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being built, providing faster and more
pleasant transportation to the courses
that are outside the cities. Moreover,
flights are becoming more frequent,
both domestically and internationally.
Danang airport, for example, now has
direct flights coming in from locations
around the region, such as Singapore,
Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. These
international direct flights to Danang,
combined with its three outstanding
golf courses, create unlimited tourism
potential for the city. Accommodation
is another aspect that has shown great
improvement, with many options of
an international four-star standard. All
these factors continue to drive the golf
industry in Vietnam to higher levels.
Marketing efforts within the indus-
try are increasing awareness, both at
home and abroad, of what a wonderful
place Vietnam is to play golf and enjoy
related activities. Public relations firms,
as well as in-house marketing teams,
are giving Vietnam a stronger media
presence which drives business.
In-bound tour operators, as well
as foreign, out-bound tour companies,
are realising the value and allure of
Vietnam and are in turn increasing the
number of travellers coming into the
country. The colourful cultural attrac-
tions of Vietnam make it that much
more appealing to the travellers who
come not only for the golf, but also to
explore other activities.
Golfers are essentially the ones
who drive the growth of the industry
and sustain the courses as viable busi-
nesses. The increase in player numbers
is seen across all the player categories.
There are many Vietnamese players
who have been playing a long time,
as well as many that are beginning
to learn the game. There are large
numbers of expatriates living here in
Vietnam who are avid golfers and of
course there are more and more tour-
ists coming here. Junior golfers too are
becoming interested in the game.
The potential for the development
of golf here is unlimited and Vietnam is
well on its way to being a fully grown
golf nation.
13
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GOLF IN VIETNAM
Joe Millar is a Class A member of the PGA
of America and has five-year’s experience in
golf course management in Vietnam, having
managed King’s Island Golf in Hanoi, Do Son
Seaside Golf Resort in Haiphong and Vinpearl
Golf Club in Nha Trang. Currently, he is
general manager of Danang Golf Club.