The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip
Description
The Bluffs is destined to become a top golf course due to its location, but the course shines even brighter thanks to the hand of its designer. The Ho Tram golf course was created by “Great White Shark” champion Greg Norman and perfectly reflects his style. He and his colleagues devised a plan to make use of the land while preserving as much of its natural nature as possible. “Streams, rock outcrops, greenery, and undulating topography” have all contributed to The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip being a one-of-a-kind golf course. The Bluffs was named one of the top 35 golf courses in the world by Golf Digest, and the club well deserved this honor.
This par-71 championship course is set on a rough sandy terrain with significant differences in elevation. The highest part of the route is 50 meters higher than the lowest. Although this can make the overall picture of the course more interesting, the struggle remains beneath its attractiveness. To this day, the unexpectedly strong sea breeze has blown away some golfers’ attempts to set their strokes. The direction of the winds varies from one season to the next. Aside from that, the sandy land is ideal for fairways, decent drainage, and turf conditions.
The course’s iconic hole, the 4th, comes quite soon. It’s a par-3 with a panoramic view of the entire course, from the sea to the Grand Hotel. The green is situated on a cliff, surrounded by numerous bushes that runs to the left side of the hole. So the wise strategy is to take the proper path. The course’s designer, however, has placed some pot-style bunkers on the right side to challenge the golfers.
The 651-yard par-5 16th hole is another standout on the course. It is The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip’s longest par-5 hole. But don’t be put off by the distance; the hole is a nice S shape and is primarily played downhill. Run across the high dunes fairways to reach the green, which is protected on the left by sand bunkers. The 16th green is hidden behind a wall of woods, making it difficult but enjoyable to play.
Other holes are also designed on the highland, such as the highest 15th (longest par 3), which provides players with a spectacular perspective of the rolling dunes and the beautiful ocean in front.
The Ho Tram golf course clubhouse is a big three-story modern structure. Aside from usual amenities like the Pro shop and locker room, the clubhouse also serves a comprehensive menu of regional food. Take a break with southern Vietnamese delicacies and a glass of beer while watching the sun set in front of your eyes; what a relaxing day. The clubhouse may also be seen from some of the course’s most beautiful holes. Golfers will have the opportunity to practice and warm-up before entering the official play at the PGA standard golf academy and driving range.
The course also has a 5-star resort, The Grand Ho Tram Strip, which is only a few minutes away from the golf course. This resort features around 500 rooms, 10 restaurants, and a mini-Las Vegas casino.
Located in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, 140 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, on the south side of Vietnam, you may reach the destination by automobile in about three hours.
Hole 1
The 1st hole, like the opening hole at St. Andrews, is a par 4 that shares a fairway with another hole (the 9th), making it a fairly reasonable start to the round. However, the more direct the approach, the straighter the tee shot. With your second shot, favor the left side of the raised green, as a miss in that direction is likely to kick into the putting surface.
Hole 2
The first of The Bluffs’ short holes is also one of the most tough. While it plays downhill, it is well protected by a national forest on the left (out of bounds), a big front bunker, and another behind the green to catch any misplaced clubbed shots. Play the distance and swing smoothly and confidently. Those that find it will be rewarded with a rather flat green.
Hole 3
Don’t be deceived by the ‘blind’ tee shot on this direct par 4; there’s more room out there than can be seen from the teeing area. The optimum approach angle is from the left center of the fairway, while the green is guarded on the right by a big, deep bunker. Because the green slopes toward the trap, any chip or putt attempted in that direction should be played with gentle hands.
Hole 4
The second par 3 is significantly shorter than the first, but it’s exceptionally well guarded, with an incredibly steep trap front left reminiscent of the 4th hole bunker at Royal St Georges and a pot bunker front right. It’s also more visible. Before choosing a club, take into account the wind’s strength and direction. Then, whether the pin is present or not, aim for the middle of the green. Par is a fantastic score.
Hole 5
The first of two back-to-back par 5s runs parallel to the seashore and is only a 5-iron away. The only terrible tee shot is one that misses to the left. So, with your second shot, favor the right side of the fairway and play to the middle of the fairway. Because it’s a long way home, placing oneself for a nice short-iron approach is critical to a birdie chance. To run a ball onto the green, navigate a huge incline to the right of the green.
