A brilliant time was had by all members of both teams but it was El Chaparral who ran out 12 - 7 victors in the first of hopefully many annual club matches. We were spoiled with unusually high temperatures for the duration of our stay in Spain and the standard of play from both teams was also unusually high! Our practice day on the Sunday was a test as I made our team play from the white tees, good preperation I thought for the 3 day matches ahead. I dont know if the rest of team shared that opinion though as many struggled and I ended up winning with 35pts!

A sun starved Team Cams on the 1st tee on the practice day Sunday

Day 1 - Fourball BetterBall - CHEGC 3.5 - 1.5 ECGC

A solid start to the matches from our team. I led from the front partnering Chris Hore for a 5 and 4 victory, points also from the Withinshaw/King pairing, Brown/Brown who recovered from 4 down through 4 and fearing a 10 and 8 defeat to record a 2up victory, and a valuable 1/2 point from Beagley/Stainton and all was looking rosy over our Steak dinner on Monday night.

Day 2 - Twoball Texas Scramble - CHEGC 1 - 4 ECGC

A bit of a hammering on day 2 with Team Chaparral gelling well. My faith in sticking with the Day 1 losing pairing of Peter and Mel Ward pairing paid off as they finished as the only winners on our side.

Day 3 - Singles - CHEGC 2.5 - 6.5 ECGC

Chaparral started strongly on Day 3, winning the first 4 matches leaving us clutching at straws for some miracle performances to retain any hope of claiming the trophy. Clearly missing our stalwart Ray Stainton who had to retire injured, some gritty results couldnt close the gap as Chaparral's lead proved too much and in the end they ran out comfortable 12 - 7 winners. Roll on next year!!

Both Teams pose with the trophy  

Cams Hall Estate Golf Club visit El Chaparral Golf Club, Spain
12th October 2009

I have organised a what will hopefully become annual trip for the members to my old club in Spain for 3 days of Ryder Cup style matches amongst ourselves, plus a one-day club match against El Chaparral. Departing London Gatwick at 4:10pm on Sunday 1st November, and leaving Malaga at 6:55pm on Thursday 5th November, the trip will comprise of 4 rounds of golf at El Chaparral plus 4 nights accomodation at the Hotel PYR Apartments in Fuengirola, all for only £319. Fun and Sun guaranteed! It is not too late to book your place, just email me for a full itinerary and book your flight before this Sunday 18th October.