Principal Changes Introduced into the 2012 Code:

Rules of Golf

Definitions

Addressing the Ball

The Definition is amended so that a player has addressed the ball simply by grounding his club immediately in front of or behind the ball, regardless of whether or not he has taken his stance. Therefore, the Rules generally no longer provide for a player addressing the ball in a hazard. (See also related change to Rule 18-2b)

Serra de Monchique Golf Club was formed in 2005, at Morgado de Reguengo when the regular players were invited to form a club.  There were 30 founder members and the first General Meeting of the membership was held on 8thNovember 2005.

The club membership developed, playing at Morgado do Reguengo course for the whole of 2006. John Hawker was the first Captain.

At the end of 2006 the club moved to Silves Course, which had just opened.  Mark Ellerton was appointed Captain for 2007.

Pestana's very favourable terms of green fee arrangements led to an substantial increase in membership in 2008. 

Many Northern European countries are represented, with a growing number of Portuguese members.

The club plays competitions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tusedays are for singles competitions either as Monthly medal or Stableford Qualifier.  On Thursdays there is a roll up at Silves in a format of their own choice, but many members elect to play on the other courses within the Pestana group. On Saturdays there is a wide variety of game formats, normally as team competitions as pairs or teams of four players.

Social events are usually run throughout the year with celebratory Dinners on days of Major Competitions.  They are held in various locations.

The Club holds Charity events from time to time.  The benficiaries are usually local charities like the Bonbeiros, or a nearby Children's home.

Dear Serra de Monchique Members,

It is with great pleasure that I’m able to introduce myself to you all. My name is Andrew Bolton and I have been a British PGA Teaching Professional for over 30 years. Originally from Dunblane in Scotland my teaching career has taken me to spells in England, The Netherlands and for the last 20 years in Belgium. Together with my wife Caroline who has just become a proud SDM member we have decided to relocate ourselves right here in the sunny Algarve.

I will be based at the Pestana Golf Academy and I have put together some special lesson offers exclusively for the SDM members. Please check them out and don’t hesitate to contact me to make your booking. Looking forward to meeting you all in the near future!

Best Golfing Wishes,

Andrew

John Gasper at Pestana Golf Academy is offering  Golf Clinics to our members, already there are various groups attending.

The subjects will be varied with all aspects of the golf game covered. The groups will be either 4,5 or 6.

John is a fully qualified Golf Professional and a member of the German PGA, he worked at the Johannesburg Country Club in SA for 4 years as Assistant Professional and has 7 years DLGA experience at Pestana Golf Resorts. John speaks both English and German.

Costs: