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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

A change of venue at short notice saw the Society play the Oceanico Victoria on Saturday. It has now become a must play golf course for many after seeing it host the Portuguese Masters since 2007 when englishman Steven Webster won his first European Tour event.
The Algarve had experienced a great deal of rain in the week resulting in the course not allowing buggies on the day – a feature which is usually mandatory during normal conditions. It measures 6609mts off the back tees & the yellows 5628mts so the wet conditions did not allow the ball to run so it played every metre on the day. General maintenance with verti-draining was in evidence on the greens especially the back nine and sanding leading to some of the entrances – it really wasn’t a problem. It is something you come to expect in the first few months of each year.
The forecast of warm sunshine for the next couple of weeks will see the course blossom just in time for high season golf here in the Algarve. If you have never played it give it a go and try and par the last three holes!

Although it’s been raining for an unusual long period of time here in Algarve, we were fortunate having some sunshine and to play without rain.
It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to play on the Old Course, which still remains one of the best courses in Portugal.
We welcomed the new member Dave Hiwson and pleased to see long time members visiting the Algarve, Donald Adams and Charles Bradley.
The nearest-to-pin was on hole 4 and Jeff Seymour did the best shot.
Charles Bradley, playing for the last time with handicap 12 on the society, had a card with 38 points including 3 blobs. Jeff Seymour came in second place with a honest 35 points.
Being the first tournament of the year, Ann Moore was entitled to an award for the best score for ladies.
Back to the clubhouse at Chez Carlos restaurant, Filipe presented us with a selection of salads and appetizers that delighted everyone and he still do two drinks for the price of one.