Vietnamese Golf: The Journey from Practice Grounds to the International Arena

Early morning at Da Nang Golf Course, the first rays of sunlight filter through the coastal palm trees, casting light on the lush green fairways stretching into the distance. A group of young Vietnamese players in neat attire are diligently practicing their swings under the guidance of coaches. Among them are faces that will represent Vietnamese golf on the international stage in the near future. The moment they execute a decisive putt is not merely a single stroke, but an entire journey of Vietnamese golf steadily asserting its position on the world golf map. Golf in Vietnam has experienced an unprecedented decade of growth. From a luxury sport reserved for the elite and international tourists, golf has become a true industry with over 100 internationally standard golf courses nationwide. Provinces and cities such as Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Binh Thuan, and Nha Trang have become leading golf destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting thousands of international golfers each year. Vietnam's hosting of international tournaments such as the Vietnam Masters, Vinpearl DIC Legends Vietnam, and events under the Asian Tour system has put Vietnamese golf on the world golf map. According to data from the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA), the number of domestic golfers has increased from approximately 20,000 in 2026 to over 100,000 in 2026. This impressive growth rate reflects the growing interest of Vietnamese people in a sport once considered exclusive to the wealthy. Notably, this growth extends beyond major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, spreading to smaller provinces where new golf courses are being built and local golf clubs are being established. However, the development of Vietnamese golf is not solely about building modern courses or hosting international tournaments. More importantly, it is about training the next generation of golfers who will inherit and develop the nation's golf foundation. Golf academies such as the Vietnam Golf Academy, Hanoi Golf Academy, and youth training programs in Ho Chi Minh City have produced remarkable talents. Names like Nguyen Thao My - who won a gold medal at the 31st SEA Games, and Dang Minh Anh - the youngest golfer to ever win the national amateur championship, are gradually establishing their presence in regional and continental tournaments. Based on my years of experience following golf matches and tournaments, I have noticed something intriguing: the development of Vietnamese golf is following a very different trajectory compared to other countries in the region. While Thailand and Malaysia focus on sending their golfers to compete internationally at an early stage, Vietnam has chosen to build a solid foundation from within - investing in golf course infrastructure, coach training, and developing grassroots golf movements. One of the most important factors driving the development of Vietnamese golf is the formation of the Vietnam Golf Coast - a golf tourism brand connecting premier golf courses in central provinces such as Da Nang, Quang Nam, Hue, and Quang Binh. This initiative, launched in 2026, has transformed central Vietnam into one of Asia's most attractive golf destinations, competing directly with renowned destinations like Phuket (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, golf tourism contributes approximately 300 million USD to the national economy annually, a significant figure for an emerging industry. However, alongside these successes, Vietnamese golf still faces major challenges. First, the cost of playing golf in Vietnam remains relatively high compared to the average income of citizens. An 18-hole round at premium golf courses can cost between 2 to 5 million VND, excluding club rental, caddy fees, and other services. This makes golf a sport reserved for a segment of the population with above-average income. Second, the youth golf training system in Vietnam still has many limitations. While countries like South Korea and Japan have professional golf academy systems with structured training programs from elementary school level, Vietnam is still in the early stages of building such a system. The number of internationally certified golf coaches in Vietnam remains very modest, and most talented young golfers must self-fund their training abroad. Third, the lack of regular professional tournaments domestically is also a major barrier. Young Vietnamese golfers rarely have the opportunity to compete against strong international opponents on home soil. They must find their own way to participate in tournaments in Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore, which requires significant financial resources. A counter-intuitive perspective I would like to offer here is: many believe that Vietnamese golf only develops thanks to foreign investment capital and the attention of wealthy businessmen. But in reality, the sustainable development of Vietnamese golf comes from the domestic golfing community itself - people who have transformed golf from a luxury sport into a grassroots sporting movement. Grassroots tournaments such as the Vietnam Golf League and various business golf tournaments held regularly across provinces have created a vibrant golf ecosystem where amateur golfers have the opportunity to compete, network, and learn from one another. This holds significant importance for the long-term development of Vietnamese golf. A strong golf foundation is built not only from top professional golfers but also from a large and passionate community of amateur golfers. This community serves as the inspiration and motivation for the younger generation to pursue the sport. Looking to the future, I believe Vietnamese golf is at a historic crossroads. With economic growth, the rise of the middle class, and increasing government attention to sports, Vietnamese golf can make significant leaps in the coming decade. However, achieving this requires synchronized investment from multiple stakeholders: from the government in building sustainable golf development policies, from businesses in sponsoring tournaments and youth training programs, and from the golfing community in maintaining and growing the movement. The question is: Can Vietnamese golf sustain this momentum and produce world-class golfers? The answer lies in whether we have enough patience to invest in the next generation. A sporting nation does not die from losing matches; it dies when it loses the collective heartbeat of its community. And Vietnamese golf, with its increasingly strong heartbeat, is heading in the right direction.