Danang, Vietnam: Dr Aylwin Tai, an influential figure in Asian golf for more than four decades, has outlined an ambitious vision for establishing a ‘Golf Silicon Valley’ in Danang.

Speaking at the inaugural Hoiana Shores Media Invitational, Dr Tai said Vietnam possesses all the essential elements for achieving this goal – abundant natural resources with suitable, currently under-utilised land, a vast pool of intelligent, eager-to-learn, and ambitious local talent, and a progressive government that recognises the multi-faceted benefits golf can offer.

Dr Tai, Hoiana Shores Golf Club’s Course Consultant, said the numerous benefits that such a project would bring the country encompass community integration, substantial ancillary investment from golfing industries keen to establish manufacturing bases to support golf courses, the immense appeal golf courses would have for both domestic and overseas tourism, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) advantages inherent in modern, sustainable golf course development.

“My vision is to create Vietnam’s first municipal golf course in Danang, and to showcase globally how this is a great model for future economic, social and environmental development,” said Dr Tai, President, Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) – China Chapter.

He added: “Aside from all the benefits that golf brings in terms of creating communities, enhancing communications across cultures, training and nurturing future sports champions, the model would stimulate economic development through the ancillary industrial zone and bring a huge boost to tourism in the area.”

To ensure the sustained success of future golf developments anywhere in the world, Dr Tai also underscored the paramount importance of integrating golf development with local communities through the training of local talent. He cited the example of The Park, a golfing project that transformed the West Palm Beach Golf Course, redesigned by architect Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and co-founder Dirk Ziff, with a strong emphasis on ‘Open Golf’.

This initiative has ensured that individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, and circumstances have equal opportunities to experience and enjoy the game of golf.

Dr Tai further highlighted the importance of clarity of vision, sustainability, and robust governance in ensuring prudent development in any country. He advised golf courses, organisations, and governments to consider the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations to achieve meaningful ESG objectives.

Environmental impact, social impact, and governance are intricately linked, and organisations need to implement environmental sustainability safeguards, behave in a socially responsible manner, and promote economic growth through initiatives such as natural habitat protection, conservation, community engagement, and education programmes.

Dr Tai said: “A big part of golf revolves around creating and engaging ‘communities’, not just the golfing community itself, but also nurturing local talent to become part of the staff team, involving local residents in golf training programmes, encouraging the wider community to come and visit the golf course and learn more about the sport. It’s also about working in unison with the local business community.”

From a governance perspective, Dr Tai explained that this encompasses both good internal governance – ensuring SDGs within golf courses – and championing good external governance, with golf course owners collaborating with the government to achieve long-term sustainable economic growth and community development.

The Hoiana Shores Media Invitational served as a platform for sharing golfing insights and fostering networking opportunities among media representatives from across the region and golf clubs throughout Asia.

Other speakers at the seminar were Spencer Robinson, Chief Communications Officer at the Asian Golf Industry Federation, Vu Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association, and Rae Vadee T. Suwan, Secretary-General of the Queen Sirikit Cup.