Inside Luke Donald’s Only Course Design – Vietnam’s Ba Na Hills
Luke Donald’s recent Ryder Cup success has brought renewed attention to Ba Na Hills Golf Club in Vietnam, the sole course designed by the European Ryder Cup captain. His leadership style—marked by meticulous preparation, tactical clarity, and quiet authority—is reflected in the course’s design, which balances challenge with natural beauty and rewards strategic play over brute force.
“I’ve always seen strategy as the heart of golf, whether leading a team or designing a course,” Donald explains. “At Ba Na Hills, it’s about rewarding patience, creativity, and precision. You have to think your way around the course, not just hit hard.”
Located in the lush hills west of Danang, Ba Na Hills fully embraces Vietnam’s dramatic landscape. The course weaves through mountains, ravines, and forests to create a layout that is both natural and striking. Signature holes include the forest-framed par-3 8th and a thrilling finishing sequence with an island-green 16th and a water-guarded 17th, demanding both nerve and skill.
Simon Mees, Ba Na Hills’ General Manager, remarks, “It’s about intelligent choices and the long game—calm control and tactical awareness make this course, and Luke, truly exceptional.”
Luke Donald’s design philosophy on the course clearly parallels his strategic approach as a Ryder Cup captain, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making and precision.
Author’s summary: Luke Donald’s Ba Na Hills course exemplifies his strategic and patient approach to golf, combining natural beauty with challenging, thoughtful play that rewards skillful decision-making.