We returned to Sawgrass for the first day of the Players Tournament having learned lessons from the previous day. This time we were suitably equipped with a small bag and travel size sunscreens, no camera as we now knew for certain we couldn’t take it in and our foldaway chairs without the carrying bags. This made them a bit awkward to carry but those are the rules!

We were there for about 9.30, parking was once again made very easy and it was  another beautiful sunny day. We picked our spot between the 16th green and the 17th hole and settled down to watch the tournament. We were in an ideal position on a hill, with a great view of the famous island hole. We had binoculars with us which were allowed.  We were also close to the players as they walked between the 16th and 17th. We knew that Tiger Woods was on the course and were looking forward to seeing him play. At that point he was 5 under and the next news we had was that he had withdrawn from  the competition and left.  That was a little bit disappointing but didn’t spoil our day in any way.

We saw Luke Donald and also the ultimate winner, KJ Choi as well as Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter. Our favourites to win were Luke Donald and Ricky Fowler from California, unfortunately, Ricky didn’t make the cut.

We stayed in the same place until the early afternoon then went to watch at some of the other holes. We eventually picked up Graeme McDowell, Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson on the 13th and followed them to the 15th. We then picked up Ricky Fowler on the 10th with Matteo Manassero Alvaro Quiros.

As a non golfer I learned a lot about the game and had a really enjoyable day, I would definitely go again and  it’s an experience I wouldn’t have missed. I have to say the Walmart chairs were worth every dollar.

My son and I decided to visit to play in the Twilight hours and the prices are very reasonable.

As with most of you that own your own Florida Home there is very little opportunity to get the benefits that many of the Florida Residents do.

However, I thought I would chance my arm at Highlands Reserve and asked if they would let me play at Forida Resident rate if I was able to produce evidence that I had a property and paid the bills. So along we went with my electic bill in hand and asked the question.

The guy in the Pro shop asked a lady in the office who immediately gave him the nod for us to play at the reduced rate. What a great place.

We then tee’d off and the course is nice and open and gives you the chance to still recover after that hooked or sliced shot. The fairways are very good and you are event up on a ridge and get fantastic views of the large villas and woods. You’ll even see the sunset.

The day we played there was a nice breeze as we went round and didn’t suffer too much from the great sunshine.

Give it a go and don’t forget to ask for the residents discount!

One of the courses I play regularly is Remington at St Cloud, set amongst a housing development, it is a well laid out course with plenty of challenge for the better golfers (not me!) It has a particularly good package which includes a breakfast sandwich, a hot dog half way round,  and a substantial snack at the end. The staff are friendly and obliging and there is a nice clubhouse with a pro shop, bar and dining area. The course is located about 4 miles outside Old Kissimmee Town, just off the 192.

Another good course is Kissimmee Oaks which is on the 17/92 near Poiciana. Again set amongst a housing complex it is a picturesque course and you may get the odd sighting of a Gator in one of the many lakes and ponds.

I haven’t yet played at Reunion which is off Ronald Reagan Parkway, a relatively new course but with the character of a more established golf course. It is a beautifully set out course of championship standard with beautiful fairways and greens and has been the venue for many high profile Ladies tournaments, it can only get better with age. It can be a bit pricey depending on the time of year, golf tends to be more expensive in Florida in the winter due to the influx of Snowbirds.

Just off the 535, not far from Crossroads, is Lake Buena Vista Water sports.   Whether there are just a couple of you, or a big crowd, you can have a fabulous day out here.

Set on a beautiful lake, it has a great area with Adirondack chairs set out on the beach, shade provided by huge Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. 

We first found Dave and Angie some 20 years ago.  Dave taught me how to ski 18 years ago, when he ran Dave’s Ski School – you put ski’s on, he lifted you up under his trick ski, and helped you balance until you were up and running – then you got an action photo, and you were on your way!

Things have moved on since then, for the better.  Now they have a tasty array of ski boats, and Jet Skis.  You can hire a boat by the hour, afternoon, or day. You can hire the whole place for a wedding also, and what a magical setting it would be.

