The par-3 10th green, clubhouse and magnificent oak tree at the CC of Mexico City.
I had the most incredible weekend in Mexico City! Yesterday I saw the beautiful and historic city courtesy of a Turibus tour. Today I met the wonderful and welcoming people of Mexico City! There were four of them—members and my hosts Ampi Diaz and Felipe Garica Moreno and the Head Golf Professional at Camp de Campestre de Ciudad de Mexico and Ian Gardner who took me to dinner at Las Sifones and gave me a much needed Spanish lesson. I video interviewed all four and their cumulative 20 minutes of conversation captures the essence of my visit to Mexico City—very welcoming, friendly, generous and, of course, amazing golf!
With Ampi Diaz after a great round of golf!
Ampi Diaz is a competitive amateur golfer and as good as her golf game is she is as much fun to golf with as to watch her golf. She recently competed in the qualifier for the 2013 Women’s U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur at the famed Cherry Hills CC in Colorado.
CLICK here for the Video Interview with Ampi Diaz.
I agree with her comments on having both a team and individual golf competition in the Olympics, much like The Spirit International. Like her country, her city and her golf club she is very friendly and welcomes every American to come visit Mexico City!
With Felipe Garcia Moreno inside the large and beautiful clubhouse.
Felipe Garcia Moreno, or Phil as I now know him, is the historian for the most historic and oldest golf club in Mexico! His story of golf legend Willie Smith from Carnoustie who not only designed the Camp de Campestre course but defended it during the 1910 revolution is fascinating.
CLICK here for the Video Interview with Felipe Garcia Moreno.
Phil’s insightful comment on the ‘Olympic Spirit of Golf’ will make my highlight film—”everyone (of the Olympic Golfers) has a story that comes from their home country and it’s not just (about) golf.” Another documented open invitation to come back and play, which I will surely do one day!
With Carlos Martinez, Head Golf Professional, and professional golfer!
Carlos Martinez, the Head Golf Professional, played the first nine holes with us in quite an impressive manner. He had four birdies, both par-5s, a par-4 and a par-3.
CLICK here for the Video Interview with Carlos Martinez.
I liked his response to my question—what was your best competitive finish? “First.” He has played on what is now the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and check out his golf swing at the end of the video interview!
With Ian Gardner at Las Sifones. He gave me the Mexico Golf Centennial book and told me most of the history while we ate!
After golf, Ian Gardner, another connection from Delia and the world of golf ruling bodies, picked me up at the club and took me out to dinner at Las Safones. Great food, love the Al Pastor meat and square tortillas!
CLICK here for the Video Interview with Ian Gardner.
Here is a fascinating guy with a fascinating story! Born in Scotland, his father was a golf pro but love of a woman brought him to Mexico where he rediscovered his love of golf! Ian got involved with golf organizations and represented the Mexican Golf Federation for four years on the U.S.G.A. committee that revised the Rules of Golf for 2012-2015. So we are still all playing by his rules today!
Today was an incredible day of golf and new friendships in Mexico City.
Torch is suppose to be ready to go tomorrow Monday at 10 am. I have been plotting out my way south through Mexico into Guatemala. As the Journey goes, Ian gave me the name of an interesting golfing couple in Guatemala City. Something tells me to pick Torch up before checking out of the Sur Inn. Let’s see what the morning brings…
There are some more stories in the pictures below this request to make a donation to The First Tee…
I am looking for 100 new friends in the next 100 days to make a $100 donation (or any amount that you are able to make) to The First Tee. Each day I will be reliving the original “Journey to Olympic Golf” and hope to find a new friend in golf. Is that you? Please join me in giving back to the game we all love.
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Thank You!
Ian drove me by the 1968 Olympic Gymnasium and Natatorium.
With member Mario Vivanco in front of the portrait of Willie Smith.
My caddie Federico waiting for me in the trees. It is a narrow course! No surprise my lone birdie came on the 212-yard par 3 4th hole, inspired by Carlos!
