EXERCISE ORLANDO CHALLENGE 2010




		EXERCISE ORLANDO CHALLENGE 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS GOLF SOCIETY GOLF TOUR FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 2010 BY MAJOR AP JASINSKI The battalion Golf Society has over the past few years gone from strength to strength, seeing a number of new members flourish and a number of veterans move off. We transcend back to July of 2009 (Pre HERRICK 11) when having thought we’d push the boat out by completing the Spanish Open by way of Malaga, twelve of mixed ability played a weeks golf in superb conditions and ultimately a very successful tour was had by all. Whilst deliberating on its merits in trying to better this particular tour and from the back seat of our mini bus someone suggested that next years tour should take place in Florida. The general consensus was ‘what a good idea’ so the tour was conceived in the blink of an eye and all that stood in our way was HERRICK 11 and six months in Afghanistan. Clearly there was a year’s water under the bridge to pass us by and without too much practice EX Orlando Challenge was now only a flight away.
		There was a huge turn up for the 'loud shorts of the day' competition.
		Without too much fuss WO2 (TQMS) Jones was able to secure a full itinerary through a commercial company and further backed by an instruction with sufficient funding by the Golfing Officer we were on our way. On this occasion a cross section of 16 golfers – 2 Officers, 3 Warrant Officers, 3 SNCO’s, 4 JNCO’s and 4 Gdsm orbated the society and having laid down general tour rules, competition, dress, etiquette etc the Handicap Secretary (Capt Sheard) issued what can only be described as ‘massaged handicaps’ to all. It goes without saying that at least a couple of individuals who now go by the names off ‘Mexican Pete’ and ‘El Bandit’ should have paraded at Gatwick Airport donning Sombrero’s (but we wont dwell on it) and Virgin Air was on schedule to provide In-flight hospitality. This was all inclusive and on arrival at Orlando International and struck by an un-expected 95 degrees and heavy humidity we were transferred to the Quality Inn Plaza on International Drive. As keen as ever that night was spent on pre-match admin, check on the ‘tackle’ and head down before a busy tournament. (Honestly). As planned our transport arrived promptly for our first outing to Metro West with a first ‘T’ time of 1130hrs. Now on arrival it became clear to all that our American brothers conduct things in a slightly different manner as you are met by a host who dutifully removes and carries your clubs to your buggy with complementary cool boxes with ice and water, touch screen GPS systems with Hole Fly Over capability. These Buggies were in better condition than some peoples own private transport and again set the tone for the week and it only got better. " ...... we were able to claw back some face including that of the odd ‘angry pirate’ and nothing that a little touch of ‘SF’ couldn’t sort out - we never heard from them again!! " It was decided to play a ľ handicap with the Stableford points system and we would settle for a daily winner. Day 1 and 2 at Metro West and Celebration flew by with LSgt Johstone on 38 and 31 points respectively lead the way through the field. Day 3 (Grande Pines) albeit the same, we were drawn against our first Society meeting of a Tri-Service contingent (Army, Navy and US Marines) we battled through the re-named Cyder Cup. What a surprise, they were by majority all ‘Scratch Golfers’ and we were out of sight ‘Spanked’ by the ‘Yanks’ on the day. Now to say that we were outgunned would be an understatement so in order to re-gain we agreed to meet up with our hosts that night for a little ‘Southern Hospitality’. Now not being shy at any social event and having taken enough incoming ‘flack’ from our American counterparts we were able to claw back some face including that of the odd ‘angry pirate’ and nothing that a little touch of ‘SF’ couldn’t sort out - we never heard from them again!! Our penultimate meeting, day four was booked at Osprey Ridge part of the Disney Resort and again this was a superb venue that produced a winning total of 32 points on the day by CSgt Walton. The general climate conditions throughout was that of heavy humidity and it began to tell toward our final day where again we were drawn against a strong American Squad appropriately sporting native dress of Stars and Stripes that I have to say was complemented by our own colourful attire. Beyond our knowledge a local radio station sent a CC1 out to recruit any local Academy players who fancied their chances. It was inevitable that once again we came second with Gdsm Teasdale leading the way with 38 points. On returning to our accommodation in defeat and for morale reasons only I ordered the team to ‘Happy Hour’ where a final meeting would be conducted to announce the overall scores and positions. In a disappointing 3rd place with 112 points was the Trg Offr Capt Sheard, followed by joint 2nd with 118 points each was CSgt (Integrity) Walton and LSgt Johnstone with the overall winners prize with a respectable 119 points going to WO2 Douglas who considering that he had’nt played for four years is slightly suspicious. As the tour concluded we were escorted back to Orlando International where it was announced without any prompting that we were all to be up-graded to Business Class – you couldn’t write it!! It has to said that it exceeded all our expectations and the hospitality was exceptional and our sincere thanks is extended to all on the US side who made it possible. Additionally a number of thanks particularly to HQ 4 Div for funds, the Army Sports Lottery (Col Harris and Mary Jayne) for funding and support, the Berlin Memorial Trust Fund for funding, our own Regt HQ and of course the Comd Offr for allowing this to take place. Would I do it again? – yes but not in September and our only regret is that Major Dave hall and WO1 Dickie Wright couldn’t make it – never mind, look out for next year!! UPDATE: News of the event also featured in the ORLANDO GOLF BLOGGER, to see this please click here ....
		back to top


	©Website and Customised Images copyright, designed and maintained by A.J Brady