Pinheiros Altos Friday 13th – Weekly Competition

Pinheiros Altos was the venue this week playing the Oliveiras & Pinheiros courses and as the player numbers were even in number we decided to play the betterball stableford format.

For those still unfamiliar with the names ‘Oliveiras ’was the original 1-9 whilst the ‘Pinheiros’ holes are 10, 11, 12, + four holes from the new and finishing off with original 13th & 14th. Should you find yourself in the new part of the course take care; it is very easy to play the wrong holes and out of sequence!. In tournament play this would result in disqualification. The course was in fine form and the green fast after a recent dry spell here in the Algarve.

It was a tight game resulting in three teams on 42pts so the back nine ruling came into effect. Congratulations to Shaun & Ric – a good score indeed. As usual we all returned to Parkies Bar in Parque Das Amendoeiras for our post game refreshment – another great day. Next week Vale da Pinta.

1st: Shaun Williams & Ric Lorenzo – 42pts (b/9: 23pts)

2nd: Tony Mullen & Tony Parsons – 42 pts (b/9: 22pts)

3rd: Rod Griffiths & Simon D Turner – 42pts (b/9: 20pts)

Nearest The Pin ( 8th island green) : Marion Parsons

Weekly Competition – Vale Do Lobo Ocean

Following on the success of the previous week at the Royal it was only right to return back to tackle the breathtaking Ocean course. Situated on the very edge of the coastline with fairways running down to the beach it really is a spectacular course. Remodelling a few years ago has seen the course improve and special note must be made of the ninth hole. Crafted from nothing this new hole is a fabulous addition with its cascading water ready to trap any stray ball.

The Society was able to secure special rates enabling many to try Vale Do Lobo for the very first time – we look forward to hopefully returning later in the season.

Players eagerly set of in the sunshine and soon found the course in as good a condition as the Royal the week previous. Conditions were ideal though blustery at times. Newcomer Iewan Bounds championed through the field with a solid 32 points to take the first prize; not bad for his first time a VDL.

1st: Iewan Bounds (h/c 8) – 32pts

2nd: Ann Campbell (h/c 20) – 29pts

Nearest the Pin (17th): Uncontested

Vila Sol – Weekly Competition

Vila Sol changed ownership in January 2011 after several months of uncertainity over its future. Golf course and hotel have now come under control of the Pestana Group with fellow stable mates of Vale De Pinta, Gramacho, Alto & Silves and not to forget Quinta do Beloura near Estoril. In the short few weeks of new ownership improvements are already evident on and off the golf course. It will not be long before it is back to one of the finest in the Algarve. We started on T19 and finished on the original front 9.

The Society welcomed a number of new players to the competition today, however, it was a familiar name that shone on the day. Carlos was in great form after taking a break from playing – it certainly seems to have paid dividends with a superb 41pts leaving all in his trial. Past winner of the last two weeks Jim Kearney came in with a credible 33 points to take second place. After two weeks of an uncontested nearest the pin we finally have a winner with David Hynds. We all returned back again to a busy Parkies Bar for a post drink refreshment and presentation.

1st – Carlos Ferreira (h/c13) – 41 pts
2nd – Jim Kearney (h/c 13) – 35pts

Nearest the Pin (25th ): David Hynds