Patrick Koenig’s Photographic Essay of Vietnam’s Laguna Golf Lang Co

The striking beauty of Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Asia’s most visually stunning clubs, is showcased in a new set of images captured by leading US photographer Patrick Koenig.

Threading between trees, over rice paddies and streams, through rock features and alongside the pounding surf, the course—designed by UK great Sir Nick Faldo—is tricky to categorize. One thing that everybody agrees on though is the sheer visual manna on offer at the course, which is nestled between mountains and the ocean.

Koenig’s photographs brilliantly capture the qualities that make Laguna Golf Lang Co such a beguiling prospect for visiting golfers.

“We are thrilled to unveil these incredible new images of our course,” said Stephen Banks, a fellow of the PGA and Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “Patrick Koenig’s work captures the essence of Laguna Golf Lang Co, reflecting our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings while delivering an exceptional golfing experience.”

Koenig was commissioned to shoot Laguna Golf Lang Co and other tracks in Vietnam by luxury golf tour operator Asia Golf Trips. And while the weather didn’t always cooperate during Koenig’s nine-day visit, it didn’t prevent him from coming away with images that solidify the country’s newfound international standing.

“Finally there are photos that do justice to how good Vietnam’s best courses are,” said Asia Golf Trips founder Scott Resch. 

While it would be pushing it to call Laguna Golf Lang Co a “links”, the classic “out-and-back” routing and the tang of the salty air certainly offer an invigorating hit of tradition.  The ocean heaves into view on the 9th—a par-4 played alongside the beach. Equally stunning is the short 11th, played from an elevated tee to a green surrounded by rock features.

The mountains encroach closest to the course at this point, with a tumbling waterfall prominent in the near distance. Other excellent holes, meanwhile, include the closing 18th, a rollercoaster ride of a long hole that plays back to the clubhouse.

Last year Laguna Lang Co was named among the top 11 golf resorts in Asia in a list compiled by Golf.com, one of the world’s leading golf titles. Its inclusion in the Asia list also secured it a spot in the top 100 Golf Resorts in the World standings.

The property encompasses the Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design at Laguna Golf Lang Co as well as award-winning resorts Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co.

Laguna Golf Lang Co is one of the draws burnishing the global reputation of Central Vietnam, an area that is now established as one of Asia’s most prized golf destinations.  

The region, marketed as the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), has emerged as a hub for golf travel in Asia thanks to an array of layouts designed by luminaries including European legends Faldo, Luke Donald  (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), as well as other huge names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.