An early shotgun start for 44 members and 6 accompanying guests at a course that is becoming a society regular now that all 18 holes are in play. A blustery beginning was a portent of things to come, with an initial lull in the strength of the wind leading to false hopes of calmer conditions.
Around 2 hours in to the round the gale arrived. The stroke index 1 sixth was turned in to something far greater than its par 4 standing by a ferocious headwind, the following downhill par 3 needing something mighty to get to the green. The 8th came as something of a relief with the wind almost behind. Not only did players have to compete with the elements, but also with pin positions that verged on the impossible.
This author, having played golf in the region for 30 years, has never seen so many pins placed in so many corners and so close to edges. Was this an attempt to protect the greens from too much wear and tear? Whatever the difficulties, some players returned good results. Bob Eyland, Richard Cleary and Paul Kelsall all played to their handicaps, and guest Thomas Olsen recorded an eagle. Congratulations to them!!
Winning results, by category and in reverse order, were the following:
Bronze Category: 5th Brian Butler (28 on CB), 4th Mike Kaylor (30), 3rd Chris Hamblett (31), 2nd Mike Jordan (34) and 1st Bob Eyland with 36.
Silver Category: 5th Dave Gibson (29), 4th Steve Hart (31), 3rd Alan MacDonald (32), 2nd Paul Kelsall (36 on CB) and 1st Richard Cleary, also with 36.
Gold Category: 5th Tony Smale (30), 4th Robin Eastman (31), 3rd Mark Preston (32), 2nd Barry Roehrig (34) and 1st Theo Boelhouwer with 35 points.
Nearest the pins (sponsored by Mick Roscoe’s The Property Shop): Hole 2 Kyrre Skarsmoen, Hole 7 Dave Gibson, Hole 11 Theo Boelhouwer, Hole 15 Richard Cleary.
Abacus (sponsored by Vistabella Golf Pro Adrian Rudge and comprising of a free lesson): Peter Girenas
Best Guest Winner and Runner-up: Cathy Nolan (32) and Thomas Olsen (27 and which included an Eagle) respectively
Our thanks go to all Vistabella staff for their contribution to a very enjoyable day. Next week we will be at La Finca, then on following weeks at Las Ramblas and Hacienda de Riquelme . Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Tony Smale a call on 628227687.
