Carlsberg Boost For Vietnam Golf

Carlsberg Boost For Vietnam Golf

As the thriving Asian Tour spreads its wings across the continent, new and exciting tournaments are emerging to signal the growing strength of the Asian economy and the massive popularity that the ancient game is enjoying in these parts of the world.

Golf in Vietnam is an emerging force. New golf courses are slowly sprouting across the nation and more locals are becoming hooked on the game.

From November 4-7, 2004 the formerly war-torn country will witness a massive development in its golfing landscape when the Asian Tour makes a historic stopover for the staging of the inaugural Carlsberg Masters 2004 Vietnam in Hanoi.

With prize money of US$200,000 attracting some of the best professionals from the Asian Tour, a world-class venue in Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club and title sponsors, Carlsberg, the first Carlsberg Masters 2004 Vietnam is destined to be successful.

The popularity of golf in Vietnam started to grow two decades ago following the emergence of new golf courses, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, which has twice previously hosted the country's national Open.

Expatriates are the main group of golfers in the country but local people, with an estimated player base of less than 1,000 players at present, soon caught on to the game and are proving to be keen golfers.

Now thanks to the birth of the Carlsberg Masters, officials are confident that the event will spark a golf boom and help to increase the popularity of the game in Vietnam. It is also hoped that Vietnam will grow as a golf tourism destination and ultimately produce new golfing talents amongst its young players.

Carlsberg's rationale in sponsoring the tournament revolves around its global sponsorship programme where it is actively involved in prestigious tournaments across Asia and Europe.

“We are delighted to title sponsor a new and exciting event, the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam. Golf in this country is still very much in its early stages of development, but it is in a strong growth phase and this is why we are committed to helping the game grow in Vietnam. This will be the biggest sporting event held in Vietnam this year and will put Vietnam on the international golfing map,” said Carlsberg Brewery Vietnam General Director Henrik J. Andersen.

“Carlsberg, being the largest brewery company in the world, has been an avid supporter of international golf for many years and this latest commitment is one which we are very hopeful will create a significant impact on the Asian Tour,” added Andersen.

With the Carlsberg Masters 2004 Vietnam slated towards the tail-end of the season, the leading contenders for the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown are expected to converge on Vietnam to boost their chances of finishing as the Asian number one, a mantle that comes with several enticing incentives such as an invitation to the British Open at St Andrews in 2005.

The support shown for the event has been tremendous with the Chi Linh Star course, which opened for play in stages from November, 2003, being a major partner in this new venture.

Other major backers include Thai Airways as Official Carrier, GM Daewoo as the Official Car, Canon as Official Office Suppliers, Pepsi as the Official Drink and Hilton Hanoi Opera as the Official Hotel. Daewoo will provide a car as the hole-in-one prize during the tournament. I-Golf, French International Hospital, LG, Aquafina, Eurowindows, VinaAusteel and Nippon Paint have all signed up as Event Partners.

The Chi Linh course has already earned widespread acclaim for its location within a beautiful valley, nestled beside a large lake and surrounded by rolling forested hills.

Chi Linh Star Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doan Van An said the club is proud to be associated with the landmark tournament. “The launch of a new professional tournament in Vietnam is very exciting indeed. It will further boost the popularity of golf in our country and Chi Linh Star is delighted to be a part of this tremendous development.

It is our ambition to see the Carlsberg Masters 2004 Vietnam enjoy a successful start and grow into one of the top events in the region,” said Doan.

In the 1990s, the Vietnam Open was staged for a couple of years but it fell off the international golfing calendar. Asian Tour officials are steadfast in their belief that the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam will play a big role in golf's renewed development in this growing nation.

For the Asian Tour, the inclusion of the Carlsberg-sponsored tournament on its calendar marks a significant development. "It is our aim to help spur the growth of golf in Asian countries, particularly in emerging golfing nations such as Vietnam," said Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin.

"We are extremely excited that Carlsberg has undertaken the title sponsorship of the Carlsberg Masters 2004 Vietnam and this is a breakthrough development for the Asian Tour and the game in Vietnam.  It is wonderful that Carlsberg has committed to a three-year agreement to stage the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam and the Asian Tour will look at ways to help the event grow and assist in the development of local players,” added Martin.

To help boost the domestic golf scene, organisers have allocated five spots for local amateur players at the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam. Martin said this move will help local players gain exposure as they will tee up alongside the battle-hardened Asian Tour stars.

• Chuah Choo Chiang