Mr Ken Kudo: "Vietnam has quality courses to host top golf tournaments!" 04:07, 31/08/2023

Which brings you to work at ADT? 

I started playing golf back in 2007 when I was a hotelier working for The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. I started playing golf to use it as a platform to build rapport and to entertain business clients and create strong bond through a sport which I knew they were very passionate about.

After having worked in The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur for two years I was seconded to Saujana Golf & Country Club where I worked as the Club Manager for 10 years. During that time, we hosted several Malaysian Opens and Maybank Championships which were co sanctioned events between the Asian Tour and the then European Tour (now DP World Tour). As I concluded my 10th year I sought for a new challenge and chapter in my career, yet knew I was happy in golf and wanted to stay within the industry.

It’s now been 5 years since I have been with the Asian Tour and whilst my role is the Associated Director of Partnerships, we also multi task a fair bit therefore have been tasked to overlook the Asian Development Tour and grow our pathway tour to greater heights.

What is the difference between ADT and Asian Tour?

Established in 1994, and recognized as Asia’s regional sanctioning body of professional golf, the Asian Tour was incorporated into the Federation of PGA Tours in 1999 and provides its Member’s with Official World Golf Ranking points which form the basis for qualification into marquee events around the World including Majors and the Olympic Games.

The Asian Development Tour (ADT) was launched in 2010 as a development circuit to unearth rising stars of the game. It boasts a season-long schedule of tournaments which sees the top-10 players from its Order of Merit earn playing privileges for the Asian Tour. Ultimately it creates new playing opportunities for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world and has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. Hosting ADT tournaments gives aspiring amateurs and young professionals a chance to compete amongst the best in the world and through such experiences they are able to grow and improve their own game. The Tour is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and receives Official World Golf Ranking points.

Essentially the difference between AT and ADT is the scale of the tournaments and prize money which the players are playing for, ADT tournaments range from between USD 75,000 to USD 250,000 and the Asian Tour ranges from between USD 500,000 to USD 5 million.

How many golf tournaments per year at ADT? Which is the biggest event? 

2023 will feature 13 tournaments on the schedule across 5 countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia). In terms of the largest prize purse, this season finales: Aramco Invitational in Saudi Arabia is the largest at USD 250,000.

Can you share ADT plans in the future? With the development of LIV, how can PGA, Asian Tour and ADT work together?

The ADT will continue to grow in the number of events and prize purses, our mandate is creating as many playing opportunities to aspiring young talents from around the world. With regards to LIV, the potential new partnership between PIF and the PGA Tour – I do not have information on the arrangements however can only say that its certainly helped grow the game of golf.

How can golfers in general and Vietnamese golfers join ADT events?

In order to play on the Asian Tour or ADT, professionals are required to play in the AT Qualifying School. There are 2 stages of Qualifying School, 1st Stage and Final Stage. Between the 2 stages there are roughly 800 – 1.000 golfers registered, and through several rounds of qualifications the top 35 golfers earn their rights onto the Asian Tour, and those which are not in the top 35 will earn rights to play in the Asian Development Tour.

Fortunately for the Vietnamese playing in the BRG Open Golf Championship, they have the opportunity to sign up as an Affiliate Member (of the ADT) to stand a chance to play in other ADT tournament throughout the year.

How about the position of BRG Golf Open Championship in the ADT system?

The BRG Open Golf Championship at USD 100,000 is a very sought after event, the prize money is considered attractive to our players. The BRG Open Golf Championship is also successful because of the support the event receives from Da Nang Tourism in promoting the event throughout Da Nang and the incredible job VGS do at staging and brining the event to life! The event is quickly growing in popularity and is certainly amongst the best in the ADT calendar. 

We look forward to growing this event further from strength to strength. However, what impresses the players most is the condition of the golf course; Da Nang Golf Resort’s Nicklaus Course is truly impressive and in immaculate condition. The BRG team do an incredible job in maintenance and service standards!

How do you rate golf courses in Vietnam, especially BRG Danang Golf Resort?

BRG Danang Golf Resort is an incredible golf club with 2 extremely well maintained golf courses, personally I give them 5 Stars for quality and service! It is both challenging and incredibly scenic making it a perfect experience for any level of golfer. Earlier this year they became a member of the Asian Tour Destinations network. A select network of premium golf with close ties to the Asian Tour.

I haven’t had the chance to play other courses in Vietnam however from what I’ve seen and what I hear from friends and professionals they are designed by the best in the world and maintained to the highest possible standards.

How do you rate the development of golf in Việt Nam after 2 years of hosting the ADT here?

Golf has been growing at a very rapid rate in Vietnam over the past few years, there are constantly new top quality courses built which have made Vietnam the fastest growing golfing destination in the region. 

With that, local interest has increased and you can see the rise in elite amateurs which are performing exceptionally well in both local and international tournaments. We are exceptionally pleased to have learned that young Vietnamese talents performed so well in this year’s SEA Games taking on gold and bronze medals.

In your opinion, how can Vietnam attract regional and international golf events held here?

Vietnam has the infrastructure and quality courses to host top quality golf tournaments. In order to continue to host more international tournaments the country needs support from corporate companies which are passionate about golf and see the value that golf has to bring.

Thank you for your sharing!

Profile

Full name: Ken Kudo

Position: Associate Director, Partnerships Asian Tour

Handicap: Depends who is asking!

Hobbies: Golf, CrossFit, Rugby and Muay Thai

Famous quote: “We tend to seek happiness when happiness is actually a choice” - by Rodney White

Vietnam favorite food: Definitely Banh Mi – absolutely love it

Golf course play in Vietnam: BRG Danang Golf Resort – Norman Course