Hoiana Shores Golf Club combines the spectacular natural beauty of its beachside surrounds with a nod to the traditions of the local Vietnamese people.
The famous American pastor Billy Graham once quipped, “The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.” Clearly Graham never laid eyes on Hoiana Shores.
The marquee attraction of Vietnam’s newest integrated resort Hoiana, Hoiana Shores Golf Club offers 18 championship holes of traditional links style golf, complemented by prime beachfront real estate providing spectacular views over the Eastern Sea and nearby Cham Islands.
The first and only course in Vietnam to be designed by legendary golf course designer Robert Trent Jones II, it has been imagined as both a homage to the nearby township of Hoi An and a showcase for the stunning natural beauty of the land upon which it sits.
“It was important that we understood the value and responsibility of building this golf course to the highest international standards — to stand out in the marketplace here and to match the quality of Hoiana generally,” explains Ben Styles, General Manager of Hoiana Shores Golf Club.
“The land that we were given, by Mother Nature herself, to develop for this golf course was foundational to these ambitions. It is not often that a development company has the vision and fortitude to build a course with so much direct interaction with the ocean.
“For instance, holes 15, 16 and 17 run right along the beach … that sort of frontage is normally reserved for hotels and condos.
“Moreover, we wanted a golf course that paid homage to the ancient town of Hoi An, to its history, its longstanding traditions. So, we set about creating a traditional links golf course and colonial-style clubhouse, giving visiting golfers an authentic ‘back in time’ feeling once they enter the gates, play the course and spend time in our 6,000-square-meter clubhouse.”
The clubhouse in question has been outfitted to represent early 20th century architectural sensibilities, with richly appointed wood furnishings and leather banquettes set against geometric Art Deco features that extend to the ornate tiled flooring — all lit by a combination of chandeliers in the public spaces and striking brass fixtures in private areas.
Be they relaxing after a round or simply soaking up the surrounds, guests of Hoiana Shores Golf Club will find everything from casual café style dining to fine dining, private rooms and even function spaces, including a 300-seat ballroom – not to mention obligatory locker room facilities that are as decadent as they are expansive.
“The chairs are wicker, the tropical breezes refreshing and the views across the golf course to the East Sea thoroughly panoramic. We couldn’t be happier with the way it all turned out,” says Styles.
There are also some uniquely Vietnamese features on the course itself.
Sticking with the concept of paying homage to Hoi An, all flags have been removed from the flagsticks and replaced by lanterns – a touching acknowledgment of Hoi An’s “City of Lanterns” moniker.
And for those wanting to farewell the course with a light-hearted skills test, there is Hoiana Shores’ special 19th hole, known as “The Gamblers Hole.” Located alongside the clubhouse, this short 100-yard hole is all water between the tee and the green, providing a “really fun, whimsical way to finish your golfing experience,” according to Styles.
The idea is to provide a destination course that can challenge even the most battle-hardened golfers while at the same time appealing to the broad array of visitors catered for across Hoiana’s many other attractions.
“A golf course is an important element of any resort, but particularly here at the Hoiana Integrated Resort,” Styles continues.
“We understand that Hoiana attracts a broad spectrum of arriving guests: golfers, non-golfers, leisure, corporate and gaming guests. The golf course must cater to all of those guests.
“The golf course officially opened from March 2020 and since then we’ve welcomed golfers from so many different places. Most of them gave great feedback about the design of the golf course and its traditional links aesthetic.
“They have found it to be unique and really fun to play. They’ve also found it very challenging indeed, if they’ve chosen the championship tees.
“But the playing corridors are so wide here, it’s a lovely walk by the sea for those seeking a carefree ‘resort’ experience, and of course they have been impressed by our conditions.
“The course is expertly maintained. The greens are always in top shape. That combination of factors should make any golf course a tempting option for domestic players and inbound golfing tourists alike.”
