Viking Cup October Tuesday 23rd 2018

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The second shotgun start in 4 days saw a battle between the 92 players from UK & Ireland and Scandinavia. With the score at 4-4 over the last 8 years it was the UK & Ireland team who earned a 5-4 advantage.

No rain and little sunshine with overcast skies hovering above us, and the staff from GNK had done an amazing job in preparing the course in the best condition we have seen for ages. Also it was a nice touch to see the Viking Cup logo on all the buggies and on the flag at the 18th.

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Match play

UK & Ireland     12 wins, 1 half    = 125pts

Scandinavia       10 wins, 1 half    = 105pts

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Stableford score

UK & Ireland      1211pts

Scandinavia        1161pts

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Nett stableford score after bottom 20% taken from both teams

UK & Ireland      1086pts

Scandinavia        1056pts

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Matchplay & stableford combined  

UK & Ireland       1336pts

Scandinavia         1266pts

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UK & IRELAND ARE THE WINNERS!

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There were also prizes the best pair, best lady and best man:

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Team – John Collins & Ricky Comber………………….78pts

Lady  –  Liv Aastad…………………………………………………..42pts

Men  – Robin Wilson………………………………………………40pts

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the winning team, UK & Ireland………………………

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maybe it will be their turn in 2019………………….

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a small trophy but it means an awful lot………..

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John & Ricky were the best pair……..Ricky is wearing the hat……………..

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Liv was best lady…………..

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Robin won the men’s…….

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the course was looking good……………………..

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players on the 18th……….

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the buggies looked good with their new decal……….

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Peter Mitchell is showing one off……………………

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the team captains are making sense of all the cards and eventually finding a winner………..

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I think that these photos will do for today, but lots more to come. Thanks to everyone who helped out taking the pictures, especially Denise at the golf club.

 

Barry

 

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Fourball Texas Scramble Friday October 19th 2018

Anyone sending mails to bookings@cdagolf.com will find it is no longer available and will be redirected to committee contact details (see PAGES link). Correct address is:  bookingscdagolf@outlook.com

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just one of the hollows that had filled with rain this week. It shows the problems around the course that the course staff had to deal with…..

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91 players (23 teams) were lucky with the weather – gota frias approaching from the west and the north and due to meet up in Murcia, but the day was fine. The format is great with play moving along at a good pace with generally no waiting. The green keepers did a fantastic job of putting the course back into  a playable condition. I woke up at 6 a.m. to the noise of trucks racing along the buggy path, and the view of vehicle headlights at different points cleaning the mud from the paths. Most of the bunkers were back in play and the greens had improved.

Unfortunately though, GNK tried to fit in some extra flights at 1 p.m. We were due to start at 09.03 and no way could everyone finish by 1 p.m. The late request for us to start early came too late as some players were arriving at 08.45 and still had to pay and reach their allotted tees!

Thanks to Peter Reeves and Sandra Rollett who collected the 2 euros and handed the cards and local rules out, Also to Alicia Saunders and John Collins who set up a desk to collect green fees to help out the overrun desk clerk.

 

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1st     Jim Hershaw, Ben Birkby, Ray Rollett & Robin Wilson…………………63-6.5 = 56.5

2nd    Tom Toner, Jeff Lightle, Fran Thomas & Terry Burgess……………….62-4.2 = 57.8

3rd     Bob Whitty, Pat Whitty, Nigel Howson & Tony Andrews……………64-5.6 = 58.4

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a fantastic score from the winners………………

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their great score was only good enough for 2nd……..

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the Whittys and Nigel were 3rd……………

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The Vikings are here!

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Take care near the Al Kasar………………..

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Regarding the Viking Cup the green fees together with cash for the presentation evening meal will be collected at the Clover bar between 18:00 and 19:00 on Monday 22^nd October. The draw for tees and opponents takes place at 7pm. Again, it will be of great assistance if the correct cash is at hand..

Next Friday (seniors) please make sure you are at the shop soon after 08.00 to make sure everyone is at their tee when the gunshot is heard. The committee also ask that all players have the correct cash at hand.

 

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a nice touch from GNK who have added Viking Cup decals to the front of all buggies!

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Barry

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Weather

The last week has seen the course affected by fog and rain – we went to the port on Sunday for lunch leaving behind a little drizzle. When we arrived back about 3 hours later there were a few puddles on the roads but no rain. It came a a surprise on Monday to find that the heavens had opened, rivers down the fairways and paths and sand washed out of the bunkers, which were all out of play.

The greens staff look to have done a marvellous job this week getting the course playable again. Several staff working on the bunkers, greens being cut, sand brushed off the tees etc. It should be much changed for our big competition, the Viking Cup, on Tuesday.

