Welcome to the SNGA! The Vietnamese Golf Association of America, which was officially formed in 2021, is one of the newest additions to the Southern Nevada Golf Association. The VGA of America has found plenty of reasons to team up with Vegas and the SNGA including great golf course options, off-the-course activities, food choices and so much more.–by Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider
The VGA of America has about 1,000 members across the United States, including around 400 on the West Coast. For more information www.vgaofamerica.org
The group has made a couple of stops to tee it up in Las Vegas and held their 2024 National Tournament which was held in mid-November at Angel Park Golf Club. A total of 160 VGA of America members played in the tournament.
“We usually have three to four tournaments every year,” said Hai Nguyen, one of the board of directors who represents the West Coast. “Each region looks to host one tournament and then we have the national championship. Vegas offers lot of activities before and after the golf so it will always be one of our top choices.”
The group also chose to join the SNGA as a centralized hub.
“Having one central GHIN system is what we have been after,” Nguyen said. “Teaming up with the SNGA will be very important for us and we’re looking forward to the partnership. After talking with them, it was a no-brainer. They (the USGA and the SNGA) have a centralized system that offers us a level playing field.”
And, as Nguyen was quick to point out, having ties to Vegas is great for the group.
“Vegas is always there for us,” he said. “We get so much love and support from the locals. Whether it’s the casino hosts with rooms and activities or the golf courses, we always feel welcomed.”
And there are the little things that can sometimes fall by the wayside.
“Vegas offers easy flights from just about anywhere,” Nguyen said. “And there are a lot of dining options in Vegas with Vietnamese choices that aren’t always available elsewhere. Stuff like that makes our decision to love coming to Las Vegas so much easier.”
Ann Sunstrum, Executive Director of the SNGA, said the organization is more than happy to have the VGA of America join the family.
“It’s great to have them be part of the SNGA,” she said. “We are looking forward to seeing the growth of the VGA and love the fact they chose us to help them make sure things run as smoothly as possible when they play tournaments in Southern Nevada.”
