Luke Donald’s first-ever golf course opens in Vietnam

Ba Na Hills Golf Course

First Luke Donald dabbled in the world of fine wines. Now the former world number one has opened his first-ever golf course in Asia.

Ba Na Hills Golf Club, which was designed in collaboration with IMG, officially opened on Good Friday and completes a grand slam of designer courses in Vietnam which have been built in the last seven years. The others comprise Colin Montgomerie’s Montgomerie Links (2009), Greg Norman’s Danang Golf Club (2010) and Nick Faldo’s Laguna Lang Co (2013).

Ba Na Hills is located less than half an hour’s drive from Danang, Vietnam’s fourth largest city, and plays away from the coastline, at elevation, in a cooler setting typically void of wind.

“It will be a wonderful and complementary addition to the already strong crop of courses in the Danang area,” said Donald. “While most of the courses in the area are near the sea, Ba Na Hills is inland, with spectacular mountain backdrops and plenty of big movement within the course.”

Capable of testing the world’s very best players, the par-72 course stretches 7,858 yards from the championship tees – making it the longest layout in Vietnam.

Aside from the elevated par-3 12th hole, which reveals a dense forest stretching beyond the bunker-guarded target, the complex’s biggest draw is its unique lighting system which illuminates every hole in the dark.

General manager Jack Hedges explains: “I think that will be a real draw in the warmer months, especially for overseas guests or those who maybe aren’t used to golfing in tropical climates. I expect night golf to be a serious advantage for us as the destination continues to grow.”

The facility also boasts 18 all-weather hitting bays, two instruction studios and USGA-standard chipping and putting practice areas.

Green fees: $98 (inc caddy)

Tel: +84 511 3924 888