 

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at 08.30 both Saturday and Sunday there wasn’t much to see………

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Sunday afternoon while we were out………..

 

 

sorting out the problems on Wednesday………….

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The course should be fine for a very busy next 7 days……………………

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the Vikings are here………

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Take care near the Al Kasar………………..

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A famous Viking explorer returned home from a voya…

A famous Viking explorer returned home from a voyage and found his name missing from the town`s register. His wife insisted on complaining to the local civic official who apologized profusely saying, ” I must have taken Leif off my census.”

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Barry

 

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Apollo Air Individual Stableford Friday October 12th 2018

Eamonn Barry, our October Apollo Air winner……….

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73 players in the October Apollo Air, maybe because all the Scandinavians are arriving for the Viking Cup! A really busy month following the Barry Answer last week, Apollo Air, Viking Cup Texas scramble, Seniors, and awayday. The scramble, Viking cup and seniors are shotgun starts which allows 92 players to compete. Also the 3 Aguilon Ryder cup qualifiers in the month for those who want a great day out.

The weather was perfect with manageable temperatures and little or no wind. Still some way to go though in recovering the greens – very slow as they cannot be cut yet. Thanks to Jacqui Patterson and Ivor Abernethy for taking up the starters role.

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Apollo Air winner

Eamon Barry (19.1)………………………………………………………………..42pts

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1st division

1st     George Hoskins (11.2)……………………………………………….40pts

2nd    Tony Andrews (7.5)…………………………………………………….38pts (on countback)

3rd     Chris McAllister (4.2)…………………………………………………38pts

4th     Philip Mozes (12.4)……………………………………………………37pts

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2nd division

1st     Ken Saunders (25.3)……………………………………………………37pts (on countback)

2nd    Mike Maloney (15.6)………………………………………………….37pts

3rd     Colin Lloyd (18.1)……………………………………………………….35pts (on countback)

4th     Jostein Landsvik (17.0)………………………………………………35pts

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Ladies

1st     Edith Mozes (20.8)……………………………………………………..35pts

2nd    Astri Spieler (14.9)……………………………………………………..34pts

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Well done to Edith Mozes, who not only won the ladies, she had a hole in one at the 133 metre 7th hole. Her name will be added to the hole in one honours board.

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a double celebration for Edith……………………….

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1st division winner George………………..

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Ken won division 2………….

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As I said, the Vikings are coming out and I had the pleasure of playing with three of them – Jostein Landsvik, Ove Enger and Sven Erik Gulbrandsen………………………

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a fine action shot of Ove on hole 13……………….

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Ove watches Jostein putt out on 10……………….

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and Sven Erik managed to make this photo………….

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Only 2 more Apollos for the annual championship to be decided. Tony Andrews has now moved into the lead with his 38 points improving his 5 game total to 190 with Shaun Cairney and Blair Johnstone within 6 points. But things changed dramatically on the final competition last year, with John Collins coming from behind to take the title.

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Shotgun Starts

Over the two weeks, commencing with the Texas Scramble competition on the 19th October, followed by the Viking Cup on the 23^rd October and the finally the Seniors Trophy on the 26^th October will be Shotgun Starts.

All these competitions will involve 92 players, this alone is problematic and therefore the committee are requesting the cooperation of all those involved in the following ways: –

For the Texas Scramble and the Seniors competition can all players please arrive at the club house at 08:00 on competition day, this will allow the pro shop staff assisted by committee members to collect green fees, sweep money and distribute scorecards in time for the 09:03 shotgun start.

The committee also ask that all players have the correct cash at hand.

Regarding the Viking Cup the green fees together with cash for the Presentation Evening Meal will be collected at the Clover Bar between 18:00 and 19:00 on the evening of Monday 22nd October. Again, it will be of great assistance if the correct cash is at hand.

Thanking you for your corroboration.

Ken Saunders

Competition’s Secretary

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Barry

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Barry Answer Individual Stableford Friday October 5th 2018

Our host tees off on the 15th…………………..

 

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This ever popular competition attracted 71 players and the weather was perfect. Also some initial improvements to the course were noticeable, although it will take a few weeks to get the course back to its former glory. We were lucky to have 2 starters this week (Peter Reeves and Lyn Bell) to take entry fees, hand out the cards, explain the rules of the day and distribute tickets for the free buffet and entertainment at the Condado Club later (please let Phil Cooke know if you can help out as starter). Thanks to Neil Simpson for managing the evening buffet without the help of Lynn, Paul and Rachel who were away on holiday.

