Prince Edward Island staged the first-ever Annual International Couples Golf Festival last month and entries are already being invited from partnerships across Europe for next year following the huge success of the inaugural event.

More than 90 couples from 18 American states and six Canadian provinces travelled to Canada's number one golf destination to take part in the event - the first of its kind in North America.

Golfers enjoyed four nights and five days of golf and fun on some of Prince Edward Island's finest courses during which many friendships were formed.

And organisers are keen for the event's popularity to expand across the Atlantic and include couples from Europe next year when it is due to take place from July 8-12, 2010, with extended stay programs easily coordinated.

Barry MacLeod, chief operating officer of Prince Edward Island, said: "This was an amazing turn out for a first-time event.

"Prince Edward Island has discovered a niche for couples that combines golf with their travel experience.

"I am confident that there will be a waiting list for next year's event based on the feedback we have received and it would be fantastic for couples from Europe to join us and sample what is a wonderful all-round experience."

Couples from as far-a-field as California, Colorado and Texas travelled thousands of miles to take part in the festival and savour the best that Prince Edward Island has to offer on and off the course.

The Links at Crowbush Cove, Brudenell River, Dundarave, Green Gables, Fox Meadow, Andersons Creek, Glasgow Hills and Eagles Glen all acted as host courses for three rounds of golf, while golfers experienced four nights' luxury accommodation and some of the finest dining on the island, with world-famous mussels, oysters, lobster and scallops to name a few of the fresh culinary delicacies caught off the island's waters.

Couples enjoyed an opening reception, closing banquet and complimentary seafood treats after each round as well as the chance to sample more than 20 once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

And, with the event set to follow a similar format next year and likely to cost just $899 per person, MacLeod is expecting a sell-out with more than 200 couples expected to take part.

He added: "We initially planned for 40-50 couples this year, not knowing whether there would be a strong interest for couples golf.

"When all was said and done, we had 90 couples and the relaxed and laid-back format - it was a festival of golf rather than a competitive tournament - was welcomed by everyone.

"Our theme - Discover an Island - created opportunities for people to enjoy a complete holiday experience. They came purely for the fun and the experience and many have already said they're coming back next year and bringing their friends with them."

Prince Edward Island can be found in the north of Canada, above Nova Scotia.
The island, which boasts 32 courses, has been ranked the number one golf destination in Canada while ten of its courses are included in the country's top 100.
For more information about the International Couples Golf Festival, go to www.golfpei.ca/couples .

For details on golf in Prince Edward Island, visit www.golfpei.ca

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