Vale Do Lobo Ocean – Saturday 14th Jan ’12. Weekly Competition

As we all know the English like to talk about the weather but it is justified to mention it in this report. December had simply been fabulous with dry sunny conditions throughout whilst January has continued a similiar theme. Consequently many courses are now having to irrigate at a time normally when the sprinkler systems are run at a mininum and as they depend on mother nature to do the rest.

It was a great start to 2012 with 26 players keen to take on the spectacular Vale Do Lobo Ocean course beneath clear blue skies. We availed ourselves of the twilight rate and got preferential early tee times – the group easily got round in daylight. The course was in fine condition and presented a tough challenge and this was reflected in the overall scores many of which were sub 25pts.

Tough ‘Nearest The Pin’ selection today – the tricky elevated green of the 135mts 13th hole.

A couple of the members were seen talking to golf architect Rocky Roquemore in the VDL clubhouse that morning. Famed for many a masterpiece that incudes San Lorenzo, Quinta Da Ria, Quinta Da Cima and Golden Eagle and Belas in just Portugal alone. He was responsible for the remodelling of the Ocean course after the original blueprint laid down by Sir Henry Cotton.

We assembled back at Parkies as usual for post drinks refreshment and nibbles – our thanks once again to Dell & his team.

‘Today’s Golfer’ award to the Algarve

The Algarve has been named the golf destination with the ‘best value for money’ in Europe, in awards run by the British magazine ‘Today’s Golfer’.

The Algarve region received 32% of the 3,276 voters, next was Turkey with 19% and Spain’s Costa Brava was third with 11% .

Also in the categories of ‘Best Golf Course in Portugal’ and ‘Best Hotel/Resort in Portugal ‘, the Algarve won again with the Oceanico Old Course in Vilamoura, and the Hotel Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort, in Vale do Lobo, leading with 31.31% and 15.44% of the vote respectively.

‘We are very proud to receive the news that the Algarve was once again chosen for the quality of its golf product, especially as the prizes are awarded by a publication from the United Kingdom, which remains our main market for tourists’ said the chairman of Tourism of the Algarve, António Pina, who added that ‘businesses in the golf industry are to be congratulated for the excellent service they have developed.”

Today’s Golfer magazine reaches over 200,000 British golfers every month and since 2010 is has been approved by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).

Troia Golf Course – Costa Azul Golf Trip – Lisbon

Event: Costa Azul Golf Trip – Lisbon
Date: 27th January to 28 January 2012

2 rounds of golf:
Troia Course – 27/01 @ 11.00am
Quinta do Peru – 28/01 @ 12.10pm

Hotel:
Hotel Sana Sesimbra 4* – Sesimbra – Bed & Breakfast basis

Price per person in Sana Sesimbra Hotel – sharing twin + 2 Rounds of Golf : 115.00€
Price per person in Sana Sesimbra Hotel – single room + 2 Rounds of Golf: 137.00€

Extras: Sweeps, drinks and meals, travel costs.

Here is a golden opportunity to experience golf in the fabulous Costa Azul region south Lisbon. The Society has booked Troia which
is currently ranked 32 in Continental Europe and has the record that Sam Torrance was the only play to beat Par to win the 1983 Portuguese Open.
Recently Thomas Levet described it as the ‘toughest course in Europe’. A Robert Trent Jones Snr masterpiece and has, in his great words,
one of the best par 3’s he has ever designed. Troia is no place to be macho.

Quinta do Peru holds 92nd spot and meanders through 300 acres of pine forest, with the Arrabida Mountain range as its backdrop. Classic
Rocky Roquemore course with huge American style bunkers and expansive water hazards. This is a hidden gem that with unspoilt scenery and has
featured on the European Challenge Tour. Watch out for the lamas in the nearby park!

It is envisaged we shall travel up in a mini bus so that tolls and petrol can be shared. This will be arranged nearer the time.

Please note places are strictly limited and offered on a first come first served basis.