Top 5 famous links-style golf courses in Vietnam

If you don't know what links golf is, the following article will dive deep into the history of links golf courses and explain why you need to head to the coast to experience golf in its purest form. 

1. What is a Links Golf Course?

A links is the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. Links courses are generally built on sandy coastland that offers a firmer playing surface than parkland and heathland courses. These courses can be described as artistically integrated into the natural landscape.

In contrast, modern golf course architects design courses to their specifications, often resulting in artificial features like man-made bunkers and water hazards. Links courses, however, are located in areas with undulating terrain, sandy soil, and surrounding dunes. Other features include extreme winds, the sound of seagulls, and the taste of salt in the air.

These conditions hinder tree growth, making links courses home to native grasses and sand dunes. Despite the lack of trees, links courses are challenging, defended by strong winds and natural elements. 

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2. How do you play Links golf?

The unique nature of links courses requires a distinct style of play. The challenges links traits present fall into two categories: terrain, which tends to be characterised by uneven fairways, thick rough, and small, deep "pot bunkers"; and climatic, dominated by windy conditions created by their coastal location and lack of trees, and frequent intermittent rain squalls.

Strong winds necessitate lower ball flight and strategic use of apron areas. Stopping a ball on a green with a 30 mph tailwind is difficult!

On links courses, club selection is crucial. For example, hitting 150 yards on a parkland or desert course might require a 7 iron, but on a links course, that same distance could need anything from a 9 iron downwind to a 4 iron into the wind.

3. Top 5 famous links-style golf courses in Vietnam

Vietnam does not have traditional links-style golf courses like those found in Scotland or Ireland due to its geographical characteristics. However, if you're looking for golf courses in Vietnam that incorporate coastal elements and challenging layouts, here are some top choices known for their scenic and challenging features:

1. Montgomerie Links Vietnam (Da Nang) 
2. Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Near Hoi An)
3. KN Golf Links Cam Ranh (Near Nha Trang) 
4. The Bluff Ho Tram Strip (Near Ho Chi Minh)
5. Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc)