This week we played the beautiful Quinta do Lago North course as part of our “Quinta Series” of games over the summer. Having already played Laranjal and we will finish with a visit to the South Golf Course on 24th August. All the players appreciated the fantastic value meal which included a superb buffet with wine and Sangria after the match provided by Felipe and his staff, at Chez Carlos Restaurant. Our thanks go to them.
We had a large field of 32 players and we were pleased to welcome many guests including 8 visitors from over the border in Ayamonte. We hope they enjoyed their day and we look forward to welcoming them again at any time in the future.
Starting in sultry conditions the sun eventually came through and it was a fine day for golf. The golf course was in top condition. The greens were particularly good, being fast and true.
In view of the size of the field, we had 5 cash prizes and bottles of wine for 2 nearest the pins and a Longest Drive.
The scoring was generally good with 14 players scoring over 30 points.
The winner though, had a special round. Playing off only 7 hcp, a reduction of 2 in view of his recent successes, Fraser Graham, shot 4 gross birdies in an opening 9 holes and whilst not as spectacular continued to hold his game together on the back 9 to score a magnificent 41 points. (I fear that Carlos will impose a further reduction next time!)
Second was Darren Hampshy, visiting from Albufeira, with another excellent score of 37 points. Third, and continuing his good form recently was member Peter Densham with 36 points,
4th was Carlos Ferreira’s guest, Pedro Silvestre who scored a fine 35 points, whilst returning member Peter McMahon finished 5th on 34 points.
Nearest the pin at the 8th hole was Tom Taylor who arrived just in time to claim his bottle of wine before it was consumed by his playing partners!
The longest drive on the 11th hole went to Fraser Graham who launched a mighty blow straight down the middle.
The final nearest the pin prize on the 16th hole was won by Barry Partner and so the cross border raid scored a minor success!
As had been the case on the previous “Quinta Series” , Carlos had managed to organise some special prizes which were drawn at random. A voucher for 2 nights for 2 people at the Vila Gale Hotel in Vilamoura was won by member Mark Punter. A similar voucher for any Luna Hotel which includes the Olympus in Vilamoura was won by guest Simon Wingfield.
As mentioned above, we were treated to a superb meal afterwards at Chez Carlos Restaurante . It seems that many players continued to enjoy each other’s company for a long time afterwards both in Chez Carlos and Parky’s bar .
