KN Golf Links, designed by Greg Norman and opened in 2018, is one of Vietnam's only true ocean-dune links, running along about 8 km of coastal dunes. It is 18 holes par 72 at ~7,152 yards, plus a 9-hole short course 'The Oasis' for 27 holes in total, and has earned a world Top-100-calibre reputation thanks to its strong sea wind and deep bunkers. It is just 5–10 minutes by car from the airport and resorts — superb access.
Course overview
The essence of KN Links is its untouched natural dune terrain. Fairways weave between the dunes, and greens are surrounded by tightly mown run-off areas where the ball trickles away. In other words, it demands 'links golf' — reading the ground and running the ball up — rather than 'target golf' of landing and stopping on the green.
Long off the championship tees and with wind added, it plays seriously hard. If it's your first time, start a tee or two forward (e.g. around 6,000 yards) to learn the course's grain.
| Designer | Greg Norman (Greg Norman Golf Course Design) |
|---|---|
| Opened | 2018 |
| Layout | Main 18 holes (The Links) + 9 holes (The Oasis) = 27 holes |
| Par / Length | Par 72 / ~7,152y from the championship tees (5 tees, down to ~5,348y) |
| Style | Ocean-dune links, deep bunkers, green-side run-offs, fast Tiff-Eagle Bermuda greens with strong grain |
| Location | Cam Ranh, ~5–10 min from airport (CXR)/resorts |
Playing the links — golf that uses the ground
On a links, attacking only through the air leaves you at the wind's mercy. The key is a low ball flight and bump-and-run. With open, firm ground in front of the greens, a 7–9 iron or hybrid run up is steadier than trying to float and stop a wedge.
From green-side run-offs, putting or chipping the ball along the ground is often the lowest-risk play. Choose the 'small-miss shot' over the 'pretty shot'.
- 1) Read the wind firstOn the tee, read the wind from the flag, grass and clouds. Headwind, tailwind and crosswind each change your target and club.
- 2) Into the wind: club up, swing lowInto the wind, take one or two more clubs and swing shorter and smoother to keep the flight low. Hitting hard adds backspin, ballooning the ball shorter.
- 3) Crosswind: aim into itA crosswind pushes the ball, so start it into the wind and let it ride. Don't try to over-shape against it.
- 4) In bunkers: escape firstKN's bunkers are deep and steep. Rather than going for the green, prioritise a sure escape over the lowest lip.
Tee strategy
On many holes, a fairway wood or hybrid into the safe zone scores better than a driver. On blind holes over the dunes, trust your caddie's line.
Approaching greens
Greens are fast and contoured. Aiming at the centre or the low side, rather than flag-hunting, is the smart way to avoid three-putts.
Signature — holes hugging the sea
KN Links peaks on the holes nearest the sea. Golfers single out the par-4 10th and 15th, which tumble downhill toward the ocean and three small islands, and the strong par-3 12th with its green set at the base of a large sandhill. The hardest hole is usually the long par-4 5th (~541 yards from the Shark tee), which generally plays into the prevailing wind. After the round you can add a light loop on the 9-hole 'The Oasis'.
Length, tee setup and The Oasis operation can vary by season and course conditions. Confirm the course's official information when booking. (As of June 2026)