Four-Time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els has been to Vietnam to survey his latest project: The Els Performance Golf Academy – Vietnam (EPGA – Vietnam). Els was given a warm welcome to the township master plan that is located on the borders of Hanoi and Hung Yen Province.
“Selecting any partner for Ecopark is a decision we make from both the head and the heart,” shared VIHAJICO’s CEO, Mr Dao Ngoc Thanh. “Ecopark is a legacy development, designed for the generations of today, tomorrow and thereafter and we take great care with each decision and every detail. Ernie’s attributes as a master-golfer, designer and a family man strike the perfect balance for Ecopark.”
Ernie took time out to inspect progress at the site and also hit the inaugural tee shot at the academy in view of dignitaries and presented Mr Dao Ngoc Thanh with the traditional gift of the driver that was used to hit the first ever shot.
“Vietnam is one of golf’s most vibrant markets right now and we are proud to have forged a partnership with Ecopark,” commented Ernie Els. “We take great pride in our business partnerships and this is no exception. I can see Ecopark quickly establishing itself as a major force in Vietnam’s golf landscape.”
Ecopark comprises a broad residential component, strategic commercial districts and a distinct educational hub from primary level all the way to international higher-education standard. The EPGA – Vietnam will become the foremost golf academy in the region, dedicated not only to enhancing golf performance, but creating an environment framed by world-class service and hospitality.
The range of amenities on offer at the Els Performance Golf Academy includes an extensive grassed practice tee & fairway, nine-hole par three-academy course, performance gymnasium, bio-mechanical swing studios with video analysis, putting lab, dedicated short game practice area, our EPGAs feature synthetic practice tee areas, dedicated short game practice holes, a large contoured putting green and a strategically designed par-3 academy course, physiotherapy treatment room. 30 bay shaded practice tee with premium quality Titleist practice balls, academy terrace café, and business lounge and conference room. On site is a dedicated team of PGA qualified professionals to help golfers develop their skill set and take their game to the next level.
“Ecopark stands for investment in the future, and we want to mirror that with our own activities,” commented Els. “If we can get golf into schools and encourage youngsters to take up the game, there are hundreds of social benefits. Golf teaches discipline, sportsmanship, integrity, camaraderie to name but a few and we want the next generation to have these in abundance. We want people here, we want them enjoying what Chairman Ha has envisaged.”
One of the golf industries most respected golf tuition experts, Wayne Johnson will head up the team at EPGA – Vietnam alongside Troon Golf, the world’s leading management company, whose direction across agronomy practices, operations, service and hospitality standards will enhance the guest experience.
“The plan is to give golfers everything they need under one roof, with the added pleasure of the finest quality,” commented Wayne Johnson, Director of Instruction. “Vietnam has an opportunity to stimulate the interest in golf and the EPGA – Vietnam will certainly play its part. We are fortunate to have an ownership group that recognize the opportunity and has the wear-with-all to create a product that will amplify interest in the game.”
The EPGA – Vietnam is scheduled for opening in the second quarter of 2016.
EPGA – Vietnam www.epga.com.vn
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