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“I have worked in the golf indus-
try in many countries, such as Canada,
Thailand and Russia,” says Westenburg.
“With this experience I have learned to
deal with many situations and Vietnam
is no different. Because golf is still in
its infancy here, there are both golfers
who are very well educated on club pol-
icies and golf etiquette and those that
are not familiar with either. A good
manager has to understand that and
act properly in each case and not get
frustrated. I have to teach them from
the beginning. Some may not initially
agree with policies, procedures and eti-
quette, but as they play more they will
begin to understand why there are poli-
cies and why etiquette is so important.”
If any complaints occur, they are
addressed immediately and if necessary
Westenburg himself will get involved.
King’s Island was voted Vietnam’s Best
Service Golf Course 2009 and also hon-
oured as Vietnam’s Best Caddie Golf
Course in 2010 and 2011.
Thanks to the efforts of all the man-
agers and staff, what is one of the old-
est golf courses in Vietnam now has
1,400 members.
“The cost of running a golf club
is increasing year by year, but clubs
are surviving by improving the qual-
ity of the greens and reducing the cost
for customers by launching promotion
programs throughout the week,” says
Westenburg. “However, I do hope there
will be more support and understanding
from the government and sports author-
ities in the near future.” He believes this
will not only help the game of golf sur-
vive in this country, but also allow more
people to play the game and attract
more tourists, boosting the economy.
19
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GOLF IN VIETNAM
FAIRWAYS
Following the success of King’s Is-
land Golf Resort, in 2009 BRG de-
veloped the new 18 hole par 72 Do
Son Seaside Golf Resort in Haiphong
and the Legend Hill Golf Resort in
Soc Son district, Hanoi, is expected
to open in 2014. All the golf courses
are world class with both spectacular
design and elite service standards.