Luke Donald has joined many other Tour players and designed his first golf course, Ba Na Hills Golf Club, about half an hour’s drive from Danang, Vietnam.
The course sits at the foot of a mountain range and is close to three other courses from players turned architects—Colin Montgomerie’s Montgomerie Links, Greg Norman’s Danang Golf Club, and Nick Faldo’s Lang Co. But unlike those others, which are all near the coastline, Ba Na Hills is inland and at elevation, meaning the climate is cooler and less windy.
“This is an important addition to one of the best new golf destinations in Asia,” said Donald. “The large rolling hills, stunning mountain backdrop, and adjacent river at Ba Na Hills will provide golfers with the ideal complement to the existing courses in the area.”
From the back tees, the course plays to 7,858 yards, making it the longest in Vietnam. It’s also the brightest. “The entire course can be illuminated,” said general manager Jack Hedges, “so you can play a full round even after the sun goes down. I think that will be a real draw in the warmer months. I expect night golf to be a serious advantage for us as the destination continues to grow.”
