Golf in Algarve

Pinhal Saturday 11th June – Weekly Competition

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It has been nearly a year since the Society last played Pinhal so a visit was long overdue. Remodelled several times since it opened it has now probably got one of the toughest starts in golf on the Algarve. It can sometimes favour you if they are operating a two tee start and that you begin off the 10th – this was not the case today; off the first for us!

Though the greens were on the slow side the course was in superb condition. Next week it closes as part of its summer maintenance schedule and the rough would benefit from a quick trim in places. Once again we played a better ball stableford with four teams battling it out beneath glorious weather. Refreshments and ‘nibbles’ were once again laid on at Parkies.

1st: Fred Holmes & Shane Hall: 39pts

Nearest The Pin: Shane Hall (again)

Pinheiros Altos Friday 13th – Weekly Competition

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Pinheiros Altos was the venue this week playing the Oliveiras & Pinheiros courses and as the player numbers were even in number we decided to play the betterball stableford format.

For those still unfamiliar with the names ‘Oliveiras ’was the original 1-9 whilst the ‘Pinheiros’ holes are 10, 11, 12, + four holes from the new and finishing off with original 13th & 14th. Should you find yourself in the new part of the course take care; it is very easy to play the wrong holes and out of sequence!. In tournament play this would result in disqualification. The course was in fine form and the green fast after a recent dry spell here in the Algarve.

It was a tight game resulting in three teams on 42pts so the back nine ruling came into effect. Congratulations to Shaun & Ric – a good score indeed. As usual we all returned to Parkies Bar in Parque Das Amendoeiras for our post game refreshment – another great day. Next week Vale da Pinta.

1st: Shaun Williams & Ric Lorenzo – 42pts (b/9: 23pts)

2nd: Tony Mullen & Tony Parsons – 42 pts (b/9: 22pts)

3rd: Rod Griffiths & Simon D Turner – 42pts (b/9: 20pts)

Nearest The Pin ( 8th island green) : Marion Parsons

Vila Sol – Weekly Competition

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Vila Sol changed ownership in January 2011 after several months of uncertainity over its future. Golf course and hotel have now come under control of the Pestana Group with fellow stable mates of Vale De Pinta, Gramacho, Alto & Silves and not to forget Quinta do Beloura near Estoril. In the short few weeks of new ownership improvements are already evident on and off the golf course. It will not be long before it is back to one of the finest in the Algarve. We started on T19 and finished on the original front 9.

The Society welcomed a number of new players to the competition today, however, it was a familiar name that shone on the day. Carlos was in great form after taking a break from playing – it certainly seems to have paid dividends with a superb 41pts leaving all in his trial. Past winner of the last two weeks Jim Kearney came in with a credible 33 points to take second place. After two weeks of an uncontested nearest the pin we finally have a winner with David Hynds. We all returned back again to a busy Parkies Bar for a post drink refreshment and presentation.

1st – Carlos Ferreira (h/c13) – 41 pts
2nd – Jim Kearney (h/c 13) – 35pts

Nearest the Pin (25th ): David Hynds