ASIA: Central Vietnam Golf Courses engage with local community

DANANG, VIETNAM (August 22, 2024) – Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are strengthening community bonds in Central Vietnam via public-spirited initiatives.

The VGC, a destination marketing collaboration between three of the area’s signature golf clubs—Laguna Golf Lang Co, Montgomerie Links, and Ba Na Hills Golf Club—has made community engagement a cornerstone of its mission.

The clubs are attracting golf enthusiasts from around the globe to a destination that has emerged as one of Asia’s most enticing hubs for play. At the same time, they are dedicating resources and efforts towards the betterment of the communities in which they operate.

This commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is embodied through various projects that contribute significantly to the welfare of local communities.

A standout initiative under this banner is Green Hope 2024, a life-saving project that addresses one of the most pressing issues in Vietnam today—child drowning. Drowning ranks among the top ten causes of death for children aged 5-14 in Vietnam, particularly in rural areas where access to swimming education is limited.

Green Hope 2024, supported by VGC linchpin Montgomerie Links, offers free swimming lessons and anti-drowning skills to children in Quang Nam province.

“Our role extends beyond providing world-class golf experiences. By equipping children with essential life skills, we are investing in the future of our community,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links.

Green Hope 2024, supported by Montgomerie Links, offers free swimming lessons to children in Quang Nam province

Efforts to foster community ties are also in strong evidence at Laguna Golf Lang Co, a club renowned for its sustainability and CSR programs. Its “edible golf course” initiative — where resident water buffalo tend the rice fields on the course — has captured the imagination of a global audience. The paddies yield up to 20 tons of rice used to support the organic farm at Laguna Lang Co and donated to families and seniors in the area.

Other important initiatives include free golf lessons in local schools. This initiative promotes the sport among young people and teaches important values such as discipline, teamwork, and respect for others. These lessons, taught by professional instructors from the clubs, are offered free of charge and are part of a broader effort to make golf more accessible to the youth of Central Vietnam.

“As we introduce golf to local students, we’re not just teaching them a sport—we’re providing them with skills and values that will benefit them in all aspects of life,” said Stephen Banks, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co

Vietnam Golf Coast clubs regularly organise fundraising golf events. These events serve as vital platforms for raising funds for local charities and community projects. Funds are channelled towards various causes, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, reinforcing the clubs’ commitment to being a force for good in the community.

The Vietnam Golf Coast clubs also contribute to the local economy through employment. The clubs employ a significant number of local staff — as caddies, greenkeepers, admin, and hospitality roles — offering stable jobs with competitive wages and opportunities for professional development.

“Our clubs are deeply intertwined with the local community, and we see our employees as an integral part of our success,” said Gary Dixon, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “By offering meaningful employment, we are helping to sustain local families and contributing to the broader economic health of the region.”