Sapa Grand
The course starts with a 514-yard par 5 hole, with the second shot having a left dogleg, so this hole is not too difficult for single handicap players if the first shot of 280 yards cuts the left edge of the fairway, this play will create an opportunity to hit the green in two and hunt for an eagle. The safe play is to tee off to the wide fairway on the right side, hit the third shot on, and challenge for a birdie, the water hazards on both sides of the fairway serve as traps to create challenges for the golf hole and create a romantic beauty.
Hole 2 is a par three hole not too difficult for players, with a distance of about 130 yards, the terrain is uphill, players always have to hit enough club to compensate for the elevation change, any ball landing short will surly roll back down the fairway. Next, golfers will encounter holes 3, 4, 5, which are imbued with the Northwest essence, featuring native trees such as apricots, plums, pears, and most uniquely, the Northwestern bamboo forest stretching along the boundry of all three holes.
Hole 3 is a par 4 hole entirely downhill, where players need good strategy with their second shot due to the narrow approach.
Hole 4 is a par 5 hole with a length of 527 yards, affording uphill shots, so players may need to play with a measured distance to reach over 550 yards, with less club than they’d normally need, of course, depending on the weather and wind direction.
Hole 5 is a par 4 hole, the most challenging, with a length measuring 489 yards. Players will have to cross a valley with a distance of up to 210 yards. To hit the green in two and avoid the two bunkers on the fairway, players need a long and demanding 290-yard drive, not for the faint hearted.
Hole 6 is a downhill par 4 hole. For a safe play, players should tee off towards the right edge of the fairway. On the left side of the green is a water hazard with a steep slope, demanding players to have a skillful and precise approach shot.
Hole 7 is a short par 4, but players must navigate both a water hazard in front and safely clear a water hazard cutting across in front of the green, demanding strategic club selection right from the tee.
Hole 8, is an uphill par 4 and requires players to hit a tee shot of over 250 yards to clear the water hazard, for their second shot also needing to avoid the two majestic sand traps on the fairway.
Hole 9 is a short par 3, where spectacular views often make the hole more demanding that the length, as players are in awe of the mountainous backdrop, a par is not always on the cards here.
Hole 10 is a downhill par 4 where most players need a clear strategy from the tee to conquer this hole. However, for some longerhitters, an aggressive approach can be executed by cutting through the Sa Moc forest area on the left side of the fairway, if your drive can cover a huge 290 yard carry.
Hole 11, a par 4, offers a wide fairway for the first shot, giving a feeling of serene comfort, however, the elevated green demands high precision for the approach shot.
Hole 12 is a long par 5, affording amazing views of your neighboring country, China. Players need to aim their shot towards the right side where the fairway widens. For those with long drives and a penchant for risk-taking, cutting over the pristine forest area on the left side of the fairway and avoiding the bunker at around 290 yards could provide an opportunity for you to hit the green in two, setting up an Eagle or Birdie chance.
Hole 13, situated in the lowest point of the golf course within a valley flanked by two forests, demands precise shot making to avoid running up a bogey or even worse.
Hole 14 stands as the most unique golf hole on the course, featuring tiered rice terrace-style bunkering and an infinity green; players need a skillfully placed tee shot to avoid the bunkers, sweetly struck to and a to stop the ball on the green or risk the ball rolling into the waiting treescape.
Hole 15, a downhill par 4, requires players to devise a sound strategy for both their tee shot and precise approach due to the relatively narrow and long-running green along the mountainside.
Hole 16, a par 4 with a relatively generous fairway, offers players comfort in their tee shot, but the approach shot won't be easy as the green is protected by large bunkers in the front and a hazard on the left side.
Hole 17, a par 3, sits at the highest elevation on the course and boasts the longest distance of the par 3 holes. Players need a precise tee shot to clear the valley and the bunker in front of the green. A beautiful, yet daunting tee shot.
Hole 18, a par 4, offers a direct view towards the grand clubhouse, where players can feel the Northwest Vietnamese style flower beds decorated in the unique fashion of terraced rice fields. With a length of 391 yards, players can achieve par and conclude their round with a feeling of absolute accomplishment, then head to the golfers terrace for a refreshing beverage and delightful meal.
