Grassing has begun at the new Ho Tram golf course in Vietnam.

The course is part of the Ho Tram Strip project, billed as Vietnam's first 'Las Vegas-style' integrated resort, being developed by Canadian firm Asian Coast Development. Construction of the first phase of the first resort on the strip, with 541 rooms and suites and gaming facilities, is complete, and the second phase, which will add another 559 rooms and suites, is under way.

The golf course is being designed by Greg Norman's practice, with construction management under the control of IMG Golf Course Services. The course, which is expected to open late this year, is being grassed with TifEagle bermuda on greens, and Tifway 419 on fairways, both supplied by Atlas Turf International, and is designed to offer a links-like experience, with rolling sand dunes and ocean views.

“The grasses supplied by Atlas to this high profile project, the first of its kind in Vietnam, are performing extremely well and have achieved 100 per cent coverage in five weeks,” said Laurie Walsh of IMG. “The site conditions at Ho Tram are at times difficult due to the site having coastal sand dunes that sustain high winds and drought conditions, but the grasses have had no problems overcoming the conditions and stabilising the sands. We are looking forward to getting the fairways and greens into play condition.”