San Miguel GS at Altaona (29 April 2026)
We descended upon Altoona Golf Club today after being here quite recently, with 35 golfers turning up full of optimism, enthusiasm… and varying degrees of ability.
Conditions were absolutely spot on – 23c, barely a breath of wind – basically perfect golfing weather. Which, of course, removes all excuses… apart from the greens, which were running a touch slow. That said, some were still leaving putts short, so we’ll not blame Altoona for everything.
Before we get into the damage, best wishes go to our Captain, who unfortunately took unwell this morning and had to attend hospital. Wishing him a very speedy recovery. A big thanks also to Lee Eastman for stepping in to present the prizes. A big shame as it was his “Not-Away Day” – if you know, you know!
Now, to the main business…
Gold : Dave Blackburn (36 points – solid, steady, and got the job done)
Silver: Ivan Hanak (40 points – won on countback and no doubt already checking his handicap for incoming cuts!)
Bronze: Pat Dooley (38 points – clearly didn’t get the memo about the slow greens and decided to ignore it completely!)
Nearest the Pins today from Robin Eastman (3rd), Barry “BTB” Roehrig (8th), Mark Ferrin (11th) and Dennis Ryan (17th) and then to boot, the Twos pot split with three fine efforts, proving it is possible to hit a good shot now and again: Richard McCann (3rd), Dave Rowe (17th even on an “off day”… and * Ivan Hanak (11th) each picking up a tidy €21 for their troubles. The football card went to the one and only (and you couldn’t actually write it…) Birthday Boy Drew Niblock -celebrating his 62nd birthday today… though insisting he’s 21 on the inside!
And finally, the most “sought-after” prize of all… the McBride Bottle awarded to the player with the lowest score of the day (and the thickest skin). This honour went to new member Bill Crichton, who now fully understands what joining the society is all about. A bottle of red and a warm welcome – what more could you want?
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Pictured Dave Blackburn (Gold), Pat Dooley (Bronze), Dave Rowe (Da Man), Lee Eastman (President), Drew “Birthday Boy” Niblock (Usurper!) and Ivan Hanak (Silver).
