2019: Away Day La Galiana (29.5.)

LA GALIANA      REPORT AND RESULTS

An hour and a half's pleasant drive north brought us to the picturesque golf course of La Galiana, set in the hills overlooking the town of Tavernes de la Valldigna. Pretty yes, but pretty tough also, with its undulating fairways, surprising run-offs, fast and sloping greens, and plenty of water hazards and bunkers thrown in for good measure. Sitting on a sunny terrace beside the clubhouse enjoying a coffee before play, looking down over the beautifully landscaped 10th hole, was a lovely start to the day; the challenge lay ahead!

That it was demanding was very evidently reflected in the scores handed in by the 22 members and 5 guests who finally arrived after play, seeking the solace of something stronger in the bar.  Only one member had managed to crack the 30-point barrier - a wonderful achievement; the rest of us were a little, or very much, behind him - except for a memorable performance by one of our guests, Dave Tomlins, whose 32 proved to be the top score of the day.

So, many congratulations to him and the others in the top 5; never were their wines more deserved.  Well done, too, to those who managed to fly their Titleists, Callaways and Srixons close to the flags on the par 3s. However, none of them proved close enough to be rewarded with one of Bob Crow's sponsored golf balls for a birdie 2 (just as well, since your correspondent had forgotten to bring any with him!)

At the presentation thanks were offered to Greta for having organised play for the day, and then especially to Stan Tarabula, obviously struggling to shake off a sore throat, who had volunteered to help record the scores in Richard's absence. And we would like to register once again the club's thanks to Bill Williams whose sponsorship of our away days continues by supporting our budget for the prizes.

The results were as follows:

Best Guest prize:  Dave Tomlins, with 32 pts. off a handicap of 15

Nearest the Pins:
Hole 3:   Michael Davison
Hole 5:   Michel le Borgne
Hole 14: Christiane Tarabula
Hole 16: Andrea Straus

Individual Prizes:
5th place: with 28 pts. off a hcp. 10        Eric Pages
4th place: with 28 pts. off a hcp. of 21    Tony Dewavrin
3rd place: with 28 pts. off a hcp. of 22    Jim Hurley (best back 9)
2nd place: with 29 pts. off a hcp. of 13    Michael Davison
1st place: with 31 pts. off a hcp. of 15     Michel le Borgne

Reminder
It was also announced that next week's play at Bonalba, in view of the recent work on the greens, will not be the usual first Wednesday of the month Medal, but a team game (Pinks versus Blues) which Greta will outline on this blog soon. The Medal will take place the following week, June 12th.