WWII American veteran celebrates 100th birthday on Da Nang golf course

By Nguyen Dong   February 25, 2019 | 02:58 am PT
Steve Melnikoff, a veteran of World War II, came to Da Nang last week to play golf to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Invited by Vietnam’s tourism ambassador, Australian golf legend Greg Norman, the country was one of his destinations as he sought to try out the world's most beautiful golf courses for his 100th birthday.

100-year-old American veteran golfer plays at No. 16 hole on a golf course in Da Nang. Photo by Nguyen Quang.

100-year-old American WWII veteran Steve Melnikoff plays at a golf course in Da Nang last week. Photo by Nguyen Quang.

Melnikoff plans to travel to the 100 best golf courses in the world. He said last Thursday: "I had a great golfing experience. The course is beautiful and there are many exciting challenges."

Since starting to play the game after the war, he still plays three times a week as exercise and just to enjoy life. He was honored by President Donald Trump and other dignitaries at the American Commemoration Ceremony at the Suresnes American Cemetery in France last year.

Melnikoff's secret to longevity is eating lots of vegetables and less meat and always having a positive outlook on life. His advice to senior golf enthusiasts? Not to play for two days in a row so that the body can recover.

Greg Norman was appointed last October by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador for the next 3 years (2019-2021).

The Australian’s popularity and experience in many fields, including sports and business, are expected to help further develop golf tourism in Vietnam.

Greg Norman has designed a string of golf courses in the country.

 
 
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