Golf in Algarve

Oceanico O’Connor -Tuesday 21st February ’12. Mid-week competition

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A impromtu game in Oceanico O’Connor, in as the day was a bank holiday in Portugal and there were a few eager golfers looking for a game especially as the fine weather continues. A specially arranged price of just €50.00 including a buggy to play O Connor was another great reason!

It was the Society first trip out of the Central Algarve this year (apart from Costa Azul ) and it was a question whether to take the old EN125 road or face the toll on the motorway. We as a Society will favour more local courses from now for this reason but on occasion will venture further afield.

Again golden brown fairways as evening ‘frost’ keeps the temperatures low so stopping the grass from growing. Tight fairways saw us play winter rules and the green were not as smooth as others we have played this year. Regardless, it was a super day to be out and we were well looked after by the staff. If you have never played either this course or the Faldo go make the effort it is a great venue.

1st: Robin Prescott (h/cap 13): 31pts

2nd: Tony McInerney (h/cap 24): 30pts

Nearest the Pin (13th): Tommy Jensen

Pinheiros Altos – Saturday 18th February ’12. Weekly Competition

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Located between Quinta Do Lago and San Lorenzo the 27 holes at Pinheiros Altos (High Pines) is a firm favourite with many a golfer in the Algarve and home for many a celebrity and footballer.

Today the Society took on the Sobreiros and Oliveiras loops. The fairways were brown but this was only the bermuda grass in its dormant stage in winter. Come the warmth of springtime it will be its usual blaze of green.

If there was stimpmeter reading taken on the greens it would have surely read 12 – similar to Troia the other week. Anything topside and you had problems. This was reflected in the scores with 28pts the best from a field of 15players.

Thanks to Dell at Parkies bar for laying on a selection of sandwiches and potato skins post match.

1st: David Exely (h/cap 19): 28pts

2nd: Christer Bergquist (h/cap 14): 28pts

3rd: Eileen Farren (h/cap 24): 28pts

Nearest The Pin 8th (Olives): Tommy Jensen

Vale do Lobo Royal – Saturday 11th February. Weekly Competition

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The first game after the return from the trip to Lisbon saw the Society return back to Vale Do Lobo this time to take on the majestic Royal course. There was once again another good turn out with x21 players taking part under clear blue skies and sunshine.

The whole group had all teed off by 1.10pm thereby ensuring we were to finish easily within daylight accessing its twilight rate of just €55.00. Some good scores at the turn indicated that a stableford par round was a distinct possibility and this turned out to be the case with a fine performance by Robin Prescott to clinch first prize by one point with 38pts.

Two nearest the pin competitions this week though the one at the infamous 16th was slightly tongue in cheek. A few near but no one reached the green. The course was in good condition considering the dry spell we are still experiencing here in the Algarve.

After the game we chased back to Parkies Bar for nibbles and refreshments and to catch the six nation rugby match. Another good day had by all.

1st: Robin Prescott (h/cap 15): 38pts

2nd: Dave Askew (h/cap 11): 37pts

3rd: Christer Bergquist (h/cap 15): 34pts

Nearest The Pin 7th: Peter Vaughan

Nearest The Pin 16th: Uncontested