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Driving for success: Vietnamese amateur Nguyen Dang Phong hits a drive. He was one of the first young prodigies to complete a training programme organised by the Ha Noi Golf Association last year. — VNS Photo Hoai Nam |
Phong, 12, from Ha Noi, fought back to take the title in a play-off with a birdie on the fourth hole against HCM City-born Nguyen Thanh Trung after finishing level after two rounds at the championship in August.
The 12-year-old has held a handicap of 21 since he began practising every weekend at the Chi Linh Stars Golf and Country Club in Hai Duong City from the age of 10.
Phong's progress earned him a sponsorship from the Ha Noi Golf Association last year.
"I love playing golf and I go to the course every weekend with my parents. I also like playing other sports such as football and table tennis, but I prefer golf as I have been playing it since I was six," Phong said, adding that the sport helped him to stay fit and gave him confidence for his studies.
The 6th grade student of the Ha Noi-based Singapore International School was one of the first young prodigies to complete a training programme that was organised by the Ha Noi Golf Association last year.
"We will select six 12-year-old kids for an elite training programme next year, of which the top four will form a squad to compete at international junior tournaments," said vice chairman of Ha Noi Golf Association Dong Van Tiep.
"The association will provide training facilities for and pay for coaching fees as well as find sponsors for further training abroad," Tiep explained.
Phong's father, Nguyen Dang Khanh said he wants his son to continue playing his favourite sport, rather than getting into trouble on the streets.
"My son began playing golf at a young age. My wife and I used to play every weekend and we've been taking him with us since he was six," Khanh said, adding that his son can hit a 180-yard drive with ease.
"I was surprised by how quickly he fell in love with golf. He's very skilful and his swing and putting are better than mine."
"I encourage him to play as an amateur while studying hard. He can make his own decision about becoming a professional golfer after college," Khanh said.
Khanh said he plans to send his son to study in the US, where he can study and train at the same time.
The Viet Nam Golf Association (VGA) is developing a programme to identify talented young golfers in schools across the country.
The VGA has been seeking a long term sponsorship deal to get the project off the ground from next year.
"The association plans to introduce golf into the school curriculum from next year, but we have to find a strong enough sponsor to get it started," said the VGA's general secretary Nguyen Ngoc Chu.
"Golf will make its debut at junior and senior secondary schools rather than primary schools. Students from the ages of 11-15 will practise golf in school with further training on the golf course," Chu said.
Chu said he hoped the project would be a positive step and the association would try its best to reach a sponsorship deal soon.
"It's the best way to sustainably develop a sport. We can find a lot of fresh talent by introducing children to golf in school time," the general secretary said. — VNS
