Golf in Algarve

Onyria Palmares, 10th November 2012

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Last week’s event at Pinhal was cancelled due to bad weather which continued resulting in one of the heaviest downpour ever seen in the Algarve on Tuesday 6th. Our day at Palmares was a dry one except for a couple of holes at the beginning of the day.

This was another 27 hole event taking in all the three loops of the fabulous Onyria Palmares golf course near Lagos. It was an early start today as our first tee was at 09.00 as it was the intention to play right through in a better ball pairs stableford format. At the end of each nine we switched playing opponents to add some variety. The best two nines were added together for a combined score. A new style format enjoyed by all. The course was in great shape with some of the fastest greens we have played on for a longtime.

Many remember with fondest memories the old Palmares with its Almond Blossom trees but Robert Trent Jones II new version is magnificent and a worthy predecessor. If you have not played it yet do make the effort.

1st: Jim Kearney & Deidre Kearney: 41pts

2nd: Clive Davies & Simon D Turner: 39pts

Nearest The Pin:

Praia 21st: Gudren Loehr

Praia 26th: Robin Prescott

Vale do Lobo Ocean, 27th October 2012

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A selection of twelve players took on the infamous Vale do Lobo Ocean course today. A quick survey indicated the majority had never played it before as it was simply too expensive when they had wished to play. The Society accessed the twilight rate but at a far favourable time than the normal public. We were assured to get round easily in the daylight. All enjoyed it and views are arguably better than its sister course the Royal. It was in fair condition taking into consideration the recent rains here in the Algarve.

Jim Kearney commented ‘I have never played here before. Now I can tick this one off. A wonderful layout’. Great performance from frequent attender Rod Jones.

1st: Rod Jones (h/cap 6): 40pts

2nd: David Hewson (h/cap13): 33pts

Nearest The Pin:
17th: David Bowles

Quinta do Vale Golf Resort, 20th October 2012

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It was more luck than judgement that we chose Quinta Do Vale this week. With the central Algarve still busy with residue golfers here for the Portugal Masters it would have been near impossible to increase the tee times to the numbers that we required. In the end we had x24 players many of whom had never played the Sevy Ballesteros designed course. A combination of six Par 3’s, six Par 4’s and six Par 5’s that look out over the Guadiana River to Spain it is well worth a visit especially if you nip over the border and fill the car up with fuel which is much cheaper either that and/or buy some nice Rioja!

Blue skies greeted us after a week of indifferent weather. It was a return back to the individual format with two nearest the pins and everybody had the option of a complimentary buggy. A great deal on offer today through the Society considering it is high season. Few scores made it into the thirties which indicated how hard many found this course.

Once again we headed back to Parkies Bar for some nibbles and refreshments – our thanks to Dell and his team.

1st: Pat Quinlan (h/cap 7): 33pts
2nd: Helena Burke (h/cap 19): 32pts (b/6:10)
3rd: Jim Kearney (h/cap 17): 32pts (b/6:9)

Nearest The Pin:
9th: JJ Burke
16th: Lynda Dickson