Tee Times

Oceanico Faldo – Saturday 3rd September Weekly Competition

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Again, this was another course the Society had not played for two years – 1st August 2009 to be precise.

Opened in September 2008 and designed by Sir Nick Faldo it rates up there with the very best in Portugal. A mighty 6,598mts off the back tee this Par-72 championship course demands careful positioning to return a good card. The intention was always to create an Arizona desert feel with cactus and wild herbs plants in abundance planted against craggy out crops of rock. Terracotta coloured soil contrast to the expansive golden bunkers. The full effect of the course takes shape on the back nine as players wind their way up the hillside. The 15th tee is at the peak and the complex spreads out ahead of you with its sister course, O Connor Jnr, in the distance – a great vista.

All players arrived in good time and many made good use of the superb free practice facilities on offer. Betterball stableford pairs was today’s format off the yellow’s tee (5858mts). For the record behind these are a further two tees! The course was in superb shape and the off fairway bushes, pampas grasses and plants have given the course that extra maturity since last time I played it. Graham Newman found a stead fast partner with Bomber and carded a great 44pts to steal the show from father and son Shane and Shandon.

Once again a fine spread laid on by Parkys Bar in Vilamoura.

1st: Ian O’Malley (alias Bomber- h/c 10) & Graham Newman (h/c 24): 44pts

2nd: Shane Hall (h/c 10) & Shandon Hall (h/c 28): 40pts

Nearest The Pin (16th): Martin Lewis

Quinta Do Lago South – Saturday 27th August – Weekly Competition

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It has been two years since the Society last played at Quinta Do Lago South so a visit was long overdue.

Designed by William Mitchell the South course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times. In 1989, Colin Montgomerie won his first European Tour event setting a course record of 63 and a Tour record of 24 under par. The course is laid out on beautiful undulating terrain with countless shady pines and a few man-made lakes that attract many aquatic bird species. Long hitters can take full advantage of some generous fairways but correct placement of shots is required to score well. The 15th Par 3 is the signature hole demanding a long carry over water. Depending on the wind it could be a driver!

The Society secured a superb rate of just €40.00 for this event so those that played had a truly special day. The course was in fine condition and was well on the way to be being perfect just in time for the start of a new golf season (mid September); all that was needed was the rain – not a common occurence in August.

Clive Davies started with an impressive birdie at the first hole to hand a card in with 36 points after a recent 2 shot handicap reduction by the Society. There was a three way scramble for second place with 29 points.

It was Paul Loerns first time playing golf in Portugal. Quinta do Lago is certainly a course to impress and it showed on his face after the game – welcome to the Society Paul.

Thanks once again to Dell at Parkies for laying on post game nibbles – this time from his newly opened Floyyds Pizzeria.

1st: Clive Davies (h/c 13): 36pts

2nd: Huw Owen (h/c 7): 29pts (c/b)

Nearest The Pin (11th): Clive Davies

Onyria Palmares (Praia & Alvor) – Tuesday 26th July

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The Society was at Onyria Palmares three weeks previous but there was a wish to return again especially by those who missed out on the first visit.

This time we played just 18 holes starting on ‘Praia’ and finishing with ‘Alvor. The wind was noticeable by its absence on the beach holes compared to previously – scoring was much improved with Simon Turner leading the pack with 17pts after nine only to fade away on the back nine. Newcomer Phil Crowther posted a 12+20 to win the day with 32 pts.

Instead of returning straight back to Vilamoura we visited one of the many beach bars on Meia Praia for post game refreshments – another good day had by all.

1st: Phil Crowther (h/c 8): 32pts

2nd: Annie Hallewell (h/c20); 30pts

Nearest The Pin (21st): Mark Patterson