The year started in great style with 8 members and 1 guest flying off to the Algarve to contest the Lauro Shield. The location was once again the fantastic Penina Golf Resort near Portimao where the Tournament would cover 3 rounds over 3 days, playing first the Penina course itself and on the last day the delightful Morgado course some 20 minutes drive inland.
Following a missed plane out of Luton (thank you Easyjet) and a hurried dash to Gatwick in overloaded black cabs, the players settled to enjoy the pleasures of good food, wine and the proficient and spell-binding language skills of Peter Smith – how that boy has improved in just one year. Even Gerry Bernstein seemed to relax instantly as he unpacked his satin dressing gown.
And so to the competition:
Overnight Leader was Peter Smith but Stableford points were hard to come by and with no player taking ‘Nearest the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’. After day 2, Mark Hewitson took the honours and Gerry took ‘Longest Drive’ and the ‘Best Night Attire’ award. Overall Tournament Winner, following 18 holes in bright sunshine at Morgano, was Tony Smith. Ned Lawton lifted the ‘Nearest the Pin’ Trophy and duly took the ‘Longest solo on an Irish drum in an Irish Bar’ prize that very evening with blisters to show for his endeavours. Gerry once again waltzed off with ‘Longest Drive’ and helped Ned celebrate ’til 4.30 in the morning.
On the last day, 5 members played the course at Palmares.
Other events which should be captured for prosperity are Pedro the Panda, now the proud owner of a Peter Davies club-head cover and of course our guest, Brian Thompson, who will never be the same again. John Malia even had to work part-time as a waiter to subsidise his golfing break.
Photographs –
The Hotel and grounds at Penina.
Pete Davies takes a swing at a par 3 at Penina. For the record Pete has no recollection of playing this hole so this one is to help his memory as he slips into senility.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place go head to head in the final round at Mogardo – Peter, Mark and Tony.
pre-match @ Penina
relaxing @ Morgado
Also at Morgardo, Bill manages to keep awake and Gerry and Brian approach the 468 metre 10th.
Eventually, on Sunday 1st April, SGL ran the ‘2006 End of Season Tournament’. Played over 18 holes at Beadlow, the outright Winner was Phil Cook. Nearest the Pin went to Tony Smith and Longest Drive to Alan Janes.
Pictured left to right are Peter Jenkins, Bill, Ned Lawton, Mick Rouse and new member Joe Dunne at the 1st.
Below, Chairman Tony Smith presents the Winners Trophy to Phil Cook.
In April 2007, 10 SGL Members and Guests visited Ufford Park Golf Club in Suffolk for a 2 day golfing break. The weather was excellent and the course very picturesque but demanding. A number of the par 3 holes were some of the best designed and challenging we have met so far. Winner of the Stableford competition was David Cham playing off scratch. Despite Alan Janes receiving a ball on the chin from Ned (hiding in the woods is no guarantee of safety) and Duncan Fraser narrowly avoiding a motoring projectile from Gerry Bernstein, a great time was had by all.
Shots of Duncan and Barrie Edwards enjoying the course.
As the 2007 Season drew to a close, SGL held a number of tournaments during August and September.
A popular format is the ‘3 Club’ which was won this year by Peter Jenkins. Peter Smith was 2nd with Jim Horn taking 3rd.
A ‘Texas Scramble Golden Ball’ team event was also well attended. Team Winners were Peter Jenkins, Mick Rouse and Ned Lawton. Our ‘End of Season’ Tournament was held at The Millbrook with an excellent field of 30 SGL Members and Guests. The course was in fine condition and everyone enjoyed the golf.
At the Awards Dinner, later that day, the following trophies were presented by Chairman, Tony Smith. 2007 League Winners were Phil Cook and Nick Benjamin. Runners-Up were Andrew Hammond and Nick Ecart with 3rd places going to David Cham and Alan Janes. Winner of the ‘End of Season’ Tournament with 28 points was Peter Jenkins, 2nd was Jim Horn with Geoff Banks clinchimg 3rd. Geoff also took ‘Nearest the Pin, with ‘Longest Drive’ taken by Pete Davies. The 2007 ‘Most Improved Player went to Andrew Hammond.
Pictured below:
Players ready for tee-off at Millbrook and awards to Peter Jenkins (3 Club), Phil and Nick (2007 League Winners) and Andrew and Nick (League Runners-Up).
In October, a number of members visited the Algarve for a golfing break. A competition was held over 3 days and playing 3 different courses at the Vilamoura complex. On the opening day we played the Laguna course with its challenging water hazards, moving to the picturesque Pinhal course on the second. The Millennium hosted the final day’s play. The weather could not have been better and all 3 courses were in immaculate condition.
Apart from the memorable courses and impressive Clubhouses, the week will also be remembered for the burning car outside the Chinese Resteraunt in Albufeira, Tony Smith flooding his hotel room, Jim’s croissants and the karaoke from hell. You had to be there!
Overall winner of the competition was Mark Hewitson with Ned Lawton and JJ Hoadley taking 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
2007 concluded with the Mashie Trophy played at South Beds Golf Club on the 27th December. Winner of the 9 hole competition was Barrie Edwards, 2nd was Phil Cook with Ned Lawton taking 3rd place.