Golf in Algarve

Oceanico Millennium – 12th November. Weekly Competition

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The Society returned back to Central Algarve this week for a game locally at Oceanico Millennium. Blustery conditions greeted us on arrival and prevailed throughout the day but thankfully without rain.

We accessed the twilight green fee rate but had negotiated an earlier tee time thereby ensuring we played a full 18 holes in daylight.The course was in good order and the recent rains have brought new growth to the course. Greens were lush though variable on speed. A handful of the yellow tees were playing forward on the blue boxes making for a shorter course today.

Eight players took part in today’s individual stableford competition and a welcome was extended to Mark Warner playing off an 8 handicap joining us for the first time today. Once again we returned back to Parkies Bar for post game refreshments and nibbles.

1st: Tony McInerney (h/c24): 38pts

2nd: Peter Vaughan (h/c14); 34pts

Nearest The Pin (15th): Peter Densham

Benamor – Saturday 5th November. Weekly Competition

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The game this week took the Society to the Eastern Algarve, an area of natural beauty and a popular destination in search of those seeking a taste of ‘real’ Portugal.

The owners of Quinta de Benamor, the Martins Dias family, approached the late Sir Henry Cotton to make a concept design for an 18-hole course back in 1986. The final result is a delightful par 71 golf course of 5.500 metres (6.100 yards), with mountain views to the north and sea views to the south. Indigenous olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees, many centuries old, feature prominently as does some strategically placed water features.

Benamor has a worthy reputation for being a well kept and manicured course – it did not disappoint. The greens were lush and deceptive – quick down and much slower up.

A band of x17 player turned up for the individual stableford competition. It was decided that the men play of the white tees today principally as it is a better course than the ‘yellow’ yet only 300 meters longer. A strong wind blew in from the mountains the front nine holes but dissipated late afternoon. Scoring was difficult especially for the boys off the back!

Once again we returned back to Parkies Bar for post game refreshments and nibbles laid on by Jacqui and the team. Our normal host Dell was on vacation. A great day had by all.

1st: Olga Golubkova (h/c36): 36pts

2nd: Christine McSparran (h/c14); 34pts (c/b 9holes: 15pts)

3rd: Robin Prescott ((h/c14): 34pts

Nearest The Pin (10th): Simon D Turner

Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Day, Onyria Palmares 23rd October ’11

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Just a week after The Masters and the weather had changed with wind and rain making a sudden return to the Algarve. Headline news was the extensive roof damage to Faro Airport after a storm hit it on Monday 24th a day after the event.

The Pink Ribbon Charity Day itself was windy but kept dry for all 76 players. Format was AM-AM stableford with a shotgun start, at Onyria Palmares. Dinner was included at the Adega da Marina with 133 people attending. Over 10,000€ was raised with €2550.00 coming from the post game auction alone with all proceeds going to the A.O.A (Associacao Oncologia de Algarve).

Thanks to all those that supported this event and its worthy cause.

1st Team: 90points
Jon Day
Tracy Day
Jane Langsdale
Andrew Langsdale

2nd Team: 83points
David Minns
Bill Hyett
Bob Hewitt
Martyn Hardeman

3rd Team: 82points
Chris Hall
Rob Furber
Kevin Thomas
Lucca Kools