Digital Edition: Issue 83, January 2026

33 Photo: credit The first site Norman visited in Vietnam would become The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram, in the south of the country on the coast of the South China Sea events, the International Series Vietnam in 2023 at KN Golf Links Cam Ranh – another GNGCD design. With the events at The Bluffs and KN Links, the two largest professional tournaments in Vietnam’s history were played on our courses. That is something I am incredibly proud of. It speaks to the quality of the land we have been given, and the trust placed in our team to deliver championshipcalibre venues. As designers, our philosophy has always been to create courses that test the best players in the world while remaining enjoyable for amateurs, members, resort guests, juniors, seniors and beginners. A championship course should be inclusive, not exclusive. We achieve this through a range of design tools: multiple teeing options, strategic feature placement that rewards thoughtful play over brute strength, diverse green complexes that allow for flexible pin positions and practice facilities that support every level of development. That philosophy was essential in Vietnam, where the future of the game depends not only on international tourists but also on the rapid rise of domestic golfers. One of the most encouraging trends in recent years has been the growth of Vietnamese players, developers and golf entrepreneurs. Golf is no longer seen only as a premium resort activity. It has become a national movement embraced by families, young professionals and a new generation of athletes. This shift is a sign of a healthy, sustainable golf economy. When local participation increases alongside international demand, the market becomes more resilient. Developers continue investing, new courses emerge in diverse regions, and the industry expands in a way that supports long-term stability rather than short-term spikes. In 2026, two new GNGCD projects will open their doors: Van Lang Empire T&T Golf Club in Phú Thọ Province, set amid hills north of “ Our philosophy has always been to create courses that test the best players in the world while remaining enjoyable for amateurs” Photo: Greg Norman Golf Course Design

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