With the boat, you get all the lifejackets and skis you need and a friendly driver who will teach you how to get up on skis, or give the more experienced a tow. My husband is an experienced Mono skier and loves it. A tow round on a flat warm lake, warm air blowing around you, and no wet suit required is exhilarating.

You can sit in the boat as an observer, taking photos and video, whilst topping the tan up nicely, or stay on the beach and watch it all from a distance, glass in one hand, ice cream in the other.  My son used to bring his fishing rod too, and has caught some good size fish there.

Combine it with an hour on the Jet skis, a swim in the 90 degree clear water or a drag round the lake on inflatables, and you have all ages and all abilities covered.   I think I prefer going in the morning, as once or twice we have had to dive for cover under the cabana from an afternoon storm. 

My big tip going there is to take a camera, some pool towels, sun block, sunglasses and a good book. If taking young children, pack their favourite drinks, and a bucket and spade.

Now is the weather to hone your skills in Florida. The Daimond back Golf Course is East on the 544 from Highway 27 in Haines City.

I tred it out for the first time this year. I was one of the only people on the course because of the heat.

We were advised to keep to the Fairways and not ventrue into the trees to look for the wayward golf ball. Rattlers are known to be around.

Good price especially in the afternoon. A challenging course - give it a go!

Have you ever tried the putting green at Fantansia Golf on your way to the Boardwalk or Disney Downtown?

You will not be disappointed. We visited there during the summer and found that whilst the price was about $13 you certainly got your moneys worth. You can either choose from the normal type putting greens or take the Fantasia course for a fun time. There are eighteen holes and the purring surface is immaculate.

Once you finish, to our surprise, you are given a souvenir golf ball.

More than FORE out of ten!!!

Fore!

If you fancy playing some golf at Disney then look no further than Oaktrail just on the other side of the entrnace to Magic Kingdom.

Last year we decided to purchse a 5 day Hopper pass for Disney and that gave us Free rounds of Golf at Oak Trail. It is a walking course but is great for a knock around. They do not have too many rules and it is well worth the visit.

If you take the family there is a pool nearby and a small refreshment hut whilst you hits some balls around the course.

Mind you it is not an easy course. Whilst you are there you can check out the Palm Trees and Mgnolia Course which is a bit more expensive.

Even if you do not have a 5 day disney pass giving you free rounds it was only $38. Great Value. So check it out.

But things are possibly changing.  Whilst the USA will most likely continue to be associated with the National Football League, ice hockey, baseball and basketball, there is a definite sign that cricket is making inroads.

There is a long history of cricket in the States – whilst today the big international rivalries are perhaps between England and Australia, or India and Pakistan, the first ever international cricket match was between USA and Canada, way back in 1844.

Since then other sports have dominated – but that may be about to change.  At the time of writing (April 2010), a series of international matches is being planned between New Zealand and Sri Lanka – to be staged in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  And there is already a thriving cricket league in Florida.

My local club, Tunbridge Wells Borderers, play in the East Sussex League in England, but also try and play in a variety of overseas locations.  And 2008 saw the club visiting Florida to take on a couple of local sides – Silver Spring Shores and Poinciana.

The two local teams consisted mostly of expatriates from the Caribbean, and proved to be excellent hosts.  Although their hospitality was restricted to ‘off the field; - the home teams won both matches by a comfortable margin.  The wonderful Florida weather sapped the energy of the visiting English team in temperatures seldom seen on the cricket fields of England.

But, in spite of the defeats, Florida proved to be a wonderful venue for a cricket tour.  The hosts hospitality and the Florida weather provided the backdrop as the English cricket team spent their time as tourists, enjoying golf, the theme parks, plenty of shopping……and, of course, the fabulous choice of restaurants.

Our touring party stayed in villas.  This proved to be much more cost effective than hotel rooms, whilst giving us the luxury of private pools, plenty of space and the convenience of self catering.