In an absolute classic matchplay game SdM overcame a very good, and favourites, team from Alto to retain their Interclub Knockout Trophy the so fabulously won last year.
Playing at the wonderful Palmares course no team had home advantage but SdM's recent record here is very good so there were some confident faces on the range before the start. Des Briggs and Chris Zisimides led the way against Alto's strongest pairing and lost narrowly. Second pair out were Steve Edwards and Les Smith who had a very tough match with the lead see-sawing both ways until late in the back 9 when Steve won 14 and 15 and Les hit a sublime chip at the par 3 16th to halve. Another half by Steve on 17 was enough to take the game.
Third group were Per Lars Tonstad and Mick Girling who had a tough match and lost with a few holes to go. On the other side of that result were out last group Jimmy Cruz and Steve Barratt who romped to a magnificent 6&5 result. This leaves just one group between those two-our trump card- the Girls Duo of Marja Chapman and Julie Barratt.
Today was Groundhog Day 3 for the Serra de Monchique GC Interleague Team. After Thursdays Algarve Inter-Club match against Vila Sol which was narrowly lost and then yesterday’s SdM and SICG Joint Charity Event raising over €4000, Team SdM dragged their weary aching limbs onto the fairways again to face a very strong team from Pinheiros Altos. PA brought with them two scratch players and 3 single figure handicappers to take us on in the semi-finals of the knockout cup. A tough ask but Team SdM rose to the occasion and with dogged determination put THEMSELVES through to the finals KO match to face either Vila Sol or Alto on a neutral course to be decided. I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of this team, who performed admirably against some awesome big hitters. PA were superb opponents in all areas, including sportsmanship, courtesy and the after match Craic at O’barradas restaurant. The final result was a 3 to 2 win to Serra de Monchique GC as follows:
The fifth annual Silves Charity Golf Day jointly hosted by SICG and SdM was held on Friday 5th July 2019. As a result of the generosity of sponsors, members and their guests, in excess of 5,000 euros was raised for the Captain’s Charities; Algarvean Oncology Association (Cancer diagnosis and support) and Santa Casa da Misericordia de Albufeira Charity (children’s homes).
Many congratulations to SdM member Bob Cutt whole had a hole in one on the 16th today. Sadly no car on offer this time!
Interclub Team SdM had a tough away fixture today at Boavista Golf Club, the current league one leaders. Despite our best efforts, once again we came up just short but we did manage to walk away with 4 of the 10 points on offer. I have to be pleased with this result taking into consideration the quality of the opposition. So proud of the players that put their names forward to represent their club, well done guys. If any member feels they want to moan about the condition of Silves Golf Course, they should take a look at the poor condition of Boavista first. I need players to enter on the website for Interleague games 4th and 6th July at Silves, maximum handicap requirement is 24.
Results:
Des Briggs & Chris Zisemedes. Won 2&1
Jimmy Cruz & Euan Pyper. Lost 2 down
Per Lars Tonstad & Marijke Rombouts. Lost 4&3
Steve Edwards & Dave Darling. Won 3&2
Tommy Sundin & Marja Chapman. Lost 2&1
SdM Captain Mel Huxtable organised a superb Captains Weekend, Saturday being the traditional pairs betterball followed on Sunday evening with a Dinner and Dance at the fabulous Penina Hotel with music supplied by the sensational 5 EX band.
Saturday's competition started with the shotgun sounding at 09.00 under a sunny blue sky. The scores were tremendous with some close results. There was our usual halfway house and lots of cheer in the clubhouse afterwards. Thanks to the Captain and assistant Don Forrester for supplying the drinks and ice creams!
Team SDM took to the fairways at Silves today in an effort to get the better of a very strong Boavista team who are now favourites to win division one. The final score of one and a half to three and half was very flattering to Boavista. Martin and Les were on the wrong end of a mauling from two very experienced Interleague players but the other two losses came down to the 18th green. (Scores below)