Developments
GEO Certified Development 12/2020
Over my visits to the Hoiana Shores Golf Course project, I’ve seen the site develop into a superb golf course, with the restoration of and preservation of native coastal vegetation on the dunes, careful selection, and care of grasses that can produce a high-quality playing surface with minimal inputs, installation of an irrigation system that can be adjusted to apply the minimal amounts of water required, the provision of training to scores of local students, and the creation of hundreds of jobs.
Micah Woods, Independent Verifier - Hoiana Shores Golf Club
Hoiana Shores GC, which is part of the Hoiana Integrated Resort – is the first and only golf property in Asia-Pacific to achieve GEO Certified Development status. It is an 18-hole golf course set against the spectacular coastline of central Vietnam. Located on a former fish farm site, the golf land was almost completely flat and largely devoid of vegetation before construction began. Many sustainable-led priorities came together on the project - providing a natural defense to coastal and wave action, restoring the native coastal dunes and habitats, and creating local education and training were all key for the team to deliver.
The land is situated close to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hoi An; has views out to the protected Cham Islands; built on native sand perfect for creating golf - you could not have picked a better location to craft an authentic and sustainable Vietnamese golf course. From there, the design and construction teams established turf and plant nurseries on-site to supply the project and set up the internationally accredited services training college aimed at creating jobs and skills for the local community.
Huge credit here has to go to the teams involved - their vision creativity and positivity have meant that what has been created represent a truly authentic Vietnamese golfing experience. The site is now draped in thriving native habitats, with protected views of the off shore UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a world class golf course shaped by man and nature. Backed by careful and experienced management methods means this golf course and its wider environment remain respectful to the native setting and will create a memorable, genuine experience for golfers for years to come.
Sam Thomas, Director of Golf Developments for GEO Foundation
