Unique team format adds energy to Vietnam Legends Championship golf tournament

The Scramble format, introduced by the tournament organizers for the first time in Vietnam, required teams of four amateur golfers to play one 18-hole round together. 

All players tee off on each hole, then the team selects the best shot and all members play their next strokes from that spot. 

This process continues until the ball is holed.

To ensure equal contribution, each player's drive must be selected at least three times during the round. 

The team with the lowest gross score over 18 holes wins.

The first qualifier took place on Thursday at the Dalat Palace Golf Club in Lam Dong Province.

For many participants, it was their first time competing in a format that emphasizes strategy and teamwork over individual performance.

"At first, I wasn't sure what to expect," said amateur golfer Nguyen Van Bao. 

"But playing with my team and discussing each shot brought a new kind of enjoyment. 

"Winning was great, but being part of this format and meeting the legends was something special."

One of the standout features of the event was the participation of veteran golfers from the international Legends Tour.

Stationed at six holes (1, 4, 8, 12, 15, and 18), these professionals joined groups as temporary teammates. 

Their shots could be counted as part of the team's play, offering a rare chance for local amateurs to interact with and learn from players with decades of experience at the highest level.

"This format really promotes teamwork," said Nguyen Gia Bao, chair of The Golf House Vietnam and a co-organizer of the tournament. 

"It reflects a cultural strength of Vietnamese people — supporting one another — and gives golfers a chance to connect, share experiences, and enjoy the game together."

The winning team at the Dalat event included Tran Thien An, Nguyen Van Phuc, Nguyen Van Bao, and Dinh Van Thanh.

More rounds are scheduled as part of the Race to Legends, leading up to the main Vietnam Legends Championship tournament later this year.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

From August 29 to September 27, 144 athletes arrive in Vietnam to engage in networking, sightseeing, golf practice, and community events at local universities.

On September 16, the official signing ceremony between the organizing committee, sponsors, and media partners was held at the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports.

From September 18 to 20, Race to Legends 1 and 2 takes place at Dalat Golf Club in Lam Dong Province and KN Golf Links in Khanh Hoa Province.

The following legs, Race to Legends 3 and 4, will be held from October 23 to 25 at Long Thanh Golf Club in Dong Nai Province and Royal Long An in Tay Ninh Province.

From November 13 to 15, the Vietnam–Dubai Economic Forum and trade exhibition will be held in Dubai, aiming to promote commercial cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE.

Finally, the culminating event of the tour—the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025 at Tan Son Nhat Golf Course in Ho Chi Minh City from November 25 to 30—will determine final rankings.