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By: Lisa "Longball" Vlooswyk

The second annual International Couples Festival was held July 8 – 12, 2010 in Prince Edward Island and was an overwhelming success. The only event of its kind in North America, participants hailed from 7 provinces and 14 US States with couples ranging in age from their 30's 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 with 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, this event was a play your own ball, shoot your own score, experience the courses for what they have to offer and simply play the game.

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 youth singers delighted the crowd and showed the diverse culture and talent on the island. I shared some fun and humorous golf stories with the guests including a tale from 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!"

The next morning it was off to the stunning 15th tee at the Links at Crowbush Cove where I preformed a demo. A beautiful down hill par 4 with ocean sprawling behind. It would easily rank as one of the top links holes in Canada. I had a tail wind which as a dream for any long bomber and shared tips and tricks to hit it over 3 bills on the course.

After the demo it was 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, you read that right, her 8th hole in one!

As I traveled 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 evening couples were encouraged to explore the island and the culinary delights. Many people took in lobster suppers, Oyster Bars, famous restaurants and wonderful cafés and hidden gems spanning the island. Activities included trips to the beach, light house tours, a Taylor Swift Concert, shopping and hikes.

#9 at Crowbush Cove

#7 at Crowbush Cove

Lisa's clinic at Crowbush

Dundarave

"Lisa" of Green Gables

The participants played 3 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 sprit 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 4 nights of luxury accommodation, a welcome bag, opening reception, 3 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 7-10, 2011 in your calendar and go to www.golfpei.ca/couples to register.

Lisa "Longball" Vlooswyk is the reigning 6-time Canadian long Drive Champion for Women, a Golf Entertainer and Motivational Speaker. She can be reached through her website at www.lisalongball.com.

08/10

Meet Lisa Longball