Five-days of February sun in Portugal
On Wednesday, I flew home from a five-day golfing holiday, with 23 other golfers, in Portugal. It was great to get some winter sun and play one of the best courses I’ve ever played.
We all had a really great time and I’m already looking forward to organising the next trip.
Saturday 22 February
It was a very early start on Saturday 22nd. 24 of us met at 1.00am for a coach to take us to Gatwick and, after a smooth transfer and flight, we arrived. Some played golf, some relaxed by the pool and some hit the range. We were on the 1st tee by 12.30pm!
The weather was fantastic, 20-24 degrees and such a difference to that morning when we left England in the rain. We all had a nice meal that evening in the resort clubhouse which was nice. Most of us filtered off to bed as we were all shattered from the early start, so it was back to the 5-star apartments for some much-needed sleep.
Sunday 23 February
Day two, up early for breakfast and time to hit the range. We teed off on the championship Faldo course at 10.00am, which was brilliant; a great design and course condition was amazing; and our 72-hole tournament began.
James wells took the top spot with 38 points, 2nd was Tony Hobbs with 34 and Ben Godley in 3rd with 33. After a much-needed lunch and beer, overlooking the 18th green of the O’Connor course, some of us went out for another nine holes whilst some went back to relax before heading out into Silves village for a lovely meal.
Monday 24 February
Day three of the trip and the second day of the 72-hole tournament. Again, we meet early for breakfast and hit the range. Myself and Colin spend time with as many people as possible - looking at areas we could help to improve and any questions people had.
We teed off on the O’Connor course; a great test of golf and in amazing condition. Having buggies included in the trip which was great, as it was a long course and very hot. James Wells took top spot again with 36 points, great scoring off his 7 handicap, and Sam Mariner came in 2nd with 35 points, beating brother Josh Mariner on countback with the same score.
In the evening, we’d hired the par-3 course under the floodlights. It was an amazing experience, one that I’d never done before which was fantastic, and to be able to play golf at 11.00pm was just great! The holes consisted of 60 - 115 yards, some over water, run offs and lots of bunker. The condition of the course was second to none and everyone had a great laugh and enjoyable evening.
Adam Freeman won the evening with 41 points beating Mark Redfearn on countback, two great scores. 3rd place was Tom Mariner with 39 points. A highly recommended event.
Tuesday 25 February
Day 4 of golfing bliss! We were back on the Faldo course after a nice range warm-up and breakfast. The wind had picked up a little so the course was playing even tougher and the scores proved that. 1st place was Tom Mariner with 34 points, followed by Tony Hobbs with 33 and Sean Tongs in 3rd with 33.
After a free afternoon, some stayed local for food and drink whilst some went out into the local town again.
Wednesday 26 February
The final morning, day five of the trip and the last day of the 72-hole competition. The final round was on the O’Connor course, and although the wind was up again, the weather was still fantastic, not a sign of rain!
Ben Godley took 1st with a very good 37 points, Adam Freeman 2nd with 36 points and James Wells 3rd with 31 points. There was a recurring theme going on here, some great play from James!
After the round, we all met for some food and a final presention of prizes for all individual days, along with the 72-hole total prize giving.
3rd place overall with 125 points was Tony Hobbs playing off 2 handicap, winning a Titleist cap and 2 sleeves of pro v 1’s
2nd place was Adam Freeman with 128 points playing off 7, winning a Titleist Amendoira valuables bag, Titleist towel and a sleeve of pro v 1’s
And the winner, winning by 10 shots was James Wells playing off 7 with 138 points. He took home an Under Armour Amendoira polo shirt and a dozen pro v 1’s.
We then relaxed for an hour before being collected by the coach transfer. After a quick and safe flight home, it was a long day but we arrived early Friday morning.
It was a great trip that all went to plan, was enjoyed by everyone and gave us all the opportunity to play some great courses in some amazing weather. If anyone wants to join me on our next trip, just let me know!