Silves golf course opened in 2006 and is located in a serene spot below the Monchique mountain range in the countryside inland from the coastal resort of Armaçao de Pera.
Finding it can prove difficult the first time you play as I was informed many of the road signs disappear from time to time. However, finding it is well worth while.
Many holes offer spectacular mountain views as well as overlooking palm trees and olive groves and the surrounding cork and citrus farms generate a true feeling of authentic Portuguese golf. Whilst the course is certainly not ‘a walk in the park’, you do get a feeling of peace and tranquillity, and even the rumble of a passing train will not disturb this ambience.
It is a course for all standards of players. Low handicappers will find it a serious challenge to come in under par. But high handicaps will always be able to enjoy their round.
And so it was on Saturday, despite the chill in the wind towards the end of our round. Scoring from the 13 players was not quite as good as normal, but perhaps that wind was a factor.
Once it had been pointed out to your organiser that he had misinterpreted one of the cards, we eventually found out who had won the prizes! The winner was never in doubt – that was our leader Carlos Ferreira (11 handicap) with 32 points. In 2nd place after a back 9 countback was Tony McInerney (22) with 30 points. Also on 30 were Ron McLachlan and David Exley.
Ladies winner was Mary Moran (28) with 26 points. Mary also won the nearest the pin with a fine tee shot at the 16th.
Post match refreshments and analysis of where we all went wrong was again at Chez Carlos restaurant . Another very pleasant Saturday.
Ron McLachlan
