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!
Vilamoura Golf
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.
Millennium – Weekly Competition
On yet another perfect sunny day for golf, the Society Saturday Stableford Competition was played at the Millennium GC, Vilamoura, with a later than normal 13:52 tee off time.
A strong field of 17 players competed, on a course that has produced some fine Stableford points scores in the past, and yet again the winner played to better than his handicap to take 1st place.
In fairness, most players considered that the course has been in better condition, with several areas of tee, fairway and greens under repair or maintenance, giving a somewhat patchy affect, however this did not make for low points scoring with 10 players scoring 33pts or better.
The front nine played tougher than the back nine, thus giving the organizers the the job of countback situations for the 2nd 3rd and 4th place prizes.
Drinks and Nibbles followed at the Clubhouse ( Chez Carlos Restaurant, Vilamoura ) with Tracey McCall and Alison Anderson presenting the prizes to the winners.
Trevor Ward ( 14 Handicap) one of the original Society members with 37pts came first , with 3 players on 36pts vying for 2nd 3rd and 4th on the back nine and back six countbacks, these went, in order to Jeff Seymour ( 6 ), Michael Dickson ( 12 ) and John Constantine ( 18 ), with the former winning the nearest the pin prize at the 15th hole.
Thanks to all our Members and Guests who played, and for the travelling golfers amongst you, hope to see you all again soon.
