NEXT JANUARY'S ORANGE BLOSSOM TOUR EVENTS IN FLORIDA

NEWS FROM CAROL SEMPLE THOMPSON

I have updated the Harder Hall website for the most part http://www.harderhallwomens.com/

There may be a few minor changes  between now and autumn, but the dates are correct for the 2013 Orange Blossom Tournaments. 

Thanks to Kirkwoodgolf  for ongoing efforts to promote travel to the Florida women's amateur tournaments in January. 

I am going to talk with a couple of people from the USGA to see how they might feel about an “Order of Merit” for the three tournaments (suggested by Kirkwoodgolf!). 

 I will let you know what reaction I get.

  Hope to see you all at Nairn in June for the Curtis Cup Match. 

Best,

Carol Semple Thompson 

The Stirling University women's squad are taken to play on three events on the Orange Blossom Tour every January. Sports Performance Manager Raleigh Gowrie has made a very generous offer to take any British/Irish player into his squad arrangements if they want to make the trip.
Here is what Raleigh says:

It would be great if more players from the UK could attend the Orange Blossom Tour. The standard of competition is very strong and it is a fantastic learning experience. In addition, it helps players gain a competitive edge prior to the UK competitive season commencing in spring.

Moreover, University of Stirling staff are happy to act as chaperones if this helps and to co-ordinate travel within the USA. For example, Holly Clyburn linked in with us last year and travelled and stayed with the Stirling girls.

I can give you pretty accurate costs:

Return flights either to Miami or Orlando

£450 per person

Wk 1 Harder Hall Invitational, Sebring

Entry fee: $250 = £170

This covers 1 practice round; 4 competitive rounds; entry gift; continental breakfast on each of the competitive days and 2 dinners.

Host family accommodation is available on request

Wk 2: South Atlantic Championship, Ormond Beach

Entry fee: $300 = £210

This covers 1 practice round; entry to Members/competitors event; 4 competitive rounds;entry gift; breakfast on each of the competitive days and 4 dinners; unlimited access to excellent practice facilities.

Host family accommodation is available on request

Wk 3: Doherty Championship, Ft Lauderdale

Entry fee: $300 = £210

This covers 1 x practice round; entry to tournament which is 1 qualifying round then into matchplay flights: entry gift; continental breakfast and lunch on each of the competitive days and 2 dinners; unlimited access to excellent practice facilities.

Host family accommodation is available on request.

Car hire is required. This works out at approx. £50 per day per vehicle.

My estimated cost per person for this 3 week trip is somewhere in the region of £1600 all in.

I’m happy for you to offer my name and contact details if any person wants further information about the tour.

RALEIGH N GOWRIE

Sports Performance Manager

University of Stirling

r.n.gowrie@stir.ac.uk

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Making a decision about playing on the 2013 Orange Blossom Tour in Florida should not be delayed until November or December.
If you want to take up Raleigh Gowrie's offer on behalf of the University of Stirling, you really should make up your mind by the summer at the latest to give Raleigh a chance to co-ordinate travel and accommodation efforts on behalf of the whole party.
The offer is open to national organisations as well as individuals.