Phan Thiet, Vietnam: PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet has been nominated for the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards, as it continues to gain international recognition as one of Vietnam’s best golfing destinations.

Designed by former world number one Greg Norman, the 7,400-yard PGA Ocean Course has been shortlisted for its unique championship layout, combining a mixture of parkland and links-style golf with stylishly rugged bunkers that punctuate the undulating fairways, showcasing a variety of panoramic views.

Originally opened in April 2021, the course is renowned for its signature ‘mini fairway’ tees, measuring up to 100 metres in length and allowing every hole to be set up in different ways to offer a varied challenge for every standard of golfer – from the world’s best professionals to relative beginners.

Made with 100% Zoysia grasses, which use less fertiliser and require less water, the PGA Ocean Course was also built with the environment in mind.

Now entering its ninth year, the World Golf Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. Winners are chosen by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry, as well as general consumers who have experienced nominated venues first hand.

“It is amazing to see the PGA Ocean Course shortlisted for such a prestigious award so soon after opening,” said Andrew Bowles, Managing Director, Nova Golf Clubs, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Everyone at the club has worked extremely hard to create one of the best golfing experiences in Vietnam and this nomination is recognition of that. Golf is central to the wider offer at the NovaWorld Phan Thiet integrated resort, and as more people come to visit, we are excited to demonstrate the outstanding course conditioning, playability and unique challenge offered by both the PGA Ocean and Garden Courses,” added Bowles.

The PGA Ocean Course is one of two championship courses at the club, with the PGA Garden Course having opened at the start of 2022. Inspired by the iconic ‘Sandbelt’ region of Melbourne, this second layout is designed to be the exclusive training centre for PGA Academies students in Vietnam.

PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet is one of many key sporting complexes as part of NovaWorld Phan Thiet, a 1,000-hectare oceanside project located in Phan Thiet City. One of more than 200 projects to be taking place in the province, the city will be connected to Ho Chi Minh City in less than two hours via the Dau Giay-Phan Thiet Highway when it opens in late 2022.

Greg Norman Golf Course Design is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.