All Pestana courses are really busy for the next two weeks, as many of the courses are hosting the European Seniors' Tour Qualifying Competitions. Silves was closed for the Seniors yesterday, so the 12 of us "matchplay boys" who were not on marshalling duties, turned out at Alto for our weekly fix of social MMMsomes matchplay.
Alto is not everyone's favourite course, but we noted it was in excellent condition, having dried out considerably in the past two weeks. We had three 4ball matches, and surprise of the day was that league leader Peter Chapman was 4 down half way through the game, but he and Frans Bus had a remarkable comeback to half their match with Malcolm Marshall & Chris Nickels.
Stuart Deans and Warren Tennant were playing the formidable Dutch Duo, Wim Hofmann and Bram Gouman - but Stuart started off like a train by birdying the 1st, followed by a brace of pars, to be 3 up in no time. Although Wim & Bram fought back, eventually Stuart & Warren went on to win by 4 & 2 on the ridiculously long 16th - where Stuart almost got a rare par, but just "lipped out" (you can tell I only had Stuart's take on the match, as it seems he won it single handed! Buck up Warren!!).
Dave & Larry (Tweedster & Lazzer), went 2 down against Pete Vaughan and Russell Lloyd after four holes, but managed to get back to all square by 10th, when "master chipper" Larry nearly holed from off the green, whereas both Pete & Rusty 3 putted! The Southern Softies continued their good streak on the back nine aganst the Northern Nancies, to romp home 3 & 1 on the par three 17th, when Dave's wayward drive managed to finish up 4 metres to the right of the pin (again, there was a magnificent chip by Larry to seal the deal!). Special mention is due to Larry, whose victory followed a hat-trick of defeats - hence the headline.
Before the boring bit for most of you (league tables), I will mention that Mens Matchplay on Thursday mornings is open to ALL members and their guests, and new members are particularly welcome to join us in the pairs matchplay games. It is a social morning (with plenty of sarcasm!) - no cliques allowed and balls thrown up at the start, where we all stay for an after golf drink at the Clubhouse.
Anyway, back to the business end. Leading positions in the league table after 5 weeks are as follows:-
played points holes won
1 - Peter Chapman 5 9 9
2 - Dave Tweed 5 8 11
3 - Steve Edwards 3 6 11
4 - Stuart Deans 4 6 6
5 - Frans Bus 4 5 7
6 - Warren Tennant 2 4 7
7 - Bernard O'Reilly 3 4 6
8 - Chris Nickels 4 4 4
9 - Larry Pratt 5 4 4
10 - Stuart Walker 3 4 3
In case anyone is interested, the full league table showing all 27 places is available, so Chappers and Tweedster will arrange for autographed copies on request! Early days yet though, still 8 games to go, so 16 points available.