The Saigoneer team does not consist of golfers. Most of us would struggle to define a birdie, let alone achieve one. And yet, despite our lack of experience, golf proved to be the perfect afternoon activity for us recently. 

To outsiders, golf can be intimidating. The rules, the equipment, and even the clothing come across as complex with a high barrier to entry. Particularly in Vietnam, where golf is a relatively niche and recent pastime, few people have experience with it. This might explain why we initially had trouble convincing members of our team to take a break from their work and venture to out for a ParTee.

A Carefree Approach to Golf

"Golf is the hardest game in the world,” noted Masters champion golfer Ben Crenshaw. “There is no way you can ever get it. Just when you think you do, the game jumps up and puts you in your place.” It’s true: golf can be extremely difficult, even for the most decorated professionals. This understanding affords one a bit of freedom; you won’t be any good, particularly when you are just beginning, so simply focus on having a good time.

To further forefront the fun and limit the frustrations, we opted for a scaled-down version of golf. Featuring carefully-tended real grass greens, water hazards, and sandtraps in the comfortable outdoors, ParTee’s 18-hole minigolf course simulates the authentic thrill and precision of putting far more accurately than neon-light, obstacle-littered, synthetic rug putt-putt courses. But by focusing on putting alone, the arduous elements of teeing off with big swings, followed by the inevitable search for balls lost in the rough, are removed so one can enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Within ten minutes of arriving, we’d secured our personal items in the locker room and were on the greens with putters in our hands. The rules are extremely straightforward: starting at the tee marker, you hit your ball towards the marked hole in as few strokes as possible. True to full courses, the greens are deceptive, with subtle inclines and curves thwarting simple shots. Sometimes our balls raced past the hole, and other times came to a standstill laughably far away. Once or twice, we ended up in a sand trap and required half a dozen strokes to free ourselves. There were also some beautiful shots where the ball rolled smoothly to the hole, and fell in with a satisfying dink-dink: one of the most pleasant sounds in the world.

When Golf is More than Just Golf

The game of golf itself is frequently a background activity on a golf outing. Important business deals often get made on the links while golf buddies give way to corporate partnerships. Saigoneer, however, was more concerned with soaking up some fresh air, enjoying delicious food, and savoring a comfortable space. This was all possible via the surprisingly affordable and inclusive  ParTee 18 Holes Minigolf package.

Lush green space and clear skies! Free from the constraints of high-rises and traffic jams, the golf center, only four kilometers from the city center, provides an immediate sense of peace and freedom. Set beside a natural river lined with palm trees, it offers a much-welcome slow pace that feels like a mini getaway. The fact that we reached it with ease and could return to our normal obligations before dinner made the small slice of recreation feel all the more indulgent. Coaxed into comfort by the surroundings, a sense of lighthearted joy engulfed our group. We didn’t discuss tasks or deadlines, but instead joked and laughed while casually putting the ball.

In addition to its setting, the ParTee seemed designed specifically for us thanks to the availability of food and drink. The new, open-air restaurant and bar below the dedicated meeting and conference space has a selection of drinks as well as delivery from nearby partnering restaurants. While we waited for our quesadillas, poppers, sliders, and chips to arrive, we sipped on refreshing coconuts and draft beer. It proved difficult to sip and putt at the same time, and we instead appreciated the opportunity to sit at a picnic table beside the greens, chit-chatting in the quiet.

While Saigoneer’s time at ParTee, located on the same premises as Wiking Golf, represented the true beginner’s experience, we did notice more seasoned golfers around us. In the distance, players took part in the par-three course, striking approach shots over the water. Meanwhile, the driving range allowed others to practice their long game. While not specifically part of ParTee, we did pick up an iron and try a few shots off the tees before realizing we were better suited to the greens within comfortable reach of the sour cream and salsa. Surely a few ParTee participants will transition to the more serious style of golf. 

Everyone should have hobbies they cannot monetize and are not particularly good at. Pastimes that allow for a bit of exercise, socializing, and an escape from stressful routines are an extremely rewarding part of life. It’s unlikely you will find any members of the Saigoneer team at one of Saigon’s far-flung 18-hole golf courses. But you might find us at another ParTee when we need a break or during planned social events, including movie screenings and live music that transform the golf center into a destination. And you’ll definitely hear us recommend it to friends, family, and co-workers looking to host a birthday party, team building event, or outing. When you take the pressure out of golf and add some refreshments, it really can be quite a bit of fun.