The Honest Jonny | BLOG

Beachtag Invitational Paradis 2010

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On a fine Saturday Morning 33 Intrepid Travelers set out for the magnificent Paradis Hotel & Golf Course on the pristine Le Morne peninsula of Mauritius. The occasion was the 1st ever Beachtag Invitational Golf Tournament. Spirits were high and this was also partly due to the very generous sponsorship of Jameson.

We arrived in Mauritius to a glorious day, all the luggage arrived unscathed and golf clubs were all in good order. Sunday was to be the first day of the actual Tournament so a cocktail party was hosted by the hotel on Saturday evening in order to set the scene and ensure everyone was aware of the format. We teed off at 09h00 on Sunday in beautiful weather conditions & everyone got to see the course first hand before the tournament proper. Everyone agreed that it was a setting that dreams are made of - World Class.

The excitement was palpable after the event & the clever troops dispersed to go and windsurf, fish, sundown or just relax. The silly troops stayed at the golf club & enjoyed a few sharpies with the rest of the bunch. They were easy to spot that night as they were in a tight spot so to speak. The Monday was a free day but such is the attraction of the golf course that many people arranged golf, snorkeling was quite popular, cycling to the nearest village for a few presents was also high on the agenda. During the day we also got to see a perfect wedding in near perfect conditions, surely the way to go?

Tuesday was the start of the big one, the tournament proper. A shotgun start where all the four balls tee off at different tees at the same time in order to finish at the same time. Let's just say that the golf course got the better of many participants but it was great fun regardless. Paradis has the added bonus of being a spectacular setting so you don't mind so much when the golf is not up to scratch. My one thought was of how time flies when you are having fun. The group was getting on & the party was certainly on, Wednesday & the rest of the golf is a bit of a blur - as was my swing. Fortunately however I had a good partner who carried me through.

Wednesday night was the gala dinner & what a spread was put out for the team. Spectacular, it was unbelievable & what really made the night was some guys grabbing the microphone and just singing for what was a great evening. Naturally the Paradis bar was our place later that evening.

Thursday dawned & the team was upset to be leaving Paradis. But one thing is for certain, we will all be back & the 1st ever Beachtag Invitational was a rip roaring success. The Jameson guys are just the best & the Primedia Unlimited guys certainly know how to host an event. I can't wait to go back & defend the title............ I did tell you that I had a great partner didn't I?

Paradis certainly lived up to its name, it was great fun, spectacular & to be shared with 32 other sportsman was just brilliant.

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