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 18^th 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 19^th 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 3^rd 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 14^th 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