The concept was simple...
None of us are getting any younger and there are so many iconic golfing destinations to experience...
Most of us have family commitments and just don't want to be away too long- but a weeks golf at one of the pure golfing destinations around the world, with a small group of like minded individuals- lock it in!
In 2014 we headed off to Spring City and Stoneforest, went deep into non westernised China, and played some amazing courses. We came back with a logo, a war cry and Kiwi champion named Kerry Williams. We also voted for the 2015 venue to be East Lothian in Scotland.
A key objective of these trips is to mimimise travel during the trip and at East Lothian we stayed in the heart of Nth Berwick and only had travel 10 minutes or so to play any of the courses. Ian Greenwood was our driver and he did a grand job.
The courses were wonderful- pure links courses- we started with the short and sporty Kilspindie with views of the Firth from every hole. Over the next few days we played Gullane no 1 & no 2, Luffness New, The Renaissance Club & Nth Berwick. The weather was extremely kind, and the courses were in great condition. This really was golf as it was meant to be played!
During the year I corresponded with an English pal, Nigel who was keen to join us. Nigel put together a team to play against The Players Club for 3 days and a Ryder Cup type competition evolved. This was a serious golfing challenge with four ball match play ( with variations ) the format. Each day we went head to head and some great golf was played and friendships made. The final result was a narrow win to The Players Club.
Nigel had done his homework and the restaurants and pubs recommended were given a unanimous thumbs up!
On the final night we had a private room and each team entertained the other in song, prose, and jokes.
The night was a highlight of the trip!
After the Englishmen had gone home, and the final days individual event had been played at Nth Berwick, our driver Ian Greenwood was crowned a very deserved 2015 winner of The Players Club Event.
Much interest centred on the proposed venue for 2016 with possible options discussed including:
The Lancashire Coast
Wales
Far North Scotland
Holland
Prairie Golf, USA
Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Japan
The English team enjoyed the event and have expressed interest in a rematch in 2016 which may influence the 2016 selection. I will undertake some intitial work on availability, dates and costings for the various venues and report back in due course
Peter Wood
The Travelling Golfer