Lang Co, Vietnam: Vietnam’s standing as one of Asia-Pacific’s premier golf hubs will only strengthen in the coming years.

That was the key message shared by Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series, at a press conference during the 16th edition of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, which took place last week at the acclaimed Laguna Golf Lang Co.

Faldo said: “Vietnam has become a country to watch in the world of golf. You only need to look at the strength and depth of local talent and the calibre of venues like Laguna Lang Co to see why the region is buzzing. We’ve now hosted six Grand Finals here, and every time, the level rises – both on and off the course.”

Laguna Golf Lang Co, a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design, again proved itself as a fitting stage for elite junior golf.

Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co, highlighted the resort’s year-round commitment to the sport, noting that its appeal is growing internationally, especially among Australian and New Zealand golfers.

“We offer everything a golf traveller could want – world-class facilities, top-tier accommodation and a championship course that challenges and excites,” Banks said.

He also emphasised the resort’s on-going efforts in sustainability and community engagement.

“Our use of eco-buffalo to manage roughs and partnerships with local schools to teach golf values and life skills shows that we’re serious about our impact,” he added.

This commitment to nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese golfers was on display as students from the local Loc Vinh school showed off their skills at a special golf academy following the news conference.

Laguna Lang Co has partnered with the school for the past two years with Banks – a long-term accredited member of the Professional Golfers Association of Great Britain & Ireland – coaching children on golf basics using the SNAG Golf System, which utilises tennis-style golf balls and targets for fun, effective and fast skills development.

Vietnam’s rise as a golf destination is mirrored by the success of its junior golfers on the international stage.

Bach Cuong Khang, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association, spoke of the country’s progress.

“No one knew who we were when we first entered the Faldo Series. Now, our players are winning Grand Finals and leading the field. The Series has created heroes here and inspired the next generation,” said Khang, who believes Vietnam’s golf eco-system is only getting started.

“We may not yet have a large pool of professional-level players or major pro events, but that will come. For now, our focus is on nurturing juniors. In five to 10 years, we believe Vietnam will be recognised as one of the world’s top golfing destinations,” he added.

The field for the 2025 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final consisted of players from 15 countries.

*Laguna Golf Lang Co, Faldo Design and the PGA of GB&I are all members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.