Florida Swing 2010

Capt Dapper, just before my birdie stopped the rot at the PGA

el Campeons at Mission Inn

When I arrived in Florida to play the two events, i was fresh from my successin the bP 3 and felt ready to rumble as they say. My targets were simple on the Edwin Watts Tour Major at Mission Inn I was looking for the victory that would ensure my place in the E Tour finals at Hilton Head and down at Port St.Lucie it was simple as defending champion I was looking to retain this prestigious Florida open Title especially whilst it was at the PGA Headquarters. So as I return home to uk it has to be said my trip was only mildly succesful from a golfing perspective, however i have to say from the Social aspect it was quite a memorable two weeks.

Glorious Mission Inn

At Mission Inn, a fine purpose built golf resort twenty miles North of Orlando , I finished runner up by 3 shots to Flight Leader and Hilton Head Bound playing buddy James Rearden. I was quite happy with my performance in coming back from 7 down to twice get within 2 shots of the leader but in oppresive heat it was a bridge too far but I withheld promosing youngster Broderic Johnsons charge to clinch my place at the National Finals. My tour results a second in the opener and second and third in the majors. Hilton Head here we come.

View from my room at Mission

Mission Inn has two exceptional Courses and a fine clubhouse. facilities in Spanish Style are very conjusive to a good golfing break. Its very popular with golfers in Florida, I remember John mein host at the Horse and Chaisse in Venice saying it was his favourite golf break in Florida and who am I too argue. The course I played Los Colinas ( the Hilly course ) was great and the El Campeon ( The champions ) was apparently better and sure looked it too.

Tom,Carter the Caddy, steve and Brew all hot and bothered at the pga

Magnificent 18th at The Wanamaker at PGA Village

So off to PGA Village to play in The Florida Open for Golfers with Disabilities and defend my trophy. It was a great opportunity to meet up again with golfers from last year, my good mate Charles Brugh and Tom Walters and remarkably we were paired up again joined by Steve a local one armed golfer. This competition is far more than golf it is great fun, laughter guarenteed from first shot to the last, great comaraderie with people who despite their handicaps have an unbridalled passion for golf. I was determined to give a good account of myself in my defence and for 8 holes I did, Seven pars, one bogey but then the wheels came off as the noon time sun hit over 110, a birdie and a clutch of pairs later on ensured i finished on net 74 so a reasonable defense. At first I was disappointed but as the weekend developed again the ethos of the event far outstripped the competitive nature. I made many great new friends, renewed established acquantancies and I have to again repeat anyone playing this event will inevitably get spiritually fulfilled and a far greater perspective of life, the competive nature of golf that disadvantaged golfers can still participate in with humour and dignity and candour, despite their limitations. The fact it was held here at Golf headquarters enhanced the whole event and I shall return to renew friendships which I BELIEVE WILL BE LIFELONG THANKS TO THIS EVENT. A visit to the PGA Heritage Centre, with The Ryder Cup on display and a full documented history of Amrican Golf this put the cream on top of the cake for a wonderful golf weekend. The PGA Village with its 3 outstanding Courses, exceptional Range Facilities and Training Centre and a Golf Anoraks MUseum to boot... WOW What a weekend.

TSG with the Ryder Cup, come on europe..