For golf aficionados, The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram stands as one of the most coveted courses in Southeast Asia, offering a one-of-a-kind experience on a world-class links-style course designed by the legendary Greg Norman. Beyond its scenic beauty and challenging layout, the course has earned numerous recognition from top authorities like the Luxury Lifestyle Awards and continues to attract players from around the globe. To dive deeper into what makes The Bluffs such an iconic destination, we sat down with Ian Cording, the General Manager, to discuss the unique features, future developments, and the overall philosophy behind managing this golfing paradise. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Greg Norman’s design of The Bluffs is a major draw for golfers worldwide. Could you share insights on what it was like to collaborate with him and how his vision shaped the course? 

Ian Cording: Greg Norman is renowned for his golf course design, and he has stated several times that this is probably one of the best designs he has ever completed. The nature of the land, combined with the topography, made it an ideal site to create one of the best golf courses in the world. With Greg’s wisdom and expertise, he crafted a masterpiece. 

LLA: The Bluffs is known for its challenging links-style terrain. How do you ensure the course remains accessible yet exciting for golfers of all skill levels? 

IC: The golf course was designed to accommodate all levels of golfers, from beginners and recreational players to elite amateurs and professionals. Notable golfers like Sergio Garcia (winner of the Ho Tram Open 2015), Darren Clarke, Michael Campbell, and Robert Rock have all participated in professional tournaments at The Bluffs Ho Tram. The number and location of tee boxes across the golf course allow all levels of golfers to enjoy or be challenged from the back tees. 

Due to the weather in the area, we experience two distinct seasons where the wind switches 180 degrees. As a result, the course plays completely differently depending on the time of year. To accommodate this and maintain fairness, we have two slope ratings on the property to ensure golfers can play to their handicaps. 

LLA: Sustainability is a growing concern in the golf world. How is The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram incorporating environmentally friendly practices in course maintenance and management? 

IC: Our Superintendent, Jason Batterham, is a very responsible and dedicated professional, ensuring that we focus on harmoniously coexisting with the native flora and using it to our advantage. The design was meticulously planned with the landscape and local ecosystem in mind, which allows the local fauna to thrive and enhances the playability and aesthetics of the golf course. 

LLA: The Grand Ho Tram offers more than just golf, with its five-star amenities like a hotel, casino, and restaurants. How does the integration of these services enhance the overall guest experience? 

IC: Having such world-class amenities on the same site adds significantly to the overall experience for any golfer. It means that once on-site, golfers do not have to leave for any reason, as every amenity imaginable is available. The whole place is family-friendly, which means golfers can relax on the course, and if their families aren’t golfers, they can still be entertained for days—whether at the spa, cinema, pools, or any of the 19 food and beverage outlets. 

LLA: The Bluffs has hosted prestigious events such as the Ho Tram Open, which was voted the best event in the Asia-Pacific. Can you talk about the significance of these events for the course’s global reputation? 

IC: Hosting the Ho Tram Open had huge significance not only for The Bluffs Ho Tram but also for golf in Vietnam. This event attracted some of the best players in the world, cementing The Bluffs’ position as the number one course in the country and putting Vietnam on the world’s golfing stage. Before this event, Vietnam was not considered a golfing destination. 

LLA: What are some of the future developments or plans that guests can look forward to at The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram in the coming years? 

IC: We aim to position The Bluffs not just as a premier golf destination but also as a vibrant hub for entertainment and events. Our vision encompasses a comprehensive development strategy that transforms all venues into lively entertainment spots, complementing the other properties within The Grand Ho Tram resort complex. From fashion shows and workshops to collaborations with brands and weddings, we aspire to host a variety of luxurious events that elevate the overall experience. 

LLA: As General Manager, what are your biggest challenges in managing such a world-class facility, and how do you continuously aim to improve the overall experience for visitors? 

IC: We have such a good, passionate, and professional team here at The Bluffs that we do not face too many challenges in maintaining world-class services. We are constantly upgrading in all areas, such as providing GPS on each golf cart in multiple languages to support our diverse customer base. We train all our staff in English, Korean, and Chinese to ensure effective communication with our guests, and we continuously strive to update and improve our skills. 

As our conversation with Ian Cording revealed, The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram is much more than just a golf course – it’s an evolving destination that offers a holistic luxury experience for golfers and travelers alike. With Greg Norman’s design genius, world-class facilities, and a commitment to excellence, The Bluffs continues to redefine what a premier golfing destination should be. Whether you’re looking for a challenging game or an unforgettable luxury getaway, The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram promises an experience that’s as breathtaking as the coastline it sits on. 

Recognition Summary

The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram has been awarded the title of Best Luxury Golf Course in Southeast Asia by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards for the second consecutive year, showcasing its exceptional quality and commitment to excellence in the luxury golf industry. The Luxury Lifestyle Awards is an honorary member of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce (WLCC), a prestigious global B2B network for leading luxury brands. WLCC brings together the most distinguished luxury sector experts, fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation. Through its partnership with WLCC, LLA is empowered to continue its mission of recognizing excellence while providing winners with exclusive industry insights and valuable networking opportunities. With exemplary winners like The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram, LLA remains at the forefront of luxury recognition.