Hanoi, Vietnam: Four-time Major champion Ernie Els will add a splash of world-class colour to this month’s Vietnam Golf Industry Conference 2026.

In an exclusive pre-recorded interview that will be broadcast during the Conference at Hanoi’s Grand Plaza Hotel on September 15, the former world number one discusses his rivalry with Tiger Woods, his World Golf Hall of Fame career, his affection for Asia, his course design work, golf academies, wines and charitable work.

“As a player and course designer, I’ve had close ties with Asia for more than 30 years. From my first visit there, to Hong Kong in 1992, I’ve always enjoyed the time I’ve spent in the region,” said the South African.

As well as reflecting on what he describes as an important breakthrough victory at the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament in 1993 when he saw off legendary Japanese Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki in a final-round head-to-head duel, Els recalls winning the BMW Asian Open in China in 2005 and multiple triumphs in Australia.

In terms of his course architecture, Els reveals his environmentally-friendly philosophy, which is evident in his designs in China (Savannah Course, Mission Hills Golf Club), Indonesia (Trump International Golf Club Lido) and Malaysia (The Els Club, Teluk Datai, Langkawi; The Els Club Desaru Coast, Ocean Course; The Els Club Desaru Coast, Valley Course).

During the wide-ranging 40-minute interview, Els also talks passionately about his Els Performance Golf Academies in Desaru, Malaysia and Hanoi and his belief that short-form golf will become more prevalent in the years ahead.

Els also shares his forthright views on LIV Golf and the PGA Tour and the motivation that drives him to continue competing on the PGA Tour Champions.

Chris Gray, President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), the Conference organisers, said: “Ernie Els has enjoyed a remarkable career as a golfer at the very highest level of the game, a respected course architect, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur. Over the past 30 years, Ernie has built a huge fan base across Asia and he continues to be an influential figure in the game in this region through Ernie Els Design and the Els Performance Golf Academies.

“I know that many of the delegates attending the Vietnam Golf Industry Conference are looking forward to listening to Ernie’s views on a variety of topics connected with the golf industry in general and the golf industry in Asia in particular.”

Coinciding with the conference that is presented by the will be the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026, which is marking the 12th year of celebrating excellence and fostering connections within Vietnam’s golf industry.

The Vietnam Golf Industry Conference 2026 is supported by The R&A with the Vietnam Golf Association as Supporting Partner and Grand Plaza Hanoi as Official Hotel.

Confirmed sponsors are Club Car, HSBC and SMARTSCORE.

Vietnam Golf Industry Conference attendees are eligible for a 50% discounted room rate for up to two nights. The discounted rate is available for stays on either September 14-15 or September 15-16, subject to eligibility.

To reserve your hotel room at the discounted rate, please email to reservation@grandplazahanoi.com and events@agif.asia

Click on the link below to register now and secure your spot:
https://form.jotform.com/261660829409464

Click here to learn more about the conference and view the agenda:
https://agif.asia/vietnam-golf-industry-conference-2026/

*For sponsorship opportunities, delegate registrations and speaking enquiries at AGIF conferences, please contact the AGIF Events Team by email at events@agif.asia