Vietnamese Teens Turn Attention to 2027 AAC

Auckland, New Zealand: It may be a year away, but the dates of the 2027 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) are already etched in the minds – and diaries – of Nguyen Tuan Anh and Ho Anh Huy.

Having made the cut on their AAC debuts at Te Arai Links, the teenage duo’s appetites have been whetted for next year’s 18th edition of the region’s premier amateur event which will, for the first time, be staged in Vietnam.

Already integral members of the Vietnam national squad, Tuan Anh and Anh Huy will be among the leading home contenders when the 2027 AAC takes place at Hoiana Shores Golf Club from October 28-31.

At Te Arai Links, Tuan Anh, who has committed to play for the University of Southern California, signed for a closing 77 and an 11-over total to finish in a share of 30th place.

Anh Huy, meanwhile, concluded his campaign with his best score of the week following a 72 and an 18-over total, leaving him in a tie for 44th position.

The 16-year-old Anh Huy, who is studying in England, believes the experience in New Zealand has given him a better perspective of the work that lies ahead before he tees-up on home soil at next year’s AAC.

He said: “It’s been a great experience. Great course, great facilities, great organisation. I’ve learned a lot over the last four days. It’s been a great week although it was playing in conditions that we’re not used to.

“I know now that I just have to keep showing up each day and I’ll get to where I can contend. This week has exposed weaknesses, so much wind, tricky conditions. It’s back to the drawing board and back to more practice.”

Tuan Anh, runner-up at last year’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Junior Championship, added: “I’m very disappointed this week. I played really bad on the last day. I started quite well, one-over through six. I felt I got the momentum with some birdies. I just have to practice and improve. I need to practice more.”

Conspicuous by his absence in New Zealand was Vietnamese number one Nguyen Anh Minh whose college commitments in America forced him to withdraw.