2013 Uniting Nations Cup

Team USA champions with 56-1/2 to 23-1/2 lead

2013 Uniting Nations Champions Team USA
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The third annual Uniting Nations Cup began Friday morning, May 17th through Sunday, May 19th at the beautiful and challenging Peninsula de Cortes golf course at the Mayan Palace, Puerto Penasco.

The event got started Thursday evening in the Mayan Palace lobby with a player’s reception, which featured local Mexican dishes prepared by Executive Chef Neftali and his staff. The evening was highlighted with music and dances from Mexico called “Baile Folkorico” (translated this means Mexican Folk Dancing).

A total of 80 amateur players, 40 from Mexico and 40 from the USA began with fourball matches. Saturday’s matches were Chapman format (Alternate shot after selected tee shots). Sunday’s singles format completes the competition that now stands at 1-1 after Mexico’s victory last year.

After the first round of matches, the US found themselves leading by 9 points (14-1/2 to 5-1/2). Midway through day one, Team USA Member Bernie Thomas got a hole-in-one on Hole #14, 175 yards. This was Bernie Thomas’ second hole-in-one within the last year.

Day 2 started with nice calm weather....perfect conditions for golf. It showed with resulting, great scoring in a Chapman format. Team USA continued it’s stellar performance winning 14 of the 20 matches, making the two-day total 28-1/2 to 11-1/2.

Sunday’s final round was singles matches. With 40 points available, there was plenty of opportunity for Mexico to rally. However, the American team proved to be too strong winning 28 or the 40 matches to win the trophy 56-1/2 to 23-1/2.

What a great event this turned out to be. Even with a language barrier with some of the players, utilizing golf as an ambassador has brought players and people together to create lasting relationships. Everyone had a fabulous time...good food, good golf, great location, fabulous weather...it doesn’t get better than this!!!

The Uniting Nations event is chaired by Vito Berlingeri. The Presenting Sponsor is Grupo Vidanta. Coordination is provided by the Arizona Golf Association.