1st annual Andalucian Golf Classic

1st. lesson: never organize an international event during a recession, while there’s volcanic ash about! Undaunted by the threat of flight cancellations and the closure of Irish airports on the previous Monday, the 3 day event proved a success and was enjoyed by those who were able to make the trip. There were some outstanding performances on all three days, as Caron Hillier and John Ryan both carded 43 Stableford points in Saturday’s individual event at the Santana Golf Club, while 3 handicapper Jim McIlwaine carded a three-under-par round at El Chaparral on Sunday, while helping Caron to a better-ball score of 44 points. This proved just good enough to beat the 43 points total  posted by Alan Jeans and Richard Zuchlke off handicaps of 8 and 6 respectively – two remarkable performances round a challenging golf course.
A memorable dinner was served up by Ramon and his team at El Chaparral for the prize-giving on Sunday evening, when some great prizes were awarded, thanks to the generosity of many sponsors. These included a weekend for two in the 5 star hotel Vela Vila,  on the Algarve, a week’s holiday accommodation from Gary Little at the Gran Calahonda resort and a week at the Sierra Park Club in Nueva Andalucia.
Free golf was also supplied by Santana, Calanova, El Chaparral, Sta, Maria, Flamingos, Parador, Estepona and El Paraiso. Our thanks to all of our sponsors, whose generosity enabled us to auction some prizes during Sunday’s dinner, realizing a total of 660€ for the Cudeca hospice.
Our thanks also to Jane and David at the Vista del Mar bar/restaurant, who laid on a magnificent hogroast dinner at a welcoming get-together on the Thursday evening.
Golf Leisure Breaks, the organizers, have already received enquiries for the second Andalucia Golf Classic in May next year, when at least 40 entrants are expected in an event which will feature some great golf courses with some more magnificent prizes. Watch this space for details.

Tags: Andalucia Golf Classic