“Golf in Vietnam Is an Extension of the Nation’s Identity”

As a Golf Course Architect, Golf Travel Writer, and Golfweek Magazine Course Rater, what motivated you to return and join Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026 for the second time as an international jury member?

Since 2007, I have visited Vietnam more than ten times—as a golf course architect, a golf traveller, and a course rater. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the country, its people, landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

When I was first invited by Vietnam Golf Magazine to serve as an international jury member in 2023, it was a truly rewarding experience. Returning in 2026 gives me another opportunity to travel alongside passionate local golf experts and enthusiasts, while gaining a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s unique relationship between golf and culture.

In Vietnam, golf is not simply a sport; it is an extension of the nation’s identity, and that is what makes the golfing experience here so distinctive.

Vietnam Has Asia’s Strongest Long-Term Golf Tourism Potential

Having observed golf destinations around the world, how do you assess the development and potential of Vietnam as a golf tourism destination?

In my view, Vietnam possesses the strongest long-term potential for golf tourism and golf course development anywhere in Asia.

This potential is driven by three key factors: strong government support for tourism and infrastructure; the vision and commitment of local developers to create world-class golf facilities; and an extraordinary natural environment that offers both spectacular coastal settings and diverse inland landscapes.

Few countries combine these advantages as effectively as Vietnam, which is why I believe its future as a leading golf destination is exceptionally bright.

Exploring Vietnam’s Golf Journey Across Three Regions

This year, you will experience the full survey journey across Vietnam’s three regions. What are you most looking forward to discovering during this trip?

Over the past eighteen years, I have had the privilege of visiting many of Vietnam’s renowned golf destinations, including Hanoi, Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet, and Ho Tram.

Along the way, I have also seen remarkable landscapes with enormous potential for future golf development.

This year, I am particularly excited to explore destinations that are new to me and to gain fresh insights into the evolving character of Vietnam’s golf and tourism industries.

Great Golf Begins with the Land

From your professional perspective, what are the most important elements that distinguish an outstanding golf course and overall golf destination experience?

The foundation of every great golf course is the land itself.

Exceptional golf begins with selecting a site that possesses a unique natural character and the potential to create memorable golfing experiences. Once the right site has been identified, the architect’s role is to discover the golf holes that already exist within the landscape rather than impose artificial solutions upon it.

The finest golf architects are those who work in harmony with nature, revealing its inherent beauty instead of altering it beyond recognition.

Ultimately, the greatest golf courses are remembered not only for what was built, but also for what was preserved.

Looking Ahead to Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026

What are your expectations for Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026 and for the future development of Vietnam’s golf industry?

I am looking forward to experiencing new golf courses and evaluating how they compare with those I have played in previous years. More importantly, I am eager to witness the continued evolution of golf in Vietnam.

My last visit was in 2024, during a forty-day journey across five Asian countries in which I played forty different golf courses. Even then, Vietnam stood out as one of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly developing golf markets.

In 2026, I expect to encounter inspiring new courses, meet passionate and welcoming people, and experience once again the unique blend of golf, hospitality, and culture that makes Vietnam such a special destination.