Today we played our March Open Day at La Serena.  Weather conditions were ideal for golf a mild 20 plus degrees, lending itself to good scoring. The golf course again was presented to a very high standard, with a couple of very tricky pin positions.

We must thank the very hard working green keeping staff under the guidance of Wayne, the course manager for all their efforts.  Thank you to the staff in the pro-shop, Jean, Karolina and Paul for preparing the cards and the results.  To our hard working competitions committee of Camillus Fitzpatrick and Philip Mountford, ably assisted by Terry our Captain, they are doing sterling work, with over 90 players on the day the gentlemen have the organisation of the competition down to a fine art, well done. 

Can I again remind players to please return your cards as soon as possible to the shop on the open days so that they can generate the results on the computer and return the scores to Madrid.  If you fail to return your card you cannot have your handicap adjusted and it also delays the presentation of prizes. 

We would like to thank all those who were present to collect their prizes.  Can I remind prize winners that we hold our monthly presentation of all prizes for the previous month at each of the Open Days, if you are not able to attend can you appoint a member to collect your prize on your behalf. 

Our captain Terry Fitzgerald was on hand to present the prizes as follows; Crystal week 1, 1st Michael Sephton 40. 2nd Alan Woods 39. 3rd James McEnery 37.  Week 2, 1st Thomas Warren 43. 2nd Gordon Montgomery 38, 3rd Steve Hopkins 36. 

Category golf competitions. Cat. I. 1st Robert Smith 34. 2nd Eddie Stapleton 34. 3rdJames Hayes 31.  Cat II. 1st Nuala McEnery 41. 2ndCarmel McShea 30 (this was Carmels’ first ever singles prize). 3rdKjell Mundheim. 

Our monthly medal competition, Cat I John O’Brien 70.  Cat II Gordon Montgomery 70. Cat III Robert Hughes 76.  Down to the results of the day.  NTP’s John Aitchison, Pauvla Serakova, Savi Nayager, Robert Smith and Paul Wightman.  Visitors prize Nial Murray 36.   Cat III. 1stKevin McBride 38. 2nd Thomas McEwan 38. 3rd Elsie Cowie35.  Cat II. 1st James Hayes 39. 2nd William Thomson 37. 3rd Bev Ellender 37. Cat I.  Steve Hopkins 39. 2nd Denis McCormack 35. 3rd Terry Fitzgerald 35.  Best gross went to John O’Brien with a 77.  2nd overall Dave Mullet 40.  The overall winner with 40 points was Robert Smith. 

We played the second round of the International League at Vistabella last week in almost gale force conditions.  I must say that the new holes are a fantastic addition and on behalf of the players and the federation I would like to thank Joaquin and his staff for the use of the fine facilities. 

144 brave souls started the day and despite the conditions the matches were very competitive with many of the games going to the last hole.  Just to remind teams that in Categories 2 and 3 the top four sides qualify for the semi-final playoffs, so losing a game or two is not the end of possibly qualifying. 

We have a waiting list in operation at the moment for membership at La Serena, however membership of The Celts is always available.  If you would like information on joining our club or entering a team in any of the federation events why not send an e-mail to johnobrienalicante@gmail.com or call 615 466 398?