Special Phoenix Trophy edition marks memorable occasion
On a sun-kissed November day in the beautiful Algarve, over 70 golfers participated in the special 10th anniversary edition of SICG’s (Silves Internacional Clube de Golfe) annual Phoenix Trophy competition.
Now firmly established as an all-inclusive, international club, SICG has gone from strength to strength since being formed in 2012 with just 28 golfers to its current position of more than 180 members.
A ‘shotgun’ start at 9am on the stunning Pestana Silves golf course signalled the beginning of friendly team competition for the Phoenix Trophy – originally introduced to commemorate the club’s foundation.
For the 10th anniversary event, players competed for not only the team trophy but also various individual ‘spot’ prizes, which were presented afterwards at the barbecue lunch.
The Silves course was in typically great condition as players graced the fairways and greens underneath a cloudless Algarve sky. The standard of golf was also first class, as several teams took full advantage of the early winter sunshine to return very impressive scores.
Julian Lyons, one of the founder members, spoke at the post-competition barbecue and reflected on how the club has grown to become “the welcoming, international club that it is today”.
Club Captain Brendan O’Connell also stressed how the current strength of SICG is illustrated by the range of not only golfers of all levels but also “the fantastic combination of nationalities, which combine to make SICG such a richly-diverse and welcoming club”. Brendan also praised the Pestana group for tremendous support “in helping to ensure that the club’s 10th anniversary would be a truly memorable occasion”.
Captain Brendan’s personal drive and determination to deliver this special event was evident both on and off the course. The Pestana Silves clubhouse was bedecked in national flags representing the countries of SICG’s membership, including Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Norway, Wales, Jersey, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, England, and Scotland.
The wonderful atmosphere in the clubhouse, before and after golf, reflected the typical SICG spirit of camaraderie and friendship.
The presentation ceremony featured a barbecue in the sun, as delicious food and refreshments were served by the Pestana staff.
Addressing the gathering, Pestana Manager Stefano Silvestre proudly praised the quality of “wonderful Pestana Silves staff, who provided excellent service for members on this special occasion with customary professionalism”.
Other speakers echoed Stefano’s sentiments and generally emphasised that Silves staff were a credit to Pestana, not only for their excellent service on the occasion of the SICG’s 10th anniversary, but for the service provided all year round at Pestana Silves.
The SICG Phoenix Trophy 10th Anniversary Edition was a truly special occasion, and the club now looks to the future with unbridled optimism, as it aims to enhance even further SICG’s status as one of the Algarve’s leading golf clubs.
Competition results
Winning Team – Thomas Hornfeldt, Aulis Karjalainen, Karin Sunden, Jukka Kolho; Nearest the Pin in 2 strokes (Ladies) – Jane Williams Barth; Nearest the Pin in 2 strokes (Men) – George Hagland; Nearest the Pin (Men) – Michael Boyle; Nearest the Pin (Ladies) – Arja Edvardsson; Nearest the Line (Ladies) – Anna Gylling; Nearest the Line (Men) – Tony Seal.
By TOM CALLAN
