Central Vietnam golf comes of age
Milestone anniversaries at Ba Na Hills and Montgomerie Links reflect a region growing from emerging curiosity into a trusted destination for international golfers.
Central Vietnam’s rise in the global golf travel conversation is entering a new phase as two of the region’s most prominent courses mark significant anniversaries in 2026.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club celebrates its 10th anniversary on March 25, while Montgomerie Links moves into its 19th year, milestones that underline the steady maturation of golf along Vietnam’s central coast.
Once viewed as an emerging golf frontier, the Danang–Hue corridor is increasingly regarded as a reliable destination supported by infrastructure, strong course design and growing international recognition. Long-haul markets such as Australia and New Zealand are among those contributing to the region’s expanding visitor base.
Nestled in the foothills west of Danang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club opened in 2016 and was designed by former European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. Over the past decade, the course has developed a reputation for its mountain terrain and secluded setting while steadily refining its playing conditions.
“Ten years gives perspective,” said Paul Burley, senior vice president at IMG Golf Services, which manages Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “The course has evolved naturally with the landscape. Conditioning has strengthened, playability has deepened, yet the mountain character and spirit of escape remain central to the experience.”
The course’s reputation has been supported by a series of international honours. Ba Na Hills has collected five consecutive World Golf Awards for Asia’s Best Golf Course, six Vietnam’s Best Golf Course titles and three successive Asia’s Best Golf Course awards at the World Luxury Travel Awards. It has also appeared prominently in international rankings and publications including GOLF.com and Golf Digest.
Along the coast, Montgomerie Links has played a foundational role in the region’s development since opening in 2008. Designed by Colin Montgomerie, the layout has been a consistent fixture in Central Vietnam’s early emergence as a serious golf destination.
“Longevity brings responsibility,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links. “Over nearly two decades, we’ve focused on maintaining standards that players recognise and trust. The goal is consistency in conditioning, service and atmosphere, while continuing to evolve with the market.”
In 2025 the course accounted for 17 percent market share, remaining the most-played course by rounds in the Hue–Da Nang region, a reflection of strong repeat visitation and sustained confidence from the golf travel market.
The region’s depth of course design has also strengthened its profile. The broader Vietnam Golf Coast portfolio includes layouts by Greg Norman, Sir Nick Faldo, Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus, offering a concentration of internationally recognised architects along a relatively compact stretch of coastline.
Beyond the courses, the area’s appeal extends to wide beaches, luxury beachfront resorts, a MICHELIN-approved dining scene and easy access to UNESCO-listed heritage towns and cultural landmarks.
The timing of the anniversaries aligns with the region’s peak playing conditions. March and April typically bring favourable weather along the central coast, a period that coincides with strong inbound demand.
Both Ba Na Hills and Montgomerie Links will also engage with global travel partners at the Asia Golf Tourism Convention, scheduled for March 23–25 in Pattaya, Thailand, as the destination continues to strengthen its presence in international golf tourism.
“As we enter our second decade, the focus is simple,” Burley said. “Continue refining the playing experience, continue investing in quality, and continue strengthening Central Vietnam’s reputation as a destination golfers can return to year after year with confidence.”