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Overall winner

Steve Todd (4.2)…………………………………………………………………………37pts (on countback)

 

1st division

1st     Steven Brown (12.2)……………………………………………………….37pts

2nd   Robin Wilson (14.0)………………………………………………………..36pts

3rd    Roy Winter (8.9)………………………………………………………………35pts

 

2nd division

1st     Phil Cooke (15.8)…………………………………………………………….36pts

2nd    Dave Wareing (15.8)………………………………………………………35pts

3rd     Ken Saunders (25.1)……………………………………………………….34pts

 

Ladies

1st     Lynda Lloyd (17.0)…………………………………………………………..35pts

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Eli Holdhus was nearest the pin on the 17th for the ladies spot prize………..the winners of the mens’ spot prizes did not attend the presentation.

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1st division winner

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Phil was surprised to be 1 shot off the pace, but happy with the 2nd division………….

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Lynda is a regular on the stage, best of the ladies…..

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Barry provided all the players with a new ball sponsored by Flagship Shopfitters, his own four ball were provided with polo shirts from the same company, and there was a bucket of balls on the 11th tee to minimise the effect of a lost ball in the lake! The players were grateful to Denise and Sue who were waiting on the 12th tee with cold drinks,

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Me, Barry, Milt and Phil in our very smart raspberry (not pink!) shirts………….

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Complementary lake balls for the journey over the lake on 11………………….

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Milt searches for one that looks as though it doesn’t like water………..

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Sue and Denise waiting for the first golfers……….

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Looks like Barry is in front of the markers on 9…….Oh no, playing 3 after his first drive went for a swim…….

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Milt needs to pack some flippers if he is desperate for that extra point……actually he made a five at 18 after this splash shot……

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The evening party was fantastic with Barry and Denise providing a buffet at the club and paying for a fantastic nights’ entertainment from a Condado favourite, Woody. A pity though that some of the prize winners were not present after all the hard work put into the evenings’ organisation.

Next week is the October Apollo Air individual stableford.

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Viking Cup Presentation Evening

A limited number of reservations have become available to non-participants of the Viking Cup for the above event which will be held at Sofia’s Restaurant on the evening of Tuesday 23^rd October 2018.

A three-course meal with wine is provided at a cost of 20 euros per person which is then followed by the presentation of the Viking Cup and a Disco.

Anyone wishing to attend please contact Ken Saunders at: – compcdagolf@outlook.com to receive the menu.

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Barry

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Course maintenance update

Society Members,

I know, particularly over the past few months, many of you have complained to the committee about the general state of the course, in particular, the greens.

I, as Captain and on behalf of us all , have been in touch with GNK senior management, on a number of occasions during this period, unfortunately without many signs of improvement.

Following our Society competition on Monday I sent the below email with photos attached to Enrique, the course owner and Director General of GNK. I received an immediate response!

On Tuesday this week a number of the senior management team from GNK, including Enrique, came over to Condado. Enrique went out onto the course and I have been told was appalled at its general state.

Yesterday morning , Wednesday, there was more activity on the course than we have seen for many months, in fact there were green keepers everywhere.

Greens had been cut, cleared and rolled. Areas of the greens have been reseeded, (I have been assured that this will now germinate as the weather has cooled down),  the reeds around the lakes were being cut back etc.

For the ladies in particular, the toilets on the course which have been in a disgusting state for months,  will now be cleaned as a priority each morning and BEFORE anyone goes on the course.

Please be assured that myself and the rest of the committee will continue to represent our society members concerns at the highest level within GNK and that we see that our course returns to the condition it should be and that we deserve.

Regards

Phil Cooke

Captain CdA Golf Society.

 

Original message…………………………..

 

“I am sending you this email following many complaints from our Society members regarding 2 issues. 

Firstly, the appalling state of the greens on Condado, the problem appears to be affecting most of the greens, some suffering worse than others.

I have attached a few photographs from today.

I did speak with Tony this morning about this but I do not feel he realised the problem properly, hence the pictures.

For example on the 3rd, the picture with the ball in front of me (Greens2.png), this was my putt, ball at my feet,  towards the hole, totally impossible!!

Indeed almost everyone of our members who played today complained, and we feel that the situation is getting worse.

4 of our members cancelled today and went to play on Camposol, quoting the state of the greens as the main reason and that Camposols’  were better, totally unheard of!!

Clearly with the best will in the world even if work started immediately the greens will take many weeks to recover to their former glory, in the meantime can we ask that these areas are at least marked off as GUR please?

 

The second issue is the appalling state of the toilets. This particularly affects our lady members.

