Hue City, Vietnam: Industry leaders are set to align on a clear vision for the sustainable development of the golf sector at the inaugural Vietnam Golf Course Owners Summit.

Created as a foundational milestone for Vietnam’s golf development in the 2025-2030 period and beyond, the Summit at Laguna Lăng Cô Golf & Resort brings together golf course owners, government leaders, and international experts for a day of strategic discussions, expert panels and forward-thinking presentations.

The Summit is directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hue City People’s Committee, and jointly organised by the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the Vietnam Sports Administration, the Hue Department of Culture and Sports, and the Hue Department of Tourism. 54 Vietnam serves as the implementing partner, with support from the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA).

In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 13.9 million international visitors, up 21.7% year-on-year, with strong growth from Europe (+33.2%), Asia (+21.3%), Oceania (+14%), the Americas (+9.1%), and Africa (+4.7%).

As Vietnam strengthens its position as one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism destinations, golf tourism has emerged as a key differentiator, blending world-class facilities with natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and a deep commitment to sustainability that resonates with global travellers.

Building on this momentum, the Summit aims to translate potential into unified action, aligning on shared standards, sustainability, and a clear long-term direction for Vietnam’s rapidly expanding golf industry.

Jed Moore, 54 Founder and CEO, will open the Summit this morning with a keynote presentation on ‘The Economics of Golf in Vietnam’.

Moore said: “With forecasts of potential revenue streams in the billions, it is critical that Vietnam golf’s industry leaders align on the long-term development of the sector. Vietnam is a country of untold potential and bringing experts and leading industry figures together now will reap the rewards for all in the future as we drive the growth of the sport on the professional, amateur and lifestyle levels.”

Discussions will focus on the creation of a national golf strategy through to 2030, the importance of sustainable development, and the economic potential of golf tourism as a pillar of Vietnam’s sports and leisure sector.

Sentosa Golf Club, industry leaders in sustainability, are also supporting, with CEO Andy Johnston presenting on ‘Eco-Friendly Golf – Why It’s the Inevitable Path Forward’. His session will highlight best practices in environmental responsibility, a key theme as Vietnam positions itself as a global model for sustainable course development.

Panel sessions throughout the day will unite an impressive line-up of local and international voices, including representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the VGA, and senior executives from England Golf, the Golf Course Association Europe, LIV Golf, Asian Tour, Toro, Club Car and Faldo Design.

Topics will include ‘Designing Vietnam’s Golf Strategy 2030’, ‘The 5-Star Golf Experience’, ‘Building Vietnam Golf – The Next Hundred’ and ‘The Power of Growing Together as a Destination’.

Adding a global spotlight, Rick Shiels, LIV Golf ambassador, the world’s most influential golf content creator with over three million YouTube subscribers, will join the summit as a special guest, underscoring Vietnam’s growing appeal as a world-class golf destination.

A representative of the Hue City People’s Committee said: “Hosting the Summit in Hue marks an important milestone, reflecting the province’s commitment to developing golf in harmony with local culture and sustainable values. Through collaboration between government, associations, and investors, Vietnam can shape a golf tourism model that is culturally distinctive, environmentally friendly, and deeply experiential for global travellers.”

The day will conclude with the Vietnam Golf Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the game. Honours will include the Vietnam Golf Legacy Award, Sustainability Award, and Women in Golf Recognition Award, among others.

*54, Laguna Lang Co, Toro, Club Car, Sentosa Golf Club and Faldo Design are all Members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.