by Robert
As an American golf professional who has been working in Vietnam for the last 15 years, both as a Golf Director and a columnist for Vietnam News and two golf magazines, I can attest to the truth of Tim's article. Golf isn't "booming" per se, not if you compare it to Thailand, but we are moving along at a nice pace. There are currently 11 courses open for play, most of them world class including designs by Nick Faldo, Lee Trevino and Ron Freem. We have 10 more courses licensed and expected to begin construction within the next 18 months. The Chi Linh Star course in Hanoi was host to the APGA Carlsberg Masters and Vietnam Golf & CC in HCMC (Saigon)was host to the old Asian Tour in the mid 1990's. Our Swing For Life Charity Tournament raised US$71,000 last year, bringing our six year total to over $450,000...not bad for a little country, eh? For the record, during the last 15 years, I have NEVER been made to feel unwelcome, nor have I ever heard an "anti-American" remark. Vietnamese are very friendly people who look forward not backwards. Vietnam has the 2nd fastest growing economy in Asia and the best is yet to come. If you are thinking about an exotic golf holiday, consider Vietnam. The weather is good, the food is good and the caddies are cute. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me at pgavietnam@fpt.vn and I will be happy to assist. Hmm, maybe next year we can have the first "TravelGolf.com Vietnam Open?"
Thanks TravelGolf.com for the nice plug! Best regards,
Robert Bicknell