The game this week took the Society to the Eastern Algarve, an area of natural beauty and a popular destination in search of those seeking a taste of ‘real’ Portugal.
The owners of Quinta de Benamor, the Martins Dias family, approached the late Sir Henry Cotton to make a concept design for an 18-hole course back in 1986. The final result is a delightful par 71 golf course of 5.500 metres (6.100 yards), with mountain views to the north and sea views to the south. Indigenous olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees, many centuries old, feature prominently as does some strategically placed water features.
Benamor has a worthy reputation for being a well kept and manicured course – it did not disappoint. The greens were lush and deceptive – quick down and much slower up.
A band of x17 player turned up for the individual stableford competition. It was decided that the men play of the white tees today principally as it is a better course than the ‘yellow’ yet only 300 meters longer. A strong wind blew in from the mountains the front nine holes but dissipated late afternoon. Scoring was difficult especially for the boys off the back!
Once again we returned back to Parkies Bar for post game refreshments and nibbles laid on by Jacqui and the team. Our normal host Dell was on vacation. A great day had by all.
1st: Olga Golubkova (h/c36): 36pts
2nd: Christine McSparran (h/c14); 34pts (c/b 9holes: 15pts)
3rd: Robin Prescott ((h/c14): 34pts
Nearest The Pin (10th): Simon D Turner
