Danang, Vietnam: Central Vietnam is proving its mettle as a perfect stage for the big golf occasions as it continues to roll out the red carpet for a series of banner events and tournaments.

Next up in a packed 2023 calendar is the second Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Danang Conference from August 28-31 when the region welcomes key stakeholders from the golf industry.

Embracing the theme of Development, Growth and Opportunity the conference will present golf tourism, development and golf course design strategies with an over-riding sustainability focus for the rapid growth of the game in Asia.

The conference will form part of a week-long golfing festival in Danang that will also see one of the area’s top clubs play host to a 54-hole event on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the Asian Tour’s feeder circuit.

“Golf tourism is surging once again in Vietnam. The rate of recovery in 2023 is staggering and the Danang region is Asia’s destination of choice for exceptional golf experiences” said Adam Calver, Director of Golf & Destination Marketing at Laguna Lăng Cô and one of the driving forces in the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), a freshly rebooted destination marketing organisation that links the region’s best signature golf layouts.

“Golfing tourists from around the globe are becoming increasingly aware that the country in general and Danang in particular, have all the ingredients of the world’s finest golf tourism destinations,” added Calver, who also serves as Vice President of the AGIF.

It has been a bumper year for the region – rated by many as one of Asia’s most appealing golf destinations – as international travel rebounds following the pandemic.

The area’s array of championship golf courses, which includes Laguna Golf Lang Co, a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design, and Ba Na Hills Golf Club, have reported record visitor numbers during 2023.

And the region’s golfing renaissance is also reflected in the succession of major events and tournaments taking place over the course of this year.

The Faldo Series Asia Grand Final – the only global amateur series for boys and girls – hosted by Sir Nick Faldo himself at Laguna Lang Co in April, saw Nguyen Anh Minh become the first Vietnamese to emerge as the Faldo Series Asia champion.

Minh will be prominent among the competitors during the forthcoming ADT event in Danang, with his Faldo Series Asia victory providing him with a springboard to a shot at membership on the Asian Tour.

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.

Other big events and tournaments taking place at Laguna Golf Lang Co this year include the Lexus Cup, returning for the second time, and the sixth Cobra Puma Charity Pro Am in September.

Ba Na Hills Golf Club, meanwhile, plays host to the annual IMG Trophy Tournament, organised by the global sports management company, which oversees the management of the Danang club.

“The staging of all these fantastic events is helping to underline Danang’s growing tourism reputation as it bids to become the number one golfing destination in Asia,” said Gary Dixon, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club.

AT A GLANCE

Name: AGIF Danang Conference
Date: August 28-31, 2023
Venue: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Danang, Vietnam
Organisers: Asian Golf Industry Federation, Danang Tourism, BRG Group

*For further details about sponsorship opportunities and attending the Conference as a delegate, please contact the AGIF’s Fran Hughes at membership@agif.asia