Today the players of our SDM Interclub League team had to get up around 6 am, to play an away match at Quinta de Lago Laranjal. Originally an orange grove, this beautiful par 72 championship course has some spectacular fairways and very "interesting" greens.

Our first tee-time was 8:40 and the last game to come in was after a 5-hour round at around 2 pm. The first game we lost, the next 2 we won, then we halved one and the last we won as well. Resulting in a 3,5 to 1,5 win in an away match. And this gives us an extra bonus point in the Interclub League Standings. As a result of this win, we are now leading Division 3 with 29 points after 4 matches. As you can see here 

The Captain's drive in commenced with the new Captain Keith Scott driving off on the first tee, the shot didn't go exactly to plan as it hit a tree on the right hand side of the fairway and thankfully landed in a playable position. The length of the drive was 146 metres, which was guessed by 2 members, who kindly donated their winnings back to the charity.

The golf was played in perfect conditions, as the sun was shining, providing us with the hottest day of the year so far, this was ok for the early starters, however, many of the later players had 5 hour rounds and looked a little hot and bothered when they came into the clubhouse. Simon, Christine assisted by his helpers Jackie & Chris provided refreshments to the players, which was well received by all.

Tuesday 13th May saw two SdM members, Jill and Steve Edwards, celebrating their Pearl wedding anniversary, 30 years. So in keeping with a tradition at the club they decided to run a competition. With the help of competition secretary Eddie Kassner a format was devised where teams of four play their own ball using Stableford scoring and then on completion discard the 30 worst scores, The 30 Year Itch.
It all seemed to work well, all players enjoyed the day, which included a halfway house with tasty morsels and cup cakes.
Afterwards the players gathered in the clubhouse for the presentations.

Results:

The National Day season continues! The first Italian Day for SdM was a resounding success. Brilliantly organised by Daniele and his team members were treated to a great day, a two ball Texas Scramble, with over 80 participants. 
A halfway house with a fine selection of Italian delicacies including some memorable cold meats and a stunning Parmesan cheese all served by a wonderfully cheerful crew of Signore. Afterwards the clubhouse was buzzing with a great atmosphere, the huge number of Italian guests adding greatly to the party. We are already looking forward to next year's event  

The weather stayed fine, perhaps summer has arrived! 
Results:

A blue sky and some northern cool wind, a perfect day for a Dutch Day at SDM. A nearly full field of Orange dressed up golfers, arrived early on this Saturday morning at the Silves Golf Course to celebrate the Birthday of King Willem Alexander of The Netherlands. In a 2-best scores out of 4 competition, with each 4ball given an Orange ball to be played in turn which net score counts double, we were going to see some very high scores. After a Dutch quiz near Patricia’s and some Dutch Farmers golf at the 10th hole, the halfway house with some Dutch snacks and schnapps was well attended by everyone. After the competition everyone gathered cozy at the long tables on the terrace, waiting for the results:
1st prize with 126 points: Ian Williams, Maddy van Kleef, Berge Billiauws & Ilse Loncin
2nd prize with 124 points: Daniele Gambetta, Elena Funeta, Hans Linnet & Marit Linnet
3rd prize with 120 points: Wayne Sinfield, Mark Schmidt, Ian Wakenshaw & Anne Wakenshaw
Nearest to Pin on 3: Ladies: Heidi Schmidt & Men Hans Beukert
Nearest to Pin on 15th: Ladies: Elena Funeta & Men: Ian Willams

At last! The sun came out, the rain stayed away and 84 members didn't need their rain wear, in fact most didn't even need sweaters.

So the aforementioned members resplendent in their red and white garb enjoyed a fabulous day  Starting with a beautifully decorated clubhouse, St George's flags on every pin and a stuning half way house with "typical" English fare served by two lovely English maidens, Chris and Jackie. Thanks as always to our two tent erectors Mick and Les  

After the competition, a Texas Scramble with all the usual efforts to ensure all get in the obligatory 4 drives each, the field congregated on the clubhouse terrace for yet more English fare and Portuguese beer.

The prize giving was faultlessly conducted by Jan and Kevin with all recipients happy with their efforts.

Captain Keith Scott thanked all those who made this, another one of the many National days the club organises, such a success.

Results: