Inaugural International Tour a Resounding Success!
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This October half-term, Rick Valentine launched his first multi-school tournament trip to the prestigious IJGA Bishops Gate Golf Academy in Florida—a remarkable milestone after years of organising school trips worldwide.
Students from Rossall School, Merchiston Castle School, and Edinburgh Academy had the unique opportunity to train and compete at one of America’s top golf academies. The players enjoyed 9 days onsite, with full access to IJGA’s exceptional facilities and stayed in comfortable, on-site accommodations.
The first three days were dedicated to intensive training. Each morning, players engaged in targeted practice rotations—focusing on the long game, short game, and putting—before hitting the course each afternoon.
A Taste of University Life and College Golf
On Day 4, the group took a day trip to explore Orlando's vibrant shopping malls and visit the PGA Superstore followed by a tour of Stetson University. With college golf in mind for many of the students, this visit offered invaluable insights into U.S. university life.
Teeing Up for the Tournament
On Day 5, the players visited Mission Inn, a short trip from Bishops Gate, to test their skills on the challenging El Campeón course and prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Over the final three days, the 24 players competed in an IJGT 54-hole WAGR tournament at Bishops Gate alongside 40 IJGA students. Despite strong winds, narrow fairways, and fast greens, the players displayed impressive determination. The tournament came down to a nail-biting finish, with Joshua Stephens from Rossall School securing victory for the UK by a single stroke!
Exceptional Hospitality and Lasting Memories
Alongside the tournament, students were treated to wonderful meals in Champions Hall and enjoyed a scenic boat trip across Little Lake Harris to Mount Dora. Many thanks to Andrew Summers and his team at IJGA Bishops Gate for their warm hospitality and support throughout this unforgettable trip.
Following the success of this inaugural tour, we’re excited to announce that more international camps and tournaments are in the works!
Stay in the loop with our latest news by subscribing to our mailing list—just click here to sign up.
Students from Rossall School, Merchiston Castle School, and Edinburgh Academy had the unique opportunity to train and compete at one of America’s top golf academies. The players enjoyed 9 days onsite, with full access to IJGA’s exceptional facilities and stayed in comfortable, on-site accommodations.
The first three days were dedicated to intensive training. Each morning, players engaged in targeted practice rotations—focusing on the long game, short game, and putting—before hitting the course each afternoon.
A Taste of University Life and College Golf
On Day 4, the group took a day trip to explore Orlando's vibrant shopping malls and visit the PGA Superstore followed by a tour of Stetson University. With college golf in mind for many of the students, this visit offered invaluable insights into U.S. university life.
Teeing Up for the Tournament
On Day 5, the players visited Mission Inn, a short trip from Bishops Gate, to test their skills on the challenging El Campeón course and prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Over the final three days, the 24 players competed in an IJGT 54-hole WAGR tournament at Bishops Gate alongside 40 IJGA students. Despite strong winds, narrow fairways, and fast greens, the players displayed impressive determination. The tournament came down to a nail-biting finish, with Joshua Stephens from Rossall School securing victory for the UK by a single stroke!
Exceptional Hospitality and Lasting Memories
Alongside the tournament, students were treated to wonderful meals in Champions Hall and enjoyed a scenic boat trip across Little Lake Harris to Mount Dora. Many thanks to Andrew Summers and his team at IJGA Bishops Gate for their warm hospitality and support throughout this unforgettable trip.
Following the success of this inaugural tour, we’re excited to announce that more international camps and tournaments are in the works!
Stay in the loop with our latest news by subscribing to our mailing list—just click here to sign up.