Golf 

HÀ NỘI — This year's National Golf Championship will mark a historic milestone, as it will be held under the National Sports Games (NSG) for the first time, with other changes added in the 2026 season.

Competing in the NSG will be tough, but the country's top golfers will walk away with two titles, as both national champions and NSG winners at the same time. 

The organising board announced that the 21st competition will be held at the Vinpearl Golf Léman from November 23 to 28 in HCM City.

All of the country's strongest players will take part in the event except for the most decorated, Nguyễn Anh Minh, who is not competing as he is busy studying in the US.

Among the most notable names taking part on the men's side are former national champions Trần Lê Duy Nhất and Nguyễn Nhất Long, as well as reigning champion Nguyễn Tuấn Anh. 

Meanwhile, Đoàn Xuân Khuê Minh, Nguyễn Viết Gia Hân and Nguyễn Khánh Linh will challenge three-time and defending champion Lê Chúc An on the women's side.

Athletes will compete in the men's and women's individual and team categories, with the team event making its debut at the oldest golf tournament in Việt Nam. This year's championship also features a match play format for the first time.

"There are two common formats in golf: stroke play and match play. While stroke play accounts for the majority of professional golf tournaments worldwide, match play creates direct, head-to-head competition between players," said deputy head of the organising committee Nguyễn Thái Dương at a press conference on November 2.

"Using the match play format in this year's championship is expected to increase its competitiveness," Dương added.
 

He said the team category will help strengthen relationships by transforming an inherently individual sport into a collaborative mission. By shifting the focus from personal glory to collective success, these formats naturally foster deep bonds, mutual support and a unified team culture.

Players will compete in individual competitions during the first three days. Their individual scores will be the basis for their seeds in the team categories, which will take place over the last two days of the event.

A bonus of VNĐ200 million (US$7,800) will be awarded to everyone who makes the cut.

In addition to the domestic fixtures, the tournament is also considered a test for national players to compete at the 34th SEA Games next year in Malaysia, where the match play format will also be used.

"Our scouts will keep their eyes on talented players and pay attention to how they adapt to the new format. The most outstanding golfers will be picked for the SEA Games," Dương told Việt Nam News.

At the press conference, former national champion Nguyễn Đức Sơn said he was excited to both steal back the title he earned in 2024 and secure the top spot at the NSG for the first time.

"It will be my first NSG. I can't wait to play in HCM City," said Sơn, who turned pro earlier this year.

"Like at every event, I will try to do my best and aim to win the gold medal. However, sometimes problems may happen during the game that no one can predict. I hope I can give my all to earn the highest result for me and my Thanh Hóa delegation."

The previous Games in 2022 featured more than 60 golfers from 11 teams. Hà Nội dominated the tournament with two golds, followed by Hải Phòng and Quảng Ninh. — VNS