ASIA: Mees Takes the Helm at Ba Na Hills Golf Club

Simon Mees brings a wealth of enthusiasm and experience to his new role as general manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club

Simon Mees aims to elevate Luke Donald-designed course and Central Vietnam

DANANG, VIETNAM (October 11, 2024) – Simon Mees, the newly appointed general manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, is focused on driving the club’s momentum and the entire Central Vietnam region.

With over 30 years of experience spanning the iconic courses of Scotland, his home country, to the jet-setting environs of the Middle East and Thailand, Mees brings an international pedigree that reflects the evolving vision of Ba Na Hills Golf Club.

His resume includes stints at prestigious clubs such as Pineapple Valley Golf Club and Aquella Golf & Country Club in Thailand, the Greg Norman-designed KN Golf Links Cam Ranh in Vietnam, and Al Hamra Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates.

His diverse leadership experience positions him as a dynamic force, ready to boost Ba Na Hills Golf Club, with its award-winning layout designed by Europe Ryder Cup skipper Luke Donald, as it enters a pivotal period.

“I am thrilled to join Ba Na Hills Golf Club,” said Simon. “The club has garnered a reputation as one of Vietnam’s finest. I look forward to building on its success, enhancing guest experiences, and working closely with the team to elevate everything we offer.”

Ba Na Hills Golf Club, which IMG operates, is renowned for its spectacular setting amidst rolling mountain landscapes. Its layout combines challenging holes with breathtaking views, offering golfers a world-class experience that has earned it a reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s top golf courses.

Mees is targeting another milestone year for his new club, and Central Vietnam as a hub for golf in Asia following its emergence as one of the region’s hottest golf destinations.

The region has established itself as a hub for golf travel in the region thanks to an array of layouts designed by luminaries including European legends Donald, Sir Nick Faldo (Laguna Golf Lang Co), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), as well as other huge names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Several of the clubs are now trumpeting the region’s appeal as Vietnam’s ‘Golf Coast.’

“Momentum is with Central Vietnam as a golf destination at the moment and we are confident that energy will be maintained,” said Mees. “Nowhere in Asia can golfers find such a concentration of world-class championship courses within easy reach of an international airport and each other.”