Golfer Nguyen Anh Minh: Golf is a goal to conquer

Ranked among the top 114 golfers in the world at just 17, Nguyen Anh Minh is a prodigious talent in Vietnamese golf.

Born in 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Anh Minh swiftly established herself on the golf course. With an impressive record of achievements from an early age, Minh is considered one of Vietnam’s most promising golfers. Receiving a prestigious scholarship and an invitation to compete in The Players Championship—one of the most esteemed events on the PGA Tour—further cements her standing on the global golf stage. At just 17, Minh already boasts an extraordinary track record, with a bright future ahead.

From discovering your passion for golf at the age of nine to securing a place among the world’s top 114 golfers at 17, how has your journey with golf unfolded?

I first became interested in golf when I was around seven, but it wasn’t until I was nine that I truly fell in love with the sport. Golf is incredibly challenging and demands patience to master. I often research golf online, and when I came across Gary Player’s quote, “In golf, anyone who thinks talent is the key to success is a failure,” it resonated with me deeply. I have had similar experiences, so I use it as a daily reminder.

It hasn’t been a long journey, and perhaps not as smooth as that of my peers, but I give it my all every day, fuelled by my passion and supported by my parents, golf coach, senior players, and sponsors.

With such an impressive list of achievements at a young age, in addition to natural talent, you must have undergone rigorous training. Could you share a little about your regimen?

I don’t follow any special training regime, nor do I believe I have an innate talent. In fact, it often takes me longer to master techniques that some of my peers pick up quickly. However, I train diligently, setting specific goals at each stage. It demands a great deal of energy, but because I love golf, I rarely feel fatigued.

At present, I am studying at the EPGA Golf Academy, which has outstanding training facilities. I have been practising there since I was ten. My parents even moved home to be closer to the academy, despite the longer commute to work. At EPGA, the coaches are always supportive and willing to share their expertise whenever I need guidance. The advanced technology available at the academy has also greatly enhanced my training.

Above Golfer Nguyen Anh Minh

Golfer Nguyen Anh Minh

1 / 1

Do you find it challenging to balance regular golf play with your academic schedule?

As my family and I have set a goal for me to attend an American university and compete in Division 1 (D1) golf under the NCAA, I not only need to meet the required golfing achievements but also maintain strong academic results and obtain the necessary certifications. From next year, American universities will be recruiting more golf athletes—at least double the current number. This makes securing and maintaining a scholarship increasingly competitive, as the level of talent continues to rise.

After four years, I will reflect on my progress and assess how I have adapted before planning my next steps—of course, within the field of golf. To manage my commitments, I make the most of every opportunity to complete my studies, whether on a plane or while waiting at a train station. Personally, I believe that academic learning contributes significantly to golf, as the sport demands strategic thinking to achieve success.

I have yet to define my ultimate goal in golf, but I will always push forward, setting each new objective higher than the last.

Professional golf requires constant refinement of technique, but do you feel pressured by this? Do you miss the carefree days when you could simply enjoy the game?

For me, golf is not just entertainment—it is a goal to conquer. Technique is something that must be continuously studied and refined through experience. However, even more crucial than technique is maintaining the right mindset when competing. I make a conscious effort every day to improve, staying positive in the face of challenges to manage the pressure.

I don’t see myself as famous, just as a golfer striving to overcome the obstacles ahead.

At a time when golf in Vietnam remains an elite sport, with few competing professionally, do you hope to see it become more widely embraced in the future?

I truly hope that one day golf will grow, and Vietnam will establish a thriving golf industry, much like other countries. There will be many talented golfers who surpass my generation in both skill and competition.

During an interview at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) 2023 in Australia, I said: “My teammates and I give our all in competitions so that young players back home can see that they, too, have the opportunity to achieve strong results. I believe they will, as the training and competition conditions available to them in Vietnam today are far better than what I had when I started.”

Article published from the original piece in the print edition of Tatler Vietnam, October 2024 – Family & Legacy.

Nguyen Anh Minh: “Golf is a goal to conquer”