Ocean Dunes Golf Club - Phan Tiet, Vietnam

Ocean Dunes Golf Club in Phan Thiet, Vietnam is a "tropical links" golf course, according to designer Nick Faldo. Ocean Dunes is indeed links-like, in that it follows the natural contours the dunes bordering the sea, and the wind whipping off the water sculpts new angles in the sand every morning and afternoon.

Of course, it isn't a true links golf course, what with the Australian pines decorating the slightly rolling terrain, the exotic, non-Scottish fauna (including cactus) and the sounds of Buddhist chanting from the on-site temple. But it is a gorgeous layout, beautifully manicured with the palms swaying in the sea breezes and pink flowers atop glassy ponds, framed by views of distant and ancient volcanic mountains.