Ho Tram, Vietnam: Led by European Tour heavy-weights Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn, Vietnam’s richest sports event has teed-off in unique style.
Dubbed Asia’s Grandest Stage, the Ho Tram Open commenced with a black-tie formal dinner with a full complement of dignitaries, sponsors and Asian Tour officials.
World number 12 Garcia touched down by helicopter, already donned in his tuxedo, promoting a look the Ho Tram Open has become synonymous with.
The Spaniard was also treated to a bird’s-eye view of the Greg Norman-designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, around which he is pitting his wits against 131 other players.
Dapper Ryder Cup captain Clarke took to the road, enjoying the comfort of a BMW X6, cruising down the beachfront strip – with Ryder Cup in hand – to arrive at The Grand Ho Tram casino resort.
Robert Rock, the global ambassador for the host venue, had a far easier journey, enjoying the spoils of The Gallery Villas, the latest real-estate addition at The Ho Tram Strip.
The Englishman enjoyed a cup of tea overlooking the eighth hole and The Grand before joining his fellow players for the evening’s festivities.
Ryder Cup star Bjorn and former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy took some oceanfront time out, relaxing by the pool and on the beach.
Joining the world’s best golfers was Brian McFadden, whose arrival was greeted by a horde of photographers and fans, eager for a glimpse of the former Westlife frontman.
The global superstar opened the Gala Dinner with a performance of his hit single Real to Me, which was accompanied by a James Bond-esque trailer for the event.
The Ho Tram Open has adopted the tag line ‘Where Golf Meet Entertainment’ and the players’ reactions on seeing the schedule said it all.
“I am not sure I can think of a championship that has had so much going on,” said Clarke. “Gala dinners, concerts, fight nights, pool parties. It’s going to be a great week for all.”
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Ambassador Rock added: “I knew it was going to be a special week having chatted with the team about what their plans were, but this is off the charts.”