So Many Memories from our Members

Peter Boyce

First Day On The Job - a nostalgic start

The golf club’s opening day was truly memorable. We started in the temporary pro shop, which was actually David Ward's construction shack. As the gates opened, our first two customers walked in to buy a green fee. To my astonishment, they were from London, Ontario—the very place where I grew up! It was even more unbelievable when I discovered that one of them owned the company that manufactured a brand of golf shirts I had stocked in the shop.

Among the first group of members were JP Srinark and Serge Paradis, both sporting ponytails that reached down to their waists. Their presence added a unique flair to our early days at the club!

Peter Boyce

First Impressions - A White Desert

My first thought upon seeing the course was of a ``white desert.`` The bright light conditions, vivid green fairways, and the glow of the sun against the surrounding globe bushes and Washingtonian trees created a striking contrast. The reflection of the sun on the freshly laid white limestone made spotting golf balls especially challenging, particularly in the waste areas. To solve this, I brought in plenty of orange golf balls—saving the best ones for when visibility was key!

Tommy Coleman

Too many stories to tell

However anyone who had ever played and many who met Tommy their first words upon return to the club were: ``Where is Tommy, is he here today?`` Dave remembers • Opening the golf club each morning in the early years with Tommy Coleman as our starter

Ted Gladson fondly recalls the wonderful times spent with Tommy and Madeline Coleman. Tommy, a skilled golfer, not only made their rounds on the course enjoyable but also helped Ted improve his game. As couples, their Sunday mornings were often spent at the Palms, indulging in the Champagne & Jazz brunches—a tradition that became a regular part of their weekends.

Though many of their friends have moved on, Ted still cherishes the familiar faces that greet him at the club: Johnny the starter, and Dave and Sean, the smiling golf pros who make each visit feel special.

The First Ryder Cup

1993

The very first Ryder Cup was 1993, and the Captains had their teams so pumped up that many of the golfers wouldn't talk to the other team. Naturally, the tense atmosphere has relaxed over the years - well just about!

Rodney Levard

Dramatic Life Choices

Rodney Lavard, a young clubhouse attendant at the Provo Golf Club, never expected his life to change so dramatically. Raised in challenging circumstances, Rodney and his brother were left to fend for themselves in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, working construction to survive. At 16, Rodney took a job at Provo Golf Club, a decision that would shape his future.

One day, an American golfer promised to send Rodney a scholarship application—a promise he brushed off as mere ``resort talk.`` But weeks later, Rodney received a package containing a golf scholarship application for Southern University in Louisiana. This opportunity, born out of a vacationer’s words, enabled Rodney to pursue his dreams of higher education. Thanks to the generosity and support of the golfing community, Rodney was given the chance to change the course of his life and build a brighter future.

2009 Caribbean Amateur Championship

A great achievement

The 2009 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships in Turks and Caicos was an unforgettable event, filled with excitement and anticipation. Hosting the tournament in Providenciales brought a special energy to the island. Golfers and spectators alike were thrilled to witness the fierce competition on such a beautiful course.

Cherished Memory

Mr. Ed Iverson

Attached is a picture of a longtime member and good friend of Tommy Coleman, Mr. Ed Iverson, after his unforgettable hole-in-one. Ed was a dear friend of mine, as well as to Dave Douglas, Johnny, and the entire team at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.

I first met Ed and his wife Sandie about 22 years ago when they bought a condo through me at the Yacht Club at Turtle Cove. They spent every winter here in Turks and Caicos to escape the harsh Chicago winters. Over the years, we became incredibly close—Sandie even became like a second mother to me, my ‘Island mom.’

Ed was a dedicated golfer, rain or shine. Whenever I had a spare moment, I’d join him for a round, and every time I did, I always thought, 'I need to do this more often with Eddie.' We had an ongoing bet: whoever got a hole-in-one owed the other $100. Well, I was never happier to lose that bet than when Eddie sank a perfect hybrid shot into hole #4.

Sadly, Ed passed away on December 26th, 2019, but I’ll always treasure that moment, and it’s even more meaningful now that we’ve sprinkled some of his ashes behind the white tee on #4. Rest in peace, my friend—you’ve definitely earned the right to play through.

The Annual Christmas Party

Sorely missed

The Christmas parties held on the first Friday in December were the highlight of the year! Everyone looked forward to these nights of laughter, dancing, and celebration. It was a crazy, fun-filled evening that kept people talking for months. Invitations were highly coveted, and attendees went all out, dressed to the nines in their finest attire.

No photos allowed!

