News - Silves Internacional

Don Simpson Senior Trophy 2023

The 2023 edition of the Don Simpson Senior event recently took place on the Silves course underneath beautiful Algarve sunshine.Sixty golfers participated in this annual, Pairs, better-ball, stableford event, with players taking advantage of the sublime conditions to return some very impressive scores. Afterwards, a delicious barbecue lunch was provided in the clubhouse, when various prizes were presented.

President Tom formally introduced proceedings, and conveyed thanks to the Pestana staff for their significant contributions towards ensuring that the day was a success. Don Simpson Junior presented prizes, and also paid tribute to various individuals whose combined efforts had provided yet another memorable SICG event. The work of Captain Margot, for the organisation of such a memorable SICG occasion, deserves particular recognition, while gratitude is also extended to others, including Vice-Captain, Stuart, who assisted on the day; Alan Winstanley, and Sue Hagland for processing scorecards; and Sharon Lyons, whose extensive photography captured the event's delightful atmosphere.

The determination of Don and Ruth Simpson to provide an unforgettable outcome to the 2023 event was reflected in their performance on the course, as they returned a trophy-winning score of 49 points! Congratulations, therefore, to Don and Ruth, and all prize winners on the day, who feature on the winners’ rostrum, as follows:

1st Don & Ruth Simpson 48 points

2nd Alan Winstanley & Alan Wallis 47 points

3rd Julian & Sharon Lyons 46 points

Nearest the pin on hole 15

Mens: Mick Girling

Ladies: Janice Langham

The event’s overall ambience was characterised by an unmistakable spirit of togetherness, and enjoyment, typical of Silves International Clube de Golfe. Congratulations, therefore, to everyone who took part, both on and off the course!

Captain's Day 2023

Captain's Day and Dinner 2023

The weather forecast for Captain's Day on Friday 15th Septmber was not good. Indeed it was evening worse for the dinner on the 16th September where the plan was to eat outside at the GumTree restaurant in Carvoeiro

. Captain Margot was very anxious leading up to the events but the Golf Gods were shining on both days

Captain's Day was on its way at 7.57 on Friday 15th September when the first three ball, Alan Winstanley, Mick Girling and Roger Willis arrived at the first tee. They were greeted my members of the Events Group, Breege, Yvonne and Margot and provided with a golf cooling towel, a shot of Whisky, Port or Irish Cream whereupon they made their way to the first tee box for a quick photograph in front of the new SICG banners. Despite a little initial rain, the weather behaved itself and the sun had come out by the time they arrived at the 9th hole for refreshments.

Members were greeted at the Halfway House by Captain Margot and Yvonne with sandwiches, rolls, pastel de nata along with beers, wine, soft drinks and water and of course a chat about their performance so far. The Captain's Consort, aka Rikki, was very speedy in a buggy chasing after members to ensure they were kept hydrated or, for those that weren't playing particularly well, topped up with beers. A good day was had by all and it was surprisingly perfect golfing weather.

On Saturday 16th September, members and their guests arrived at 7pm for Welcome Drinks in the beautiful surroundings of the Gumtree restaurant in Carvoeiro. Dinner was called for 8.00pm and with 68 members seated around the pool it was all rather tight and there was speculation as to who was going to fall in first.

President Tom welcomed everyone to the Captain's Day Dinner and outlined the running order for the night. After a great meal prepared by Bela the Chef, Captain Margot with help from Vice-Captain Stuart announced the previous day's winners.

Winners

Nearest the Line (Ladies) - Helen Boyle

Nearest the Line (Men) - Jukka Kolho

Nearest the Pin (Ladies) - Sharon Lyons

Nearest the Pin (Men) - Frank Wilson

Best front 9 - Lars Persson - 21 points on countback

Best back 9 - Sharon Lyons - 22 points

2nd place - Mick Girling - 39 points on countback

1st place and very worthy winner of the Captain's Trophy - Tom van der Ham - 40 points.

Very well done to Tom VDH for a fantastic performance!! Michael Boyle should also be mentioned in despatches for a great performance. Sadly he missed out in countback for second prize and also in countback for the best front 9

After prize giving, the fabulous band, 'The Basement' who mainly play for charity and the love of music had everyone up dancing between the tables including Chef Bela and her amazing staff. Thankfully everyone, despite the wine and beer flowing, managed to stay on firm ground and there were no casualties in the pool. A collection of €375 was raised for the Bombeiros, so sincere thanks to the members for their generosity in contributing to the Captain's Charity on night.

There was a very special surprise at the end of the night when Del, lead singer of The Basement handed over a cheque for €1,000 to the Captain's Charity. That was definitely the icing on the cake. Once again many thanks to The Basement for their extreme generosity.

Hopefully a good night was had by one and all!!

Presidents Cup 2023

Despite bright, early morning sunshine, a cold breeze accompanied the 50 competitors in the 2023 edition of the SICG President’s Cup. Every player received a memorial hat clip, and many also took advantage of the various liquid warmers provided on the 1st tee, including whiskey, and after-breakfast (!) port.

As the wind subsided, and temperatures rose to the mid-twenties, some sparkling performances were evident across the lush fairways and greens at Silves. President Tom Callan surveyed the unfolding drama from the comfort of the Buggy Bar, provided for the grateful competitors. Scoring was impressive, as players vied to tame the course, including some challenging pin positions. Nevertheless, the winners of ‘Nearest the Pin’, and ‘Nearest the Line’ prizes claimed their awards following very impressive efforts. Finally, with all scores returned, it was then possible to anticipate the prize-giving ceremony and Dinner, scheduled for the following evening at the Pestana Pinta clubhouse.

