25th Anniversary Major Portugal 20-23 Sept 2018

The town of Tavira is a part of Portugal that is forever German. However, after this weekend it will definitely be remembered as a place the ACGA left an indelible mark on a European golfing venue. The Robinson’s Resort Hotel and associated Golf Courses, Quinta da Ria and Quinta Da Cima has historically always been mainly frequented by German visitors, so the curiosity levels were high when the eighteen ACGA members and guests arrived to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of this great golfing association.

Fourteen golfers made up the field of golfers looking to put their name on the prestigious 25th anniversary trophy. There were founder members such as Frank Skinner, stalwarts such as Tye Carter, Jacqui Harbor, Keith Murray and Andy Ferdinand.  There were also returning members such as Big Frank Baptiste, and newer members like Yvonne Brown. With the temperature hitting 30 degrees it promised to be a hot and challenging weekend on two contrasting but high quality golf courses.

The first round on Friday took place on the Quinta da Ria course. This plays along the coast and it was difficult to concentrate just on the golf, as there were some spectacular views along the coastline and out to sea. There was water aplenty which made for interesting strategies being deployed by certain members. There was also the coastal breeze to take into account, adding to the overall challenge. A few members had played a practice round (or two), but looking at the results from the first day I’m not sure they were of any help, as only one or two managed to really take the course on and post competitive scores. Tyrone Coach Carter led the way with 36 points, closely followed by Big Stuart Austrie with 33 points. Next up were Big Frank Bacon-Bap-tiste and Little Frank Skinner with 32 points each.

Dinner Friday night highlighted what the ACGA is all about. Plenty of good food, drink, banter and laughter in equal measures made for a very enjoyable evening. Fellow hotel guests commented on the liveliness and friendliness of the ACGA group and many asked where we were visiting from. I don’t think they realised before that “Brits” could be such great company. Maybe if we had come out here earlier and more often, and visited other European countries, there would have been no need for Brexit!....But I digress….

Once the entertainment had finished, the groups for Saturday were named, and as usual went out in reverse order:

Sophia, Donald, Ingrid

Andy, Yvonne, Cora

Ricky, Jacqui, Cass, Keith

 And last, but not least, the Group of Death – Tyrone, Frank S, Frank B and Stuart.

 After getting so many friendly tips from his playing partners for a lot of the season, Frank B quickly came to realise that when you’re competing in the leading group, it’s a VERY lonely place….

 Saturday’s course, Quinta da Cima, was a totally different proposition from Friday’s. It was a more inland Parkland course, which was long with more sand (bunkers) than I’ve seen on many a beach in England! The weather was also at it’s hottest, so the round became a war of attrition to see who could last and keep their cool to the end. Ultimately, just to prove that class is permanent and to seal his return to form, Tyrone Carter held off a charge from Frank B to claim the prize by four points. Both Frank B and Tye scored 33 points. Frank B won the day on countback and finished 2nd overall. Yvonne, Frank and Cassius scored 30 points on the day with Frank coming 3rd overall and Yvonne placing 3rd on the day. Stuart scored 29 points to come 3rd overall:

 Final Placings

Tyrone Carter – 69 points

Frank Baptiste – 65 points

Frank Skinner – 62 points

 Dinner on Saturday, if anything, was an even more enjoyable occasion than Friday. Tye’s winner’s speech and Frank’s closing presentation summed up the great friendships and camaraderie that says everything about the ACGA.  A great attempt was made to eat and drink the place dry, but not even Mr Baptise could put a dent in the excellent selection of flavours put on by the hotel staff. A special mention must go to the staff of the Robinson’s resort, which could not do enough to make us all feel at home. This was a great way to celebrate the occasion of the ACGA’s 25th anniversary, and I for one am honoured to be able to say that I am a member and that I was there.

Onwards and upwards to Knole Park for the Captain’s Day / Champion of Champions, and to bring the curtain down on another excellent season.