Novaworld Phan Thiet - PGA Garden Golf Course

 PGA Garden Golf Course at Novaworld Phan Thiet is the second of two 18-hole golf courses inside a 1,000-hectare integrated resort complex. Phan Thiet is famous for its blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine, and predictable climate all year round and is on the southern Vietnam coast adjacent to the East Sea.

The Garden Course is a more manicured, parkland-style course that is perfect for a resort but challenging in its own right. Playing the Garden Course shows its pedigree from the sandbelt of Australia with bunkers integrated to the edges of the green complexes. Wetlands and aquatic planting throughout the five lakes of the Garden Course bring a pleasant contrast to the Ocean views found on the adjacent Ocean Course.

Like its sister course, fairways, tees, and rough areas use Zeon Zoysia grass throughout. Balls sit up nicely on a fine needle-like bed of grass underneath. Playing a more manageable 7,200 yards from the tips, strategically placed water hazards and bunkers reward accuracy from the tees and into the greens.

One of the standout features is a winding stream that crosses many of the first nine holes, catching the eye as well as offering a formidable test. There is a gentle elevation change starting from the tenth hole, climbing up to offer beautiful panoramic views over Phan Thiet Bay before coming back down to sea level for the final hole.

The signature hole is the fourteenth – a  unique par-3 that plays downhill over the water and features a three-tiered green. A flag position in the middle-lower tier begs for birdie. A colossal bunker separates upper sections, and pin positions here make par a good score. This beautiful par 3 is sure to provide some exciting challenges.  

The waterfall by the 18th green provides a dramatic close to a stunning round. Push for a birdie and risk getting wet, or play conservative and finish with a par. Either way, the final test will be sure to be remembered for a long time to come.

Facilities at Novaworld are first-rate. Warm-up areas include a 325-yard range, short game practice areas, an 18-hole putting course. Other amenities include multiple F&B outlets, two of Vietnam's best on-course kiosks, a well-stocked pro shop, and luxury changing rooms.