The birthplace of Vietnamese golf — Vietnam Golf & Country Club (VGCC). One club holds two distinctly different 18s, so you can complete 36 holes without moving and face two contrasting challenges.
Club overview — Vietnam's first 36 holes
Opened in 1994, VGCC is Vietnam's first 36-hole club, set in Thu Duc about 40–45 minutes east (around 20 km from District 1). Two championship courses spread over roughly 300 hectares of mature parkland and woodland, and it hosted the Vietnam Open in 1995 and 1997. The undulating Bermuda greens and decades-old trees give it a calm, classic feel. As a semi-private club, visitors find weekday rounds smoothest.
| Location | Thu Duc · ~20 km / 40–45 min east of District 1 |
|---|---|
| Layout | 36 holes (East 18 + West 18) · ~300 hectares |
| East Course | Lee Trevino (1997) · par 72 · ~6,950y |
| West Course | Chen King Shih (1994) · par 72 · tight |
| Greens/ops | Bermuda greens · semi-private (weekdays for visitors) |
| History | Opened 1994 · hosted Vietnam Open 1995 & 1997 |
East Course — Lee Trevino's championship
A championship layout designed by six-time major champion Lee Trevino in 1997. Golfers who've played it agree: it's more forgiving off the tee than the West and the par 3s are shorter, but the greens are where it bites. Fairways are generous, yet 110-odd bunkers and several water hazards are placed cleverly, so greed quickly turns into penalty strokes. The real trap is the heavily undulating TifDwarf Bermuda greens — miss the pin and three-putts pile up, so rather than firing at flags, approach to leave an uphill putt. At par 72 and ~6,950 yards, it delivers a true championship test befitting a Vietnam Open venue.
West Course — the original 18's precision
The club's original 18, designed by Chen King Shih in 1994. Golfers rate it more demanding off the tee than the East — the fairways are narrow and tree-lined and the par 3s play longer, so accurate tee shots and course management matter more than distance. With tight entrances, a classic plan works — protect the fairway with fairway woods or long irons rather than driver. Same club, but the West (tough off the tee, kinder greens) is a clear counterpoint to the East (easy off the tee, scary greens).
Playing the East 🎯
Tee shots are roomy, but prioritise the angle for your second shot away from bunkers and water. On raised, undulating greens, aim below the pin (uphill putt) to cut three-putts.
Playing the West 🌳
On narrow fairways, drop the distance ego and play safe with fairway woods or long irons. Don't gamble recovery shots over trees — punching out sideways is usually the right call.
- 1. Clubhouse check-inConfirm the booking and get a locker at the pro shop; the guide often settles green fee/cart/caddie together. Pick up rental clubs here if booked.
- 2. Caddie & warm-upVGCC assigns female caddies. Before you start, test the driving range and putting green to learn the green speed — you'll adapt faster on the first hole.
- 3. Pacing 36 holesYou can play East→West (or vice versa) within the same club with no transfer. Top up water and snacks at the halt house to save energy for the back stretch.
Follow the caddie/marshal for tee selection. Being semi-private, visitor tee times can be limited on weekends and member hours, so weekday rounds are often scheduled. The East/West order may change with the season or course maintenance.