Le Minh Nghia: The persistent journey of a 17-year-old boy who devoted himself to his golf dream

TPO - Although he does not have many major titles, Le Minh Nghia always moves forward step by step. From domestic youth tournaments to international arenas, the Hanoi boy has turned each experience into motivation, preparing for a new challenge at the National Golf Championship - Gia Lai 2025.

On the Mipec golf practice range in Hanoi late in the afternoon, when many had already packed up and gone home, there was still a figure diligently and persistently practicing each swing. Under the yellow lights shining down on the grass, Le Minh Nghia still focused on perfecting each movement, as if each swing held his entire future.

In just a few days, Le Minh Nghia will enter the 2025 Gia Lai National Golf Championship, his second time testing his skills in one of the most demanding golf tournaments in Vietnam. For many, this is simply another competition. But for Nghia, it is a milestone, where he will bring with him all his experience, perseverance, and tireless practice sessions to achieve his personal goals.

From his first appearances on the field to his progress on the international stage.

In 2019, when he was just a middle school boy, Nghia was taken to a golf course near his home by his father for the first time. It was just a casual outing, but it opened the door to a six-year journey of dedication. "At first, I didn't find it interesting, but then playing more and more became a passion, and that's when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in golf," Nghia recounted.

Unlike many of his peers who chose a professional career at a very young age, Nghia decided to balance his studies and training. While some young golfers dedicate all their time to golf, studying online in the evenings to practice more, Nghia still attends school regularly.

Now, as a 12th-grade student at Kim Lien High School, he has to balance the pressure of final year with a packed training schedule. “On days when I have classes all day, I try to practice at the nearby court in the evening. If I have classes for one session, I go to the EPGA Academy for the other. I think I need to be persistent, because only then will I have the strength to go far,” Nghia shared.

Looking at his track record, Nghia may not be a name that frequently lifts championship trophies. But each milestone shows clear progress, from top 5 in the Hanoi Junior Tour 2024, then top 2 in the Vietnam Junior Open 2024; top 2 in the 100PLUS Srixon Junior Championship 2024 (Malaysia); top 2 in the Vietnam Junior Open 2024, to winning the Hanoi Junior Tour 4th Leg, and winning the Road to Trang An Open 2025.

In 2025, Nghia experienced a series of challenging international tournaments: top 45 FCG Callaway World Championship 2025 (USA); top 79 FCG International Junior Championship 2025 (USA); top 7 TGA - Singha International Junior Golf Club 2025 (Thailand). These trips not only provided competitive experience but also broadened the worldview of the young man from Hanoi. “Golf has helped me become more open, more confident, and especially calmer. On the course, just a little impatience can ruin an entire round,” Nghia said.

Having participated in the National Golf Championship in Hai Phong for the first time last year, Nghia felt the harshness of the competition. His result, which was a missed cut, wasn't what he expected, but instead of being disappointed, he considered it a valuable lesson. "I know I still have a lot to improve, from my physical fitness to my technique. But that's precisely why I want to come back. My goal isn't just to make the cut, but to play my best to achieve the best possible result," Nghia affirmed.

This year, returning to the tournament, Nghia is more prepared, both technically and mentally. Behind his solid shots are hours of quiet training. “I tried playing at the Quy Nhon court once. It’s a beautiful court, but challenging. The wind is strong and the terrain is rough. Even so, I’m ready for this challenge.”





Stay true to your big dream.

After graduating from high school, Nghia's goal is to study abroad in the US or Australia (countries with developed golf industries), majoring in golf so that he can later become a coach, manager, or work in a golf-related field. "I want to live my passion to the fullest, no matter what role I play," Nghia said.

It's not an easy path. He has to maintain his academic achievements while also achieving good results in important tournaments to impress universities. But in Nghia, what's even more valuable is his perseverance. "I know I don't have many big titles yet, but every day I try to be better than yesterday. If I train well and play well today, then I've taken a step forward," Nghia shared.

Le Minh Nghia's journey continues. At 17, he has many tournaments to test his skills in and many opportunities to shine. The upcoming National Golf Championship - Gia Lai 2025 is not only a place to assess his abilities, but also an opportunity for Nghia to prove to himself that perseverance and never giving up are the keys to achieving any goal.

Regardless of today's results, the young man will return to the practice range the next day, continuing to hone his skills. For Nghia, golf is not just a sport; it's a life journey, a way to grow, and a place where he entrusts all his dreams.

Full name: Le Minh Nghia

Date of birth: August 5, 2008

Favorite quote: The next shot is the most important shot.

Outstanding achievements:

- Winner of the Hanoi Junior Tour 4th Leg 2024

- Champion of the Road To Trang An Open 2025 - Round 3 / Trang An Heritage

- Top 2 VGA Junior Tour Final Leg 2024

- Top 2 100PLUS Srixon Junior Championship 2024 (Malaysia)

- Top 2 Vietnam Junior Open 2024

- Top 5 Hanoi Junior Tour Open Leg 5 (2024)

- Top 23 MAJIIC - Maha Junior International Invitation Championship (Malaysia)

- Top 45 FCG Callaway World Championship 2025 (USA)

- Top 79 FCG International Junior Championship 2025 (USA)

- Top 7 TGA - Singha International Junior Golf Club 2025 (Thailand)

Source: https://tienphong.vn/le-minh-nghia-hanh-trinh-ben-bi-cua-chang-trai-17-tuoi-chay-het-minh-cho-giac-mo-golf-post1769095.tpo