REFLECTING ON THE SUCCESS OF THE BRG OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP DANANG THROUGH TWO SEASONS (2022-2023)
The BRG Open Golf Championship Danang, a significant continental tournament and part of the Asian Development Tour, has not only made a lasting impact in Da Nang, Vietnam, over the last two seasons but has also shown remarkable growth and potential for the future.
BRG Open Golf Championship Danang 2022
Vietnam has a rich history of hosting major golf tournaments on the Asian Tour, including the Carlsberg Masters in 2004 and 2005 and the Ho Tram Open in 2015. However, the country experienced a lull in international tournaments until 2022.
The collaboration between the Da Nang People’s Committee, the influential BRG Group, and the Asian Development Tour resulted in the creation of the BRG Open Golf Championship Danang in 2022. This event showcased world-class golf and marked a significant milestone in the development of golf in Vietnam.
Being part of the Asian Development Tour, the tournament attracted talented golfers worldwide. It allowed Vietnamese golfers to compete and learn from international peers.
In their inaugural season, 2022, they featured renowned champions such as Pannakorn Uthaipas, World No. 421 Chen Guxin, and top money leader Chonlatit Chuenboonngam. On the Vietnamese side, 40 top amateur and professional golfers participated.
After 36 holes, the cut line was set at +9, with only five Vietnamese representatives advancing: Nguyễn Hữu Quyết, Đỗ Hồng Giang, Trương Chí Quân, Doãn Văn Định, and Đoàn Uy. This showcased the intense competition at the continental level.
In the final round, spectators were treated to an electrifying showdown between Chen Guxin of China, with a remarkable total score of -8, Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall at -7, and the Philippines’ Lloyd Jefferson Go at -6. After 18 holes, both Chen Guxin and Lloyd Jefferson Go were tied at -8, leading to a dramatic playoff.
When the playoff returned to the 18th par-5-hole, Lloyd Jefferson Go’s second shot unfortunately went into the water. Despite his valiant efforts, he was unable to save par. This provided an opportunity for Chen Guxin, who needed three strokes to reach the green and two putts to secure a par, thus winning the prestigious BRG Open Golf Championship Danang 2022 title.
BRG Open Golf Championship Danang 2023
The 2023 BRG Open Golf Championship Danang, a return to the iconic Nicklaus Course at Legend Danang Golf Resort, was a testament to the event’s rich history and a promise of an even more exciting upcoming event.
Though fewer Vietnamese golfers made the cut in 2023, the impact of the host representatives, particularly Nguyễn Anh Minh, was significant. Their participation, professional content, and presentation, which included meticulously maintained courses, top-notch facilities, and a well-organized schedule, ensured the best experience for all participating golfers.
Anh Minh started with an even par in the first two rounds, temporarily ranking T23. But he made a strong comeback in the final round, starting from the 10th hole. Despite a rough start with a bogey, he quickly regained his form with two birdies on holes 14 and 15 and recorded ten consecutive pars. With -1 through 15 holes, Anh Minh surged to 8th place after making three straight birdies in the last three holes, finishing with a score of -4. This position made Nguyễn Anh Minh the highest-ranked Vietnamese golfer in the two years of the BRG Open Golf Championship Danang in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Australian golfer Aaron Wilkin staged an incredible comeback, ranking 9th after 36 holes. Still, his bogey-free final round of 65 strokes propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, winning the championship with a total score of -10, one stroke ahead of his compatriot Deyen Lawson.
Over two seasons, the BRG Open Golf Championship Danang has successfully attracted top regional golfers. The organizers have thoroughly invested in infrastructure, golf courses, and support services, ensuring an excellent experience for the athletes and promoting the image of Da Nang to tourists attending the tournament.
The BRG Open Golf Championship Danang has proudly established itself as a leading professional golf tournament on the Asian Development Tour hosted in Vietnam, thanks to the remarkable accomplishments of the past two years. This event not only offers Vietnamese golfers the opportunity to engage and gain insights from top regional golfers but also serves as an international platform to showcase the image of Vietnam, particularly Da Nang, to a broader global audience.
Scheduled for August 29-31, 2024, the upcoming BRG Open Golf Championship Danang at the Nicklaus Course at Legend Danang Golf Resort is poised to continue this legacy and provide another exceptional golfing experience for enthusiasts.
