21/05/2026

The Director of Education at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy — who has played a key role in building one of the largest junior golf training programs in Vietnam and becoming the first U.S. Kids Golf Master Coach in Asia — is Eugene Marais.

With more than 10 years of experience coaching golfers at all levels, from amateurs to professionals, Eugene has contributed to developing generations of talented young Vietnamese golfers.

Eugene Marais – Director of Education, Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy

* Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I’m Eugene Marais, a PGA Professional from South Africa. I am currently a certified U.S. Kids Golf Master Coach and one of the few TPI-certified coaches in Vietnam.

I have been living and working in Hanoi for the past six years, focusing on developing the game of golf, especially nurturing young golfers and expanding the sport in Northern Vietnam.

Recently, I began an exciting new journey with BRG Group to develop world-class academies under the Nicklaus brand across Vietnam. As Academy Director, my responsibility is to ensure that all facilities deliver top-tier instruction and the highest standards of coaching.

* Has your 10-year journey in golf been challenging?

My journey has been somewhat different from most. I’ve always been eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities to broaden my experience in the industry.

Over the past decade, I’ve focused on gaining as much knowledge as possible to become the best professional I can be. At the age of 23, I became Head Professional at one of the largest golf clubs in Egypt, where I had the opportunity to coach national teams and competitive players.

I later moved on to become a performance coach at one of Southeast Asia’s leading academies, EPGA. As my reputation grew, I led the largest U.S. Kids Golf program in Asia, working with more than 200 junior golfers.

Each role came with its own challenges. I believe most international coaches would agree that working abroad for the first time is the toughest. Adapting to a new country, language, food, and culture takes time — but it is all part of growth and learning.

* What brought you to the role of Director of Education at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy?

EPGA played a significant role in my development and in growing the game of golf. However, I felt it was important to bring both juniors and adults onto real golf courses — where they can truly experience and play the game, not just practice on the range.

With the support of BRG Group, I’ve been given the opportunity to develop Nicklaus-branded academies nationwide, utilizing nine golf courses within their portfolio.

This excites me because early exposure to real-course play is essential for learning how to truly play golf. The combination of world-class teaching facilities, advanced technology, and championship-level golf courses at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy creates a complete training environment.

* Does junior golf in Vietnam have strong potential?

I’ve had the privilege of working with talented young players such as Anh Minh, Doan Uy, Gia Han, and many others. Over the past six years, I’ve watched them grow not only as golfers but also as individuals.

Junior golf in Vietnam continues to grow year by year. The recent success of the national team and players like Anh Minh reflects strong coaching foundations, resilience, and national support.

I believe Vietnam will soon be able to compete with countries like South Korea, Thailand, and Japan.

* What are the academy’s future plans for junior golf?

My vision for the future of junior golf in Vietnam is centered on building a sustainable talent pipeline and strengthening Vietnam’s recognition as a leading golf destination in Asia.

I would love to see more young Vietnamese golfers competing internationally, showcasing their skills and gaining recognition at major tournaments such as the PGA or LIV Golf.

For the academy, our goal is to develop well-rounded junior golfers — not only focusing on technical skills but also nurturing a passion for the game and ensuring they enjoy the learning process.

In the future, we aim to expand our programs to reach more children across the country, offering high-quality coaching, competitive opportunities, and access to top-tier facilities.

We also strive to create an environment where young players can build lifelong memories, develop both mental and physical strength, and connect with peers. By providing opportunities to play, compete, and grow together, we can foster a strong sense of community and passion for the sport.

Ultimately, we hope to elevate junior golf in Vietnam to stand alongside leading nations like South Korea, Japan, and Thailand — and establish Vietnam as a powerhouse in Asian golf, producing players ready to make their mark on the international stage.