Golf in Algarve

Charity Golf Day – Pestana Gramacho – Friday, 7th September 2012

Posted on by

This was the second Charity Golf Day the Society supported this Summer. This time it was for the Refugio dos Burros a donkey sanctuary established in 1991 located at Estombar in the western Algarve. They rescue and rehome numerous donkeys, dogs and cats and receive no government subsidies and depend totally on donations and sales from their charity shops (Lagoa, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo) and fund raising events. All forms of support is very much appreciated so do make contact if you feel as though you may be able to help – www.refugiodosburros.org.

The Algarve Golf Society submitted six pairs to a full field of over eighty players. Betterball pairs was the selected format off the Gramacho sloping rating. It’s an interesting and varied course with two green options on nine of the eighteen holes as it was formerly a nine hole course. The extension of the additional nine was overseen by Open Champion winner Nick Price.

A buffet lunch followed with raffle and auction all in aid to bolster revenue for the sanctuary. In total €2275.00 was raised and has been earmarked for new gates and fencing. It was a great day and all in aid of a worthy cause.

Society members shone on the day taking a well-earned 1st price with 48pts and Eve Koch a Nearest the Pin.

1st: Russ Brittain & Simon D Turner: 48pts
2nd: Phil Callaghan & Terry Simpson: 47pts
3rd: John & Paulette Usher: 45pts

Quinta do Lago South – Sunday, 26th August 2012

Posted on by

Our first Summer Event was always likely to be popular after all we were to play one of the finest courses in the Algarve at a very special price followed by a BBQ back at our base in Vilamoura. We gathered mid-morning at the QDL driving range for a brief presentation at the new Paul McGinley Fitting Centre. State of the art video equipment and swing analysis with professional assistant ensures your new clubs are tailor made. It is well worth a visit.

Quinta Do Lago South has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times. In 1989, Colin Montgomerie won his first European Tour event here by an impressive 11 strokes, set a course record of 63 and a Tour record of 24 under par. The course is laid out on beautiful undulating terrain with shady umbrella pines and a few man-made lakes that attract many aquatic bird species. The signature hole is the scenic par-3 15th (160mts) with a long carry over a lake to the green set amongst pine trees. Warren Griffiths took the honours of nearest the pin here after hitting his shot to within a metre and securing a birdie. Special mention must also go to Paul Beevers taking the Longest Drive with a mighty 283mts on the fabulous 17th hole – awesome.

The course was in fine condition which is something that you always come to expect from Quinta. Sun and blue skies were the order of the day though a coastal breeze helped from the temperature from soaring – perfect.

Multiple prizes today with four nearest the pin competitions, Gross Score, net Stableford and a Team Stableford. Special thanks are extended to our sponsors that include in no particular order Onyria Palmares, Vale Do Lobo, Monte Rei, Pestana Group, Boavista Golfe, Morgado / Alamos Golfe, Catmandoo Clothing, Chez Carlos Restaurant & Bar, Professional Golfer Monia Bernardo and Chez Carlos member Chris Milford.

Afterwards it was an optional return back to The Chez Carlos Restaurant & Bar for a specially prepared BBQ that included suckling pig, wild boar and octopus salad. Our thanks are extended to Fillipe and his team for looking after us so well and to all those that took part throughout the day. It was a great event and one which we are sure to repeat.

Best Gross – (Par 72)
1st: Martin Firth 75
2nd: Derek Hughes 81

Net Stableford
1st: Martin Lewis 37pts (19+18)
2nd: Eve Koch 35pts (18+17)
3rd: Paul Jackson 35pts (20+15)
4th: Dave Willis 34pts (17+17)

Best Aggregate:
1st: Peter Vaughan, Paul Jackson, Paul Beevers, Warren Griffiths: 128pts

Longest Drive: Paul Beevers

Nearest the Pin:
4th: Steve Whipps
7th: Ladies: Annie Densham. Gents: Martin Lewis
11th: Graham Newman
15th: Warren Griffiths

Oceânico Faldo – Saturday, 4th August 2012 – Weekly Competition

Posted on by

It was high time the Algarve Golf Society returned back to the impressive Faldo course at Amendoeira. With a low season rate, and member Christer Bergquist membership allowing him to sign in guests, we were able to play one of the best courses in the Algarve for a very attractive green fee including buggies – our thanks to Christer.

This is a course that never lets you off the hook. There is not one shot where you just play it without thinking it through and the consequences of a bad one. Sir Nick Faldo wanted to create a course that was a challenge and where the tee shots have risk and reward – well he certainly succeeded. By the time you walk off the 18th green you know you’ve been in a battle – no walk in the park here.

Geographically it is two different nines – one along the flat plain and the second a rise up the hill to the back of the course with northwards views towards to the Monchique mountains and over its sister course O’Connor Jnr. It is form here that you appreciate the full scale of this resort.

The World Kid’s Championship was held two weeks previous and consequently the course was in fine condition and the vast bunkers were in their resplendent glory. Thanks are extended to Fraser Graham for his support over the last few weeks, aided by his son Stuart, and his generous gift of some of the prizes for this event.

1st: Fraser Graham (h/cap 8): 31pts
2nd: Christer Bergquist (h/cap 14): 30pts

Nearest The Pin:
11th : Uncontested
17th: Christer Bergquist