Next up was Monty’s track, which is just a couple of minutes from Da Nang Golf Club but is a totally different design. I think the two tracks complement each other very well. Colin has designed more of a resort course which looks a lot greener, but don’t be fooled, this can be a beast off the back tees and at the par 5 12th you will have to navigate your way around 14 bunkers on just that one hole.
What I did enjoy about this track was the opening and closing holes both being par 5s, giving you a great chance to start and finish with a birdie or better. Again there are four different tees to play from and they measure 7,063 yards from the Monty tees to 5,085 from the reds. Both nines have some stunning holes and I really enjoyed the run of holes from the 3rd to the 8th. Make sure you take time out after playing your second shot to the 4th green to go and look at the brightly coloured little prayer pagoda. There is also one behind the 13th green, you never know it may help your score!
Top: 14 bunkers to navigate at the 12th hole. Above LtoR: 3rd, 9th and 13th holes
The short but tough little par 3 5th hole is only 118 yards off the back tees but is all carry over water. Behind you are paddy fields where you can see the locals working away, a lot of the caddies used to work in those fields before the two golf courses were built here.
I really enjoyed the tee shot at the 6th, you aim at the far bunker and carry the first and just let your ball drift right to left so you can pick up the slope on this well designed par 5.The extra length will help you hit a mid iron into this green where the water cuts in from the left-hand side. Not far from the tee you will again find one of the old Viet Cong pillboxes.
The back nine is longer than the front nine and I really enjoyed the run of holes from the 13th to the 17th and then the birdie chance on the 18th is a really true test, but one you will enjoy.
Da Nang and the historical city of Hoi Am are only 20 minutes apart and separated by a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline where a number of resorts are being built, the Nam Hai and Lifestyle resort among them. This is set to become a great golf destination with some stunning resorts to stay at. That’s not to say there aren't some great cheap hotels as well that cover all budgets, but Da Nang is somewhere I would recommend. It's got everything you would want for a golf tour, great courses, great food, fantastic night life and at 65p for a beer, great value when you get there.
Above: Risk and reward 15th with bunkers and water, how much are you going to risk?
