The golf stories  05:20, 14/02/2020

Evans Mahoney- Director of Golf -BRG Kings Island Golf Resort

Working as a Head Golf Professional in Canada, we experienced “seasonal golf”, which means our season is roughly April 15th to November 15th.  The “off season” from December to March always left me dreaming of working, teaching and playing year round.  During the early winter of 2009-2010 I began to explore the possibilities of working abroad and fortunately  I was introduced to the BRG Group with the chance to help develop the now BRG Ruby Tree Golf Resort. After some though and detailed research into the industry, I was delighted to accept the position and start living and working in Vietnam in May of 2010 for BRG Group.

I met my wife Ngoc, (Alice as I call her) in 2013.  We connected immediately but I was working in Do Son at BRG Ruby Tree and Alice was here in Hanoi, so it was a long distance relationship.  As the time past and we continued to keep in contact and occasionally schedule “dates”.  But it was just a matter of time as I was initially drawn to her charm; senses of humor, good nature and of course her stunning beauty.  Luckily Alice felt the same and in October of 2015 we were married in Hanoi.

As a Director of Golf for BRG Group, I am invested in our success in the golf industry which requires a strong dedication.  The balance comes with the relationship Alice and I have together and our life goals.  It is golf that brought me to Vietnam and through golf, a fantastic career and a wonderful family.  Our two children; Aiden and Le Vi, will be introduced to golf and golf will connect us more and more as they grow.  I am so fortunate this way, as golf connects families so the work life balance is easier than say in another industry of work.  I feel truly blessed to have a beautiful family and to live and work here in Vietnam.

Mr. Ian Cording - General Manager - Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang

There are so many reasons that anyone would wish to live in such a beautiful, vibrant and exciting country like Vietnam.  Where should I start? From the food to the beaches, the wonderful people and friendships made and not to forget the golf courses!!! I feel so lucky and privileged to be living and working in a country like Vietnam and extremely grateful to call Vietnam, home. I’ve been in Vietnam now for over 10 years and the decision to make Vietnam home was a really easy decision.

I was lucky enough to meet Tra (my wife) way back in 2010. Vietnamese women, I’ve found to be very devoted, loyal and loving. This is certainly something that stole my heart in the start and from that period I’ve enjoyed learning about the Vietnamese culture and being part of a new Vietnamese family which is a gift that keeps giving. Tet with Tra family for the first time was an experience and an introduction to everyone and great for me to enjoy the whole experience and the culture of family in Vietnam, this seems like ancient history now, as we’ve spent so many more wonderful Tet’s together as a family.

We are fortunate that we are both in the golf industry and neither of us sees golf as work or a job, golf and or working in the industry is much more of a lifestyle over a 9am-5pm job. This gives us the opportunity to work in the field in which we are passionate and only started to play as a hobby. We are both very fortunate that our passions have become our careers.

Calvin Sylva - CS Golf

Well I moved here to do a project in 2006, and pretty much never wanted to leave after building my first Golf Course here in Vietnam. The people here were so nice to me and everyone smiled and laughed when I tried to speak to them. It was the love of the people that kept me here.

Soon after I moved here I met a wonderful person that a year later became my wife. And she was the same, very nice and just a wonderful person.

I had never been married before because I was never in one place long enough to find someone special in till I moved to Hanoi. After being married we had a daughter that is 12 now, and speaks both English and Vietnamese very well. I try to take her to the driving range as much as I can to practice. She is in love with the game of golf and has a wonderful swing. I would take her a lot more but between all her schooling and me working so much it's hard to find the time.

I have to say, I made the right decision to stay in Vietnam when I did. The Vietnamese women are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. They always are trying to take care of you with whatever it is you need. You will never find a friendlier. Kinder place that have people like the Vietnamese. 

I have worked on over 8 different courses here in Vietnam, and have worked in over 10 other countries. I am a Golf Course Shaper/Finisher, Construction Supervisor and Design Coordinator. I'm currently building a Golf Course in Hoa Binh and will be finished in the spring. My dream is to continue to work and live here in Vietnam in till I retire, but I don’t see that happening to soon.  I love my job to much.