Hanoi, Vietnam: Asian Golf Industry Federation Executive Member Troon has been selected to manage Ernie Els’ first Golf Academy, The Els Performance Golf Academy.
Forming the centrepiece of the master-planned Ecopark residential community near Vietnam’s vibrant capital, Hanoi, the four-time Major champion’s academy represents a further collaboration between Troon’s International Division and the Els brand, following on from the development of the award-winning Els Clubs in Dubai and Datai and Desaru in Malaysia.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering once again with our friends at Troon, alongside Chairman Ha and the team at Ecopark, to create our first Els Performance Golf Academy (EPGA),” said Els. “We believe this is the start of something really incredible. This facility will redefine the art of practice and raise the bar for what’s available to golfers, not just here in Vietnam but ultimately with EPGAs right across Asia and at handpicked sites around the world.”
Located 10 kilometres from Hanoi’s city centre, the Ecopark community integrates over 150 hectares of parks and lakes with carefully planned infrastructure for a comfortable lifestyle, complemented by stunning surrounding countryside and 4,000 year-old historic villages.
Developed by Viet Hung Urban Development and Investment JSC (VIHAJICO), the nine-phase masterplan will feature 30,000 homes, shopping amenities, international medical centres, business and commercial districts, a University District comprised of three international campuses and the Sports complex home to The Els Performance Golf Academy.
“We’re excited to be working with VIHAJICO, Ernie and his team in the creation of such an impressive facility in Asia. We have no doubt that the Els Performance Golf Academy will become the go-to place for golfers looking to improve their game, not only in Vietnam but also across the region,” said Bruce Glasco, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, Troon International Division.
“We’re pleased to build upon our experience in Vietnam with our first operational management contract. With our expertise in academy delivery internationally, we are sure that with the alignment to the Els brand it will become the pinnacle of tuition facilities in Asia,” added Glasco.
Utilising the latest teaching techniques and full swing video analysis, the venue aims to set a new standard of quality and service within the Vietnamese golf community. Creating a ‘Tour Player for the Day’ experience, the academy will feature extensive practice facilities including a 30-bay covered tee with grassed platforms, practice fairway, a putting lab, a purpose built short-game practice area with bunkers and a large contoured putting green.
In addition, guests will be encouraged to use the bio-mechanical swing studio with the video analysis software as well as the state-of-the-art performance gymnasium, just as the top Tour professionals would in preparation for their season.
With cutting-edge fitness equipment, complimentary assessments, and movement screenings, qualified instructors will be on hand to establish bespoke training programmes to get the most out of each player’s game. A nine-hole, par-three academy course will be available with golf course conditioning to put the lessons into practice and further hone skills.
Adam Fowler, Director of Project Development, commented on the diversity of services that help make the EPGA such a special destination. He said: “Post session, players can head up to the second level of the EPGA clubhouse to enjoy stunning views and refreshments in the Academy Café; or savour Hanoi’s finest selection of imported whiskies and Cuban cigars at the exclusive Whisky Library.
“Ernie Els’ private label of fine South African wines will also be featured within both venues. We’re very proud to continue to evolve our relationship with Ernie and all of the fantastic brands he has created and we’re looking forward to announcing other exciting projects in the near future.”
Els said: “I love the whole concept of the EPGA. It’s about giving golfers an opportunity to work on their games in an inspiring environment, somewhere they can improve their golf and also have a bit of fun with friends and family.
“Here at Ecopark we have a great team of PGA qualified professionals, led by PGA member Wayne Johnson. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the EPGA. It’s also important for us that we can provide juniors from local schools with access to a great golf programme. If we can utilise EPGA to help get golf into schools and encourage more youngsters to take up the game, that would be the ultimate.”
As well as offering a variety of Player Development and Introduction to Golf clinics, the Academy will also have Ladies group coaching, corporate clinics and a unique Little Easy Young Athlete programme planned for its launch in August.