Hoiana Shores Golf Club has become the first golf course in the world to simultaneously hold both GEO Certified® Development and GEO Certified® Facility awards from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. The dual recognition affirms the club’s pioneering position in the sustainable development of golf in Vietnam.
The GEO Certified® Facility certification was recently awarded by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, making Hoiana Shores the first course globally to hold both of the organisation’s prestigious certifications. The club had previously achieved GEO Certified® Development status. This milestone recognises Hoiana Shores’ efforts in pursuing a sustainable development model throughout the entire process, from planning and construction to management and operation of the golf course.
Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II, the 18-hole golf course is located on the coast of central Vietnam. It was built on an area previously affected by abandoned shrimp farms, invasive plants and waste. From the very beginning, sustainability was incorporated into the development process, helping to restore the native sand dune landscape and create a unique links course in Vietnam – a course rich in strategic elements and offering an exhilarating experience for golfers.
In 2020, Hoiana Shores became the first golf course project in Southeast Asia to achieve GEO Certified® Development certification. Building on that foundation, the club implemented the OnCourse® platform to monitor data, optimise resources and improve course maintenance standards. By 2025, Hoiana Shores was awarded GEO Certified® Facility certification for all its operations, establishing itself as the first golf course in the world to simultaneously possess both GEO Foundation certifications.
Mr Wee Peng Siong, General Manager of Hoiana Shores Golf Club, said that achieving two certifications, from the project development phase to the management and operation of the club, is a special milestone for the Hoiana Shores team. According to him, this is proof of our commitment to sustainable development, contributing to positive value for the environment, the community, and our business operations.
Commenting on this achievement, Sam Thomas, Director of Development at the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, stated that compared to the time when the project was under construction, Hoiana Shores has made significant progress in the efficient use of resources and increasing value for the ecosystem. He believes that Hoiana Shores is playing a pioneering role in the field of sustainable golf in Vietnam.
Alongside achieving international certifications, Hoiana Shores is also collaborating with the GEO Foundation to develop a long-term Sustainable Golf Roadmap, focusing on four key areas: nature conservation, resource management, community engagement and climate change adaptation.
According to the club’s representatives, this achievement not only affirms Hoiana Shores Golf Club’s position on the international golf map but also contributes to realising Hoiana Resort & Golf’s commitment to developing a responsible resort destination in Central Vietnam. The club continues to attract golfers from both within the country and internationally.
For the original story, please visit Vietnam.vn
