Seminar 'From Fairway to Growth': Golf and Economic Power

TPO - Within the framework of The Golfers Tournament 2025, the thematic workshop "From Fairway to Growth" was organized as an academic and strategic forum, bringing together experts, managers, businesses, and investors from both domestic and international backgrounds. The event affirmed that golf is not just a sport, but also an economic lever, a diplomatic tool, and a symbol of sustainable development for Vietnam in the era of global integration.

Golf: An economic lever in the new era.

According to statistics from the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA), the number of golfers in Vietnam has grown dramatically over the past decade, from a few thousand golfers in the 2000s to more than 100,000 active players today.

The number of golf courses has also expanded significantly, stretching across the North, Central, and South of Vietnam, making it a prominent destination on the Asia-Pacific golf map, recognized by numerous international golf tourism awards.

Golf has created tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from caddies, coaches, course managers, and technicians, to hospitality, media, technology, and tourism.

According to research, an average 18-hole golf course can generate hundreds of billions of VND in economic value annually, both directly and indirectly, contributing a significant amount to GDP and local budgets through taxes, fees, and related services.

At the workshop, experts will analyze and quantify the economic impact of golf based on real-world data from the VGA, VHandicap, GolfEdit, and international organizations, aiming to provide a clearer overall picture: Golf is not just a sport , but an industry with far-reaching influence.

International Highlight: Japanese Expert Shares Experience from "3000 Golf Courses"

A special feature of this year's "From Fairway to Growth" is the participation of a leading Japanese expert in golf management and development.

With the theme "Japan - Lessons in Sustainable Development in the Golf Industry," the expert will share experiences from a country with an area not much larger than Vietnam, but which has effectively operated over 3,000 golf courses, becoming one of the most comprehensive golf models in the world, where governance, environment, education, and golf tourism go hand in hand.

These practical experiences are expected to open up new perspectives for Vietnam, especially in the following areas: Planning and operating golf courses according to international standards; Optimizing the economic-tourism-sports model associated with the community; Applying data technology in modern golf management; Developing junior golf and school golf culture.

The presence of Japanese experts symbolizes the spirit of international cooperation and global learning, which the Vietnamese golf industry is striving for during its professionalization phase.

From golf courses to sustainability policy

The workshop will delve into analyzing golf as a pillar of sustainable development, not only generating profits but also shaping green infrastructure, ecotourism, and landscape preservation. Many localities in Vietnam are witnessing significant changes thanks to golf projects, where golf courses become central hubs connecting sports, recreation, and tourism investment.

Golf also plays a role in soft diplomacy, providing a meeting place for businesspeople, investors, and leaders in a civilized sporting setting. Rounds of golf are not just a game, but a bridge for economic cooperation, promoting trade and international tourism.

Practical value and strategic direction: “From Fairway to Growth” focuses on concrete action solutions, centered on three pillars:

- Strategic Investment: Analyzing effective investment models for golf courses, academies, technology, and infrastructure.

- Guiding the younger generation: Opening up perspectives on golf as a future profession, integrating golf into education, and developing young talent.

- Connecting the ecosystem: Creating a forum for cooperation between businesses, organizations, government, and communities, aiming for a sustainable, efficient, and internationally integrated golf ecosystem.

From knowledge to action

The seminar brought together sports economics experts, association leaders, representatives of domestic and foreign businesses and investors, and reputable research organizations.

Through connecting data, knowledge, and action, the workshop aims to shape Vietnam's golf development policies, build a national brand for golf tourism, and put Vietnam on the global golf map.

Conference message: Golf is a strategic industry that requires proper investment and planning. Golf is a bridge for international cooperation, a means of diplomacy, and an effective economic development tool. Golf is a symbol of sustainable development, connecting sports, tourism, education, and the community.

The seminar "From Fairway to Growth - Golf and Economic Power" is a pioneering step, affirming Vietnam's vision: From every fairway, a path to growth opens. From a passion for the sport, national economic strength is created.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/hoi-thao-from-fairway-to-growth-golf-and-the-strength-of-the-economy-post1787989.tpo