Staff WriterIf the golf gods were taking attendance, they’d have circled Central Vietnam last week. The Vietnam Golf Coast, a stretch already whispering its way into bucket lists, suddenly found itself shouting thanks to a cast of global golf personalities who descended on the region with cameras, clubs, and a sense of wonder.
Front and centre was Rick Shiels, YouTube’s answer to the BBC Golf Commentary team, only with better hair and fewer adverts. The British pro—whose videos pull in millions—traded drizzle for Danang’s tropical fairways, filming and swinging his way through one of Asia’s most talked-about playgrounds.
Beside him, Gabi Powel brought the fireworks. The American long-drive star and social-media dynamo turned heads with that signature blend of muscle, charm, and media savvy. Between her and Shiels, half the internet now knows that Vietnam doesn’t just serve pho—it serves pristine fairways too.
They weren’t alone. Joining the parade were Korean golfer Mr. Doha, American creator Ms. Judy, Singapore’s Becca De Foe, and Australian coach Kerrod Gray—a digital dream team armed with drones, tripods, and handicaps that make the rest of us question our life choices.
Together they showcased the Vietnam Golf Coast to millions, capturing its blend of lush landscapes, cultural depth, and the kind of golf you tell your grandkids about.
The scene of the action? Ba Na Hills Golf Club—Luke Donald’s mountainous masterpiece just outside Danang. Managed by IMG and crowned repeatedly at the World Golf Awards, it’s the sort of place where even a three-putt feels cinematic. Each hole tumbles through jungle slopes like something Spielberg might have storyboarded.
But here’s the kicker: the region isn’t just about the golf. Beyond the last green lie Michelin-accoladed restaurants, white-sand beaches, and UNESCO gems like Hoi An Ancient Town and the Imperial City of Hue.
Throw in a few spa sanctuaries and cocktails that taste like victory, and you start to see why the Vietnam Golf Coast has golfers grinning like they’ve just holed out for eagle.
Simon Mees, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club, summed it up with local pride:
“To welcome internationally recognised golf influencers such as Rick Shiels and Gabi Powel is a proud moment for Ba Na Hills Golf Club and for the Vietnam Golf Coast as a whole.
Their presence highlights the exceptional quality of our courses and the rich mix of leisure, dining, and cultural experiences that make Central Vietnam one of the world’s most compelling destinations.”
With direct flights now connecting Vietnam to major cities across Asia, Australia, and Europe, access is no longer the obstacle—it’s the invitation.
The Vietnam Golf Coast has gone from hidden gem to headline act, and this latest wave of digital storytellers has only tightened its grip on golf’s global imagination.
One thing’s certain: the next time Rick Shiels uploads a video, and you see that misty mountain backdrop behind his tee shot, you’ll know exactly where to book your next round.
