FLC Golf Links Quang Binh is the first of ten courses designed by Schmidt-Curley Design at the FLC Quang Binh Beach & Golf Resort. Located near Dong Hoi, on the coast of the East Vietnam Sea, the course, named Forest Dunes, is uniquely set on a site of white sand with six kilometers of coastline and primary interior dunes that offer up to 40 meters of elevation change.
The course layout takes full advantage of the pre-existing landscape, incorporating casuarina pines, native scrubby grasses, and marsh grasses, making Forest Dunes one of the most natural golf courses in Vietnam. The design emphasizes excellent drainage, dynamic fairway movement, and sand-based sharp edges between fairways and rough waste areas, creating a visually dramatic contrast of white sand, green paspalum turf, dark green trees, and the crystal blue waters of open lakes surrounding the marsh edges.
The fairways are notably broad and even the sand and pine straw areas are designed to be forgiving, with some landing zones being as wide as they are long off the tees. Slightly errant shots can still be found and played forward with minimal effort, thanks to a golfer-friendly surface. The course features only four traditional bunkers, with the rest of the sand and scrub areas played as waste areas.
The greens are expansive, with fairway run-ups, significant undulations, and movement reminiscent of Scottish links courses. Some greens have backstops to assist wayward approaches, while others feature severe catchment areas, demanding strategic precision. As with many links courses, wind is a critical factor at FLC Quang Binh, making course management and approach shots vital for a good score.
The course is complemented by a massive, ornate clubhouse and a grand resort on site, making Forest Dunes part of a comprehensive golf destination. Most visitors will find it worthwhile to spend a few nights at the FLC Quang Binh Beach & Golf Resort, fully embracing the blend of luxury and natural beauty.
