[INSPECT THE NORTHERN GOLF] Day 9: HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB - A Masterpiece of Links Golf on Vietnam's Central Coast  11:19, 23/07/2026

Set against an unspoiled stretch of coastline, Hoiana Shores unfolds across windswept dunes, an expansive beachfront and a series of holes offering uninterrupted views of the East Sea and the tranquil Cham Islands.

It is no coincidence that Hoiana Shores has consistently been ranked among the World's Top 100 Golf Courses and recognised by prestigious organisations including Golf Digest and the World Golf Awards. For the judging panel, however, its true value lies beyond the accolades. What impressed them most is the club's unwavering commitment to maintaining world-class standards since opening.

Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Hoiana Shores is Vietnam's first true championship links course. Rather than reshaping the landscape, Jones embraced nature, allowing the site's untouched dunes, coastal winds and more than two kilometres of beachfront to define the course. Each hole possesses its own distinctive character while flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a golfing experience shaped by sand, wind and sea.

One of Hoiana Shores' greatest strengths is its balance. The course provides enough strategic complexity to challenge accomplished golfers while remaining enjoyable and approachable for mid-handicap players and newcomers. Generous fairways inspire confidence from the tee, yet a single poor decision can quickly be punished by the ever-changing coastal breeze, deep bunkers and rugged sandy rough. It is this delicate balance that leaves golfers eager to return.

Throughout the inspection, the judging panel repeatedly praised the exceptional conditioning of the course. From tee boxes and fairways to the greens, the turf was presented in immaculate condition with remarkable consistency. Greens rolled true at impressive speeds, while firm yet healthy fairways delivered excellent playing surfaces throughout the round.

Behind these immaculate conditions is a dedicated maintenance team, now led by a new generation of highly trained Vietnamese agronomy professionals. Their meticulous attention is evident in every mowing pattern, every perfectly presented bunker and the consistently high-quality playing surfaces maintained despite the demanding climate of Vietnam's central coast. For the panel, it was a source of particular pride to see a world-class golf course maintained by local expertise.

If the course itself showcases excellence through its design, the clubhouse completes the resort experience. Overlooking the coastline, its locker rooms, pro shop and restaurant are all thoughtfully designed, delivering understated elegance rather than extravagance. The judges agreed that Hoiana Shores is one of the few destinations where the quality of the golf course and the standard of hospitality complement each other so seamlessly.

International Judge Oh Sang Jun shared his impressions: "Every hole at Hoiana Shores presents a unique challenge, especially the shorter par 4s, where the bunkering and green complexes require thoughtful strategy. The clubhouse is maintained to an exceptional standard, while the GPS-equipped golf carts significantly enhance the playing experience, particularly for first-time visitors.

From arrival to the completion of the round, every aspect of the experience meets the highest international standards. Hoiana Shores is a destination I would gladly return to."

As the judges departed beneath the golden afternoon light stretching across the coastal dunes, what lingered was more than memories of an outstanding round of golf. Hoiana Shores has evolved beyond being simply a golf course; it has become a symbol of Vietnam's golf tourism ambitions. Here, every shot is accompanied by the sound of the sea breeze, and every return visit reinforces the belief that Vietnam can stand confidently alongside the world's leading golf destinations.

Take a look back at the highlights from the judging panel's visit to Hoiana Shores Golf Club on 18 July 2026.