vilamoura 2007

2007 brought us back to the algarve and the golfing mecca of vilamoura. we stayed at the balaia golf village and the courses were a step up on 2006 so we hoped our golf was up to scratch…

as expected from the name, this course has plently of water. the wind and sand are the other hazards to contend with here. u.s. golf architect joseph lee designed this course in 1990. the course shares a clubhouse with the neighbouring millennium course.

nic played some consistent golf while everyone else tried to iron out the creases in their swings. neil and nic took an early lead and extended the match score.

match score: neil & nic 3-1 phil & al

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disappointingly al’s back injury prevented him from playing. this was an interesting course with some desert features with scrub land off the fairways. the view from the 5^th tee short is stunning and overall it was a good course that has matured since.

the course was very playable and everyone scored well. neil had a great round with 11 pars, definitely a course to play again.

there wasn’t a match result due to al’s absence.

match score: neil & nic 3-1 phil & al

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the quinta do lago resort is beautiful and worth a visit. the south course is the “jewel in the crown”. the william mitchell design opened in 1974 and remains one of the great algarve courses. it has hosted many portuguese opens and a classic 2007 kop round…

the weather was great and the course was fantastic. no-one scored particularly well but a good 3-iron into the 15^th green allowed neil and nic to win the match and take an unassailable 2-0 lead for the holiday.

match score: neil & nic 4-1 phil & al

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the old course was designed by frank pennink and opened in 1969. It is one of the most beautiful courses we’ve played… however the weather was anything but beautiful. along with the torrential rain there was lightening, hail and bitterly cold winds. unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your team colours) the KOP was cancelled and phil and al retained the trophy.

while neil, phil and al warmed up in the clubhouse, nic played the back nine in a couple over par… (apparently)

match score: neil & nic 4-1 phil & al

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