The 7th Annual afpop-Medal Insurance Open Golf Tournament was held on Wednesday 14th September at the Penina Championship Course.
A shotgun start at 8.24 saw 62 players head off into the sunshine in excellent spirits, with the course freshly watered by previous day’s rain.
A most enjoyable day was experienced by all who took part and thanks go to Sr Rui de Brito and Golf Director Sr. Lionel Rio and their golf and restaurant staff for their hospitality and for presenting an excellent golf course and luncheon once again.
The Lady and Gentleman Champions for 2016 are Liz Turner (36 points), who had timed her visit to the Algarve especially to play in the tournament – having enjoyed it so much last year – and Jack Archibald, (43 points).
The runners up in the ladies competition were Lou Preedy (32) and Cheryl Haite (31) and for the Gentlemen, Cathal Tully (37), Edward Noble (37), Sergio Trucado (37) and Peter Ragg (35).
A special prize of a lightweight golf carry bag for best score on four hidden holes was won by Mick Leech.
For the first time in many years, the winners were awarded the Gerry Lane Memorial Trophy, given to afpop by then President Sheena Rawcliffe in honour of her father.
Since its previous appearance the trophy has been kept at the club house at Boa Vista where the tournament was played in 2006, but has since been returned and will now again be awarded each year to the winning Lady and Gentleman golfer of the year. The winners were also given a smaller personal trophy each to commemorate their victory this year.
Our great thanks go once again to Medal Insurance for their continued sponsorship of the tournament and to George and Lynn Cook of Golf for Greys for their excellent work in organising the event and scoring the cards.
A final mention goes to Alain Delange, who won the first Open Golf Diving medal, when he went for a swim during his round - dedication indeed.
The 2017 event has already been scheduled for Wednesday 13th September, with many players already stating their intention to return next year and we look forward to another enjoyable golf tournament and of course, the superb Penina Buffet.
Photographs from the event are displayed in the afpop website Community Centre for players to download.
There will be a small prize for the first correct guess as to the name of the afpop member pictured above in the bunker on the 18th...
