The annual ‘Golf for Fun’ tournament of the Algarve St Patrick’s Society has been won for a second time by Bill Blakey of Albufeira.
Bill will be able to proudly display the winner’s claret jug – a small replica of the British Open trophy – on his mantelpiece for another year. He last won it 2012.
Gaynor Stapleton of Tavira was the deserved runner-up this year. She managed second place even though she was recovering from a broken arm.
For the seventh consecutive year the putting event was held on all 18 holes at the Balaia Golf Village in Albufeira. St Patrick Society committee members were again full of praise for the support of the Balaia club.
It is always a light-hearted occasion and most of the 40 participants this year were non-golfers, but the competition can get quite intense.
Bill Blakey, a member of the Salgados Golf Club and now retired after flying around the world as cabin staff on long-haul British Airways flights, says he will definitely be defending his title next year.
“Actually, I only go along for the lunch,” he confided with a smile.
Gaynor Stapleton admitted that because of her arm she had to be “very cautious” last Friday, but that this might have helped. “Normally my putting is a little gung-ho!” she said.
After a morning of blue sky and sunshine out on the greens, contestants and their partners repaired to the clubhouse for a roast buffet enjoyed by all.
Photo: Bill Blakey and Gaynor Stapleton with the St Patrick’s Society Chairman Sean Walkin and Committee Secretary Helen Cafolla.
