Again, this was another course the Society had not played for two years – 1st August 2009 to be precise.
Opened in September 2008 and designed by Sir Nick Faldo it rates up there with the very best in Portugal. A mighty 6,598mts off the back tee this Par-72 championship course demands careful positioning to return a good card. The intention was always to create an Arizona desert feel with cactus and wild herbs plants in abundance planted against craggy out crops of rock. Terracotta coloured soil contrast to the expansive golden bunkers. The full effect of the course takes shape on the back nine as players wind their way up the hillside. The 15th tee is at the peak and the complex spreads out ahead of you with its sister course, O Connor Jnr, in the distance – a great vista.
All players arrived in good time and many made good use of the superb free practice facilities on offer. Betterball stableford pairs was today’s format off the yellow’s tee (5858mts). For the record behind these are a further two tees! The course was in superb shape and the off fairway bushes, pampas grasses and plants have given the course that extra maturity since last time I played it. Graham Newman found a stead fast partner with Bomber and carded a great 44pts to steal the show from father and son Shane and Shandon.
Once again a fine spread laid on by Parkys Bar in Vilamoura.
1st: Ian O’Malley (alias Bomber- h/c 10) & Graham Newman (h/c 24): 44pts
2nd: Shane Hall (h/c 10) & Shandon Hall (h/c 28): 40pts
Nearest The Pin (16th): Martin Lewis
