Vietnam is lucky insofa as it possesses a relatively predictable (though varied) climate, tropical abundance, an expansive coastal shore and a temperate climate in parts. Thus, the country's golf courses offer almost every environment the serious golfer could require for a challenging round.

The majority of Vietnam's golf clubs are located in the south of the country, mainly around Ho Chi Minh City. Three are within a short drive from the city, a couple a day trip or so away. These latter have encouraged the development of a thriving tourist industry complimenting the sport and its extracurricular requirements.

Phan Thiet, until recently a sleepy fishing village located about 200 kilometres north from Ho Chi Minh City, is now recognised around the world as a leading golf resort destination.

As is Dalat, with its beautifully restored colonial-style hotels and unique Dalat Palace Golf Club - the only course in Asia to feature bent grass tees, fairways and greens.

The majestic King's Island Golf Club, now just around 30 minutes' drive from Hanoi is another Vietnamese golf success story. The project was initially teed off in 1992. One year later, the course opened its initial nine holes with that famous ceremonial drive by Nguyen Khanh. Now the course has matured into possibly one of the most dramatic settings in Asia (if not the world) for a round of golf.

In addition, the sheer pleasure of teeing off into the void into the ocean (Vung Tau Paradise Club), playing a professionally-designed, challenging links-style course on a tropical coastal shore (Ocean Dunes, Phan Thiet), choosing between a the tightly forested fairways or open tropical greens (Vietnam Golf & Country Club, Saigon), or the majestic scenery, mountains dissolving into placid waters (King's Island Golf Club, Hanoi), is without equal in the Asia-Pacific region.

Add to this formula low prices and excellent levels of service, and it's easy to see why Vietnam is being considered the next "hot" destination for golf travel.

In fact, now is the perfect time to experience Vietnam, Golf's Final Frontier

Setting new standards in design and construction, not to mention guest and member facilities and services, the 36-hole Chi Linh Golf & Country Club is set to open in November 2003 in Hai Duong Province in northern Vietnam. The club, the newest in Vietnam, is located about half way between Hanoi and the port city of Haiphong, around one hour by car from either city.

The Golf Course

The course at Chi Linh will feature a 36-hole golfing challenge, with every hole constructed and designed to international standards. The motto of "The Best Place To Play" begins with nine holes in November 2003 and when completed will bring the golfer an unforgettable golfing experience.

The site on which the course is being constructed lies within a beautiful valley, -surrounded by rolling forest hills, and nestles beside a large lake complete with rolling creeks and natural water flowing from the surrounding area.

Course Construction and Design

Chi Linh Star Golf course was designed and is also being constructed by an Australian company, I.G.C.S. (Independent Golf Course Services). I.G.C.S. is well known in the region having previously designed and constructed courses in Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and China. The materials used for construction of the course are the highest quality and latest technology available today, the majority of which has been imported from the U.SA. and Australia.

For example, the course is using the latest fully integrated irrigation system available, manufactured by "Rainbird" technologies from the U.S.A. Using such high quality equipment will ensure that the course Is maintained at optimum levels at all times.

Constructing a golf course of world class standard is a difficult process, then there is the question of maintenance, again Chi Linh has spared no expense by importing yet again the very best quality available today.

Course Maintenance

Course maintenance equipment has been imported from the U.S.A. manufactured by "Toro" a world leader in the -industry servicing the very best golf courses all over the world today.

There are of course many factors contributing to the successful construction of any golf course, irrigation, drainage, effective and practical design, not to mention experience and knowledge.

Not one of these factors has been overlooked on this project, as it is the company's absolute goal to construct a course that will be of a true international standard not only today, but for many years to come.

 Turf Grass Types and Application

Turf Grass for golf courses the world over has become an exact science, with many species being developed for specific use. Again, we at Chi Linh Star Golf have sourced the very best available today to suit the demanding climate in Northern Vietnam, and provide our members and their guests with a first rate facility.

Tee Areas and Fairways

Grass coverage of the tee areas and fairways uses a species of grass originally developed in the U.S.A., and currently sourced from Australia.

"Wintergreen Bermuda" is an extremely strong turf grass type able to withstand all weather and general conditions.

Greens

A superlar putting surface is of upmost Importance to the golfer, and yet again at Chi Linh we have spared no expense by air-freighting the very best turf grass suitable for use on greens in this region. On course we will be using second generation "Tiff Eagle" grass on our greens, providing maximum player satisfaction.

