
Jim, John, Kevin and Phil with their trophy and momentos……………
Kevin was the first winner of his own special event trophy, leading his team of relatively high handicappers to glory. Also in the victorious team were Jim Alwell, Phil Tann and John Killeen. With 3 birdies and only one bogey on the card their combined handicaps just gave them the edge. Unfortunately one team had to be disqualified with a very good score – they failed to indicate which players drive counted at each hole. The rule was that 4 drives must be taken by each player. This team marked down the player who holed out which was incorrect.
1st……..Kevin Smith, Jim Alwell, Phil Tann, and John Killeen………….58.6
2nd……..Terry Burgess, John Hickey, Tony Bower and Eugene…………….59.0
3rd……..Mick Parsons, Lesley Parsons, Jan Jakobsen and Lis Jakobsen……59.7

after the rains of the last month the rough is treated to a good soaking……………….
At the moment the focus on the course is on regrowing the long rough. I always thought it was hard to kill grass, but seemingly not. When the rough got to waist high in the first year of opening, who could envisage its survival being under threat? The lack of water this summer has affected its growth, and also traffic across it also causes damage. I was unaware of that, but it was pointed out to me by another member that buggies are not allowed in the long rough. I thought it was only seeded areas that were off limits, but after enquiring with the marshall it is in fact true that buggies are not allowed in the long rough or the waste sanded areas (tyre tracks are detrimental to the ambience of the course). I have pointed out to the management that if I as a member am not aware of this rule how can we expect visitors to conform? I suggested these rules should be posted on the buggies – then on examination I found that ONE buggy was so labelled.
Many areas of the rough are now being reseeded, and also lots more of the ornamental grasses are being added to the course.
It was nice to see that the free lessons for beginners were well supported. Last Friday the Global Golf professional Javier Garralon had 10 recruits, and on Wednesday this week there were 8 attended. He intends to have a presentation night in the near future explaining the rules of golf, local rules and etiquette to be observed as above. It looks as though this will take place early February, with the first presentation showing 60 slides concerning the rules of golf (2 hours) and the 2nd night will have 30 slides about the etiquette of golf (1 hour).
Next week is an individual event but for a change it will be strokeplay where every shot counts. Mark the gross score and subtract slope handicap at the end.
Tuesday will see our first open team event with a shotgun start at 10.00. There are 8 teams from as far away as Los Alcazares and Bolneuvo and there will be a trophy and replicas for the winners (6 players per team).
I have just contacted Desert Springs golf club re their offer to societies. For groups of 12 or more green fee is 30 euros including buggy. I have pencilled in Wednesday December 5th if anyone is interested. I am sure I can count on at least 12 already. I need a deposit of one green fee for each time booked, so require 30 euros for each 4 ball. It is about 1 hour away
(or just over) and I am sure car sharing will make the transport cost minimal. It is a fantastic course in Almeria and is normally quite expensive to play. If you want to play contact me at barry@cdagolf.com
You can see information on the resort and hole by hole video at http://www.almanzora.com View – resort videos/leisure life at desert springs/golf
We have drawn the November monthly members draw for 2 green fee vouchers. The winner is Frank Gallagher (808). Please claim by December 24th or the prize will be used again.
Barry
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