Golfers getting together
The International Couples Festival was a delight for those who love to play some golf, meet new friends and see the sights.
: Lisa shows off her skill on the 15th tee at the Crowbush Cove Golf Course in PEI.—Photo courtesy of Lisa Vlooswyk
The second annual International Couples Festival was held from July 8 to 12, 2010, in Prince Edward Island—and was an overwhelming success. The only event of its kind in North America, participants hailed from seven provinces and 14 U.S. states with couples ranging in age from their 30s to 60-plus.
I must say, I have been to a great deal of golf events, but this was something special. I too am a person that loves to play golf with my spouse and at times have felt we are a rare breed. Though there is a place for Saturday morning snips with the boys and Wednesday ladies day/night with the girls, there also needs to be a place to play as a couple, with other couples. And that place is PEI.
The event is based on a non-competitive format. Chief operating officer of Golf PEI warmed up the crowd on opening night, reiterating that the event was for fun and to have fun…it was a “festival.” The crowd giggled and chuckled and many couples commented on past experiences where they played in a stroke play format with their spouse and by the 18th hole were ready to sign the divorce papers.
Instead, the goal of this event was to play your own ball, shoot your own score, experience the courses for what they have to offer and simply play the game.
A warm reception
Nike was the title sponsor for the event. Participants were thrilled to receive a pair of his and hers Nike golf shoes in their welcome bag and I had the good fortune of being part of the event as a Nike athlete and Canadian Long Drive Champion. I came from land locked Alberta to the Maritimes to have fun with the guests and hit some big drives. Though the ball doesn’t travel as far at sea level the breathtaking scenery and world class courses made up for it.
The event was kicked off with a lively opening reception. It started with a cocktail party in which couples mixed and mingled and shared hot appetizers with a seafood flair and cold beverages to counter the 30-degree heat wave. Even the Floridians thought it was hot and teased that they left the sunshine state for cooler temperatures and hadn’t seen them yet.
A comedian kept guests entertained with his Anne of Green Gables wig and lost tourist look. Photos could be taken with “Anne” and matching hair pieces as well. I jumped into the photo with a couple from Alberta and we got right into the spirit.
Talented musicians and young singers delighted the crowd and showed off the diverse culture and talent on the island. I shared some fun and humorous golf stories with the guests, including a tale from my experience playing at Pebble Beach and having an issue with the starter, and being told to hit from the “ladies tees.”
Again, all the couples could commiserate, women especially, with that look you get from a twosome of gentleman when you are paired up on the first tee along with your husband and you can spot the eye rolling a mile way and that look that shouts, ”Man, just my luck, I got paired with a chick!”
Off to a great start
The next morning it was off to the 15th tee at the Links at Crowbush Cove. I preformed a demo off the stunning 15th tee. A beautiful downhill par 4 with ocean sprawling behind. It would easily rank it as one of the top links holes in Canada. I had a tailwind which was a dream for any long bomber.
After the demo we were off to play 18 holes in a shotgun start. One of the female guests started her round by taking her first swing in the event on the 8th hole and jarring it for her 8th…that’s correct, your read that right, her 8th hole in one!
As I travelled around the course people were laughing and enjoying the game and the company. New friendships were forged and everyone was in good spirits.
In the afternoons and evenings, couples were encouraged to explore the island and the culinary delights. Many people took in lobster suppers, oyster bars, famous restaurants, wonderful cafés and hidden gems spanning the island. Activities included trips to the beach, lighthouse tours, a Taylor Swift concert, shopping and hikes.
The participants played three rounds and on the final day capped off the event with a closing banquet and traditional island kitchen party. This was the perfect wrap-up to the event. Couples had the chance to reconnect with all the people they met that week and celebrate the spirit of golf and meeting new friends over wine, lobster, muscles, potatoes and good ol’ island hospitality.
The International Couples Festival is growing each year and promises not to disappoint. The package includes four nights of luxury accommodation, a welcome bag, opening reception, three rounds of golf, a closing banquet and complimentary shuttle service. The price for the event is $949 per person plus tax. If you are looking to book for next year, mark July 7 to 10, 2011, in your calendar and go to www.golfpei.ca/couples to register.
Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk is the reigning six-time Canadian long Drive Champion for Women, a Golf Entertainer and Motivational Speaker. She can be reached through her website.