Tam Dao Golf Course

Tam Dao Golf Resort is located high in the Tam Dao Mountains, resulting in cooler temperatures throughout the year. The weather gives Vietnam’s golfers the impression that they are playing in the northeastern United States, not tropical Asia.

The Tam Dao golf course opened in 2007 and was intended to be Vietnam’s premier golf course. IMG, a golf course design business, utilized natural land contours, native flora, and fauna to create an aesthetically pleasing golf course. Massive mountains in the background frame each hole as if one were in the Alps or Adirondacks. The golf course winds through several lakes and streams, making it one of the most picturesque in Hanoi. Sea Isle Paspalum is utilized on the tee boxes and fairways, while Sea Isle 2000 Paspalum is utilized on the greens to provide smooth and fast putting surfaces. Multiple tee boxes accommodate golfers of all skill levels, and from the back tees, seasoned amateurs and professionals will need to use every club in their bag to score well.

The approach shots are crucial to scoring well at Tam Dao, as several of the greens are high and well-guarded. The par-5 opening hole is distinctive in that golfers must lay up short of a water hazard 200 yards out or, for long hitters, attempt to reach the green in two strokes.

However, be wary of the massive tree to the left of the putting green, since shots with short distances sometimes become entangled in the top branches. Similarly difficult is the second hole on the back nine. The short par-4, at only 353 yards, plays to a raised island green surrounded by water on all sides. The hazard necessitates a second accurate shot to avoid a wet penalty.

Other notable golf holes include the par-5 dogleg tenth and the lovely uphill par-3 second. Again, both need precise shots into the green to avoid difficult surrounding areas and hazards close to each green.