Well how time flies! I am already through the first 3 months of my year as Captain yet it only seems a few weeks ago that we were standing on the 18th green watching Ray make his final putt as 2015 Captain and then wandering to the first to watch my first drive as the new Captain. I would like to report that I hit a glorious shot straight down the middle of the fairway but in reality was a hook into the lake on the left! Not to worry it was a great event with over 80 players participating and an excellent score by Arthur Greenwood and Hannelore McMahon won the day. There was also a “book” on the length of my drive organised by the Marja and Pippa the proceeds of which gave a good start to my Captain’s Charity.
Captain’s Charity
For those that are not aware the chosen charity for 2016 is CRACEP (Cooperativa de Reeducação e Apoio à Criança Excecional de Portimão). This is Portimão based organisation which provides re-education and support to mentally handicapped young adults in addition they run a social canteen for the poor. Whilst they get much of their basic funding from the State they also receive support from the Rotary Club and local businesses. Even with this additional financial support they still struggle to purchase the things they would like to improve their service to the community. We have identified the need for computers in the re-education department as an area we can help and the fund raising so far this year means we are almost in a position to purchase our first desk top system for the organisation.
Remember you can support the charity by purchasing SdM Golf Club car stickers and/or a season ticket for the charity bunker. In addition Judi Murphy has also been busy making marmalade and lemon curd and the proceeds from sales of these also go to the fund. You can also take part in the Captain/President Challenge – details are on the website.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM was well attended and thanks must go to Stuart and Kath Deans along with Jim Rose for the efficient way the meeting was run. I am pleased that my nomination for Club Captain 2017, Warren Tennant, was unanimously supported.
Membership
Our membership continues to grow and we currently stand at around 170 and we are seen very much as the club of choice for people signing up with Pestana. It is great to see new faces and I know you will join me in welcoming them to our club. I also encourage established members to arrange a game with the newcomers to help get to know them.
However a growing club has its challenges, as a large proportion of our members live in Portugal for significant periods of the year it has put considerable pressure on available tee-times for club competitions. I can assure you that the Management Committee and I are working with Pestana to increase our allocation. We have been told that once the Spring peak period is over we should receive additional tee times as required.
Competitions
I believe we have a good balance in the type of competitions we run and this is reflected in the high participation levels we achieve. As well as our normal qualifying and social games it is good to see the occasional special event e.g. St. Valentine’s Day, the recent St. Patrick’s Day comp and Easter Eggs. There are more to come with St. George’s Day and Dutch Day in April alone. Thanks to all those people who get involved and particularly those who sponsor food, drinks, prizes, etc.
You will have seen recently that a decision has been for future qualifying competitions, providing there are more than 18 players, the ladies section will be split into a gold and silver division based on handicap. The MC believes this will provide fairer competition for all.
Organising the competitions is a time consuming task and a big vote of thanks must go to Lynn Cook organiser for the Tuesdays and Saturdays, Dave Tweed for the Thursdays and Eileen Groves for the ever popular Ladies Days. Given our current issue with tee-times it would help them greatly if members could provide plenty of notice in cases when they can no longer play. “No shows” are particularly frustrating when we have members on the waiting list!
Social Events
This year has already seen a couple of successful events arranged by Gary Edwards. I did not attend the Chicken & Chips Night in Guia but I heard that it was enjoyed by all who did. I can vouch for the fact that the evening at Taste Restaurant was a great success which is good news as Ciprian and Niicola will once again be sponsoring the Taste Cup to be held in May. Gary will be organising regular social events throughout the year so keep an eye out on the SdM wesite
Captain’s Day
A note for you diaries; Captain’s Day will be held on Saturday 18th June at Silves. This is a Pairs Betterball format and is one of SdM’s Board Competitions. The prizes for the event will be presented at the Captain’s Reception which will be held on Sunday the 19th June at Brasserie Rosal – located between Carvoeiro and Porches. More details about the event will follow in the near future but I am hoping as many as possible will attend. Remember guests are also welcome.
Interclub Competitions
Interleague (Algarve League) started well with an excellent 3.5/1.5 win at Vilamoura, unfortunately this was followed by defeat by the same score in the second match at Pinheiros Altos. In between SdM were also defeated in the cup match versus Carvoeiro who went through on the “away team” team rule following a drawn match.
The Fermon Trophy is approaching the last round with SdM currently in 3rd place 11points behind the current leaders Silves International. Hopefully a good performance in the last event will bridge the gap.
The SdM Ladies team also sit in third position in the VACS Trophy with one event to play. There is some ground to make up on the leading clubs but hopefully home advantage will prove to be advantageous as the last round is at Silves on the 14th April.
In Conclusion
I would like to thank you all for your support to date and special thanks the Officers of SdM who continue to provide me with invaluable guidance. We should not forget that they give up a significant proportion of their time to run the club. Given the smoothness with which this happens they must be doing something right!!
Look forward to seeing you on the course and/or in the social events in the near future.
Peter Chapman
SdM Club Captain