Competition Reports: Past & Present

June 2108

Another Wet Game for the RBCGS

 The Royal British Club Golf Society gathered at Estoril on Wednesday June 6^thto play for the Hotel Baia Plate. Once again the weather was unkind and members had to contend with heavy drizzle and rain. Of course, by the end of the competition the weather changed for the better! Twenty nine members and one guest struggled in the damp conditions which obviously accounted,  in general, for the lower scores.

 The winner Richard Evans, being Welsh is used to damp weather conditions, proved it by scoring 34 points! This was after a countback with Mans Hoglund who also scored 34. Another countback was needed for third and fourth places: Ron Goddard gained third place from Eddie Leitao in fourth – both with 33 points. Fifth place went to Steve Deighton with 32 and sixth Paul Guerault with 31.

 The usual monthly prizes awarded were: Guest Prize – the only guest Fred Woodhouse! Nearest the Pin for the Ladies – Elizabeth Barker. Nearest the Pin for the Men – Jan Brackel. The Newstead Cup awarded to players of handicap 23 and less and not in the first six prize winners – Jan Brackel. As the monthly prizes can only be won once a year the hard fought for Cow Bell is a popular prize with Max Zimmerli taking it home this month. Max was the instigator of this prize and, being Swiss, donated the Cow Bell to the Society.

 Members, spouses and guests enjoyed a four course dinner at the Baia Hotel in the evening where  General Manager and owner Joao Coruche presented the Plate and other prizes to the winners. 

 Captain Bruce Dawson announced that the next competition will also be held in June due to the Club renovating the greens next month. It will be held on June 27^thand players will be restricted to using only 4 Clubs and a Putter. This competition often produces surprisingly good scores.

 Brenda Leitao

L - R Mans Hoglund, Captain Bruce Dawson,

Winner Richard Evans, Hotel Baia Manager Joao Coruche and Ron Goddard

May 2018 

Blevins Franks Tournament

 Despite bad weather having been forecast, and the heavy black clouds following the Royal British Club Golf Society members round the course, the forty seven members and two guests playing for the Blevins Franks Trophy managed to complete their rounds without getting wet!

 Winner for the day, Captain Bruce Dawson came in with 27 points followed closely by the Dutch contingent: Erik Herter, once again coming in second after a countback with 37 and Auke Bos in third with 35. David Gray was fourth, also after a countback with 35 points.  Fifth was Denys Stormont with 33 and sixth was the Captain’s son, Mark Dawson with 32. 

 The monthly prizes were: the Newstead Trophy for members of handicap 23 and over and not in the first six players, was won by Eddie Leitao with 32 points. The Nearest the Pin for the Ladies: Gabi Huettl and for the Men: Duncan Barker. The Guest prizes: David Evans and Matthew Krystman who represented the Sponsor and was playing his first ever round of golf at Estoril! He now is going to become a member of the Society and will be joining members in our monthly competitions. Finally, once again we had a “family battle” with Margo Zimmerli beating her husband Max to win the Cowbell!

A curry lunch was served at the Estoril Club House during which Matthew presented the prizes on behalf of the sponsor.  Captain Bruce Dawson announced that the sign up forms for the next competition were already on the internet. This competition is for the Baia Hotel Trophy and will be held on Wednesday June 6^thfollowed by dinner at the Hotel Baia in Cascais.

Brenda Leitao

    Auke Bos, sponsor Matthew Krystman, Captain & Winner, Bruce Dawson, Erik Herter

April 2018

RBCGS Has a New Sponsor

The Royal British Club Golfing Society played their monthly competition on April 4^th, competing for a new trophy donated by the James Rawes company. A slightly smaller group played due to the Easter holidays and several unfortunate injuries and illnesses.  The course was in better condition and was less muddy than recently due to the consistent rain.

Winner this month, scoring 34 points, was Ewan Rankin followed by Erik Herter who has been in the prizes for the past three months – this month he came second with 33 points.  The first Lady prizewinner with 32 points was Monique Bryers  coming third with 33. Fourth prize winner was also a Lady – Carol Mason with 31. Fifth piace went to Chris Goulding with 31 and the sixth place to Eddie Leitao with 30.

