15TH ANNUAL GOLF AND DINNER UPDATE
The Coach has passed along the following update to the 15th Annual Golf and Dinner. It looks like a fantastic time for Coach and Friends.
August 9th: Early arrival and dinner in the evening.
August 10th: Happy hour get together at Union Pacific Restaurant.
August 11th: Golf and Dinner at Olympic View Country Club.
August 12th: Whale watching and windup at Penthouse in Double Tree Hilton.
Thanks Coach and Friends for a wonderful 15th Annual Coach and Friends Dinner and Golf event from August 9-12 in beautiful Victoria, BC.
ReplyDeleteTo start the week, I was fortunate to play golf on Wednesday, August 9, at Bear Mountain (Mountain Course) with Coach, Connie Deckert, and Hal McInerney (accompanied by his beautiful fiancé, Edie). Connie and Hal (Canadian team) paired up to beat The Coach and yours truly (International Team) by a large margin. I really enjoyed playing the Mountain Course, except for the foul smelling manure dirt mix being laid down at one of the new construction sites! Other than that, the course was spectacular. For the evening event, Charlie prepared a delicious Lasagne and Caesar salad for all the guests. Pam, Valerie, Cindy and Janice were a significant help making the meal a great team effort.
The next day, Janice and I toured historic Victoria and the beautiful Butchart Gardens. The Coach and Friends Social at the Union Pacific Restaurant was superb--amazing food and more importantly, delightful people. Rhonda and Craig provided awesome entertainment in the outdoor patio. The evening was topped off when The Coach gave each lady a beautiful rose.
The next day started with breakfast at Olympic View Golf and Country Club, followed by an amazing trick shot artist demo by Sandy Kurceba. Olympic View golf course was in great condition and the weather was fantastic, until the end of the round, when it became windy and cold. I was fortunate to play with The Coach, Thomas Axmann, Bill Linsday, and Rob Smith--The Champion Golfers of the Year! We came in at 61 (-11). We birdied the last six holes, with everyone contributing to the birdies! However, the highlight of the tournament was when Norm Jackson, who has attended every Coach and Friends Dinner and Golf event (15 years), was piped in after his group finished playing the round.
Hal McInerney brilliantly served as the MC for the Awards portion of the Dinner. The Coach presented awards to Norm, Ken, and the lovely ladies who played a vital role in orchestrating the entire event from Thursday evening until Saturday's going away social.
On Saturday, August 12, The Coach and Friends went whale watching. We saw three magnificent Orcas for most of the day. Some got to see a Humpback Whale. Overall, the boat trip was sensational .
We capped it off with a going away social for those who remained behind at the Doubletree Penthouse with a gorgeous view of Victoria Harbor and the surrounding area.
Janice and I met The Coach for dinner on Sunday evening at the Chateau Victoria's Vista 18. Another fabulous evening, where we got to see Mt Baker!! Previously, the smoke and haze prevented us from seeing the beautiful mountains surrounding Victoria.
Janice and I met Bill and Jenny Lindsay for dinner at the Cactus Club Cafe on Monday night in Vancouver--great to catch up with them and reminisce about our times together in South Florida. On Tuesday, we had a delicious dinner with Hal and Edie at Cordero's Restaurant in Vancouver--food was outstanding, but the company was even better. Another glorious evening.
Overall, the week was unforgettable! We really enjoyed meeting The Coach's friends, all terrific people! We look forward to seeing you all in Tampa, Florida for the 16th Annual Coach and Friends Dinner and Golf event, led by Richard and Mike.
All the best,
Mario & Janice Garza
Tampa, Florida USA