Australian golf legend Gregory John Norman, known as "the great white shark", was reappointed as Vietnam's tourism ambassador for the 2025-2030 term on 18/7 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This reappointment recognizes Norman's contributions during his first term (2018-2021) and is a strategic move to elevate Vietnam's image as a premium golf destination.

Born in 1955 in Queensland, Australia, Norman displayed an early passion for sports. Before turning professional in golf, he played rugby and cricket. At 21, he embarked on his professional golf career, quickly gaining international recognition for his aggressive playing style, reminiscent of a great white shark – the inspiration for his famous nickname.

69-year-old golf millionaire Greg Norman. Photo: Christian Berg

69-year-old golf millionaire Greg Norman. Photo: Christian Berg

Norman joined the PGA Tour in 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he dominated the world golf scene, holding the number 1 spot in the professional golf rankings for 331 weeks, a feat matched by few, including Tiger Woods, according to Golf Channel. He has won over 90 championships worldwide, including two prestigious Open Championships.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Norman is a shrewd businessman. After retiring from competitive golf, he developed his own brand, encompassing golf course design, real estate, wine, and sportswear. According to Wealthiest, his net worth is estimated at 350 million USD.

Norman has designed over 100 golf courses globally, from the US and Dubai to Vietnam. He first visited Vietnam in 2006, recognizing the country's potential for golf tourism. The KN Golf Links Cam Ranh, designed by Norman, consistently ranks among Asia's finest courses. He also designed two other courses at popular Vietnamese destinations: BRG Da Nang Golf Resort in Da Nang and The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip in Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

A golf course in Da Nang designed by Norman. Photo: Greg Norman Golf Course Design

A golf course in Da Nang designed by Norman. Photo: Greg Norman Golf Course Design

In 2018, with Vietnam's golf tourism still in its early stages, Norman became Vietnam's tourism ambassador. Speaking to CNN Travel at the time, he said, "Vietnam has the potential to become a new golf paradise in Asia, the key is to preserve its natural beauty and combine it with world-class service." During his three-year tenure, Vietnam was repeatedly honored by the World Golf Awards as "Asia's Best Golf Destination" and twice as "World's Best Golf Destination" (in 2019 and 2021).

Beyond design, Norman brought international tournaments to Vietnam, notably the International Series Vietnam, part of the Asian Tour, held at KN Golf Links Cam Ranh. This marked the first time a regional tournament was hosted at a course he designed, placing Vietnam on the world professional golf map.

Norman is also known for his bold, sometimes controversial, decisions. In 1994, he attempted to establish the World Golf Tour, aiming to revolutionize professional golf organization, but it faced strong opposition from the PGA Tour. In 2022, he became CEO of LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed tournament that sparked debate in the international golf community.

Norman currently resides in the US with his wife and two children. Besides golf, he is passionate about sports cars and is often seen with his Aston Martin.

At 69, Norman continues his partnership with Vietnam as tourism ambassador for 2025-2030. In this new term, he will promote Vietnamese golf tourism on his social media platforms with over 175,000 followers, raising international awareness. He will facilitate international golf tournaments in Vietnam, aiming to bring a major tournament to the country during his ambassadorship. He will also focus on developing international-standard golf courses, establishing a golf academy, promoting women's golf, and integrating golf with cultural heritage through the Heritage Golf Festival in Hue, Quang Tri, and Da Nang.

At the appointment ceremony, Norman expressed his pride in continuing his association with Vietnam. He pledged to do his utmost to showcase Vietnam not just as a golf destination but as a country of heritage, nature, culture, and friendly people.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Norman's reappointment leverages his prestige, international relations, and understanding of Vietnam to promote the country's image and build "golf diplomacy" – a bridge between Vietnam and the global business, sports, and tourism community.

Bich Phuong