Vietnam Tour a Swinging Success for BGC Members

Earlier this month, The Brisbane Golf Club’s Director of Golf, Joe Janison, hosted 14 lucky members on an unforgettable Member’s Golf Trip to Vietnam, blending competitive golf with cultural indulgence across five remarkable days.

The group departed Brisbane on Sunday, 8 June, travelling in two groups via Singapore and Hong Kong, with both routes clocking in at a manageable 12-hour journey. After arriving in Da Nang, members were transferred 15 miles south to the charming town of Hoi An, where they checked into the Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, a stunning retreat known for its elegant design, tranquil spa, and exceptional service that offered a relaxing base for the golfing adventure ahead.

After settling in, the group gathered for their first dinner at a local restaurant, beginning what would be a week filled with memorable culinary experiences and spirited competition.

Day 1 saw the group travel an hour inland to Ba Na Hills Golf Club, a spectacular course designed by Luke Donald and crowned Vietnam’s Best Golf Course six years in a row. The layout lived up to its reputation, with Jessica Zhang making an early statement by taking out the Women’s competition with 34 points. Stephen Hughes began what would be a standout tour with a steady 36 points to win the Men’s division.

However, it was the heat that made Day 1 especially memorable, temperatures reached 34 degrees but with a ‘feels like’ reading of 43. The oppressive heat caught many off guard, and while several considered stopping after 9 holes, every member pushed through to finish their rounds.

Day 2 took the group to the coastal splendour of Laguna Lang Co, nestled between mountains and sea. Janet Nathanson played solid golf to post 35 points for the Women’s win, while Jack Steggall surged ahead of the men with 37 points.

Day 3 featured a trip to Montgomerie Links, a championship course with classic Scottish styling. Jessica Zhang returned to the top with a brilliant 38 points, while Ross Cartmill produced the men’s round of the day with an impressive 41 points.

Day 4 and 5 were scheduled at the acclaimed Hoiana Shores, Vietnam’s first true links-style course and a fitting venue to close the tournament. Day 4 saw Laura Cunning clinch the Women’s daily title with 38 points, while Stuart Tait fired a blistering 43 points in the Men’s competition. On Day 5, Jessica Zhang once again found her groove with another 38 points, but it was Stephen Hughes who lit up the course with a phenomenal 44 points to seal his dominant performance.

The Overall Winners (Best 4 of 5 rounds) were:

• Women’s Champion: Jess Zhang (142 points)

• Men’s Champion & Overall Winner (Traveller’s Cup): Stephen Hughes (154 points)

The Mystery Fourball Competition, a fun aggregate event, was claimed by Laura Cunning and Stuart Tait, whose consistent scoring earned them top honours.

The trip wasn’t without its challenges. Typhoon Wutip descended upon Da Nang midweek, dumping torrential rain and forcing the Wednesday round at BRG Danang (Norman Course) to be abandoned. Fortunately, the group had squeezed in 9 holes at the course earlier that week on Monday before most members departed. Floodwaters also inundated Hoi An Old Town, where the Thu Bon River breached its banks. Shopkeepers moved their goods to the second floor in preparation, reportedly ready to continue trading from upstairs if necessary.

Despite warnings, seven adventurous members braved the floodwaters and slippery stones during a sightseeing tour of My Son Sanctuary. This UNESCO-listed site of ancient Hindu temples left a deep impression. Remarkably untouched for over four centuries before being rediscovered by the French in the early 1900s, many of the temples were tragically bombed during the Vietnam War—an evocative reminder of the region’s rich and sometimes tragic history.

Evenings were equally colourful. One night, five unnamed travellers stumbled upon a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar after dinner and were treated to an impromptu performance by French musicians—one of many spontaneous highlights from the trip.

Away from the course, the group enjoyed three exceptional dinners at some of Hoi An’s best restaurants, sampling the vibrant local cuisine. The highlight came on the final evening, where a local contact helped arrange an extraordinary ten-course feast at what’s widely regarded as Hoi An’s finest seafood restaurant, capping off the tour in truly memorable fashion.

Special thanks to all 14 members who joined the trip, helping make it such an enjoyable and successful tour:

Les Nathanson
Janet Nathanson
Ross Cartmill
Judy Cartmill
Stuart Tait
Joanna Tait
Stephen Hughes
Jess Zhang
Robyn Wanless
Laura Cunning
Robyn Cuming
Jack Steggall
Robert Aitken
Bob Herrington

With incredible golf, spectacular scenery, cultural experiences, and top-tier hospitality, the Vietnam Golf Tour was a resounding success—and has set a high bar for future BGC adventures abroad.

Our next Member’s Trip will again be a wonderful experience. Keep an eye out for information on that tour.

— Joe Janison