"Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2024": Wonderful golf journey  04:11, 05/09/2024

Mr. Phạm Tiến Vân

Chairman of VGL/ Head of organizers

It was a pleasure to accompany the Organizing Committee members, domestic and foreign golf experts to survey typical golf courses in Vietnam. I am very impressed with the working spirit of the members of the delegation, regardless of working hours, high intensity in the hot summer. I also appreciate the management board and staff of the golf courses for arranging time and creating favorable conditions for the delegation. The golf courses surveyed this year are quite diverse. There are courses that have been in operation for quite a long time and are widely known. With these courses, the delegation pays attention to the general condition of the course such as grass and green maintenance, service quality, caddies' level... As for new golf courses, the delegation will focus on landscape, design... to evaluate.

Mrs Vũ Vân Yến

Director of VGL

The most interesting thing for me in every survey trip is the opportunity to witness the appearance of world standard new golf courses as well as experience the positive innovations and improvements of the existing golf courses. I am so proud of the development of golf courses in Vietnam and happy that the Vietnam’s Golf & Leisure Awards have contributed to promoting reputed Vietnam’s golf destination in the region and around the world.

Mr Nguyễn Quốc Hùng

Head of Golf division, Sports Authority

As a panel member of the event for many years, I feel very happy to contribute to finding the brightest candidates for Vietnamese golf industry. This year, the judges surveyed many new golf courses and we found that golf courses are constantly trying to improve the quality of the turf and accompanying services. New golf courses also create different highlights, especially the choice of designer and landscape style.

Mr. Vũ Văn Thanh

Vietnam National Authority of Tourism

Many years of accompanying the organizers, I have seen golf courses in Vietnam become more and more perfect. The new feature of this year's itinerary is the combination of more resort elements with a cruise experience on Ha Long Bay. Hotels and resorts also have space and high quality service, suitable for golfers to experience vacations with family or friends.

Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà

Vice Chairman of VGA

Although this is not the first time I have gone with the magazine to survey courses across the country, I am always eager to wait and prepare myself for the best health to be able to "fight" golf rounds continuously for many days under the summer sun. It is interesting to check my own feelings about golf courses. In general, compared to 15, 20 years ago, golf courses are now much more difficult. Many courses even set the tee longer, let the grass grow taller, green faster and have more traps... I also appreciate the Magazine creating a prestigious award for courses to strive to improve their quality, service as well as have increasingly superior designs...

PGA BJ Song

The golf courses in Northern Vietnam seems quite newly built and found out that golf as a sport is now just starting in Vietnam society. Consequently, most of the golf courses have been built recently with the internationally highly reputed golf course architect. As the golf industry is not so big enough to compare with the golf developed countries, however, I feel that Vietnam golf is blessed because of abundant rain and sun throughout the year provide perfect weather condition to the turf. I am pretty sure that Vietnam golf will be outstanding spot for the golf lovers in the world.

Mr Eric Lynge

Sporting Insight Asia

I was impressed by the diversity of golf offering in Vietnam from Coastal courses to those carved into rice paddies and others into mountain valleys. The food and offering in clubhouses are world class and caddy culture is a wonderful addition to the game. Like any product, the course requires ongoing attention and investment in maintenance and ongoing education of the turf team. The most memorable memory in the journey? I think it that having a beer with my fellow raters on the top of the cruise ship at sunset at the beautiful Halong Bay will stay in my memories for a long time.

Mr. Sam Thomas

Developments Director of GEO Foundation

In 2017, I was honored to be a member of the survey panel. It was an extremely memorable inspection. I appreciate the role of the Voting event. These are the things that have increased interest in golf in Vietnam. In addition, I also realize that environmental protection is an aspect that the Organizing Committee always focuses on. In addition to the quality of facilities and services, golf courses also need to conserve resources, create community values ​​as well as enhance the vibrant image of golf in the long term.

Mr. Stephen George

Golf expert from Golf Development Solution

 How do you feel when joining the golf course inspection trip?

On the 18^{th of} July 2024 I arrived in Vietnam to join a panel to play and evaluate the best golf courses in Vietnam. I have previously visited Vietnam and played golf here with some friend so I was very excited to not only return but to play the best courses, stay in the best hotels and assist in awarding those that have put in the hard work.

What did you find interesting about the journey?

