"Recognising Excellence Helps Raise Industry Standards"

As CEO of Golfasian, what motivated you to join Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026 as an international jury member?

I was honoured to be invited to join the international jury for the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026.

At Golfasian, we have been bringing international golfers to Vietnam for nearly two decades and have witnessed firsthand the country's transformation into one of Asia's premier golf destinations. Vietnam has evolved from having only a handful of quality golf courses to offering more than 100 courses, including several that consistently rank among the best in Asia.

What particularly motivated me was the opportunity to help recognise the golf courses, resorts, destinations and industry professionals who are driving this success. The Awards play an important role in promoting excellence and encouraging continuous improvement across the industry.

As someone who works with more than 20,000 golfers annually from Europe, North America, Australia and Southeast Asia, I also bring valuable insight into what international golf travellers expect and what factors influence their destination choices.

Vietnam Is Now Competing with the World's Leading Golf Destinations

From your experience in bringing international golfers to Asia, how do you view Vietnam's position as a golf tourism destination?

Vietnam has firmly established itself as one of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing golf tourism destinations.

In our experience, it is now competing directly with traditional golf destinations such as Scotland, Thailand and Spain, while offering several unique advantages.

One of Vietnam's greatest strengths is the diversity of its golf experiences. Golfers can enjoy championship courses designed by renowned architects including Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Luke Donald, Colin Montgomerie and Sir Nick Faldo.

Destinations such as Da Nang have become internationally recognised golf hubs, offering world-class golf experiences, particularly the outstanding links-style courses along Vietnam's central coast.

Beyond golf, Vietnam offers exceptional value, modern resorts, outstanding cuisine, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural scenery. International golfers can combine golf with experiences such as exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, relaxing on world-class beaches, cruising Ha Long Bay or discovering the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

This combination makes Vietnam much more than a golf holiday—it delivers a complete travel experience.

A Great Golf Destination Is About More Than the Golf Course

What are the key factors you look for when evaluating a golf course and its overall destination experience?

When evaluating a golf course, I look well beyond rankings and visual appeal.

First and foremost, I assess the quality of the golf experience itself, including course conditioning, design integrity, playability for golfers of different skill levels, maintenance standards and pace of play.

Service quality is equally important. International golfers place significant value on efficient operations, professional staff, quality caddie programmes, practice facilities, clubhouse amenities and attention to detail. In many cases, memorable golf experiences are shaped as much by outstanding service as by the golf course itself.

From a destination perspective, accessibility continues to become increasingly important. Direct international flights, efficient airport transfers, quality accommodation, dining options, nightlife, sightseeing opportunities and non-golf activities all contribute to a destination's appeal.

The most successful golf destinations are those that appeal not only to golfers, but also to their spouses, families and travel companions.

Finally, consistency is essential. Golf travellers invest considerable time and money in their holidays, making it critical to deliver a high-quality experience from arrival through to departure.

Looking Ahead to Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026

What are your expectations for this year's survey trip and Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026?

I am particularly excited to see how Vietnam's golf destinations continue to evolve.

The country has invested heavily in both golf infrastructure and tourism facilities over the past several years, and I expect to see further improvements in course conditioning, service delivery, resort integration and visitor experiences.

I am especially interested in evaluating how destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and emerging golf regions are differentiating themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Vietnam's golf industry has shown remarkable innovation, and I expect many operators will continue raising standards to meet the expectations of international golfers.

The survey trip also provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow industry leaders, golf course operators, tourism officials and media representatives. These discussions are often just as valuable as the course visits themselves because they provide insight into future trends and opportunities.

My hope is that Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026 will continue to elevate Vietnam's international profile and reinforce its position as one of the world's most exciting golf tourism destinations.

Based on what we are seeing from our clients, demand for golf travel in Vietnam continues to grow, and I believe the country's best years are still ahead.