DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
As a well-known designer of courses in this region , what would you say to tour operators and international golf vacationers about the standards of golf clubs here ? Are they on par with courses abroad in say the USA , UAE or across Europe ? The overall course memorability and the natural environment of Southeast Asia is unlike any other region . The unique features we continue to discover in new regions is what keeps us coming back year after year .
The conditioning of the courses has been a challenge in the region for decades as securing qualified , experienced golf course superintendents to ensure the playing surfaces are prepared and maintained correctly has been an issue , but we are seeing some significant advancement in recent years as the overall quality of the entire industry is leaping forward . Based on this I decided to relocate my Faldo Series Asia Grand Final to Laguna Lang Co in Hue , Vietnam . The conditions at Laguna Lang Co have greatly improved year on year and would standup to many of the world ’ s best . On each of my return visits to Laguna Lang Co I have been reviewing the challenge the agronomy team was facing and we have opened more sunlight for the winter season and increased airflow around most greens .
It is well-documented that you have enjoyed creating exciting golf challenges while maintaining the natural surroundings . Has this been an easy process for you or did it throw up some unusual challenges ? Being gifted a beautiful natural landscape is a golf designer ’ s dream , the focus is to find the routing that minimizes earthworks , respects the land , and showcases the uniqueness of the flora and fauna . I look at golf as a journey that reconnects you to nature . The most natural landscapes always yield the best courses in the long term . If you look at my golf course at Laguna Lang Co , the design has a true sense of place as playing through the rice paddies you know you are in Vietnam . At Vattanac Golf Resort in Phnom Penh , you know you are playing golf in Cambodia as there are several to-scale replicas of ancient Khmer temples .
Many of SE Asia ’ s courses are relatively new . We assume you have been able to use some of the latest equipment and turf , and drainage techniques on these courses . What do you think are the most important improvements in course maintenance here ? There has been great advancement in golf course technology and the agronomy tools really help take the guest work out of specific problems like sunlight requirements and moisture levels , we are also using some amazing technologies for the design of golf courses so the level of detail we can achieve with greens design remotely now it is very impressive and helps me deliver a better golf course .
Many of the courses in Vietnam are resort orientated . Do you think this is the future way forward to encourage young families to enjoy a holiday altogether ? Could you envisage 12-hole layouts ? I ’ ve been a lover of short alternative concepts and courses like a 12-hole loop model , or shorter 9-hole course is perfect for resorts and urban developers seeking more inclusive facilities . Asia needs to focus more on these models , growing the game through new golfers is essential for all golf markets . First time golfers need friendly fun venues to gain confidence and the proper skills to enjoy the game for their entire lifetime . One of our new projects in Vietnam will have a short 9-hole course in addition to the 18-hole championship course which I am very excited to see as we get into construction . ■
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