Tuan Chau Golf Resort

Composé de deux boucles de 9 trous, le Tuan Chau a un peu l'allure d'un links avec des fairways vallonnés, plus de 100 petits bunkers et de grands greens ondulés. Cependant, l'eau sur tous les trous sauf deux, plusieurs grands bunkers de plage et un paysage dominé par les palmiers font que le design n'est pas conçu comme un faux links-style, mais plutôt comme un clin d'œil aux racines fondatrices du golf. Le gazon Platinum Seashore Paspalum garantit des surfaces de jeu adéquates tout au long de l'année.

While length is ever-present on many holes, the two short par 4’s, holes 5 and 14, can be part of the enjoyment. These are examples that shorter holes can be just as testing as the brutally long holes that seem to dominate many modern courses. The 5th playing slightly downhill is a possible driveable par-4, but sand and water await the reckless or flawed tee shot, while the green that falls away from the approaching golfer puts a premium on the approach shot. The 14th is also full of risk/reward opportunities to pose strategic questions that see golfers rethink their shot strategies each time they play the hole.

The four par 3’s, while playing at similar lengths, pose different questions, with the 8th the biggest challenge. The green, fairway, and contours received inspiration from the country of Vietnam, while the island-like peninsula houses the entire hole.

The Tuan Chau course, situated adjacent to Ha Long Bay and its UNESCO-listed limestone karsts, takes inspiration from the formation known as Ga Choi or ‘Fighting Chickens Islet.’ 2 of the greens and many of the bunker shapes reflect the famous silhouette of these rock formations. The final four holes of the course may be the most challenging closing holes in Vietnam. Three par-4’s and one par-5 all play over and along the water. Holes 15 to 18 are named the “Chicken Run” as they test players while completing their rounds.

Des projecteurs couvrent tous les trous de Tuan Chau, ce qui permet de commencer à jouer en fin d'après-midi ou de jouer de nuit. Le parcours est facilement praticable à pied car les distances entre les trous adjacents sont courtes et les dénivelés mineurs.

The European-style clubhouse can make golfers forget they are golfing in Vietnam and think they are back in Germany or Switzerland. Service and amenities are first class, although it is advisable to bring a guide as most staff speak only Vietnamese at Tuan Chau.