Three rounds in, I finally cracked the code at this course. This Brg Da Nang vs Montgomerie Links is what I wish I’d known before my first tee time.
At a glance:
- BRG Da Nang: Jack Nicklaus parkland, $90-140, immaculate conditioning
- Montgomerie Links: Links-style, $55-100, best value in Da Nang
- Winner: BRG for quality; Montgomerie for value
- Distance apart: 20 min — play both in one day
I get asked this question more than any other: “Dave, if I only have one day in Da Nang, BRG or Monty?” I’ve played both courses six times each. I’ve shot my best Vietnam round at BRG (76) and had my most fun round at Montgomerie (79 in 30 km/h wind). They’re both legit — but they’re completely different golf experiences. Here’s my honest BRG Da Nang vs Montgomerie Links breakdown after 12 combined rounds.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | BRG Da Nang | Montgomerie Links | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designer | Jack Nicklaus | Colin Montgomerie | Draw |
| Style | Links-coastal | True links | Preference |
| Par / Yardage | 72 / 7,075 | 72 / 7,100 | Draw |
| Green Fee (weekday) | $80–$95 | $65–$80 | ⭐ Monty |
| Green Fee (weekend) | $110–$130 | $95–$110 | ⭐ Monty |
| Conditioning | 9/10 | 8/10 | ⭐ BRG |
| Greens Speed | Stimp 10+ | Stimp 9–10 | ⭐ BRG |
| Wind Factor | Medium | High | Monty (more challenge) |
| Caddie Quality | 9/10 | 7/10 | ⭐ BRG |
| Clubhouse | Modern, premium | Colonial charm | Preference |
| Distance to Airport | 20 min | 25 min | Draw |
| Distance to Hoi An | 40 min | 15 min | ⭐ Monty |
| Practice Facility | Excellent | Good | ⭐ BRG |
Layout & Design Philosophy
BRG Da Nang is classic Nicklaus: wide landing areas off the tee that narrow as you approach the green. Strategic bunkering forces decision-making on every shot. The design rewards accuracy and course management — the kind of golf where your brain matters as much as your swing. If you’ve played Muirfield Village or Valhalla, you’ll recognize the hand.
Montgomerie Links is raw links golf. Firm, fast fairways. Pot bunkers. Exposed wind corridors. The course demands creativity — bump-and-run shots, low stingers into the wind, and the willingness to play 3 clubs more than the yardage says. It’s the closest thing to Ballybunion or Royal County Down you’ll find in Asia.
Conditioning & Greens
BRG wins here. The greens are consistently faster (Stimp 10+), the fairways tighter, and the rough more uniform. BRG has a larger greenkeeping crew and it shows. That said, Montgomerie Links’ conditioning is solid — just not immaculate. The natural links terrain means you’ll get occasional inconsistent lies, which is actually part of the charm for links purists.
Green Fee Value
Montgomerie Links is $15–$25 cheaper per round across every category. For a 3-day golf trip playing each course twice, that’s $60–$100 in savings by choosing Monty over BRG for one of those rounds. Both courses offer twilight rates (50% off after 2 PM) that make a second same-day round extremely affordable.
Caddie Quality
BRG’s caddies are among the best in Vietnam — experienced, bilingual, and they read greens with precision. Montgomerie Links caddies are competent but less consistent. At BRG, I trust my caddie’s club recommendation without question. At Monty, I verify with my rangefinder. Small difference, but noticeable over 18 holes.
The 19th Hole
BRG: Premium clubhouse with excellent Vietnamese food. You’ll probably stay and eat here — it’s convenient and the quality justifies it.
Monty: The clubhouse is fine, but the real advantage is proximity to Hoi An (15 min). Post-round dinner in Hoi An’s Ancient Town is an experience BRG can’t match. If food and culture matter to your golf trip, Monty wins the 19th hole by a mile.
⛳ Dave’s Verdict: If I had ONE round in Da Nang → BRG Da Nang. It’s the more complete golf experience. If I had TWO rounds → play both. If I’m staying in Hoi An → Montgomerie Links for convenience + links authenticity. If I’m on a budget → Montgomerie Links saves you $25/round without sacrificing much quality.
Why Not Both? 2-Day Combo Strategy
Here’s my recommended play: BRG Day 1 (morning, fresh), Monty Day 2 (morning, different experience). Stay in Hoi An for both nights — it’s equidistant to both courses and the dining/nightlife crushes Da Nang. Total green fee for 2 rounds: approximately $150–$180 weekday. That’s less than one round at Pebble Beach.
Agoda’s best deal for this location offers a 3-day Da Nang Golf Package that includes both courses, Hoi An hotel, and airport transfers — solid value for groups of 4+.
⛳ Dave’s Practical Tip: Need a ride to the course? I use Klook’s private car charter in Da Nang — a full-day driver costs $50-60 including fuel. Way easier than haggling with taxis, and the driver knows every course entrance. For non-golfers in your group, GetYourGuide has excellent Hoi An walking tours and Ba Na Hills day trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which course is harder, BRG or Montgomerie Links?
Montgomerie Links plays harder for most golfers because of the wind factor. On a calm day, BRG is slightly more demanding from tee to green. In wind (which is most days at Monty), expect 3–5 extra strokes compared to your normal score.
Which course is better for beginners?
BRG Da Nang. Better conditioning, more predictable lies, and superior caddie guidance. Montgomerie Links’ pot bunkers and wind can frustrate newer golfers.
Can I play both courses in one day?
Technically yes — BRG morning, Monty afternoon twilight (35-minute drive between). But I don’t recommend it. Two rounds in Vietnam heat is exhausting. Spread them across two days and enjoy each properly.
Hit ’em straight. — Dave 🏌️
Related: BRG Da Nang Review | Montgomerie Links Review | Da Nang Golf Guide
📍 Explore more: all Vietnam golf courses ranked →
The broader destination context is covered well by featured by Lonely Planet.