Laos — Global sports, events, and media agency IMG has announced its appointment as the official golf course management partner for Thatluang Lake Golf Resort, a flagship golf project currently under development in Vientiane, Laos.
The agreement marks a historical milestone for IMG as its inaugural golf management assignment in Laos, highlighting the company’s strategic ongoing expansion across Asia. Targeted for a late 2026 opening, the world-class facility is designed to elevate the country's sports infrastructure and firmly establish Laos as a premier emerging hub for golf tourism in Southeast Asia.
Situated within the rapidly expanding Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone, the resort has been engineered to deliver a championship-calibre playing experience that meets rigorous global standards.
To bring the vision to life, the development has brought together top-tier industry experts. The course architecture is spearheaded by internationally renowned studio Faldo Design, while construction is being executed by leading golf course construction management firm Flagstick GCCM. High-quality turfgrass solutions for the entire layout are being supplied by specialized developer STS.
Under IMG's operational stewardship, the resort's management strategy will focus on delivering exceptional course conditioning, high-end guest hospitality, and a sustainable operating platform tailored for long-term growth.
To guarantee year-round operational excellence and elite playability in the regional climate, project developers selected two of the golf industry’s premier turfgrass varieties:
Fairways, Tees, and Roughs: Planted with Zeon Zoysia, celebrated for its high turf density, vibrant visual presentation, low maintenance input, and exceptional ball-roll playability.
Greens: Surfaced with TifEagle Bermuda grass, one of the most widely respected putting surfaces in championship golf, renowned for its heat tolerance, smooth texture, and consistent green speeds.
Beyond its 18-hole championship layout, a core highlight of the resort is its expansive golf academy and state-of-the-art two-tier driving range. Envisioned as one of the region’s premier practice and learning facilities, the complex aims to cater to golfers of every skill level.
The academy will offer structured, high-quality instruction in an inviting environment, serving a dual purpose: providing visiting tourists with modern coaching technologies while nurturing domestic talent and boosting local participation in the sport.
Russell Hannah, Vice President of Golf Course Services at IMG, expressed enthusiasm for the groundbreaking venture:
"We are excited to be part of such a significant project and proud to bring IMG's golf course management expertise to Laos for the first time. Thatluang Lake Golf Resort has all the ingredients to become one of the region's standout golf destinations, combining a world-class Faldo Design course, exceptional construction standards, and a clear vision for long-term success."
"Our focus will be on creating outstanding playing conditions and memorable guest experiences from day one, while helping to establish Laos as an attractive destination for international golfers. We also look forward to supporting the growth of grassroots golf and creating opportunities for the next generation of players within the country."
Golf tourism across Southeast Asia continues to experience rapid growth, driven by high demand from regional and international travel markets. The establishment of Thatluang Lake Golf Resort is positioned to play a pivotal role in positioning Laos alongside established regional golf hubs such as Thailand and Vietnam.
Beyond its tourism appeal, the development reflects a unified effort among all participating partners to construct a facility grounded in community engagement, localized industry job creation, and sustainable resort operations. With construction advancing smoothly toward its late 2026 opening, Thatluang Lake Golf Resort is set to usher in a new era for golf in Laos.
