The 2012 Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day, Montgomerie Links. Click to enlarge.

National President, Phil Johns, speaks about the upcoming 2012 Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day at Montgomerie Links, Danang.

It’s Valentine’s Day today – and I love the Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day which will be held at Montgomerie Links, Danang/Hoi An (China Beach), next month on 17 March 2012.

I love Swing to Swim because last year, we:

  • Raised $25,000 to support swimming initiatives in this country where more children die from drowning than road accidents
  • Played 18 holes of golf on the highly decorated Montgomerie Links which was voted 2011’s Best Leisure Development in Vietnam and 2010’s Best Golf Course in Vietnam (click here for further awards). Among the highlights at Montgomerie Links, are the:
  • Par-four 6th where a French gun placement pillbox sits to the right of the tee
  • 527-yard, par-five 12th that requires navigating 18 bunkers before reaching the elevated sloping green.
  • 15th is a risk-reward hole as the dogleg left hugs the water and will require a confident 290 yard blast from the back tee to reach the fairway.
  • 18th, the longest par-five, is another, tempting big hitters to go for the slightly uphill green in two, provided they can avoid the fairway bunkers.
  • Thoroughly enjoyed the evening dinner, drinks and music overlooking the golf course while the sun was setting
  • Were amazed when Mr Tu paid $1,200 for a West Coast Eagles jumper at the auction because he had recently visited Melbourne and was incredulous at the city’s level of passion for Aussie Rules
  • Were impressed that Montgomerie Links, Swim Vietnam, the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, Swim Safe Danang and the Swannies could form such a creative and positive partnership
  • Had a wonderful long weekend staying at one of the beautiful resorts in Hoi An / Danang with the family. China Beach is such a perfect escape from Hanoi and HCMC.
  • Made some incredible new friends

Last year, the Swim Vietnam trainees also tried their hand at golf.

As for 2012 Swing to Swim, I’m lovin’ it:

  • Last week, Swannies’ sponsor, the Commonwealth Bank, kicked off proceedings by booking the first 8 rounds for their key clients and staff.
  • Another Swannies’ sponsor, the Boomarang Bistro Saigon also confirmed they will participate (and Adam is looking for some more friends to play on the Friday)
  • Chris Doullis, about to be named as a 2012 Sponsor of the Swannies (watch this space…), will play with several friends – and has just pledged a box framed photograph with mounted golf ball autographed by a bloke named Tiger Woods. (This auction item is currently in Sydney and we are now seeking couriers – please!)
  • All members of Montgomerie Links Vietnam and the Swannies are entitled to a ten per cent discount for the round of golf.

Are you now loving Swing to Swim? Here’s how you can help:

  • Read the attached promo poster for all details on the actual day and evening, as well as the Press Release – and spread the word.
  • Sign up on the attached registration form (Golf VND2million ($100). Lunch VND600,000 ($30). Dinner VND800,000 ($40))
  • Be a cash sponsor
  • Be an in kind sponsor with items for auction and/or raffle (full sponsorship details can be forwarded separately)

I’m loving making a difference because I am going to play in the Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day:

“Two children in my school drowned when the road flooded and they were swept away two years ago. With this new teacher training we can teach them how to save themselves in these types of situation. This is a very good idea as most Vietnamese children do not know how to swim.” Hồ Hữu Tùng, New Swim Teacher from the Swim Vietnam Program, Nam Phuoc School.

This Year’s Goal:

  • 150 golfers
  • $25,000 donated to Swim Vietnam and Swim Safe

And finally…

Honk if you love saving lives at the 2012 Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day! Honk, Honk!

Related items: