The Ecuadorian British Chamber of Commerce Guayaquil extended a warm welcome to 112 golfers for the Fourth Edition of the British Golf Cup, which took place on Saturday, December 2nd, at the Guayaquil Country Club (Km 9 via Samborondón).
The tournament exuded an outstanding atmosphere, with a palpable golfing spirit and highly motivated players. The weather conditions along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, a dream for players from the UK and Northern Europe, added a remarkable touch. We experienced a delightful +30°C with abundant sunshine (Samborondón boasts 365 days per year with +30°C, plus or minus 1 degree), and our golf course maintained its excellent conditions throughout. The combination of these factors made for an exceptional day, showcasing the unique and enviable golfing environment on the Pacific coast of Ecuador.
Program
Shotgun start: 08:30 am
Lunch and awards ceremony: commencing at 13:30 pm
The game format was Stableford, with prizes presented in four categories for men (first and second place) and one category for women (first and second place). Additionally, awards were granted for the best score, longest drive, and closest to the pin.
The winners of each category demonstrated exceptional skill and determination
Best team:
Grant Thornton – Romeo Almeida, Sebastian Ledesma – Maria Fernanda Almeida
Category 1:
- Winner: Carlos Gomez
- Second place: Pablo Aguirre
Category 2:
- Winner: Paul Schneewind
- Second place: Romeo Almeida
Category 3:
- Winner: Byron Alvarez
- Second place: José Firmino
Ladies’ Category:
- Winner: Mariuxi Aviles
- Second place: Maria Fernanda Almeida
IV British Golf Cup 2023 golf event at Guayaquil Country Club was a resounding success
Chris Campbell, in his current role as British Ambassador to Ecuador, Ambassador Campbell remains a trade-focused diplomat. He aims to strengthen economic ties between the UK and Ecuador, advocating for initiatives to boost competitiveness, increase exports, and promote responsible mining practices. Acknowledged for his contributions, particularly in tourism, Campbell has played a pivotal role in Ecuador’s inclusion on the UK’s green list for travel.
Chris Campbell, in his leisure time, is an enthusiastic golfer who displayed exceptional skill on the golf course today.
Rafael Miranda, Ex-president of the Guayaquil Country Club. A great storied international golf career linked to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
Rafael Miranda’s distinguished personality propelled him into international leadership. In 2003, at the Congress of the South American Golf Federation (FSG), he was appointed Advisor Member to the Amateur Status Committee of the world governing body of golf, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). He held this responsibility for four years, being reelected in 2007 for an additional four-year term. Due to his outstanding performance, after five years in advisory role, the FSG transferred him to the Rules Committee of the R&A, where he served until the end of 2011.
Subsequently, the FSG Congress convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2011, and decided to appoint him as the Honorary Lifetime Referee of the FSG. He received a well-deserved tribute for his leadership in South American golf at the Pontevedra Congress held in the state of Florida, USA, in May 2012, thus highlighting his illustrious career.
Nick Armstrong, president of Ecuadorian British Chamber of Commerce Guayaquil, says extraordinary efforts have played a pivotal role in fostering strong economic ties and promoting collaboration between Britain and Ecuador.
His remarkable golf performance today mirrors the dedication and excellence he consistently demonstrates in fortifying cooperation between both countries. Congratulations on both achievements.
Carlos Miranda. Under the stewardship of Carlos Miranda, the Guayaquil Country Club in Samborondon, Ecuador, has blossomed into a haven that seamlessly integrates golf, sports, leisure, and business pursuits. Miranda has been successful with his work at the new club in a short time. The young golf course is just over a year old and is already in very good condition. Recognized for its Trent Jones II-designed golf course, Miranda’s efforts extend to modern multisport facilities. The club, under his leadership, has grown beyond a sports destination to become a respected social hub. This approach solidifies the club’s standing as a premier golf and sporting destination, and a distinguished social center in Samborondon, Ecuador.
For more information download the GCC brochure here
George Coles, the English gentleman, is a highly skilled golfer with a single-digit handicap who currently resides in Ecuador. A former British Army officer with a background in communications, Mr. Coles has lived in various countries, contributing to his rich and diverse experiences. As a member of the Guayaquil Country Club, he continues to showcase his golf prowess.
Playing golf with Mr. Coles is always a pleasure, marked by the combination of his exceptional skills and the enjoyable atmosphere he creates. Whether on the fairway or in the clubhouse, George Coles remains a distinguished figure in both the golfing community and the broader international scene.
Juan Antonio Serrano is the Golf GCC Captain and serves as the Managing Director of the Royal Golf Academy at Guayaquil Country Club. The RGA caters to individuals of all ages, providing top-tier golf instruction. It features a Trackman driving range, offering golf professionals and enthusiasts cutting-edge technical data support.
Congratulations Juan Antonio to the longest drive at the IV British Golf Cup 2023 in Guayaquil Country Club Ecuador
Abdala Murtinho, the Golf Coach and General Manager at AMR Golf S.A., distinguishes himself not only as a proficient golfer but also as an adept organizer of esteemed golf events. His skillful coordination extends to high-profile tournaments such as the Deloitte Golf Tournament, Father & Son Tournament, and City of Guayaquil Tournament, among others. Murtinho’s commitment to the meticulous orchestration of these events underscores his prominence in the golfing community, where he seamlessly combines his golfing prowess with a refined capacity for event management. For further insights into his golfing endeavors, you may follow him on Instagram.
Legacy on the greens: The enduring influence of British golf in Guayaquil Country Club and Latin America
The roots of golf in Latin America are intertwined with the rich tapestry of British and US influence. Take, for example, the Guayaquil Country Club, Ecuador’s inaugural golf haven founded in 1933 by visionaries George Capwell, Lester Parsons, Teófilo Fuentes, Carlos Puig Vilazar, Carlos Arroyo Del Rio, and Ernesto Pernigotti Montaldi. Capwell’s presidency in 1944 marked a defining era, solidifying the nexus between Ecuadorian, British, and US golf, intertwining with business and culture, evident in the enduring tradition of the Golf British Cup in Guayaquil Country Club, now in the new golf and sporting club in Samborondón.
This narrative extends to the 19th century, when British expatriates and merchants, driven by their passion for golf, transplanted the seeds of the sport across Latin America. Buenos Aires witnessed the early echoes of golf in the 1860s, as British figures engaged in spirited matches, laying the groundwork for what would become a cherished pastime. Even to this day, Argentina boasts the largest community of golf enthusiasts in Latin America, with a staggering 130,000 avid golfers.
In Mexico, the late 1880s witnessed British expatriates teeing off, mirroring the trend of golf’s introduction by British communities throughout the region. Colombia saw its first golf course emerge in the late 19th century, while Venezuela embraced British golf in the early 20th century.
The indelible imprint of British immigrants and merchants emerged as a guiding force, steering the trajectory of golf in Latin America. Their fervor for the game, coupled with initiatives to establish clubs and courses, sowed the seeds of a widespread love for golf, fostering its enduring popularity. Today, Latin America stands as a flourishing hub for golf, hosting an array of professional and amateur tournaments that echo the enduring legacy of those early influencers.
Written by
Lassi Pensikkala
Economist, Avid golfer, Member of Guayaquil Country Club
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