As is the tradition now in SGL, members look forward to the chance to play golf in warmer climes during the month of January. 9 members flew off from Luton to the Algarve in search of the sunshine, some old and some new courses to play and a chance to relax in the many bars and restaurants around Lagos. On the opening day of the 4 day tournament for the Lauro Trophy, we played the coastal course at Palmares. With excellent views at every turn, the players tackled this hilly course with stableford scores setting the handicaps for the following day.
Morning brought a trip to Boavista, another climb around some very picturesque holes with a good helping of water hazards. On the 3rd day we revisited Morgado, scene of last years final day’s play but compared with Palmares and Boavista, Morgado seemed a little lacking. Talk about leaving the best to last, the last day of competition took us to the magnificent course at Parque da Floresta. Buggies for all was definitely the order of the day as we set out to play through what felt like mountainous terrain at times. Spectacular holes and spectacular views left everyone wanting more but after a good rest please.
The following is a selection of photographs taken during the trip:
Overall Winner was Tony Smith with 103 points over 3 days. 2nd with 96 was Pete Davies with Peter Smith taking 3rd slot with 73 points. Peter S also took ‘Nearest the Pin’ being the only one able to actually land the ball on the green on the amazing 5th at Parq da Floresta (see large photo above). ‘Longest Drive’ was won by Ned Lawton.
Of course it wouldn’t be an SGL Trip without a few off-course antics. Mark and Gerry appear to now have a thing for pink underwear of the female variety and matching slippers. Don’t ask. Ned also appeared to subsidise the cost of the trip by promoting himself as the local Rent Boy, not forgetting his other job as the ‘Hit Man’ trying to take out some unsuspecting groundsman hiding behind a tree. You can’t hide from Ned so be warned. Mark took the prize for the most insect bites and JJ won the ‘3 Club’ Competition even though we didn’t have one. And Gerry, remember the heart tablets next year.
Pictured above – SGL Members and Guests at the End of Season Dinner.
The 2008 Mashie Trophy was played at Beadlow with 20 players competing. The SGL Winner was Peter Jenkins with 17 points over 9 holes. John Malia was runner-up with 15 and Matt Dibden took 3rd place with 14. Best guest was Rob Potts with 14 points. Paul Robertson won `Nearest the Pin` with `Longest Drive` captured by Peter Jenkins. A cold December outing but a great game of golf to end the year.
The 2008 season commenced with a new addition to the SGL family of tournaments – The Chairman’s Plaque. Played over 9 holes, each player selects 2 holes which will count as double Stableford points. This bonus however, can soon be lost as each shot into a bunker, on any hole, counts as 1 point lost.
20 players turned up to compete in this new competition. Overall winner with 20 points was David Cham and 2nd went to Nick Benjamin, also on 20 points but losing out on countback. John Malia took 3rd position. LD went to Alan Janes with Peter Smith landing the NP prize.
SGL and the Greyhound League managed to arrange another challenge match in 2008. Played over 18 holes on the Beadlow Baron Course, SGL took the title, bringing the Challenge Shield back to Silsoe.
In the 1st Free Week of the Season, we played a Texas Scramble Competition and invited a number of wives and partners along to join us. The winning fourball was Geoff Banks, Ned Lawton, Mick and Wendy Rouse.
As the season came to an end, we entered the ‘3 Club Challenge’ which has become a regular feature in SGL. The overall winner this year was Peter Jenkins with Peter Smith coming 2nd and Arthur Marsh taking 3rd slot.
Most Improved Player was Owen Flack who was awarded the ‘Jigger Trophy’ at the 2008 Awards Dinner.
The End of Season Tournament was held in September at Beadlow with the Awards Dinner at the Star and Garter in the evening. The following trophies were awarded by Chairman, Tony Smith:
League Winners – John Malia & Jim Horn.
Runners-Up – Matt Dibden & Jamie Holmes.
3rd Place – Tony Smith & Ned Lawton.
Tournament Prizes went to:
NP – Peter Jenkins.
LD – Peter Jenkins.
Tournament Winner – Peter Jenkins.
Runner-Up – David Cham.
3rd Place – Tony Smith.
Pictured: Tony presenting the League Winners Cup to John Malia. Tony presenting the 2nd Place Vase to Matt Dibden and Tony and Ned receiving 3rd Place prizes. Peter Jenkins accepts the End of Season Tournament Prize and finally Ned and Tony hold the SGL / Greyhound Challenge Shield.