Golf industry leaders from across Asia and beyond will gather in Hanoi this month for the Vietnam Golf Industry Conference 2026, a one-day event examining the opportunities, challenges and trends shaping one of the region’s fastest-growing golf markets.
Taking place at the Grand Plaza Hotel, Hanoi, on Tuesday, September 15, the conference is presented by the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) and Vietnam Golf & Leisure, with a programme focused around three central themes: Tourism, Technology and Turf.
Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic golf destinations, supported by significant investment in new courses, resorts and tourism infrastructure. Organisers say the conference will provide an opportunity for club owners, general managers, superintendents, developers, suppliers, tourism professionals and investors to examine the country’s future development while networking with decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Among the headline speakers will be DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International, who will deliver a keynote address drawing on more than 25 years’ experience in golf club management, hospitality and business leadership. Flanders oversees Troon International’s operations and strategic growth across more than 20 countries and will offer insights into golf operations, customer experience and the future direction of the industry.
A special appearance will come from four-time Major champion Ernie Els, who will feature in an exclusive pre-recorded interview. The former world number one and World Golf Hall of Fame member will discuss his playing career, relationship with Asia, golf course design activities, academies and wider business interests.
The wider speaker line-up includes AGIF President and The R&A’s Head of Sustainable Golf & Agronomy Asia-Pacific Chris Gray; Vietnam Golf Association Secretary General Vu Nguyen; Club Car’s Jessie Lu; SMARTSCORE’s Paul Yang; SkyWaterLand founder Lana Krestinina; Golfasian founder Mark Siegel; 54 Group Senior Vice President Ben Styles; Sporting Insights’ Eric Lynge; Thompson Golf Management founder Cameron Thompson; and 59club founder and CEO Simon Wordsworth.
Technology sessions will examine subjects including smarter golf fleet management and using technology to increase revenues, while tourism discussions will explore how Vietnam can position itself for future growth. Sustainability and modern turf management will also feature prominently.
The conference coincides with the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2026, celebrating its 12th year, while an associated AGIF-VGL Golf Tournament will be staged at Phoenix CV Golf & Resort.