Stone Valley Resort near Hanoi, Vietnam, has opened its third nine, designed by Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley Design.

The resort, developed by Truong An Golf Company, opened its first 18 holes, also designed by Curley, in 2018. The new nine plays within a landscape that includes towering Karst rock formations that rise vertically above the valley floor.

“Whereas the first 18 holes play largely within a wide, sweeping valley, the new nine mostly plays as single corridor holes framed on most sides by densely vegetated jungle with rock formations serving as massive backdrops,” said Curley.

“In addition to the landscape that evokes a King Kong-themed movie scene, the holes also feature significant elevation change, especially the tee shot on the ninth hole, which descends some 40 metres to the green, and offers views to the valley and mountains well beyond.”

Curley highlights the third to fifth stretch as some of his favourite holes. The third is a mid-length par four with a wide landing area and a fairway that narrows as players get closer to the green. Behind the green is a towering jungle and rock formations. The par-five fourth wraps around a creek to a reachable green fronted by the creek and rock outcrops. And the long par-four fifth offers what Curley calls “the most stunning backdrop of all”. It has a slightly elevated green with a creek to the front and is backdropped by the tallest rock-faced mountain found on the site.

“Since its opening, golfers have been very favourable of the new nine and its intimate yet overpowering setting that certainly offers a golf experience unparalleled in the Hanoi marketplace,” said Curley. “There are a number of very strong golf experiences in the greater Hanoi area but for those who desire a one-of-a-kind experience, I strongly suggest the Stone Valley complex.”