Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Le Khanh Hung recorded Vietnam’s best finish at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) as he fought to a one-under 71 in the final round to share fifth place.
The 17-year-old, who was making his second appearance in the region’s premier amateur championship, improved on compatriot Nguyen Anh Minh’s joint seventh finish in the 2023 edition at Royal Melbourne following a battling performance all week at the stunning Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course.
The 36-hole leader started the final round seven off the lead, and fell further behind with a double-bogey on his opening hole. But Khanh Hung bounced back with five birdies against two more bogeys for an 11-under 277 total.
“It was a rough start but it’s good I made some birdies on the way in to post an under-par round. It’s always good to do that,” said Khanh Hung.
“I don’t think I had the intention to win when I came into the week. I just kept my mind open and embraced any challenges and enjoyed the journey. It’s good the week turned out great. I played good golf and it’s a lot to build on. Again, just be appreciative of how the week went.”
Throughout the four days, the smooth-swinging Khanh Hung, who had his family in Dubai and father Van Lan caddying for him, soaked in the experience, staying level-headed as he attempted to become the first Vietnamese to win the AAC since it was inaugurated in 2009.
“Stick to my strategy … I don’t make a golf shot mean more than what it should be. Just go out there and have a lot of fun. This is my last day here with my family and then I’m back to the States. Just really enjoyed every second out there,” said Khanh Hung, a high school student in Florida and a University of Illinois commit in 2026.
“It’s such a big tournament, there’s so much going on and obviously there’s pressure and expectations with all the TV and people watching. Maybe it’ll help me be more mentally ready next time.”
Compatriot Nguyen Duc Son closed out his week with a 74 to finish on tied 42nd with a total of seven-over 295.
