Florida Golfers Bound for Windsor Castle and the Duke of Edinburgh Cup

Orlando, Florida

On April 17, the Duke of Edinburgh Cup Qualifier transformed a quiet Florida afternoon into a portal to the United Kingdom, as two golfers emerged from an elite group of contenders to trade their local spikes for a chance to play on the hallowed grounds of Windsor Castle.

Donna Matcham, hailing from New Smyrna Beach, navigated a tight field to clinch the top spot, while Tampa’s Marcus McIntyre delivered a powerhouse performance to secure second place. The victory grants them a rare invitation to the Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Finals this September—a journey that culminates in a gala awards dinner hosted by a senior member of the Royal Family.

For the winners, the opportunity feels as much like a mission as a reward.

“The energy on the course was electric, fueled by a shared commitment to our community,” said Diane LaVigna, managing director of Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida. “Sending Donna and Marcus to England is about more than golf; they are ambassadors for the thousands of children we serve who deserve a weekend free from hunger.”

The road to the World Finals will take the duo to the renowned Wentworth and Windlesham golf clubs, but the crown jewel of the itinerary is a match at The Royal Household Golf Club, tucked within the private estate of Windsor Castle.

“It was a perfect day where excellence was evident in every detail,” Matcham noted. “The entire experience was premier, from the first tee to the final putt.”

The tournament also highlighted a growing wave of participation among women in the region. Renice Jones of New Smyrna Beach pointed to the “ripple effect” of past champions. “Learning Dione Harrington won this qualifier in 2025 was a catalyst for us,” Jones said. “It inspired a much larger group of women to step onto the grass this year and compete for the cause.”