Da Nang’s record-breaking tourism growth is setting the stage for a busy golf season across Central Vietnam, where championship courses are preparing for an influx of international visitors and a calendar of major events.

The city welcomed 7.74 million overnight visitors during the first five months of 2026, an increase of 20.9% compared with the same period last year. International arrivals rose by 23.6% to 4.18 million, while domestic visitor numbers climbed 17.9% to 3.55 million.

The introduction of Vietnam’s digital arrival card in Da Nang could add to their ourism momentum by simplifying entry procedures for overseas travellers heading to the country’s central coast.

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Golf has become an increasingly important part of the region’s appeal. Within a little more than an hour’s drive of Da Nang, players can find courses designed by Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

The concentration of internationally recognised courses is complemented by beaches, luxury resorts, historic towns, an acclaimed culinary culture and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Together, they have helped Central Vietnam develop into one of Asia’s most complete golf and leisure destinations.

As the region moves into its peak playing season, its courses are emerging from their annual maintenance programmes and preparing for some of the most important competitions on their calendars.

At Ba Na Hills Golf Club, the Luke Donald-designed championship course has returned to peak condition following its annual coring and summer maintenance programme.

The club’s Night Golf experience has also continued to attract players looking to escape the heat of the day. Held under floodlights every Wednesday and Friday, the experience is available over nine or 18 holes and allows golfers to play in cooler evening conditions.

Attention will soon turn to the IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 in September, when 132 golfers are expected to compete in one of Ba Na Hills Golf Club’s flagship annual events.

“Our course has recovered exceptionally well and is in outstanding condition heading into our busiest period of the year,” said Andrew McGregor, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Night Golf has become one of our defining experiences, while the IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 showcases the quality of golf and hospitality that golfers can expect when they visit Central Vietnam.”

Nearby, Montgomerie Links Golf Club is preparing to hold its 16th Club Championships on August 22, 2026. The tournament will bring members and guests together for one of the club’s most significant events of the year.

The championships will also support Montgomerie Links’ Green Hope community projects. Funds raised through this year’s tournament will help underprivileged students in Da Nang continue their education.

“Our Club Championships have become about much more than competition,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager of Montgomerie Links Golf Club. “They bring golfers together, showcase everything that makes Central Vietnam such a rewarding golf destination and continue to support an initiative that is making a real difference in our local community.”

Montgomerie Links is also continuing its Twilight Golf programme on the Colin Montgomerie-designed course, giving visitors another opportunity to play during the cooler latter part of the day.

Central Vietnam’s golf industry is entering the coming season with favourable conditions: restored courses, established tournaments and a tourism market growing at close to record speed.

For Da Nang, the strength of the golf season is also part of a larger transformation. Once primarily known as a gateway to Hoi An and the heritage sites of Central Vietnam, the city is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right, with golf helping attract travellers who stay longer and explore more widely across the region.