The RSGS players, or Team UK as we are known at the inter-society meetings, was a group of 16 at Praia D’El Rey. 13 players and 3 supporting cheerleaders. The event kicked off on Wednesday May 21st with a buffet dinner at the Marriot Resort hotel. Wine and conversations flowed, but it was a relatively early night for most as play commences Thursday morning.
In total, we were 79 participants, and were sent out in 3- and 4-balls from tees 1 & 10 from 8 am. The course at Praia D’El Rey is beautiful, was in great condition, windy, and challenging! Nonetheless, our Captain played a strong round and won the mens’ lower handicap competition with 37 points. Congratulations! Furthermore, Charlotte Lofberg came in a respectable 3rd place in her competition with 30 points winning a pair of rather nice in-ear headphones. Honourable mention to Gunilla Huldt, who, though she represents France at these meetings, is a member of RSGS, came nearest to pin – well done!
Friday saw the medal competition for our team – 6 players in total: Charlotta Lyckeus, Gunilla Assmundson, Anders Grundberg, Bo Ekberg, Göran Nilsson and Captain Bengt Grundberg. Once again, we played Praia D’El Rey. The top 5 results secured our place in the finals. In addition, Bo’s net score of 77 landed him the 3rd place in the mens’ lower handicap category. Once again, Charlotte L played well, came in with 32 points which secured 1st place in the Stableford competition. The prize was a pair of wireless, over-ear headphones, so it’s safe to say all her headphone requirements have been seen to! Dinner was held at the clubhouse with a Portuguese barbeque – yum – and Bertil Josefsson of Spain treated us to a delightful little harmonica number.
Saturday was the big day for the team; Spain played Portugal, and France played us in the semi-finals. Despite battling hard, the French proved too difficult unbeatable. This meant that we played for 3rd place in the afternoon. Once again, team UK played well, but the Portuguese were victorious. Aside from excellent golf in general amongst Team UK, Bo Ekberg made a hole in one on the 5th. Congratulations!
France and Spain battled until the end – the score was even after the 5 matches ended, and the tied match had to play on. On the 19th hole, Joachim Cato of France beat Daniel Johansson of Spain. Félicitationes!!! Those not playing for their countries played a Stableford competition, and again, Charlotte L amassed 29 points securing a 3rd place and a generous SEK 1,000 voucher at Dormy.se.
Dinner was held at the Marriott resort, and again food and wine were appreciated by all. RSGS President Lars thanked team Portugal for all their efforts, then Booze Brothers PT played tunes that had nearly everyone on the dancefloor for hours!
Thank you Portugal for organising and hosting the event. We look forward to next year at Hotel Golf Chateau de Chailly!