Although the toilets are being cleaned to a fashion, the cleaner is concentrating on the clubhouse when she arrives. This means that the toilets on the course are not getting any attention until very late in the morning most days. For example today the toilets between the 5th and 6th were dirty, no toilet paper and did not represent a top class course, which of course we all feel Condado is.

We all appreciate the problems regarding vandalism, however if the toilets on the course were cleaned first thing in the morning, before paying members of the public reached them on the course, it would make a big difference and a far better impression of the course and its facilities.

 I apologise if this once again is a complaint email, these points have been expressed to the Pro shop staff on many occasions, virtually every week, and they assure us that they are passed on. 

However I feel that your senior management team are not fully aware of the issues. 

As such I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and Enrique at Condado and show you our concerns personally.

We, the members of the Condado de Alhama Golf Society are, and always have been, passionate about our course and are grateful and respect all the work and effort that GNK do.

 I look forward to your response and comments so that I can pass them onto our members.

 

Regards

Phil Cooke

Captain, Condado de Alhama Golf Society

 

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Pairs Strokeplay Texas Scramble Friday September 28th 2018

72 players (36 pairs) for this 2 person texas scramble (a full sheet with no spaces left). Thanks to Peter Reeves for acting as starter, although he was hoping for a late cancellation so he could play. For me, not having played for so long it was great to play with different people – Stuart Legg and Paul Douglas are old friends, but it was good to actually play with them. Our fourball must have been the most ancient out there with the total age between us adding up to 292 years, not one under 70 and still golfing!

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Paul (75), Stuart (74), Me (72) and Barry Answer (71). Barry can’t remember the last time he was the youngest!

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ist      Chris McCallister & Kevin Smith……………………69 – 6.8 = 62.2

2nd    Denis O’Sullivan & David Murphy………………..72 – 7.5 = 64.5

3rd     Steve Lancaster & Mark Hudson………………….72 – 7.3 = 64.7

4th     Philip Lloyd & Ricky Adams…………………………..73 – 7.0 = 66.0

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Looks like Kev has been stood in a bag of fertilizer – he just keeps growing!

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There were many comments from golfers who have not been here lately about the condition of the greens. The general consensus was that they are in the worst state since the course opened. I’m afraid we do not know the reason for this.

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A busy October for us, but it is also the month when we are invited to play in Aguilon’s own Ryder Cup qualifiers. See below all the info from Les Raufer, organiser.

 

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The 10th Aguilon Annual Ryder Cup Competition

This years annual match will take place over the weekend of 24th& 25th November, featuring a team of U.K. (and rest of Europe) golfers and the team representing Spain, the format being pairs betterball on Saturday and Singles Matchplay on Sunday. For those wishing to play for the U.K. team there will be 3 qualifying competitions.

Wednesday 17th October Tee Times 8.45am to 9.39am

Monday 22nd October, Tee Times 11.18 to 11.54 and 12.12 to 12.30

Wednesday 31st October Tee Times 11.18 to 12.21

If any society or group has booked a competition at Aguilon during the month of October, they can use it as a “Ryder” qualifier providing that they let me know at least two weeks beforehand.

The format is Individual Stableford with the player having the choice of tee to play from White, Yellow or Blue for men and Blue or Red for ladies. When your choice is made ALL players MUST use their exact handicap and then apply the relevant slope handicap of the tee

chosen.

The top 30 scores taken from any of the three rounds will qualify for the U.K. team. The costs are as follows: to play in one qualifier for non-members it will be 35 euros including buggy, for those who want to play in 2 or 3 qualifiers, the cost of the second and/or third game will be 25 euros inc buggy. For members the cost of the first qualifier will be 16 euros inc buggy

and the 2nd or 3rd round will be 16 euros, for those members who wish to walk or have contract buggies the cost is 6 euros per qualifier,

Please note this applies to qualifiers only, the cost of the Ryder  weekend is as stated below regardless of walking or having a contract buggy. All cards must have “ryder qualifier” and be signed showing the tee played from and exact handicap and slope handicap and left with the

caddymaster.

For those of you wishing to book tee times within the times listed above please contact myself (Les Raufer) at this email address – lesantas@yahoo.co.uk , NOT the club. If a large group wishes to play outside the above times during October please contact the club direct, but please be warned, there is very little availability.

For those lucky enough to qualify the cost over the weekend of the 24th & 25th November is 45 euros for non members and 32 euros for members, this includes the two days golf inc buggy, a team polo shirt and a bar-b-que after the presentation. Good luck to all participants and it is about time we regained the cup.

Regards

Les Raufer

Next week is the Barry Answer special event (individual stableford), followed by a night out at the Condado Club for entrants and their partners. It looks like that also will be a full start sheet.

Barry

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