DANANG, Vietnam — Ba Na Hills Golf Club, the newest championship course on Vietnam’s Central Coast, gained another level of notoriety on Sept. 24 when it hosted its first prestigious tournament since opening in March.
Called the IMG Trophy, the 18-hole stroke-play event attracted 120 players from around the country who competed for a range of coveted prizes including VND 500 million in cash, a VND 335 million ring, business-class air tickets sponsored by Vietnam Airlines and three nights at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort.
While Mr. Hà Ngọc Hoàng Lộc recorded the low gross score (79) to claim the Division A title, many golfers walked away winners, as items such as IMG-branded bags and shirts and the latest Titleist drivers and wedges were also doled out.
Some of those prizes were claimed after the tournament itself, when Ba Na Hills GC head professional Mathew Pryke staged Longest-Drive and Closest-to-the-Pin contests on the clubhouse terrace. Pryke gave golfers two shots at each activity, which made for one entertaining evening.
“It was a phenomenal turnout, and a fun time was had by all,” said Jack Hedges, the club’s general manager. “Everyone is already looking forward to doing it again next year.”
Launched in 2013 at Red Flag Valley Golf Club in Dalian, China, the IMG Trophy is scheduled to be held annually at Ba Na Hills GC, which is designed by former world No. 1 Luke Donald and managed by IMG. The new, parkland-style course is set in the foothills and native forests of the famed Ba Na Hills, about half an hour west of Danang, and provides stunning views of the surrounding highlands from every hole on the course.
In addition to being labeled one of Asia’s best courses by Singapore Airlines’ in-flight magazine already, the facility is also earning the reputation as a premier spot for corporate golf outings. As the first golf venue in the Danang area to forego the traditional membership model, it can offer flexibility and availability in a way other courses cannot.
Ba Na Hills GC’s next event of note is on Oct. 30, when it plans to tee up central Vietnam’s first-ever FootGolf day. FootGolf is a combination of football (soccer) and golf. The game is played similarly to golf, with the exception that players use a soccer ball instead of a golf ball, and the ball is kicked rather than struck with a club, working toward a 21-inch ‘cup’ in place of the usual golf hole.
For more information about the FootGolf event, or to inquire about corporate golf options, contact info@banahillsgolf.com.