What I found interesting about the journey from North to South was not only the difference in weather but also how they manage the courses for the weather and the speed of the greens. The food varied slightly as a lot of the clubhouses/hotels served up a lot of produce that they sourced locally which was nice, however the service was the same (very good) which was pleasing to know so no matter where you go in Vietnam you will have a great experience. 

What is the most impressed thing? 

There were 2 things that impressed me the most and that stood out to me. Firsly, the quality of the golf courses from North to South and the facilities that the golf clubs offered from plenty of space, great locker facilities and the great dining experiences available. I was impressed as these are world class.

Secondly, the level of service and how friendly everyone was. I have travelled a bit and I find that Vietnam have the friendliest people. Nothing was a hassle, and this was pleasing. When you have great facilities and the nicest people you cannot have a bad experience, and this is what impressed me the most and these are the first things you experience once you roll up to a golf club.

Feeling about the service categories?

The service categories were fine and well covered; however, I thought the spa/wellness section was one that we didn’t get to experience due to the tight timeframe. These were done late at night after we had checked into a hotel. The other categories were all fine as these were things that we used. The quality of the service throughout my stay was excellent and this was one of the more difficult ones to separate.

All the hotels and resorts that we stayed in were of a high quality and offered excellent buffet breakfasts. We didn’t get the chance to see a lot of them as we got in generally late in the evening and were gone by 7:30/8am each day. Checking in was always handled efficiently and with a smile and anything we needed to know was explained. I wish I had more time to enjoy each hotel/resort however I will be returning and will then get to spend some time in them.

Evaluation of golf potential in Vietnam?

I personally see a huge potential regarding golf in Vietnam. The courses are world class, and the service is excellent. I believe that the things that will elevate golf will be several things. 1, Vietnam have a pro on either the men’s or ladies tour so that they can promote this and watch on TV. 2, Conduct at least 1 world tournament each year (DP World Tour, Asian Tour, Senior Tour, LIV golf etc.) to get not only locals attending but world coverage. I believe this will come in time as several of the courses are suitable to hold such events. Vietnam golf is under rated in my opinion.

Mr. Stephen George's golf journey diary

Golf in the North

The weather in the north was very hot and humid, I could handle the heat, but the humidity was up there and with this in mind the greens were a little slow to protect them as we had rained most days. It was funny when playing in raining day and refreshing to see how many new courses have been built in the north over the past 3 years and that the variety of them was great. Some golf courses are positioned close to historical/cultural sites which allows golfer the opportunity to explore things other than golf. Look at FLC Halong with its views and location close to Halong Bay. We were warmly welcomed at all the courses and hotels which proved that the north has options for every visitor no matter what budget or style of golf you wish to play.

I also got to have a cruise out in Halong Bay, and I must say this should be on everyone’s list and was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. Paradise Elegance was very well appointed with comfortable rooms, great food and they offered a couple of excursions off the boat to explore the beaches, caves and to have a paddle around. Absolutely a world class experience in a special part of the world.

Golf in the Central

After several days north we ventured to the central part of Vietnam for some courses and during this time there was no rain, and the humidity was less so that was nice. Here we played a few of the more established courses and ones that have won awards before, so it was interesting to see how they stacked up against the newer north courses. Several of the central golf courses are located along the coastline and offer sea views and the climate is milder than up north. This is assisted by the sea breeze. There is one exception, Bana Hills which is in the mountains and like the North courses is located close to Sun World which is a major tourist attraction.

Here I was able to purchase personalized ball markers and monogramed shirts as a memento. Here we were treated the same as up north with warm welcomes, lovely food, and excellent facilities, as for the golf courses they were also varied from links to mountainous courses which offer plenty for the golfer, hotel standards were just as good, and the consistency of service was great to see.

Golf in the South

Then we set off on the last leg to HCM where we visited some golf courses and again stayed in some special hotels. Again, the weather was a little better and we experienced no rain during the play. The greens in the Southern part of Vietnam run quicker due to the weather being better most of the year. This makes it easier for the ground staff to control the length of the grass and the condition of the greens. The courses in the south that I experienced are not as undulating as the northern courses and have less water hazards as well. And a couple of the courses were also undergoing their usual maintenance programs in readiness for the busy season. It was very noticeable that the resorts/clubhouses were larger than most here in Australia and that they focused more on everyone having a great experience and this no doubt makes you want to return to not only play the course but to have a great day.