54 enter Vietnam (part 3): Executive Director Ben Styles and his passion for Vietnam's golf industry
Related Articles

You are a very familiar face in the Vietnam Golf Industry, what motivated you to return to Vietnam?
It feels as though I never left Vietnam; it has always felt like home to me. The uncertainty brought about by COVID-19 in the industry, combined with my son reaching high school age, made it the perfect time for my family and me to return to Australia. This move allowed us to spend some overdue quality time with my parents and sister, which was very important to me. Despite a short time away, I always knew I would come back to Vietnam in some capacity. The country is remarkable, filled with incredible people, and the golf industry here reflects that spirit. It’s heartwarming to be welcomed to golf courses by General Managers who were once my staff over 17 years ago. This sense of connection and community is something I cherish deeply.
What led you to establish GDS and recently partner with 54 to create 54 Vietnam?
My passion for the Vietnam golf industry has always driven me to create a business that fosters engagement and allows me to share my knowledge and experience with others. When the opportunity arose in 2020 to advise on various projects, even remotely, I seized the chance to establish Golf Development Solutions. The initial turning point came when I reconnected with my former colleague and good friend, Tú Anh (Dandelly Nguyen). Our discussions revealed the immense potential and shared vision for expanding the business. We decided to form a partnership, combining our strengths to better serve our clients. My expertise in development and operations complements Dandelly’s extensive background in events, branding, and marketing. Together, we aimed to create innovative solutions that elevated the golf experience in Vietnam. After returning to Vietnam more frequently and engaging with industry leaders and government officials, we recognized the immense growth potential in the market. It became clear to us that if we wanted to make a more significant and meaningful impact, that we couldn't achieve this alone in the timeframe required. This realization prompted us to take up an invitation from Jed Moore to attend LIV Golf Adelaide and see what 54 can do at first hand and talk about Vietnam. Having collaborated closely with Jed back in 2015 on the creation and execution of the Ho Tram Open and again in 2018 on Hoiana Shores, we knew he shared our passion for Vietnam and felt a sense of ‘unfinished business’ in the region. Jed was impressed by our dedication and commitment to the country and proposed acquiring a majority share of GDS. This partnership would allow us to rebrand our expanding office as 54 Vietnam, positioning us to make an even greater impact in the industry and connect into the giant machine of 54.
Having been named one of the Top 30 Influential Golf Personalities by VGL, are you pleased to be a bridge connecting Vietnamese golf to the world?
Absolutely. Being recognized like this is both an honor and a responsibility that I take to heart. I am genuinely pleased to serve as a bridge connecting Vietnamese golf to the global stage. Vietnam has so much to offer in terms of talent, culture, and of course, stunning golf courses and resorts. We believe it’s essential to showcase these attributes to the world. By fostering relationships with the extensive international partners of 54 and promoting our local talent, we hope to elevate the profile of Vietnamese golf and create opportunities for collaboration and growth. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the development of the sport in Vietnam while also sharing our unique perspective and experiences with the global golf community. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
How do you assess Vietnamese personnel in the golf industry? What do you think about Vietnamese culture and people?
When I speak with individuals who have visited Vietnam for the first time, whether for golf or leisure, they often highlight the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people as their most memorable experience. I can personally attest to this; my first visit to Vietnam in 2007 left me with a lasting impression of the genuine kindness and willingness to help that characterizes the culture. The golf industry in Vietnam is still in its early stages, which presents both challenges and opportunities. While it is crucial for the industry to embrace international support and guidance, it is equally important for those offering their expertise to have a deep understanding of Vietnam’s unique culture and people. Unfortunately, many do not fully grasp this context. We see a significant opportunity to develop platforms for education, knowledge sharing, and international-level accreditations that can help elevate and nurture local talent. By fostering a collaborative environment that respects and integrates Vietnamese culture, we can create a more robust and sustainable golf industry that benefits everyone involved.

Can you share your personal goals and plans? It is known that you will be living permanently in Vietnam?
I’ve recently made the move to Ho Chi Minh City, which has been an exciting transition for both my professional and personal life. While I’m fully immersed in living in Vietnam, I also make it a point to return to Australia each month to spend quality time with my family. My son is thriving in an excellent school, and it brings me immense joy to see him flourish in his education and social environment. This decision to balance our lives between two countries hasn’t been easy, but it’s a choice we’ve made with careful consideration. We believe that this arrangement allows us to embrace the best of both worlds—my professional aspirations in Vietnam and my family commitments back home. On a professional note, I am deeply passionate about the growth and success of 54 Vietnam. My vision is to see it evolve into one of the leading sports advisors, asset development and management groups in Vietnam. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within our team, and I believe that with dedication and strategic planning, we can make a significant impact in the sports industry here.

Share a bit about your family. Has having a Vietnamese wife and son motivated you in this decision?
My wife, Ly, is originally from Hai Duong City, in northern Vietnam. We first met nearly 16 years ago, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have her in my life. Each day, I am grateful for her unwavering support and understanding. She truly appreciates the efforts I make to contribute to her country and the sport that she is passionate about. Her encouragement inspires me to continue my work, and together, we share a deep commitment to making a positive impact in both our lives and the communities we cherish. As the son of an industry leader, I have been profoundly influenced by my father, who boasts over 50 years of experience in major construction and development projects across Australia. He instilled in me the principle of "leaving your mark," a philosophy that has guided my own career. I take great pride in visiting the iconic buildings and projects he has created throughout his illustrious career, each one a testament to his dedication and vision. I aspire to provide my son with a similar legacy. The thought of him being able to enjoy and play on the golf courses I have managed or developed is one of my greatest sources of motivation. It drives me to create spaces that not only stand the test of time but also inspire future generations. I am committed to building a legacy that my son can be proud of, just as I am proud of my father's remarkable achievements. Like me, he too has a supportive powerful partner in my mother, giving him the direction and strength required to excel.
How has golf in Vietnam changed from when you first arrived to now?
During my time managing Chi Linh and developing Dai Lai golf courses, I recall a time when there were fewer than 15 golf courses in all of Vietnam. Fast forward to today, and we are approaching the remarkable milestone of nearly 100 courses, with over 100,000 golfers participating in the sport. The landscape has transformed dramatically, with the emergence of high-performance academies, indoor golf centers, and leading retail outlets catering to the growing demand. This impressive growth is particularly noteworthy given the challenges posed by a global financial crisis and the recent pandemic. Yet, much like its people, Vietnam has demonstrated incredible strength and resilience. The evolution of golf in the country is a testament to the passion and dedication of its players and stakeholders, and I am proud to have played a small role in this exciting journey.
Quick Chat
Favorite Vietnamese dish?
My mother-in-law’s Nem – I can’t get enough when we visit my wife’s hometown.
Favorite golf course?
That’s a tough answer for me, but I must say Chi Linh – It’s so dear to my heart being where I first fell in love with Vietnam, and my wife.
Memorable golf moment in Vietnam?
Being told The Bluffs will enter the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses, closely followed by Sergio Garcia winning the HTO2015.
How do you prioritize golf, work, and family?
Fortunately for me, my wife, Ly and son, William, both enjoy golf and fully understand my passion for the Vietnam Golf Industry, so, for now, I do my best to balance my time between home life and work.
Favorite quote?
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.