A new chapter in international golf collaboration has begun following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) and England Golf, announced during the Vietnam Golf Course Owners Summit at Laguna Lăng Cô Golf & Resort on Friday 31 October.
The agreement marks a significant step in the shared ambition to foster the long-term, sustainable development of golf in Vietnam.
Through the MoU, the two organisations have committed to collaboration across strategic areas including governance, participation growth, and the exchange of knowledge and best practice.
Building on the strategic collaboration between VGA and 54 Vietnam, 54 has facilitated the connection between England Golf and VGA to jointly develop training programmes, rating standards, and solutions that enhance golf course management quality in Vietnam. Key initiatives under the partnership include support for the Vietnam Golf Development Strategy 2025–2030, the pilot introduction of England Golf’s ‘Respect in Golf’ programme in Vietnam, and joint studies into participation growth, coaching, and talent development pathways.
The cooperation also sets the stage for greater professional exchange between the two national governing bodies, with a shared goal of aligning Vietnam’s emerging golf ecosystem with the global standards of course operation, player development, and community engagement.
Jeremy Tomlinson, Chief Executive of England Golf, said: “Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic emerging golf markets in the world. This partnership allows both our organisations to learn from one another – combining Vietnam’s rapid growth and enthusiasm for the sport with England Golf’s decades of experience in structured governance, participation programmes and talent development.
“The growth of the game in emerging markets supports golf’s health globally. Encouraging participation in Vietnam doesn’t just strengthen the sport locally, it creates a virtuous circle, inspiring golfers to travel, connect, and potentially one day seek out the wealth of world-class destinations England has to offer.”
Vũ Nguyên, Secretary General of the Vietnam Golf Association, said: “The signing of this MoU with England Golf is an important step in Vietnam’s journey to build a sustainable and globally connected golf ecosystem. The exchange of knowledge, expertise, and cultural understanding will support the VGA’s efforts to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and professionally governed.
“In the context of Vietnam and the United Kingdom elevating their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the signing of this MoU between the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) and England Golf marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation through sports and cultural exchange.
“England Golf is one of the, if not the, most respected national governing body in the sport, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from each other.”
The signing took place as part of the Vietnam Golf Course Owners Summit, organised by 54, bringing together leading figures from government, tourism, and international golf to align on a unified vision for the development of the sport in Vietnam.
The summit featured contributions from major industry stakeholders including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Golf Course Association Europe, Sentosa Golf Club, LIV Golf, and Asian Tour, and served as a platform to shape the framework for Vietnam’s national golf strategy through 2030.
By strengthening international partnerships and creating shared pathways for development, Vietnam continues to position itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic and sustainable golf destinations.