The Country Clubhouse

Designed by a team of international architects, the clubhouse facilities and services are designed with the most discerning golfers in mind, setting new standards for our members and their guests.

The clubhouse sits high above the course enabling golfers and non-golfers alike to view more than 22 of the 36 holes, something which very few clubs have been able to achieve due to terrain and landscaping. A Chi Linh however, we have managed to design the facility in such a way that the concept has in fact become a reality.

Member comfort is paramount at Chi Linh Star Golf, and the clubhouse is no exception. Whether you are participating in a professionally organized tournament, or a nice cold drink after a round of golf, attending a banquet with fellow members, or spending the afternoon having a relaxing lunch with your friends or family, the clubhouse will cater to your every need.

The Locker Room

The locker room will -feature Hot Spa, Jacuzzi, full-length lockers, showers and massage services. The locker rooms have been designed for maximum member comfort, again incorporating the finest equipment and materials available today.

Golf Facilities & Services

As previously stated, Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club will offer members and guests the very best facilities available today, and these extend to every golf operations service imaginable.

In addition to an international standard golf course of unparalled beauty and perfection, Chi Linh will offer comprehensive practice facilities including a fully-services driving range, practice putting greens, practice bunker area and a chipping green.

The Pro Shop

A comprehensive range of top-of-the-line golfing products will be available in the Pro shop, including major international brands such as Ping, Callaway, Titleist and Taylor Made products.

A wide selection of rental equipment will also be available for golfers, with club set hire, golf shoes, trolleys and individual clubs.

Golf Carts

The commitment to quality continues at Chi Linh Star Golf with the purchase of seventy brand-new motorized "Club Car" golf carts, allowing the golfer to enjoy the his or her round in maximum comfort.

Golf Bag Storage

A fully secured golf bag storage facility will be housed on the ground floor of the clubhouse beside the starters office. Members will be able to us this facility free-of-charge to store thelr golf equipment at the club.

KING'S ISLAND GOLF CLUB

 HA TAY, NORTH VIETNAM

The first, and so far the only golf course to be constructed in the north of Vietnam, King's Island Golf Resort lies on the shores of the Dong Mo reservoir about 50 kilometres from Hanoi. At just over an hour's drive from the capital, King's Island is justifiably popular with both the expatriate community and local Vietnamese golfers.

Construction of two 18-hole courses began in 1993 and the first front nine course opened for play later that year. Then the course flooded, and the back nine was left unfinished until 1997. The second 18-hole course was due for completion in late 2002. The existing course spans two islands and a peninsula lying in the reservoir. Views are spectacular, with the majestic Ba Vi mountain range provided a stunning backdrop to the man-made lake, while the Red River Valley stretches into the distance. Indeed, Over 1,100 hectares of water surface ensures that the 350 hectare Kings Island Golf Resort & Country Club is one of the most scenic golf destinations in Southeast Asia.

As might be expected, water plays a central role in the course design, and many of the hidden greens require accurate carries over the lake or swampy terrain. A favourite hole among players of the course is the par five thirteenth, with the tee shot having to clear a gorge. Also par five, the 572-yard seventh is another favourite, featuring a double dogleg from an elevated tee. Probably the most extraordinary hole is the fourteenth, the highest point on the course affording a spectacular view of Ba Vi mountain.

King's Island Golf Resort and Country Club features a clubhouse with an excellent restaurant serving a wide range of cuisines. There is also a bar. In addition to golf, the club also offers other activities including sailing and fishing on Dong Mo lake, and swimming in the club's olympic-size swimming pool.

Nature walks and trails abound, and horse riding is available for the more intrepid. Finally, accommodation in luxury, one to three bedroom villas is offered for those who would prefer not to return to Hanoi, and a 100-room, five-star hotel is planned for the future.

As the club boasts an impressive membership, and as the only course serving the capital, weekend play is limited for walk-ins, and booking is recommended. However, weekday fees are a reasonable $50 plus $8 for caddy, and Wednesday's special features unlimited holes for the same fee.

Besides, Kings Island will also offer water sports like sailing and fishing on Dong Mo Lake, or swim in the clubhouse's olympic-size swimming pool.

Facilities: Putting green, Swimming pool, Sauna, Rental Equipment, clubhouse with bar and restaurant, Pro shop, club and shoe hire, some villa-based accommodation.

See also: other adventure tours