Staff WriterWhen it comes to golf in Vietnam, the fairways are no longer a novelty—they’re a proving ground. And if this week’s Faldo Series Asia Grand Final is any guide, the country’s ascension has more momentum than a drive downwind.
Breaking out of the Rough
Standing before a scrum of reporters on the penultimate day of play, Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series, delivered his verdict in that trademark soft-spoken lilt—though the message boomed like a cannon:
“Vietnam has become a country to watch in the world of golf,” said Faldo. “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.”
Translation? Strap in. Golf in Vietnam isn’t just growing—it’s leaping from tee to green.
A Stage Fit for Rising Stars
Sir Nick Faldo’s Signature design at Laguna Golf Lang Co once again proved it can wear championship pressure like a well-broken-in glove.
Stephen Banks, the resort’s Director of Golf, ticked off the virtues that keep international bags rolling through the door:
“We offer everything a golf traveller could want — world-class facilities, top-tier accommodation, and a championship course that challenges and excites,” Banks said.
The numbers back him up. Bookings from Australia and New Zealand have spiked, and the resort’s practice range now sounds like the United Nations—minus the diplomatic niceties when a wedge goes astray.
Sustainable Fairways, Buffalo Included
Banks isn’t chasing trophies alone; he’s chasing balance sheets that add up for the planet:
“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.
Yes, real water buffalo—think four-legged lawn mowers with a taste for knee-high fescue and a gift for Instagram virality.
Home-Grown Heroes Take a Bow
While the animals manicure the turf, Vietnam’s junior golfers are busy carving reputations.
Students from nearby Loc Vinh school flashed surprisingly polished swings at a post-press-conference clinic, products of a two-year partnership that uses the kid-friendly SNAG Golf System.
Bach Cuong Khang, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association, couldn’t hide his pride:
“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.”
Eyes on the Horizon
Khang believes the story is only at the turn:
“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 ten years, we believe Vietnam will be recognised as one of the world’s top golfing destinations.”
Given the trajectory—new courses opening along the coast, airlines adding direct routes, and social feeds packed with seaside par-threes—betting against him feels like missing a two-foot putt.
The Final Putt
As the 2025 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final crowns its champion today, players from 15 nations will depart with memories of narrow fairways, photogenic backdrops, and the unmistakable sense that something big is brewing here.
For the rest of us, the takeaway is crystal clear: book the ticket, pack the clubs, and bring extra balls—golf in Vietnam is just getting started, and you’ll want front-row seats.
