Cobra Puma Golf Pro-Am and the remarkable 7-year journey of accompanying charity projects in Vietnam

Inaugurated in 2017, Cobra Puma Golf has embarked on a seven-year journey supporting various community projects in Vietnam, namely the “Understanding the Heart” Foundation, dedicated to assisting children afflicted with congenital heart disease, and the “Kianh Foundation”, a special school providing education and therapy for children with special needs. We now turn our attention to Mr. Greg McIntosh, General Manager of Dynamic Sports Vietnam and representative of Cobra Puma Golf Vietnam, who will discuss the brand’s annual Pro-Am charity golf tournament in Vietnam.

Can you share the idea of this charity tournament?

The charity Pro-Am started as a simple idea between Adam Calver, then GM of Laguna Golf Lang Co, and Cobra Puma Golf Vietnam. Inspired by Adam’s experience with the Cobra Puma Golf ProAm at Cabot Cliffs in Canada, we saw an opportunity to turn a golf event into something more meaningful. What began as a fun way to bring people together has evolved into a platform for making a real difference in the lives of those in need. Over the years, this tournament has grown beyond the sport itself, and we’re proud to see how it’s become a force for positive change in the local community.

When was the tournament organized? Has the tournament name changed over the years depending on the sponsor?

The tournament began in 2017 and has been held annually, with just one year missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While sponsors have changed over time, the mission has always remained focused on supporting charitable causes. For the past four years, Sports Turf Solutions and The Lighthouse Group Indochina have been key sponsors, with both names now featured in the tournament title. Their incredible support has made it possible to host an event of this scale, and we couldn’t do it without them.

What is special about this tournament when the Pro-Am method is associated with charity?

The Pro-Am format stands out because it allows amateur golfers to play alongside professionals, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere. What truly sets this tournament apart is the greater purpose behind it, every shot and every round contributes to raising money for meaningful causes. It’s not just about the competition, it’s about coming together to make a real difference for the community. Hearing the celebrations across the course, whether from birdies, eagles or even saved pars, adds to the fun and excitement and makes the event truly memorable.

Who is eligible to participate in the tournament? How can golfers participate?

We welcome golfers of all skill levels, both professionals and amateurs, who share our passion for the game and for giving back. While participation is primarily by invitation, we carefully choose players who align with our values and commitment to supporting charitable causes. It’s always a fantastic group of people who participate, and we truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to join us and be part of this special event.

How many countries participated in this year’s tournament? What makes the 2024 tournament special compared to previous seasons?

This year, we were fortunate to have 136 golfers from over 25 countries attend, reflecting the broad, global support for our cause, with some participants traveling from as far as the USA, Europe, and across the region. What made this year even more special was that the winning team came from right here in Vietnam, delivering an impressive net score of 116.8 for the 2 days of golf. What makes the 2024 tournament stand out is not just the increased international participation, but the opportunity to contribute to important causes. The funds raised this year will help support new projects for the Kianh Foundation and provide much-needed heart surgeries for underprivileged children through the Understanding the Hearts Foundation.

Are community activities the goal that Cobra Puma Golf is aiming for in the Vietnamese market?

Absolutely. Our goal extends far beyond just selling products, we strive to actively contribute to the local community. In Vietnam, we’ve built strong connections with local causes, and through events like this tournament, we’re able to support meaningful initiatives that make a lasting difference. It would be great to see more events of this nature, and we hope to set a positive example for others to follow, encouraging a greater focus on giving back through community-driven activities.

What are the typical charity activities that Puma Cobra Golf has organized?

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to support a variety of charity activities, from healthcare initiatives to educational programs. We’re particularly proud of our partnerships with the “Understanding the Heart Foundation”, which helps children in need of life-saving surgeries, and the Kianh Foundation, which provides education and therapy for children with special needs. Additionally, we support organizations like KOTO and Blue Dragon, both of which offer vital training and opportunities to at-risk youth in Vietnam. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to giving back, and we’re grateful to play a small part in these important causes.

How long has Cobra Puma Golf been accompanying the “Understanding the Heart” and the Kianh Foundation? And what is the total amount of charity money that the tournament has raised so far?

We’ve proudly partnered with the Understanding the Heart Foundation for the past three years and with the Kianh Foundation for the last two years. Prior to these partnerships, we contributed to the initiative launched by Laguna Lang Co to assist families in need throughout the Lang Co region. Altogether, through these efforts, the tournament has raised nearly 4 billion VND. We’re grateful for the impact made so far and are committed to continuing this important work in the years ahead.

What are your wishes and expectations for events in the following years?

Our biggest hope is to make an even greater impact on the lives of the children and families we support. We want to raise more funds and involve more people from around the world who share our commitment to giving back. It’s all about creating opportunities for those who need it most, whether it’s through life-saving surgeries, education, or essential support. Our focus remains on the children and the charities we support, ensuring that each year we’re able to extend a helping hand to even more lives in need.