Vietnam Golf Industry: Unlocking Growth and Sustainable Development
Vietnam is emerging as a bright spot on the global golf map, with outstanding development potential. Worldwide, over 500 golf courses are currently in development, and remarkably, Vietnam ranks second only to the United States in the number of projects in planning or under construction.
When considering the ratio of land area to the number of golf courses, and the ratio of people to golf courses, Vietnam is in the lower half of the Southeast Asian region, trailing countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines. This indicates significant room for further golf course development in Vietnam.
"Vietnam possesses superior natural advantages from diverse terrains, coastal landscapes to highland regions - all are exceptionally suitable for developing international-standard golf courses," remarked Ben Styles during our discussion.
Mr. Ben Styles, a PGA member and Executive Director 54Connecting Sport, Heritage, and Nature: The Direction of Vietnamese Golf
Ben Styles, a PGA member and Executive Director 54, noted that 54 is a new force in the Vietnamese golf industry, quickly establishing itself as a dynamic and specialized international entity in golf course management, strategic consulting, event organization, marketing, and communications. 54 is currently collaborating with pioneering partners such as Nova Service, Phu Long, T&T Golf, HODECO, and Conasi.
Citing the T&T Golf project as an example, Mr. Styles continued: "However, selecting the right location and integrating cultural and environmental elements into the design are key factors. A clear illustration of this approach is the Van Lang Empire T&T Golf Club project in Phu Tho, where 54 Vietnam is partnering with T&T Group. While the golf course is not yet officially open, the project has achieved over 200 deliverables, ranging from operating procedures, training manuals, KPIs and business planning and financial forecasting.
"We not only provide consultancy but also support long-term capacity building and sustainable operational standards through in-depth training programs involving experienced experts from the UK, Australia, Dubai, and Vietnam," Mr. Styles shared regarding the work with T&T. "Despite expected challenges, we and the local team always work closely to ensure and enhance quality at every stage. The course is expected to begin trial play for the first 18 holes this June."
Van Lang Empire T&T Golf Club is not merely a golf course but also a symbol of the harmonious blend of modern sports and rich cultural heritage. Located in the ancestral land of the Vietnamese people, the homeland of the Hung Kings, this golf course promises to offer a unique experience where history, identity, and modern sports coexist harmoniously. "This is a place where history, identity, and modern sports can coexist harmoniously," Mr. Styles affirmed.
Van Lang Empire T&T Golf Club
Vision for Sustainable Development and International Integration
According to Mr. Styles, a successful golf course needs more than just visual appeal. More importantly, it requires legal compliance, sustainable development, and engagement with local communities. With 54 ethnic groups and a rich cultural heritage, Vietnam has enormous potential to develop unique golf courses that reflect the distinct identity of each region.
Vietnam has been honored multiple times as the "Best Golf Destination in Asia" and the "Best Golf Destination in the World" (World Travel Awards 2019 & 2021). Golf courses that Mr. Styles directly managed, such as The Bluffs Ho Tram and Hoiana Shores, are also among the Top 100 golf courses worldwide, demonstrating the quality and potential of Vietnam's golf industry. Hoiana was recently recognized as one of Asia's leading golf courses in 2024.
"Support from the Government and domestic investors is crucial," Mr. Styles continued. For this reason, he stated that 54 Vietnam has proactively worked with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, and the Vietnam Sports Administration to contribute to transforming golf into a driving force for tourism development, attracting high-quality tourists, and elevating Vietnam's image on the international golf map.
Besides international visitors from South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, the number of domestic golfers is also rapidly increasing. New course models, such as short courses and public courses for beginners, families, and seniors, are gaining attention for development. "The next generation of golf courses needs to be innovative, inclusive, and experience-focused," Mr. Styles emphasized.
In terms of technology, modern solutions like drone surveying or robotic mowers can help save labor and improve efficiency. However, Mr. Styles noted the need for balance: "Technology should serve the golf course, not alter the soul of the design. Identity must remain the central element."
Ultimately, the development of Vietnam's golf industry lies not just in the number of courses but also in the mindset of developing an ecosystem. To truly elevate quality, Vietnam needs to collaborate with experienced international management entities. "We aim to be the bridge between international expectations and local potential," Mr. Styles shared. "What is special is that our strength comes not only from our global platform but also from our local team of experts, who have many years of experience in branding, operations, and training."
"With the right mindset and sustainable cooperation, Vietnam can absolutely forge its own distinct golf identity, while still meeting international standards," he concluded. With suitable partners, supportive policies, and clear objectives, Vietnam is on its way to becoming a sustainable and internationally recognized golf destination in the near future.
