Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Asian Golf Industry Federation [AGIF] Golf Facility Member Bluffs Ho Tram Strip will gain international exposure when its stages its maiden professional event in December.
Boasting a purse of US$1.5 million, the inaugural Ho Tram Open will take place from December 3-6 at the acclaimed venue, two hours southeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
Two-time European Tour winner Robert Rock, brand ambassador at the Greg Norman-designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, will headline the field.
The Ho Tram Strip has rapidly emerged as Vietnam’s most talked-about getaway as visitors flock to experience the country’s newest tourism jewel. The Strip is drenched in tropical sunshine and bordered by white-sand beaches fringing the East Sea.
Colin Pine, General Director, Ho Tram Project Company, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Ho Tram Open at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip in December. This new and exciting event will showcase the magnificent Ho Tram Strip to the world and complement our vision and ambition to deliver world-class entertainment to our guests and visitors.
“It is also our hope that the launch of Vietnam’s richest golf championship will provide the catalyst for the game to grow in this beautiful country, especially with golf returning to the Olympic Games programme in 2016. We are committed to stage the Ho Tram Open for three years and we will work closely with the Asian Tour and our partners to ensure its success in 2015 and beyond.”
Ho Van Loi, Director of Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “The launch of the inaugural Ho Tram Open is a massive boost towards our country’s efforts to promote golf and tourism in Vietnam. The Ho Tram Open will certainly put Vietnam – and in particular the Ho Tram Strip – on the global map through the extensive television exposure that the event will enjoy.”
Nguyen Van Hao, General Secretary, Vietnam Golf Association [VGA], said: “On behalf of the VGA, we are excited with the launch of Vietnam’s richest golf tournament, the Ho Tram Open, an event we believe will spur the development of the game in Vietnam and inspire our young golfers to excel in golf. We are confident the Ho Tram Open will lay the foundation to our dream of seeing a Vietnamese golfer qualifying for the Olympics in the near future.”

Crafted by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, a Full Business Member of the AGIF, the visually-stunning Bluffs Ho Tram Strip opened for play in October, 2014 and has received rave reviews for its ‘links style’ design and five-star clubhouse and recreational facilities.
Ben Styles, General Manager, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, said: “It is a great honour and privilege for our championship course to play host to the inaugural Ho Tram Open.
“We look forward to hosting our first professional golf tournament at The Bluffs and we will ensure that our course will be at its absolute best to contribute toward the success of the event.”