Nguyễn Nhất Long practises at the Vinpearl Golf Hải Phòng. The golfer will defend his national championship from August 14-18. — Photos of Hồ Như Ý

HẢI PHÒNG — The 2024 Việt Nam National Golf Championship promises to deliver thrilling competition despite the absence of the country's top players.

The No. 1 golfer Nguyễn Anh Minh and reigning SEA Games champion Lê Khánh Hưng are currently competing in the US and will not participate in the national tournament, which begins on August 14 at the Vinpearl Golf Hải Phòng.

"After discussions with them, we encouraged them to stick to their initial plans in the US, where they can gain valuable experience and further develop their skills," said Việt Nam Golf Association General Secretary Vũ Nguyên at a press briefing on August 13.

"Their absence does not make our championship any less attractive or competitive. We have Nguyễn Nhất Long defending his title, along with other young and promising players such as Đoàn Uy, Nguyễn Đức Sơn, and Nguyễn Tuấn Anh. Additionally, experienced competitors like Nguyễn Hữu Quyết, Trương Chí Quân, and Doãn Văn Định will contribute to a high-quality tournament.

"On the women's side, reigning champion Lê Chúc An will face professional and rising stars, as well as other potential golfers. They are young and talented, promising a bright future for Việt Nam's golf," he added.

Players seen in the practising day on August 13.

The tournament, known as the VinFast Cup, is the largest event for local players. This year, 150 athletes will compete in the men's and women's classes from August 14-18.

Among the participants, Đoàn Uy is the National Amateur Championship winner, Đức Sơn holds the 2023 Tiền Phong Golf Championship title, and Hồ Anh Huy is the 2024 Lion City Cup champion at the Southeast Asian Amateur Team Championship.

In the women's category, senior professional golfer Ngô Bảo Nghi, along with Nguyễn Thảo My and Nguyễn Thị Vân Anh, will compete against the 2022 champion Đoàn Xuân Khuê Minh and the talented Nguyễn Viết Gia Hân.

Athletes will face a cut after 36 holes, with the best 50 male and 12 female players continuing to vie for the titles. The winners will be determined by the best gross scores.

Organisers hold a press conference on August 13 in Hải Phòng. — VNS Photo Thanh Hà

"I am excited to be in Hải Phòng to take part in the national championship. From what I’ve heard, the golf course has been set up to be more challenging, which will be a test for us," said reigning champion An.

"As a result, I am pushing myself to play better than last year. I don't necessarily expect to defend the title, but I will try my best."

Champion Long mentioned that he has spent a lot of time practising in Hải Phòng prior to the tournament. He also hopes to surpass his previous performance and retain the title if possible.

A total of VNĐ1.2 billion (US$47,400) will be awarded to the top-ranking players, along with a hole-in-one prize of a VinFast VF9 for one lucky golfer. — VNS