Hanoi, Vietnam: Built around the three pillars of Tourism, Technology and Turf, the Vietnam Golf Industry Conference 2026 will contribute to ‘help shape the next chapter of golf in Vietnam and across the region’.

Staged at the Grand Plaza Hanoi, the conference addressed issues that directly influence the competitiveness of golf courses and destinations; international golf tourism development; technology and digital transformation in management and operations; and efficient sustainable turf management.

Adam Calver, Vice President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), said: “The importance and relevance of industry get-togethers such as this are borne out by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received.

“As well as offering outstanding content, the opportunity to network and spend time with industry peers is a key element that was appreciated by attendees.”

Organised by the AGIF and Vietnam Golf & Leisure (VGL), the gathering featured numerous components, headlined by an industry conference, B2B networking activities, product displays and the Vietnam Golf Awards.

The more than 200 attendees included senior personnel from many areas of the golfing industry in Vietnam and across the region, including Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of Vietnam’s National Authority of Tourism.

Among the speakers at the conference were representatives from 54 Group, 59 Club, Bunker Solution, Club Car, Golfasian, HSBC, Rain Bird, SkyWaterLand, SMARTSCORE, The Azalea Group, The Golf Concierge, Thompson Golf Management and Troon.

One of the highlights of the day was a video interview with four-time Major champion Ernie Els, who discussed a wide-range of topics including his playing career, his affection for Asia, the state of men’s professional golf today and his work as a golf course architect.

There were also contributions from Vietnam Golf Association Secretary General Vu Nguyen and Deputy Secretary General Thai Duong, and Pham Tien Van, Chairman of VGL.

Ben Styles and DJ Flanders, stalwarts of the region’s golfing industry, reflected positively on the conference.

Styles, Senior Vice President at 54 Group, said: “A big thank you to AGIF and VGL for bringing together so many passionate and influential people from across the golf industry.

“Events like this are important because they bring together the people, ideas and conversations that can help shape the next chapter of golf in Vietnam and across the region.”

Flanders, Executive Vice President at Troon, added: “Thank you to the Asian Golf Industry Federation and Vietnam Golf & Leisure for putting together an excellent event. A strong line-up of speakers, thoughtful conversations and a great opportunity to connect with so many people from across the golf industry.

“Congratulations again to AGIF and Vietnam Golf & Leisure on a terrific conference, and thank you for the opportunity to be part of it.”

Coinciding with the conference was the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026, which marked the 12th year of celebrating excellence and fostering connections within Vietnam’s golf industry. Hoiana Shores Golf Club was named ‘Best Course in Vietnam’.

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

Calver said: “Thanks to all our partners and to our generous sponsors from Club Car, HSBC and SMARTSCORE. Without this backing, events such as this would not be possible.”