Central Vietnam Rises as Premier Golf Destination Amidst a Packed 2023 Lineup
- Özgür Töre
Central Vietnam is rapidly securing its position as a prime location for notable golf events, with the region bustling in preparation for an array of upcoming tournaments and gatherings.
The next significant event on the 2023 calendar is the eagerly anticipated second Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Danang Conference. Scheduled for late August, this event aims to invite vital figures from the golf world. The conference, focusing on "Development, Growth, and Opportunity", aims to discuss Golf Tourism, development strategies, golf course design, and primarily, sustainable growth for the sport in Asia.
Coinciding with the conference is a week-long golfing festival in Danang. A significant highlight will be a 54-hole event at one of the region's premier clubs, a part of the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
Adam Calver, the Director of Golf & Destination Marketing at Laguna Lăng Cô, expressed his optimism regarding the region's growing popularity. He noted, "The rate of recovery in 2023 is astounding. Da Nang is emerging as Asia’s prime choice for unparalleled golf experiences."
The year has been particularly prosperous for Central Vietnam. International travel, having rebounded post-pandemic, has contributed to a surge in tourism, especially in the golf sector. Championship courses, like the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Laguna Golf Lang Co and Ba Na Hills Golf Club by Luke Donald, have witnessed an unprecedented number of visitors.
The recent Faldo Series Asia Grand Final held at Laguna Lang Co marked a significant milestone with Nguyen Anh Minh being crowned as the first Vietnamese Faldo Series Asia Champion. This series has previously paved the way for world-renowned golfers like Rory McIlroy, Danny Willet, and Yani Tseng.
In addition to the Faldo Series, other remarkable events slated for this year include the return of the Lexus Cup and the 6th Cobra Puma Charity Pro Am. The renowned Ba Na Hills Golf Club will also host the annual IMG Trophy Tournament.
Gary Dixon, general manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, stated, "All these events are solidifying Danang's blossoming reputation in golf tourism. We're on track to be Asia’s top golf destination."