Around 60 members and guests assembled on a warm Algarve evening for the President’s Cup Dinner. Welcome drinks, and a selection of canapés were provided on the sun-drenched terrace before a three-course dinner, including drinks, was served indoors. The typically friendly SICG ambiance was enhanced by the prospect of winners being announced, prizes presented, and music from the renowned musician, Jackson Rivers.

Amazingly, both Gents' and Ladies' 'Nearest the Line' awards were claimed by the same household! Husband and wife, Antje and Volker Lankenau, scooped both prizes for a memorable ‘double’, and the delighted couple proudly collected their awards together. Following very impressive tee-shots, the Ladies' and Gents' 'Nearest the Pin' prizes were won by Leena Pettinien, and Geoff Nevin, respectively. Receiving his award, Geoff praised the condition of the greens, declaring that he "couldn't have done it without them!"

The fierce competition which characterised the 2023 President's Cup is reflected in the final 3 placings being separated by just a single point. Having returned an impressive 38 points, Tommy Struum claimed 3rd place, while runner-up, Markku Hakala, scored 39 points. However, having also returned 39 points, due to a better inward 9 holes, the worthy winner of the 2023 President's Cup was Gerry Murphy! A clearly delighted Gerry was presented with the trophy as fellow members applauded and loudly cheered a very popular winner. Following the prize-giving, a range of fantastic music from Jackson Rivers ensured that the celebratory mood continued, with dancing and singing until late in the evening.

Successful occasions do not, of course, happen by chance, and the significant input from various individuals was deservedly acknowledged on the evening. These included Alan Winstanley for the customary smooth processing of competition Start Start sheets, and the accurate, seamless collation of final scores. Similarly, the important contributions by Events Group members, Captain Margot, Yvonne Nevin, Asa Hedman, and Breege O'Connell cannot be understated. Others, such as, Rikki Huddleston, and Geoff Nevin, were also recognised as having ensured that the both the golf and the Dinner were successful SICG events. Gratitude was similarly conveyed to everyone who played in the competition, and to the members and guests who attended the Dinner. Finally, therefore, congratulations to everyone who participated and contributed to this latest edition of the President's Cup, and especially of course to this year's very deserving winner, Gerry Murphy!

Live Scoring Success

As an old Star Wars fan I am constantly thinking of the motto for the Star Wars series "The Mandalorian"

This is the Way

And I am thinking of the successful start of Live Scoring.

We are 100% sure this is the right way forward for the club

We are live since 29th of May. Your engagement of making it a success is great.

Despite some "teething problems" 58% entered their scores the first day, and the second tournament it was 70%.

All using their own phones.

We continuously are solving issues from you players, one by one.

I am proud of the club progress

Stay Tuned

/Jan on behalf of the MC

St Patrick's Day 2023

On a very beautiful sunny day on the 17th March 2023, 68 members and guests of SICG celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a Greensomes Competition. St Patrick’s Day is the feast day of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. St Patrick was a 5th Century missionary to Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity into Ireland. Many legends grew up around him, for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the green shamrock to explain the “Holy Trinity” (father, son and the Holy Spirit).

The competition commenced with shots of Irish whiskey or Baileys liqueur on the first tee. Yvonne Nevin and Christine Piper did a sterling job in handing out the welcome drinks and the shamrock ball markers along with “Goody Bags” prepared by Breege O’Connell and Asa Hedman. Geoff Nevin assisted by his wife Yvonne took photographs on the 1st tee and captured the happy band of players in their four balls as they prepared to tee off. After the competition 64 members and guests headed to Central Cafe in Carvoeiro to carry on the St Patrick’s Day festivities.

Captain Margot, in true Irish style, welcomed the guests as they arrived and Vice-Captain Stu, Yvonne and Christine collected the lunch money and a tip for the wonderful Central Cafe staff. Meanwhile Breege and Asa sold the raffle tickets for a selection of different prizes.

Lunch officially commenced at 3pm with a platter of starters, Irish Stew and a selection of desserts. As the wine and beer flowed throughout the meal, the Irish music and accompanying renditions could be heard across Carvoeiro.

After the meal the winners were announced by Captain Margot and prizes were awarded as follows:

1st Prize ( Restaurant vouchers) - Lars Persson and Graham Wright - 62 points
2nd Prize (Golf lesson for two) - Michael and Helen Boyle - 63 points on count-back
3rd Prize (two 12 packs of Taylormade golf balls) - Arne and Pia Berglund - 63 points

Best Fancy Dress Prize ( Guinness golf towel) - Rikki Huddleston (chosen by Yvonne Nevin and Christine Piper) and nothing to do with the fact that it was Rikki’s birthday

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Nearest the Line (ladies) (Carolan’s Gift Set) - Hazel Padgett
Nearest the Line (men) - (Jameson’s Irish Whiskey) - Tom Callan
Nearest the Pin (ladies) - (Carolan’s Gift Set) - Virpi Simson
Nearest the Pin (men) - (Jameson’s Irish Whiskey) - Jan Vango

There were raffle prizes of beer, wine and Espumante and €280 was collected for the Captain’s Charity - the wonderful Bombeiros. In addition a bottle of wine, initially won by John Bataille, was auctioned off and a further €20 was raised for the Bombeiros.

President Tom concluded the celebrations with a few words of appreciation. All in all it was a fantastic day and many thanks to all the members and guests who supported the event, the wonderful Central Cafe staff, the members of the Events Group and all the other individuals who made the day such a success.