DH Kahlid

With a great love of golf

DJ Khaled has become a regular visitor to the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club (RTCGC), making quite the impression with his lively presence and genuine love for the game. His visits are filled with not only rounds of golf but also memorable moments, such as the video shoot on his last day before leaving the island, as Richie from the Pro Shop recalls. Richie, who had the opportunity to chaperone the event, fondly remembers Khaled’s infectious energy and humor, making it a fun experience for everyone involved. Khaled’s friends and family were equally enjoyable to be around, contributing to a great atmosphere during his stay at the club.

Life on the Course

Golf, Community, and Unforgettable Moments

Pierre has great memories of living on the golf course, especially raising his kids in a community that felt like a perfect neighborhood, with children riding bikes and playing together. Golf was always central, from memorable rounds with his father and friends to now sharing the game with his own kids.

Events like the Ryder Cup were always well-organized and enjoyable, with Sotheby’s as a great sponsor. The Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament stands out, raising over $800,000 for local charities. Another highlight was the rugby golf tournament, which allowed Pierre to meet rugby legends like Brian O’Driscoll. It was an incredible experience, blending sports with the opportunity to connect with these icons. And of course, the course has been a magnet for celebrities, offering a chance to have a drink or two with some interesting personalities.

And while the Christmas parties were legendary, no photos seem to have survived! Lastly, Sunday brunches with the family were a cherished tradition.

A Very Profitable Memory

Chief Minister's Cup

Brian Trowbridge has a hilarious memory from the Chief Ministers Cup during Mike Misick’s era. The night before the tournament, a lively gathering at the clubhouse took place, complete with a bit too much alcohol and a Calcutta auction run by Hugh McLean. For those unfamiliar, a Calcutta involves bidding on teams, and if your team wins, you pocket a chunk of the total bids.

Brian hadn’t planned to join the fun—until a particularly tempting auction came up: a bet on whether Mike Misick, a complete golf novice, would score over or under 9 on the first hole. Fueled by the evening’s festivities, Brian couldn’t resist and threw his money on “over 9.”

To his absolute delight (and no doubt to Mike’s dismay), Mike’s score went well beyond 9, netting Brian a cool $9,000! Though Mike’s exact score remains fuzzy, Brian’s winning bet is a crystal-clear—and very profitable—memory.

SuperBowl MVP

A true gentleman

Tom Flogal remembers, ``while playing at the course with my two sons, Jackson and Davis, we were randomly paired up with none other than Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers! It turned out to be his 40th birthday, and we had an amazing time together. He was such a gentleman, making the round even more memorable. Of course, we made sure to celebrate his birthday properly!``

Ian’s Best Shots: Memories on and off the Course

From a live interview to an unbelievable streak, Ian Miller recalls moments that made RTCGC unforgettable

Ian Miller shares two of his favorite memories from the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club. One involved Paul Slattery during a televised tournament. On the 18th hole, Ian was approached by Paul, microphone in hand and cameraman in tow, and suddenly remembered that the tournament was being broadcast live across the islands. Paul asked Ian what he thought of the course, and in true style, Ian responded confidently, stating that he had played courses ``all over the world`` and that RTCGC was one of the best. Afterward friends took the , Paul and others, like Chubster, ribbed him for the bold claim, but to this day, Ian stands by what he said—it wasn’t all that far off!

Another memory dates back to the early 1990s, when Ian played five rounds of golf in just eight days. Though his handicap was in the low teens at the time, he miraculously shot in the mid-70s for all five rounds. Baffled by this run of good fortune, he sought advice from Davie Douglas, asking what was going on. Davie, in his wise and understated way, simply replied, ``Nothing is going on.`` Ian likened him to Yoda from Star Wars. Of course, the streak ended the moment Ian thought about it too much—his next round was an 86!

Rob Ayer ... pushing the boundaries!

Casual, connected, community-driven, memorable, respected

In years past, the club was casual enough that we could just show up and play a round whenever we felt like it. It was easygoing, spontaneous, and felt like home. Then, as more and more people discovered the course, Dave gently encouraged me to start making tee times, a shift that signaled the club's growing popularity. I’ll admit, I resisted at first, but I also understood the reasoning. Now, we honor the club’s traditions and respect what it takes to keep it running smoothly for everyone.

What makes this place so remarkable, though, is the mix of people you encounter—locals, expats, and tourists alike. It’s an easy blend of like-minded individuals who share a love of the game and a respect for each other and the club. The Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club is more than a course; it’s a melting pot of community, a place where connections are made and lasting memories forged.

Memories