Vinpearl DIC Legends Vietnam 2023, a tournament within the Legends Tour framework, marks a notable milestone in strengthening the trade relationship between Vietnam and the UK, actively contributing to strengthening the friendship in the context of the two countries celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The tournament also names Vietnam on the world's high-end professional golf map, thereby affirming the class of the golf course system and the professional organisation of Vietnam. The tournament brings together world-famous professional golfers and will contribute to promoting Vietnam's tourism industry and promoting the beautiful and attractive image of Vietnam.

Featuring 60 international legends from the world of golf, including Michael Campbell - former US Open 2005 champion and 8 times European Tour champion; Ian Woosnam - 1991 Masters champion, 2006 Ryder Cup captain; Paul McGinley - 2004 Ryder Cup captain, owner of 4 European Tour trophies, or Mark James - 1999 Ryder Cup captain with 18 wins on the European Tour;... and being hosted at Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang, this world-class golf experience will continue to elevate Vietnam's golf tourism industry on the global stage, and also marks the first time a DIC Legends event has been held in Asia.

Speaking at the Press Conference on 15th September 2023, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said, Golf is both a sport and an interesting entertainment activity, as well as an extremely potential service industry that can bring in a large source of revenue. In the field of tourism, golf courses have become a plus point in choosing a destination for tourists. The development of Golf tourism promotes the creation of jobs, contributes to improving the competitiveness of the tourism industry and compensates for the lack of tourists due to seasonal characteristics compared to other types of traditional tourism.

VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh speaking at the Press Conference in Ha Noi, on 15th September 2023 (Photo: Organising Board)

Vietnam is considered an ideal golf paradise in Asia with diverse terrain, 3/4 of the area is mountainous; the coastline is more than 3,260km long with world-famous beautiful beaches; Hills, majestic landscapes, tropical climate, sunshine almost all year round, favourable conditions for investment, development of golf courses and golf tourism. Golf courses in Vietnam are of good quality and classy, most of them are designed by famous golfers in the world, creating a difference based on the advantages of terrain characteristics and natural and cultural resource values to attract tourists. Several unique golf courses, with many different challenges and experiences, are built in beautiful locations, attached to luxury resorts spread across the North, Central and South of the country.

Nha Trang is the world’s famous coastal city in Southern Vietnam, known for its pleasant weather, the long sunny beach with blue sea, attractive destinations such as Ponagar Cham Towers, Tre Island, diverse and distinctive local cuisine, and Vietnam’s South Central Coast specific culture. It is the perfect destination for organising grand events as the Legends Tour.

The Legends Tour is the current name of the European Senior Tour and is the official tour for players over 50. It is part of the PGA European Tour alongside the DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour.

The European Senior Tour was formed in 1992 after calls from 60 leading professionals to form a senior tour, five years after the first Senior Open in 1987.  In 2017 the tour was renamed the Staysure Tour after travel insurer Staysure became the first headline sponsor of the tour. This led to a ground-breaking joint venture in 2020 between the European Tour Group and Staysure Founder and Group CEO Ryan Howsam, and the Legends Tour came into being.

In 2022, the Legends Tour partnered with a group of celebrity ambassadors including former Ryder Cup captains and Major winners such as Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, Mark James, Ian Woosnam, Thomas Bjorn and Tom Lehman.

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