Vietnamese clubs set out golfing route to recovery

May 22, 2020

Two of Vietnam’s leading clubs, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip and Laguna Golf Lang Co, are backing the nation to reassert its reputation as one of the world’s leading golf tourism destinations as the country eases its Coronavirus lockdown.

Vietnamese golf clubs were closed during March and April as part of the nation’s moves to impose social distancing and minimise the risk of infections caused by the global pandemic.

However, with the nation now tentatively opening back up for business and its economy clicking back into motion, clubs including The Bluffs and Laguna Golf Lang Co are now ready to welcome back golfers - albeit under changed circumstances, with enhanced hygiene standards now front and centre of operations.

With international travel restricted, the courses around Vietnam are currently focusing on the domestic market for the moment, but, as Gary Dixon, General Manager at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, states, the country’s golf industry believes that its widely-praised handling of its COVID-19 situation will stand it in good stead when international visitors begin to flow back in.

Dixon told Golf Central “the Vietnamese authorities took swift and strict measures to contain the virus

“That gives me huge confidence that we can capitalize on the positive place Vietnam is and the position it has found itself within the global hospitality and tourism markets.”

Vietnam has a head start over other nations in emerging from the crisis. Measures such as a suspension of all foreign entry, mandatory 14-day quarantines for returning nationals and targeted lockdowns have all proved effective with the country reporting under 300 cases nationwide and no deaths as of 6th May.

However, in order to safeguard against the virus, stringent standards of health are in place at both The Bluffs and Laguna Golf Lang Co.

Precautions include mandatory temperature checks before entering the resorts. Other protocols include mandatory hand sanitisation and mask-wearing. Visitors are also required to present a medical declaration stating that they are free of COVID-19 upon arrival at the clubs.

Adam Calver, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co, notes "so far, everyone - from our membership to the staff and all our resort guests - have been very supportive of any initiative we’ve put forward for extra protocols and hygiene standards.

“Vietnam has prospered by maintaining vigilance throughout this crisis and there’s a palpable determination not to drop the ball at this stage.”

With the two clubs now open for play, visitors will be able to acquaint (or reacquaint) themselves with all the attributes that make them so special.

At The Bluffs, designed by Greg Norman, guests can sample authentic links experience on a layout ranked #76 in the world according to Golf Digest’s latest list of the World 100 Greatest Golf Courses.

Further north, on the nation’s central coast, Laguna Golf Lang Co - the work bears the signature of Sir Nick Faldo - threads between trees, over rice paddies and streams, through rock features and alongside the azure East Sea

Off-course, Laguna Golf Lang Co offers two award-winning resorts - Angsana Lang Co and Banyan Tree Lang Co – while The Bluffs is complemented by The Grand Ho Tram Strip, a luxury 541-room hotel that ranks among the region’s best golf hotels.

Calver adds "golf presents a wonderful opportunity to get out of the city to enjoy the fresh air and to forget about your worries.

“That’s really important at the moment.”

Images: The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip (top) and Laguna Golf Lang Co (below).

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