Usually, local jurisdictions brag about the number of golf courses they offer visitors and vacationers. Not so, however, when one has been criticized at a session of the national legislature.

Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc told the Assembly on June 12 that Hanoi and Binh Thuan province have taken the lead for golf courses, with 19 projects each.

Speaking to the media on June 16, Hanoi Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen The Thao said it is inaccurate to say that Hanoi has 19 golf courses because the city has only four golf courses, namely Dong Mo Soc Son, Van Tri and Dong Quan.

Thao said the capital city has licenced only four golf courses. Three have opened and one is under construction. Other projects are on paper and not approved yet.

“The city (Hanoi) is very serious about this matter,” the mayor affirmed. “Many (golf) projects have been submitted but we asked promotors to stop immediately,” he emphasized.

Previously, Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc told the Assembly on June 12 that Hanoi and Binh Thuan province have taken the lead for golf courses, with 19 projects each. However, only nine projects in Hanoi meet established standards, he said. Phuc asked National Assembly deputies to keep an eye on implementation of these projects by local authorities.

The Hanoi City Chairman said Hanoi would learn from this experience to provide information to the media transparently and correctly. Thao admitted that the city authorities erred when they didn’t organize a press briefing promptly to provide accurate information about golf course projects in the city.

LN