Hole 6
On this medium-length, uphill par-5, the fairway slopes slightly from left to right. Long hitters can reach the green in two, but a deep trough where most solid tee shots tend to settle makes that difficult. The front right side of the green is guarded by a massive bunker, and anything long will trundle away significantly.
Hole 7
Unlike the other two par 3s, this one is significantly uphill. However, the green is expansive, and the vistas from the tee box are breathtaking. Take an additional club to account for the height difference between the tee and the green, and another to ensure you carry the enormous bunker that guards the whole right half of the putting surface. Get your par and leave.
Hole 8
The one hole with forced carry-over water is actually shorter than it appears. Which is better, left or right? A big bunker divides the fairway, but a well-placed drive should eliminate it entirely. The approach is gently steep to a bowling green hidden among the sand dunes. While the putting surface is difficult to detect from afar, its funnel effect tends to reward even slightly wayward shots.
Hole 9
This tee, like the 18th at St. Andrews, has plenty of room left because it shares a fairway with the first. However, the farther the drive, the better; the second shot plays uphill to a green that slopes sharply to the right. Take just enough club to get through the issue. Alternatively, aim left, where the lack of bunkers makes for the simplest location to climb up and down.
Hole 10
The back nine begins with a true three-shot par five (615 yards from the championship tees) with a blind second shot. The tiered green stands between a sand trap on the left and a waste area that runs around from front right to rear left. The best way in is to approach from the left. Anything hit to the right side of the green should land in the centre.
Hole 11
One of The Bluffs’ most beautiful holes, this par 3 is framed by the endless blue ocean and The Grand Ho Tram Strip. But don’t get too distracted; bunkers will snare anything right and short left. Stay calm and make a nice swing since the green is larger than it appears from the tee. Then pause for a while to soak in the scenery.
Hole 12
A downhill, drivable par 4 offers the chance to ‘get one back.’ However, with a big front left bunker guarding the undulating green, birdie is far from certain. Go for it if you’re confident in your short game. If not, play to a safe approach-shot distance and punch it on. Be aware that anything long will end up in the bushes.
Hole 13
This lovely par 4 features a tree on the fairway just short of the green. Long hitters will be tempted to pull driver, but beware of the aggressive line; anything off the tee will most likely not find its way off the scrubby hillside and 40-foot sand dune wall. A long iron left of center, followed by a short iron to a difficult but enjoyable green, is the high-percentage play.
Hole 14
This little par 4 is as simple as they come. With steep dunes on both sides of the fairway, the initial goal is obvious: get the ball in play. The hole plays uphill from the fairway to an amphitheater green covered by a deep bunker in the front middle. A ridge cuts through the putting surface, making any putt from one side to the other a challenge.
Hole 15
Even the finest golfers will be tested here; not only is this par 3 the longest on the course, but it also plays uphill to the highest point on the property. Furthermore, a waste area extends from the tee to the left side of the green. A dune to the right of the green indicates that the only true bailout space is to the right. Take in the sights of the bay region from the back of the green.
Hole 16
From the longest par 3 on the course to the longest par 5. But don’t be scared; the majority of the course is downhill, and there’s plenty of room off the tee. However, anything left will make it impossible to see the green and even the lay-up area. The green complex is large, challenging, and entertaining.
Hole 17
The final of the downhill par 4s provides a good scoring opportunity. A decent tee shot will leave you with a short iron. But don’t get too comfortable. The entire right side is protected by a narrow bunker. The safest approach is one that is played to the left side of the putting surface. Even short left is fine; it’s quite flat, making for one of the course’s simpler up-and-down opportunities.
Hole 18
The home hole is as impressive as they come. Not only is it the course’s longest par 4 (489 yards from the tips), but it also plays all the way uphill. A long, magnificent drive should end when the fairway begins to dogleg right. A good approach is one played toward the back right side of the green, where a bank will almost certainly kick the ball onto the putting surface.
Gallery / Photos
Working Hours
- Monday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Tuesday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Wednesday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Thursday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Friday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Saturday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Sunday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Location / Contacts
- Address : Ven Biển, Phước Thuận, Xuyên Mộc, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu 78000, Vietnam
- Phone : +84 254 3788 666
- Mail : info@thebluffshotram.com
- Website : https://thebluffshotram.com/
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