In January of 2006, the Penina Golf Course in the Algarve, played host to the Lauro Shield. The shield is played for on an annual basis when members travel abroad in search of warmer climes. The challenge was first contested in 2004 on the Lauro Course in Malaga, then won by Ned Lawton. Paul Glenister subsequently took the honours in 2005 and now the players assembled in Portugal to find a 2006 winner. The par 73, 5827 metre Championship course, was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and has hosted the Portuguese Open some nine times.
After the first day’s practice round, Peter Smith had posted the top score in this Stableford Competition. The overnight leader after the first day’s play however, was Guest, John Malia with 32 points. The weather had been sunny and warm, the course had been in good condition and everyone had commented about the excellent greens. The final round was won by Chris Burrows on 35 points and Chris also carried away the ‘Nearest the Pin’ prize for good measure. Mark Hewitson made sure ‘Longest Drive’ had his name on it.
Overall Winner of the Lauro Shield was Mark Hewitson with a cumulative score over the two days of 63 points. Chris Burrows was Runner-up with 60 points (count back) and Third Place, with 60 points was Geoff Olney.
Members thanked Tony Smith for arranging the trip and Peter Smith for his natural skill for languages, especially Portuguese.
The photographs below depict the ‘Algarve 11’ about to commence the first tee-off of the Tournament. Also Chris Burrows, Alan Janes and Ned Lawton, enjoying the Driving Range and challenging Penina Course.
In May the Society once again visited Whiston Hall for a Sunday / Monday golfing break. Unfortunately the weather was against us and the competition was cancelled. Some of the players managed a few holes in the pouring rain which created a number of incidents – some good, some not so good. Most notable was a hole in one (the 1st for the Society in its history) for Chris Burrows on the short 4th hole par 3. An excellent shot by all accounts although most SGL members were in the bar and missed it.
On the down side, Gerry Bernstein tore muscles in both legs and spent most of the Sunday in Derby Hospital. Gerry thought he had been hit by a ball. As he limped back to the Club House he tore another muscle in his good leg. Unfortunately most SGL members missed it as thy were in the bar – sorry Gerry!
We did manage to take a few shots be it mainly of the photographic type so from left to right, teeing off from thr 1st – Alan Janes, David Cham, Chris Burrows and Nigel Bedall.
The 2006 End of Season Awards Dinner was held on Sunday 1st October at the Star and Garter. Unfortunately the End of Season Tournament was cancelled mid-round as players were surrounded by thunder and lightening and a torrential downpour. Duncan Fraser gave the after-dinner speech with the traditional mickey-take levelled at fellow members. Chairman, Ned Lawton, presented the awards and thanked everyone for making the event a successful one, despite the weather.
From from left to right, trophies were awarded as follows:
2006 League Winners – Ned Lawton & Tony Smith.
League Runner-up – Paul Glenister. League Rinner-up – Duncan Fraser.
League 3rd place – Mark Hewitson (Gerry Bernstein was unable to attend).
Most improved Player – Phil Cook. Paul Glenister also presented Ned with the ‘3 club’ Tournament Trophy.
The Mashie Trophy Winner (2005) was PAT FORDER
At the end of the Season, SGL ran another ‘3 club’ Tournament over 9 holes. Winner with 16 points (on count back) was Ned Lawton. In 2nd place on 16 points was Jim Horn, in his first year with SGL, and Tony Smith took 3rd place also on 16.
During September a number of members spent 3 days in Scotland staying at the Crieff Hydro. They enjoyed courses at Cromrie, Crieff Golf Club and Muthill. Overall Winner was Pete Davies. David Cham was Runner-up with Mark Hewitson taking 3rd position.
Our annual match against the Greyhound Golf League did not go Silsoe’s way with a 4 – 2 defeat. Honours for Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin also went to the Greyhound, who have now won 3 matches in a row. SGL hosted the Awards Dinner back at the Star.
Geoff Olney
Founder Member
Retired from the League.
SGL Members and their Guests relaxing at the End of Season Awards Dinner. Additional Prizes awarded on the night were ‘Wooden Spoons’ given to John Malia and Jim Horn. Ned Lawton also received a giant calculator to work out his massive handicap cut.
Joint Winners of the 2006 Mashie Trophy were Len Martin and Peter Jenkins. The draw was decided after a count back over 3 holes and then 6 holes showed no clear winner.