured a front-to-back slope intended to enhance accessibility, it still necessitated meticulous strategy to prevent errant shots from landing in the pond.
“We checked out Legend Valley on a rainy day, and honestly, the drainage system did an awesome job, so we still had a blast. I've played a ton of golf courses, but Legend Valley really stood out to me. I’d say it’s the best creation from the Nicklaus Design team in Vietnam, and I’m definitely planning to return here multiple times", remarked judge BJ Song, a representative of Sporting Insight Asia and a former Tour professional.
Legend Valley Country Club presents a formidable challenge, yet it remains an exhilarating venue that evokes numerous unforgettable emotions. At present, the golf course is in the process of developing the 18-hole North course, alongside a theme park, the main clubhouse, and a 200-room hotel. Once the Legend Valley Country Club complex is fully operational, it will undoubtedly become a premier destination for families who are passionate about golf.
Photographs captured at Legend Valley Country Club.: