
the organisers…..Jan H Olsen, Jan Skjold, Dave Lloyd, Graham White…..
The masses of players descending on Condado this week could only mean one thing – it’s the Viking Cup! Developing from a humble challenge match of 14 players each side, and first played off site at Saurines 3 years ago, the match has become a monster, with 88 players filling the course for a shotgun start (and reserves on standby) for this 4th annual event. It must rank as the premier event of the society calendar, and has been recognised as such with its elevation to ‘major trophy’ status. All week the range has been full all day with golfers trying to up their game to a new level in order to win the crucial points for their team.

getting used to the very fast greens……
The successful format from last year was used again. The pairs with the highest points total in each game earned 10 bonus points, and the top 35 scores from each team were added to that. There were prizes for the best pair, individual and nearest the pin, but obviously the prime objective was the overall team score to win the Viking Cup.
Everything went off perfectly, the organisation was spot on, and the weather was just right for October golf with cloud cover making temperatures ideal. All the players were treated to free tapas and drinks after the golf at the clubhouse, which was sponsored by the society. IRM provided free buggies on the day and also gave us a voucher for 2 players.

they drink as a team…….
Also thanks go to the shirt sponsors (Tore Johnsen, Phil Marlow and Clover/Condado Club). Both teams looked very smart in their red and white polos.

UK & Ireland very smart in their new team shirts………

Scandinavia same colours in reverse…….
The result was in the balance until the presentation, both teams having important wins, and good individual scoring on both sides. Jan made the introductions, and revealed the winners of the individual and pairs prizes. He then handed over to Dave to announce the final result – I thought this meant that Dave was going to present the cup to Jan – but……..
the winners are UK & Ireland!

Jan presents the cup to Dave……….
The venue erupted on one side of the restaurant as we realised we had the cup back! The vikings were very gracious in congratulating us on our win (as we have been for the last 2 years), but now the series stands at 2 -2 and it makes it even more exciting for next years competition. We have already been asked when names are accepted for next years competition!

UK/Ireland team and supporters celebrate the news they have won……
Winners
UK & Ireland
Team scores
UK & Ireland team score
won 13 halved 1……………….135pts
Top 35 scores………………..1106pts
Total………………………………..1241pts
Scandinavia team score
won 8 halved 1……………….85pts
Top 35 scores………………..1080pts
Total………………………………..1165pts
Individual
Men
Rune Wingsternes……………….38pts (on countback)
Ladies
Birgit Petersen……………………38pts
Pairs
1st Billy Drake & Robert Beaton………….71pts (on countback)
2nd Les Hurren & Paul Briggs…………….71pts
3rd Birgit Pedersen & Ylva Johnsen…….70pts
Nearest pin
Men
hole 8…………………..Les Hurren
hole 17………………….Helge Kristoffersen
Ladies
hole 3…………………..Birgit Pedersen
hole 15………………….Birgit Pedersen

UK & Ireland team of Billy Drake and Robert Beaton were the best pair……..

Rune Wingsternes won the individual mens prize………

Birgit cleaned up, winning the ladies prize, both nearest the pins & 3rd in the pairs……
I will post more pictures tomorrow, along with more details on the amazing hypnosis show we saw presented by Dave Rawson. Several well known society members got up, and had the audience in stitches! A raffle was held in aid of CPR, and €510 was raised for this worthy cause.
Friday is another major trophy – the Condado seniors. The start sheet had been filled by Monday (a maximum 76 players) and several have been unable to get a game. Numbers have been amazing in October with 78 for the Apollo Air, 88 for the Viking Cup, and 76 this Friday. Even Mondays and Wednesdays have exceeded 20 players. If you want to be certain of a game contact bookings@cdagolf.com
More tomorrow
Barry
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