Fresh Tee Time
7 Mile Beach, Hobart, Australia
Chhun On Golf Resort, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Erbil Hill, Kurdistan, Iraq
The Legacy Club at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Stone Highland Golf & Resort, Hanoi, Vietnam
Fresh Tee Time
7 Mile Beach, Hobart, Australia
PGA Tour professional Mathew Goggin envisioned a golfing haven in the local area he grew up in, specifically within the Seven Mile Beach Peninsula's undulating sand dunes. When architect Michael Clayton provided his expert advise giving the land area a big thumbs up for development, Goggin crafted an affordable, world-class course that now welcomes the public. This golfing gem seamlessly integrates with the natural terrain, advocating walking and shared enjoyment with beachgoers, horse riders, and walkers alike, transcending the conventional golfing experience. This endeavor has brought to life Goggin's dream, shaping the Seven Mile Beach Peninsula into a vibrant sanctuary catering to golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, where the allure of the game converges harmoniously with the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Chhun On Golf Resort, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Recently debuted in January is the first of two 18-hole layouts from architect Brian Curley. Located at this growing golf facility near the center of the capital city of Cambodia, Curley says the East course will adopt a more classic design, with formal bunkering, while the West course, set to open in 2025, will have a more natural and craggy appearance. Nestled within a floodplain, the property underwent excavation to create five lakes, providing the essential fill dirt required to elevate the terrain for the golf courses. The inaugural course will feature a distinctive par-three island green 19th hole, accessible solely by boat.
Erbil Hill, Kurdistan, Iraq
Niece of renowned architect Pete Dye – Cynthia Dye, has taken on the role of designing Iraq's only golf course. The first nine holes are set to make their debut in late spring or early summer, with the full 18 holes expected to be open for play by the end of the year. This real-estate-oriented project encompasses not only the golf course but also includes a hotel and various shops. With the completion of Erbil Hills, Iraq will join the ranks of golf-playing nations as the 208th out of 249 countries and territories worldwide. Notably, Iraq had a few golf courses, featuring both sand and grass, in the past, but they were forced to close during the Gulf War.
The Legacy Club at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Tiger Woods's latest venture at Diamante, home to the PGA Tour event hosted on his El Cardonal course, is The Legacy Club. This exclusive retreat, available only to invited members, is set to open in the fall of 2024. The upcoming course is strategically positioned in a bowl-like terrain, offering natural protection from the winds prevalent on the Baja Peninsula. It promises to transport golfers from the arid desert landscape to a verdant oasis adorned with lush vegetation and panoramic views of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Stone Highland Golf & Resort, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam stands out globally as the epicenter of golf development outside the United States, with numerous course projects either in the planning stages or actively under construction. Nestled on a mountainous expanse just north of Hanoi, the Stone Highland Golf & Resort is a sprawling 36-hole undertaking. The first 18 holes were inaugurated at the close of 2023, and the project is set to reveal an additional nine holes in late 2024. Both courses, crafted by Brian Curley, are situated on a breathtaking landscape elevated above flat rice fields, featuring steep mountain slopes and rocky terrains. While the upcoming second course exhibits a slightly less rugged topography than its predecessor, it still offers captivating elevated views of the surrounding area.
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