'Caddie of Champions' Dinh Song Hai: I am proud to have inspired the young generation of golfers

TPO - In the list of golfers participating in the National Golf Championship - Gia Lai 2025, golfer Dinh Song Hai stands out not only because of his talent and competition experience, but also because of his special journey from being a caddie with champions to now becoming a direct opponent on the course.

Do you regularly attend the National Golf Championship? What is your preparation and goals for this year's season?

I am really excited. This is the biggest playground in the Vietnam golf system and is always the destination of every golfer. Since 2018, since becoming professional, I have never missed a season.

This year, I will be at FLC Golf Links Quy Nhon from the 14th, about 5 days before the tournament starts, to get used to the weather and competition conditions. My biggest goal is to compete with all my might, to perform to the best of my ability, and if I make it to the top 10, that will be a success for me.

Have you ever tried your hand at FLC Golf Links Quy Nhon? What is your strategy on this course?

I have played many times at FLC Golf Links Quy Nhon. This is one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses. The terrain is highly variable and is greatly affected by the sea breeze, making each shot require careful calculation.

My strategy would be to hit the ball low to reduce the wind effect, with a straighter ball flight and less deflection. On this course, if you play your short game well and control the wind, you will have a good chance of scoring.

Starting out as a caddie, what motivated you to become a professional golfer and then a golf coach?

I worked as a caddie at Dong Nai course for 4 years (2005-2009), and that period was a stepping stone for me to realize how much I love golf. To be able to pursue my passion, I went to Ho Chi Minh City to continue working (including the period of 2011-2019 at Dai Phuoc course), and to focus on serious practice, especially in short game. Although at that time there was a lack of equipment and time, I was very happy because my efforts and determination helped me achieve my single handicap goal.

At the end of 2018, I decided to switch to professional competition. This was a turning point that helped me approach the top competition environment, accumulate valuable experience, so that when I became a coach (coach at Dong Nai course from 2019 to present), I could continue to spread the passion for golf to the younger generation.

People often call you “caddie of champions”. Can you share more about this title ?

That is my greatest pride. During my time as a caddie, and even when I became a coach, I was fortunate to accompany many talented young golfers such as Nguyen Dang Minh, Nguyen Nhat Long, Le Chuc An, Nguyen Bao Long, Nguyen Ha My, Nguyen Kim Phuong Anh, Do Duc Khang...

Whether in tournaments or in daily coaching, I always try to convey all my experiences to support you as much as possible. The most important thing is to transmit positive energy, sometimes adding a few funny stories to reduce the monotony and pressure for you in both training and competition.

From a supporting companion, he will now directly compete with golfers who fought side by side at the National Golf Championship - Gia Lai 2025. When he meets them on the course, what will he say?

We have known each other so well after many years together. I will definitely give sincere words of encouragement, or tease a little to make the atmosphere more comfortable, like: "Try to win, uncle!".

But no matter the role, caddie, coach or opponent, respect and affection are always the most important things.

How do you rate this year's championship race?

In the professional world, Nguyen Nhat Long has an advantage because he hits the ball very well, suitable for the strong wind conditions at Quy Nhon course. Amateur golfers such as Nguyen Duc Son, Nguyen Tuan Anh, and Nguyen Trong Hoang are all in stable form.

Each person has different strengths, and whoever makes good use of decisive moments will break out. The winner will be the one who is both brave and knows how to “listen to the wind”.

Dinh Song Hai is a persistent example of Vietnamese golf. Starting as a caddie at Dong Nai course, he 'self-studied and trained' to achieve a single handicap, then turned to professional competition. After that, he oriented himself towards coaching, becoming a companion of many young champions. The title "caddie of champions" is not only a source of pride, but also a testament to his persistent journey and spirit of complete dedication to Vietnamese golf.

Thank you very much!

Source: https://tienphong.vn/caddie-cua-cac-nha-vo-dich-dinh-song-hai-toi-tu-hao-da-truyen-lua-cho-the-he-golfer-tre-post1768181.tpo