2016 Amigos Cup

After an initial scare from Hurricane Matthew, the Amigos Cup 2016 had great weather and came off without a hitch in Palm Beach, Fl on October 13 through 16. There were seventeen Mexicans and  twenty six U.S. members who came from as far as California - all with spouses, children and guests.  Matches were played at the Everglades Club and the Breakers Hotel – two spectacular venues.

We stared out with a practice Thursday afternoon at the Breakers Hotel, followed by a welcome party and barbeque at Margie Cooper’s house.

On Friday, there was lots of play at both the Breakers and the Everglades.  The Mexicans pulled ahead by 5 points at the end of the first day.  The Mexicans hosted dinner Friday night at Nick & Johnny’s Restaurant in Palm Beach with a terrific slide show of prior Cup matches dating as far back as 2005.

On Saturday, the matches continued with the women sweeping all but one match, bringing it back to within one point.  On Saturday, Rick Rose (local Palm Beach historian) gave two historical walking tours of Worth Avenue, which all the players thoroughly enjoyed.  Saturday ended with Mexico ahead 26-25.

Saturday evening was spectacular.  A cocktail party and seated three-course gourmet dinner at the Everglades Club – complete with white gloved wait staff  at a ratio of 1 to 2.

On Sunday morning there were nine matches scheduled.  However, Mexico pulled ahead.  The only Americans who won were Andy Lake in singles and brothers David and Herb Cooper in doubles.  Andy was undefeated throughout the weekend – giving up a lot of years, but still dominating.  Match of day was David and Herb defeating Roberto Pulido and Javier Ordaz (El Gato – “the Cat”).  El Gato had previously been undefeated throughout the weekend, as he has been in most other Amigos Cup matches.  El Gato said playing the Coopers was like playing the Bryan brothers.  Herb and David accommodated with a 'chest bump.'

Final Result – Mexico 31 to 26.

Everyone said it was the best Amigos Cup since the inception in 1981. U.S. hosted breakfast and lunch each day at the Everglades courtside.  Green Grass (previously Boast) embroidered shirts were given to all U.S. players and the Mexicans received embroidered towels.  Special thanks to the USIC and the additional sponsors below who made this wonderful event possible:

• Margaret and David Lumia
• Bill Blodgett
• Winn Blodgett