Tavistock Cup has developed a reputation as one of the most exclusive Pro golf events. Not officially a part of the PGA Tour schedule this event is an intraclub championship played between Isleworth, Lake Nona, Queenwood and Albany. Not your average club championship as each of the four clubs happens to be home to the top touring Pro’s in the world of golf. This year it was played at Lake Nona, the defending champs, and the opposing teams arrive by helicopters on fairway #18. These four clubs have a concentration of top ranked golfers that collectively have won more than 860 worldwide victories and 62 major championships.
Isleworth is a private home development in Orlando and this year’s team consisted of: Robert Allenby, Daniel Chopra, Charles Howell III, Sean O’Hair, Bo Van Pelt and Bubba Watson.Lake Nona, where the event was played this year, is also located in Orlando and representing their team were: Graeme McDowell, Ben Curtis, Ross Fisher, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson and Gary Woodland. Albany is a stunning new luxury resort community in the Bahamas with 600 acres of oceanfront property and a gem of a golf course designed by Ernie Els. The team representing Albany was: Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Tim Clarke, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose. Queenwood Golf Club is nestled in the heart of the Surrey countryside just outside of London, England. This year’s team included: Thomas Bjorn, David Howell, Soren Kjeldsen, Tom Lewis, Paul McGinley and Adam Scott.
A dress code was created in the spirit of the Tavistock Cup competition and the players wear a signature polo shirts in their team color created annually for each team. The spectators are also encouraged to wear the colors for the team they are supporting. Team Albany – pink, team Isleworth – red, team Lake Nona- blue and team Queenwood -green. One of the most remarkable aspects of this event, should you be fortunate enough to attend, is that there are not any ropes and you can literally walk alongside the players as they take each shot. One of the reasons I love the Tavistock Cup so much and why it is a Two Good Rounds favorite is that they have developed their own signature cocktails. Not only do these players and spectators enjoy great golf they also enjoy a signature cocktail representing each of the four teams.
Isleworth Bloody Mary (pitcher) mixes 20 parts Grey Goose, 32 parts tomato juice, 1 part fresh lemon, 1 part fresh lime juice, 4 tsp tabasco, 2 tbsp horseradish, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tspcelery salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 lemon or lime wedge.
Lake Nona Blackberry Lemonade (glass) 1 1/2 parts Grey Goose La Poire, fresh-squeezed lemonade, 5 blackberries, 1 tsp sugar, 1 lemon slice.
Albany Breeze (glass) 1 1/2 parts Grey Goose L’Orange, 2 parts orange juice, 1 part cranberry juice, 1 orange slice.
Queenwood (glass) 1 1/2 parts Grey Goose Le Citron, 1 small lime, 1 part simple syrup, splash of seltzer.
This year raise your glass to Team Lake Nona as they again get to bathe in champagne after winning the Tavistock Cup.
