Nguyen Anh Minh competes internationally: 'I am often asked where I am from'

Unexpected beginning

On the homepage of the Asia- Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Anh Minh recounted his chance encounter with golf at the age of 7: “Actually, it was quite a surprise when my uncle took me to the golf course during the summer vacation. At that time, he was a single handicap. He taught me the basics and also bought me some pretty good irons.

I went to the course with him every day all summer. Sometimes the ball wouldn't fly, sometimes I just sat and watched. But for me, it was a great experience. Golf doesn't come overnight, I had to work very hard to practice."

Three years later, the 10-year-old boy entered the youth tournament in Hanoi for the first time. Although he did not win any prizes, that memory became a turning point. “When the round ended, I remember I was the only one who was not called. I asked myself, why can't I be with them? After that tournament, I told my father that I would focus more on golf."

Historical Marks on American Soil

At the end of July, Nguyen Anh Minh attracted the attention of the international golf community when he won the runner-up position at the 2025 US Junior Amateur, becoming the first Vietnamese golfer to reach the finals of the prestigious junior tournament organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA).

“Going into that week, I felt pretty good. I had just played an Asian Tour event in my home country and it brought a lot of confidence. I was happy with the way I hit my shots, how I stayed focused. More importantly, I was able to prove that just because we are a small country doesn’t mean we don’t have good golfers. That was a big boost for me to go out into the world .”

Anh Minh reached the quarter-finals of the same tournament a year ago. “I told myself I had to find my footing again. But I really didn’t expect to reach the final this year, after a rough opening day. It was a great week, and I’m proud of myself for making it through.”

Right after the US Junior Amateur 2025, Anh Minh continued to test his strength at the Western Amateur Championship 2025, a tournament with a tradition of more than 120 years. He overcame a fierce play-off series with 6 golfers tied on points to win a spot in the direct confrontation round, before stopping in the round of 16 against Garrett Endicott (USA).

“I often get asked where I’m from. Many people are surprised to learn that Vietnam plays golf. I was very proud to be the first Vietnamese golfer to compete in the Western Amateur. Despite the unfortunate end, it was still a great weekend. I was happy to represent my country.”

Anh Minh (top row, 4th from left) is in the top 16 best golfers of the Western Amateur Championship 2025.

Preparing for NCAA

In a few days, Nguyen Anh Minh will officially join the Oregon State University golf team, entering the NCAA Division I system - the highest level of American college sports. This is considered the place that produces top talent for the PGA Tour.

“Regarding my studies, I chose Business Administration. As a freshman, I will have to try to balance my studies and golf. There will definitely be many challenges at first, but I believe that once I get used to it and know how to organize my time, I will be fine in both studying and competing."

From a boy with no awards in Hanoi to the runner-up of the US Junior Amateur, Nguyen Anh Minh's journey is a living testament to his aspiration and determination. For Anh Minh, every time he steps onto the course, it is not only to conquer himself, but also to raise the flag of Vietnamese golf on the international map.