Danang, Vietnam: In the wake of Vietnam’s unprecedented golfing success at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, a glittering future is being predicted for golf in the country with Central Vietnam poised to play a key role as a training ground for talented youngsters.

In Cambodia last week, 14-year-old Le Khanh Hung created history by winning the individual SEA Games golfing gold medal and leading Vietnam to the silver medal in the men’s team event.

Also part of the Vietnam team was Nguyen Anh Minh, who last month became the first Vietnamese to win the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Laguna Golf Lang Co, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

The Faldo Series, which has nurtured Major winners including Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, and Tseng Ya-ni, has named Laguna Lang Co as its home hub in Asia until 2026.

According to Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), a destination marketing initiative that links prominent clubs in Central Vietnam, the strong showing by young local players reflects increased domestic engagement with the game.

Events such as the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final provide an important platform for up-and-coming Vietnamese golfers to gain invaluable tournament experience.

“Our long-term status as the home hub for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final reflects our support for the junior game in Vietnam and throughout Asia,” said Adam Calver, Director of Golf and Destination Marketing at Laguna Lang Co, one of the driving forces in the VGC.

“It’s fantastic to see strong performances from Vietnamese juniors. The future for golf in Vietnam is looking very bright.”

With an array of courses designed by the likes of Sir Nick Faldo, Luke Donald, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr, the region has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for golf, a reputation it’s seeking to enhance by supporting the junior game via initiatives including discounted green fees and youth coaching programmes.

Gary Dixon, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, part of the VGC, said: “The future of golf in Vietnam is in the hands of the juniors, and we are determined to be at the vanguard of efforts to help their development.

“Central Vietnam has an unparalleled cluster of international standard clubs within easy reach of each other. It’s the perfect base for juniors who want to develop to the very highest level.”