THE MAN WHO KNOWS HOW to show the guys and gals a good time struck another ace recently with the introduction of the annual Golf Bonanza to the Med yacht-world calendar. Ulf Sydbeck and his team at Riviera Yacht Support are well known for their annual ski/snowboard Bonanza and come the end of September at the Monaco Yacht Show, they proved they can organize and entertain equally well on the putting green as the piste.This time they were joined by key sponsors Monaco Marine to get things swinging.
Sixty-eight would be golf pros rolled up to the Golf Bonanza Day (October 1, 2010) at the Golf de la Grande Bastide 18-hole course and immediately were summoned to a hearty English breakfast courtesy of John and Caroline of Brittain's Home Store from Valbonne. A shotgun start had teams tee off from every hole; they were accompanied throughout the course by two drinks buserving up complimentary liquid refreshment sponsored by Riviera Yacht Support and Gtechniq.
Countless prizes meant hardly anyone went home empty handed and and the winners included the Topcoat team for "Best Team" and players from M/Y Big D for "second best team." "The best male golfer prize went to Heath McCormack of Holidays in Antibes" and Bridget Featherby of the PYA won the "the best female golfer. First Mate Charlie of M/Y Zenobia walked away happy with his free golf lesson and his nomination for "worst player."
A free chauffeur shuttle service from Antibes (thank you, Jet Set International) allowed folk to join the fun throughout the day and 93 bods indulged at the pre-lunch champagne bar before heading heading for a gastronomic buffet starter, then, at leisure, moved outdoors to the sunshine to grab a bite from the barbecue. Delicious wine gifted by Swedish wine-growers Chateau L'Arnaude washed down the food and wiped away unhappy memories of poor scorecards.
"I'm over the moon with the response we've had from who loved the day and we already have sponsors offering to support next year's event," says Sydbeck. A hole in one, you might say! - CLAIRE GRIFFITHS
