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

Oceanico O Connor Jnr – Saturday 23rd July Weekly Competition

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Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., the Oceanico O Connor Jnr compliments the neighbouring Oceanico Faldo Course taking full advantage of its location in its fertile plain. Its various water features, both lakes and watercourses that are spread throughout the entire course, demand accuracy and test from all golfers. Oceanico Faldo is much different track with a hilly aspect, huge bunkers and rocky outcrops. Collectively they are referred to as the courses of Amendoeira Golf Resort.

Opened in October 2008 the Society has never played here so our visit was long overdue. An ensemble of ten players turned up with eager anticipation. The front nine played so much easier than the back as the wind was with us. The course turned the corner at the 10th hole and so it was virtually wind all the way back and the scores tended to reflect this.

Everyone commented how much they enjoyed it and we shall be back again soon. Congratulations to Frazer Graham playing over just 9 to shoot 38pts.

1st: Frazer Graham (h/c 9): 38pts

2nd: Byrn Lister (h/c 18): 34pts

Nearest The Pin (13th): Mark Patterson