Proposal to include golf as a physical education subject in primary and secondary schools.

Khanh Hoa province hopes to strongly develop golf tourism, creating high-class and attractive tourism products – Photo: MINH CHIEN

On November 27th, the Saigon Giai Phong newspaper, in collaboration with the Khanh Hoa Department of Culture and Sports, organized a seminar titled "Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Golf Industry".

Bringing golf into schools.

At the seminar, Mr. Bach Cuong Khang – Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Golf Association – stated that in Vietnam, golf is still a relatively unfamiliar sport to most people, especially teenagers and children. Although there has been development of high-end golf courses, the number of young children participating in golf remains very limited.

According to Mr. Khang, the reasons are that this sport has high investment costs, the infrastructure is not yet developed comprehensively, and many people still view this sport as being for the wealthy, not for young people.

Mr. Khang suggested that to develop junior golf, there needs to be a synchronized approach involving infrastructure, support policies, community awareness, and training quality.

Mr. Bach Cuong Khang – Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Golf Association – said that in order to develop youth golf, it is necessary to introduce golf into primary and secondary schools. – Photo: NGUYEN HOANG

"The solution is to develop golf education programs as part of physical education in schools, especially in primary and secondary schools. Participating in golf from an early age can help children develop good habits such as focus and perseverance, which can be applied to many other areas of life," Mr. Khang said.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Golf Association cited examples from developed countries such as the United States, South Korea, Thailand, and Japan, where golf has become a popular sport in schools and among young people.

"These countries have been successful in developing intensive training systems for children, and many golf talents have been discovered and developed from a very young age."

"This contributes to creating talented athletes for the country, while also enhancing the nation's standing in international competitions," Mr. Khang said.

Having a golf course at a destination will attract MICE tourists.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh – Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Saigon Giai Phong newspaper – said that the overall plan for tourism development in Vietnam with a vision to 2030 identifies golf tourism as an important specialized product – Photo: NGUYEN HOANG

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Thanh – Deputy Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Culture and Sports – said that golf tourists tend to have a higher average spending level compared to tourists of other types.

Having a golf course at a destination is also an attractive factor for other tourists, especially MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists.

“Golf courses are often attractive for tourism investment, improving employment, enhancing regional competitiveness, and compensating for the seasonal nature of traditional tourism. Therefore, golf tourism is being seen as a ‘treasure’ for Vietnam’s green economy,” Mr. Thanh said.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, deputy editor-in-chief of Saigon Giai Phong newspaper, said that the overall plan for tourism development in Vietnam with a vision to 2030 identifies golf tourism as an important specialized product that needs to be given strong investment and development in the coming time.

According to Mr. Anh, many experts believe that Vietnam has the full potential and opportunity to become the "golf paradise of Asia," however, in reality, golf tourism products in Vietnam are still very limited due to the small number of golf courses.

"The link between travel businesses and golf courses is still limited; golf tourism is not yet connected with other types of tourism such as MICE and caravan tourism; there are no professional awards; golf courses are not linked with each other; and there are no systematic solutions for promoting golf tourism products," said Mr. Ngoc Anh.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/de-xuat-dua-golf-vao-mon-the-duc-o-truong-hoc-cap-1-cap-2-20241127160746252.htm