Quang Nam, Vietnam: The staging of this week’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in Vietnam can act as a catalyst for further growth in the country’s booming golf market.

That’s the view of golfing officials, excited at the prospect of Vietnam’s continued rise as a golfing force.

In their welcome messages in the programme for the seventh edition of the region’s premier women’s amateur event, senior figures from The R&A, the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) and the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) hailed the country’s emergence on the global golfing stage.

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A, said: “We are delighted to be visiting Vietnam for the first time. Golf is experiencing a real surge in Vietnam with increased local participation, the development of new golf courses and burgeoning international tourism.

“It is fitting that we bring the region’s pre-eminent women’s amateur championship to the country which is so wonderfully embracing our sport.

“This championship brings together the best players in the region and creates a launch-pad for the champion who will go on to compete in three Major championships this year.

“But it also celebrates countries where golf is emerging, where women and girls have greater opportunity than ever before to participate in a sport which inspires, connects and offers significant health and well-being benefits.”

Darbon’s sentiments were echoed by Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC, who alongside The R&A are founding partners of the WAAP.

Amin said: “Vietnam is one of the fastest growing golfing markets in the world and the staging of the WAAP here will certainly help to accelerate the game’s growth in the country.”

Bach Cuong Khang, Vice General Secretary of the VGA, said: “Vietnam is proud and honoured to be chosen as the host country for this prestigious sporting event.

“Vietnam is always ready to welcome major events like this, further solidifying its position in the international golf community.”