A change of venue at short notice saw the Society play the Oceanico Victoria on Saturday. It has now become a must play golf course for many after seeing it host the Portuguese Masters since 2007 when englishman Steven Webster won his first European Tour event.
The Algarve had experienced a great deal of rain in the week resulting in the course not allowing buggies on the day – a feature which is usually mandatory during normal conditions. It measures 6609mts off the back tees & the yellows 5628mts so the wet conditions did not allow the ball to run so it played every metre on the day. General maintenance with verti-draining was in evidence on the greens especially the back nine and sanding leading to some of the entrances – it really wasn’t a problem. It is something you come to expect in the first few months of each year.
The forecast of warm sunshine for the next couple of weeks will see the course blossom just in time for high season golf here in the Algarve. If you have never played it give it a go and try and par the last three holes!
Algarve Golf
Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort – Midweek Game
On occasion the Society plays a midweek game if there are anxious golfers looking around for a game. The all new Onyria Palmares Golf Course near Lagos had just opened so it was fitting that we should give it a try. The ‘old’ Palmares was opened in 1975 and was a firm favourite for many golfers over the years as it had some of the best views from any golf course in Portugal and to play down to the Ocean was something special not to mention the scent of orange tree blossom blowing across the course.
The new owners tasked Robert Trent Jones Jr with refreshing a true classic. The first phase sees 18 holes operational this month. The layout is truly impressive though at the moment you have to tolerate that you are in a construction site as the additional nine holes do not come into play till next year. The condition is excellent; it just needs to mature and only time will do that as it did with the old one.
“Onyria Palmares Golf Course is special on so many levels. The expansive ocean views, dramatic elevation changes, quintessential Mediterranean intimate valleys, and expansive dunes land have blessed us with the environment to craft a golf course with an enormous depth of character and challenge’ describes Robert Trent Jones Jr – the Society agrees.
We can’t wait to try the new nine as part of it plays across the railway line that so many of us are familiar with. Glancing down to it from the clubhouse, which itself will be rebuilt, the whole project looks stunning set to a backdrop of a still blue ocean. A warm welcome awaits all that go and visit.
Old Course – Weekly Competition
Although it’s been raining for an unusual long period of time here in Algarve, we were fortunate having some sunshine and to play without rain.
It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to play on the Old Course, which still remains one of the best courses in Portugal.
We welcomed the new member Dave Hiwson and pleased to see long time members visiting the Algarve, Donald Adams and Charles Bradley.
The nearest-to-pin was on hole 4 and Jeff Seymour did the best shot.
Charles Bradley, playing for the last time with handicap 12 on the society, had a card with 38 points including 3 blobs. Jeff Seymour came in second place with a honest 35 points.
Being the first tournament of the year, Ann Moore was entitled to an award for the best score for ladies.
Back to the clubhouse at Chez Carlos restaurant, Filipe presented us with a selection of salads and appetizers that delighted everyone and he still do two drinks for the price of one.
