Greg Norman: "I am excited to showcase the wonderful people and magnificent landscape of Vietnam!" 03:01, 10/09/2023

Norman’s appointment as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador in November 2018 by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism affirmed a formal commitment between Norman and the Vietnamese government to collaboratively foster the strategic growth of golf and tourism in the country. 

“I believe that my name in global golf can help attract foreign visitors to Vietnam, and turn Vietnam into a well-known golfing destination in the future,” Norman proudly declared during his appointment in 2018.

Norman’s words rang true as Vietnam persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic to emerge as a world-class golf destination with a burgeoning domestic market. Especially, Vietnam was honored as the World’s Best Golf Destination for 2019 and 2021 by World Golf Awards – the most prestigious award in the golf tourism industry.  A particular focus of Norman’s agenda as Tourism Ambassador was to“advertise Vietnam as a foremost tourism destination to travelers around the world, and bring even more international golf events to Vietnam.” 

When Norman was named CEO of LIV Golf in October 2022, he announced along with the Asian Tour a 10-year investment of $300 million to create a series of Asian Tour events with purses ranging from US $1.5 to $2 million.  As part of this initiative, Norman’s endorsement of KN Links Cam Ranh - a pure links course designed by Norman amongst the dunes of Cam Ranh Bay and awarded Best New Golf Course in Asia Pacific 2018 - became the country’s first venue to host an International Series tournament in April 2023.  

Today, Norman remains devoted to bringing golf in Vietnam to even greater heights through his continued work in the country. One of Norman’s latest contributions comes via PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, an emerging global tourism destination featuring two international standard 18-hole courses designed by Norman and nominated for the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards. 

Norman has also been a huge proponent of the inclusion of women in the sport of golf in Vietnam, which led to him serving as a consultant board of Miss Golf Vietnam - a contest aimed at increasing female participation in golf throughout the world that was created and first appeared in Vietnam in 2022. 

With golf tourism being relatively new to Vietnam, Norman often points out in public forums that there is tremendous opportunity for growth in recreational tourism and foreign investment in the country. 

Upon his acceptance as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador, Norman stated “I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the development and success of the emerging golf tourism market in Vietnam and to use what I have learned over 40 years in golf, business and working alongside governments to help build a model of sustainable growth and development. 

Golf is a global language and Vietnam has seen tremendous continuous growth over the past decade. Vietnam has the potential to reach new heights, attract new tourism and direct foreign investment and with the support of the government, grow the next generation of Vietnamese golfers to support a sustainable long-term plan for the country. I am excited to showcase the wonderful people and magnificent landscape of Vietnam and help position the country to prosper for generations to come.”