Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club: Positioning as Premier Club in Vietnam

3:26:28 PM | 7/8/2005

Golf has gradually been familiar with local people and particularly with Vietnam's dynamic economy. To introduce an overall view of the emerging sport in Vietnam to readers on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2005, reporter Doan Phuong of Vietnam Business Forum magazine holds an interview with Mr. Lars Holden PGA, General Manager of Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club.

Could you tell us about the important role of Golf in socio-economic development of Vietnam in particular and in the region in general?

As the game of golf grows in Vietnam it will play a large part in the development of the country. In recent times many Vietnamese have started to play golf due mainly to its advantages of been much more than a sport. People play for other reasons including health, business meetings, and entertainment which offer a comfortable non stress like environment.

Currently, golf is still seen to be very elite due to several reasons including cost, lack of courses and the fact that those that can afford to play prefer the fact that to be a member of a golf course creates a feeling of affluent status. However, the game with the help of the Vietnamese Government and more importantly the Ministry of Tourism can develop to play a very large part of the development in Vietnam. As more courses are produced the prices will become more affordable allowing for new players, we will also see large amount of tourists coming to this great country to play golf and enjoy the beauty of Vietnam. As already witnessed in other Asian countries golf has played a big part in the social-economic development of their countries. As the game has grown so to has the tourism sector, cultural sector and the overall standards and level of service offered to those entering the respective countries. I feel very confident that Vietnam is on the verge of great things and I look forward to having the privilege to be the for-front of this development.

What do you think about golf courses in Vietnam and their advantages and disadvantages?

Currently there are nine (9) golf courses available for play in Vietnam with each one offering a different golfing experience. If you were to play all of them on a golfing holiday you would be well satisfied with the quality and level of service they offer. In many countries you find the courses are built very similar due to the landscape been very similar, in Vietnam every course currently offers different landscape and different environment meaning all the courses offer something different, this is why golf in Vietnam is unique. It is also worth noting that many tourist are now considering Vietnam as a golfing destination due to the world class facilities and more importantly the friendly good nature of the Vietnamese people. The current disadvantages relating to golf in Vietnam start with the prices been charged. In Thailand for example golf is very cheap allowing everyone an opportunity to play and enjoy the game. With a few more courses and the development of driving ranges (practice areas) I feel it would become one of the most popular sports in Vietnam and the prices would become more affordable to the middle class income earners. Other disadvantages relate to land requirements as golf courses need large land acquisitions to be constructed. An example of this is relates to golf in Hanoi where

currently you need to travel around one hour to play golf. Over all I would say that golf in Vietnam is very healthy and will continue to develop into one of the power houses of golf in the region.

Many Vietnamese golfers say Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club has gained big successes. What are major reasons for the successes? What do you think about the number of your memberships?

As the General Manager of Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club I would say that the reasons for our rapid success has been due to several factors. One, our work ethic and dedication to excellence is second to none. Secondly, it has always been our goal to assist in developing the game in Vietnam and Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club has achieved that in the world class facilities we offer. Thirdly, the long hours we have spent in training our local staff has given us a higher level of service as expected by the international and local players. Fourthly, our dedication to our members and visitors alike means our reputation has grown and people look forward to visiting our establishment. Finally the condition of our golf course is equal to the best in the world and remains my number one priority. Our current membership status is very healthy and puts us in a very strong position to continue to be at the for-front of golf in Vietnam. The reason for our large membership base can be traced to our world class facilities and the fact that we continue to maintain our course to the highest level offering the best playing conditions for our members. It is also worth noting that at Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club all our staff are trained on the importance of customer service and the fact that our members are our number one priority.

What are your comments on Carlsberg Masters 2004 organised at Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club?

The Carlsberg Masters Vietnam was a huge success and has showed the world that Vietnam is a golfing destination with world class facilities. With the mass media exposure reaching the four corners of the globe the event has set Vietnam on the right direction in its development of the game. Having the likes of Corey Pavin 1995 US Open Champion and Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee playing were also proof of the success of the event. It is my intention to now grow the event into one of the major professional tournaments in the region and use it as a chance to develop our junior golfers in Vietnam.

Can you show major plans and strategies of Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club in 2005?

The plans for 2005 include the completion of our third nine holes, the development of our hotel and housing development, continued improvements to our landscaping and current facilities. We will also stage the 2005 Carlsberg Masters Vietnam and work very closely with some major events groups to promote the game and offer our members unique opportunities to participate in international events. It is also my intention as General Manager of Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club to maintain our position as the premier club in Vietnam and help the country in its development of the game.