Algarve Resident golf competition raises 2,000 Euros

By SUE SPENCER Contributing Editor, Algarve Golf & Property Magazine

Madrugada, the Luz-based charity helping people with life limiting illnesses, is 2,000 Euros better off thanks to The Algarve Resident’s Charity Golf Day on September 8 at Morgado do Reguengo.

Sheena Rawcliffe, The Algarve Resident’s managing director, said: “We chose to support Madrugada (which means ‘new dawn’) because its work has touched the hearts and minds of a wide range of people across the Algarve. The event proved so popular that we had a waiting list of 28 people.”

Ginny and Bob Wallis-Gregory with Colin and Linda Campbell were the third place team.

The day was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, including the 44 participants and the sponsors: AZGolf, Porches-based suppliers of club and team sportswear and promotional merchandise, Cliff Richard’s winery Adega do Cantor, glass door and window specialists Mestre Raposa in Guia, Côrte Real Gallery in Paderne and wine makers, Quinta do Barranco Longo from the Algoz area.

Robert Levin from Mestre Raposa said: “It’s wonderful to be able to do something for people here in the Algarve who need help.”

Phillip and Sherran Tincknell with Jane and Timothy Smith.

Event organiser Kate Fitzsimmons of The Resident Group said: “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors, especially our main sponsors, AZGolf, who helped us with running the golf side of things. They donated many of the golf equipment prizes and generously provided hats so each group had its own team colours.”

Ginny Wallis-Gregory, from Tavira, whose team of Bob Wallis-Gregory and Colin and Linda Campbell came third in the Texas Scramble with a net score of 62.3, said: “The atmosphere was really great and I am sure the whole day was appreciated by all those present.”

In second place was the Boavista team of Rod Yates, Alan Harris, Nick Bridge and Ian Holloway with a net score of 60.3.

Nearest the pin winner Steve Thew (far left) with his team of John Large, Andy Duncan and Cynthia Sheppard of Madrugada.

But topping the list with a team score of 59.1 was the Parque da Floresta team of Golf Director, Alan Hodson; Lorrie Hodson; Golf Reception Manager, Ian Munro and Vice President, Graham Harries.

“We had a really good day with eight birdies and no dropped shots,” said Alan Hodson.

It was an especially good day for Alan’s wife, Lorrie, as she also won nearest the pin for her shot to the green on the 11th.

Steve Thew also won a prize for nearest the pin on the par-3 17th hole. 

“I had a great day. I have just recently moved to the Algarve and it was a great chance to meet people and raise some money for a good cause at the same time.”

At  the prize giving, Alan Hodson donated a round of golf for four with buggies at Parque da Floresta for auction and Luis Rio, Morgado do Reguengo Golf Secretary, donated a round of golf with buggy at Morgado.

Sheena Rawcliffe, said: “I’d like to thank  AZGolf for their support, all our sponsors, Luis Rio for making us feel so welcome at Morgado and Golf For Greys golf society for helping to publicise the event.”

Cynthia Shepherd from Madrugada said: “We appreciate all the hard work that went into organising the day. Although we were only founded just over a year ago by Alison Blair, our president, we have already made great strides in helping people with life limiting illnesses here in the Algarve.”

The Algarve Resident will be holding another Golf Charity Day next year.