The Society travelled northwards on its annual trip away once again to the Costa Azul region of Lisbon. It was an early start after breakfast at Parkies Cafe for a mid-morning tee off at Troia. Currently ranked 32 in Continental Europe Troia holds the record that Sam Torrance was the only player to beat Par to win the Portuguese Open in 1983. Thomas Levet described it as ‘the toughest course in Europe’.
Architect Robert Trent Jones built a masterpiece set amidst sandy dunes and towering pine trees on a coastal peninsular with spectacular views of the mountain range across the ocean. Small greens heavily guarded by large bunkers demand aerial approach shots. The course was in fighting form with the greens set at ‘12’ on the stimpmeter. Anything on the wrong side could result in the ball sliding off into the fringe and beyond. It was a day not for the faint hearted!
Betterball stableford pairs was wisely the chosen format given the degree of difficulty of the course.
1st: Carlos Ferreira & Annie Densham: 31pts (c/back 9 holes: 18pts)
2nd: Peter Vaughan & Tony McInerney: 31pts (c/back 9 holes: 17pts)
Nearest The Pin (17th): Uncontested
After the game and quick refreshment in the clubhouse it was then off to catch a ferry back to the mainland. It is certainly an experience to go and play Troia!
The Sana Park in Sesimbra was the overnight base. Superb beach side hotel it is ideal to explore this pretty village with its large selection of fine fish restaurants. Good parking beneath the hotel allowed for secure storage of the golf clubs.
The morning brought another blue sky day with a bracing chill in the air. It was a leisurely start for everyone with time to relax, have a sauna, massage or perhaps a walk along the sea front after breakfast. We left at 11.00am and arrived at the Quinta Do Peru estate within 25mins and time for some to spend some money in the clubhouse.This course holds 92nd spot and meanders through 300 acres of pine forest, with the Arrabida mountain range as the backdrop. This is a classic Rocky Roquemore course with vast American style bunkers and expansive water hazards. It has featured on the European Challenge Tour.
We waited patiently for the Members to finish their weekend competition and teed off just before 1pm. This time it was an individual stableford full handicap format. If we were expecting slower greens we were mistaken – they were once again set to 12.
It was another fine performance by Christer to win the day with 36pts leaving the rest of the field trailing in the low twenties.
1st: Christer Bergquist (h/cap 15): 36pts
2nd: Ken Webb (h/cap 18): 27pts
Nearest The Pin (11th): Eileen Farren
It was once again a drink in the smart clubhouse and then southbound to the Algarve for the return journey. Everybody enjoyed the trip and mixed well. I am sure it will not be long before we do another. Why not join us on next time?