The monthly prizes were:  Nearest the Pin for the Men on hole no 17 in 2 was David Thomas –Nearest the Pin for the Ladies was Monique Bryers on the long 6^thhole in two.  The Guest prize went to Sunil Bowry, the Newstead prize – won by members with a handicap of 23 or more and not in the top six places – went to Lars Ryberg and the Cow Bell to Gabi Huttl.

Lunch was held at the Estoril Club House during which the sponsors informed us about the services offered by them – these included cruises and trips, such as safaris – and presented the trophy and prizes. Captain Bruce Dawson asked for members to sign up early for the next competition – the Blevins Franks trophy held on May 2^nd– as he will be away during the normal sign up period.

Brenda Leitao

 Photo: L to R

 Monique Bryers, Joana Rawes(sponsor) Ewan Rankin (Winner), Diana Rawes(sponsor)

 Bruce Dawson (Captain

In front: Erik Herter

March 2018

The Lucky Golfers

 On March 7^th, when the Royal British Club Golf Society played for the Royal British Cup at Estoril, they were incredibly lucky to have a so-called window of no rain! Thirty players took the field early in the morning well-prepared with rain gear which, fortunately, they did not need. The weather made up for it with heavy rain for the rest of the day!

As it is International Women’s Week it was fitting that the winner of the competition was one of our international members and a woman! Caroline de Roos scored 38 points with two men following her: Ewan Rankin was second with 37 points and Caroline’s fellow Dutchman, and last month’s winner Erik Herter, was third also with 37 points. Fourth place went to Denys Stormont with 34,  fifth to David Gray with 33 and sixth to Graham Dewar  with 32.

The monthly prizes  - with no Guests this month – were awarded to: Nearest the Pin for Ladies – Gabi Huettl, Nearest to the Pin for Men – Erik Herter.  The Newstead Trophy – for players with handicap of 23 and over and not in the first six players -  was won by Auke Bos (another Dutchman).  The Cow Bell this month went to Tom Scheier.

Lunch was held at the Estoril Club House during which Ian Yarwood, Chairman of the Royal British Club presented the prizes and spoke about the various events available to members. Captain Bruce Dawson announced that next month’s competition will be held at Estoril on April 4^th when members will play for the Rawes Trophy.

 Thank you for giving me back my ball! 

February 2018

Golf in Artic Weather

The extremely cold weather took the Royal British Club Golf Society by surprise, when members gathered to play the first competition of the year, especially those with tee offs before 8.00. This event was sponsored for the first time by a well-known restaurant in Alcabideche – the Ponto Verde.

Scores for the early players were mostly lower than usual, but as hands thawed out a little, there was considerable improvement. The winner was a new member – Erik Herter who scored 39 points. He was followed by Andrew Jones with 37. The next three players all scored 35 points resulting in countbacks. They were: Evelyne Marret – third place, Richard Evans – 4^th and Ewan Rankin -5^th. Kate Scheier was 6^th with 34 points.

The monthly prizes awarded were: Guest Prize – Colin Allcard who was the lucky only guest! Nearest the Pin for the Ladies –Evelyne Marret and Nearest the Pin for the Men - David Gray.  The Newstead Cup, awarded to a member not in the first six places and with a handicap of 23 or over was won by Ian Yarwood. The Top Ten Competition for those members unable to play 18 holes was a family affair between Max and Margot Zimmerli with Max winning. This month the Cow Bell was won by Isabel Nygren.

L-R seated: Andrew Jones, Evelyne Marret and winner Erik Herter

       Standing : Captain Bruce Dawson and sponsor of Ponte Verde Restaurant

Prizes were presented at the Ponto Verde Restaurant after a delicious lunch which included arroz de marisco, being enjoyed by all.

Captain Bruce Dawson announced that the next competition will be for the Royal British Club Cup on 7^th March followed by lunch at the Estoril Club House restaurant.

(Photo courtesy of Keith Potter) Geese enjoying the sun on the bunker of the 13^th hole

 2017

End of the Golfing Year 

The Royal British Club Golfing Society celebrated the end of the season with a game at the home course at Estoril followed by a Gala Dinner at the Hotel Miragem in Cascais where all the prizes were distributed.

The day started off with tee offs at 7.30 in very chilly weather which, fortunately for the later starters, began to improve and warm up. A field of 36 players  - including one guest – found the course in good condition with fewer members losing balls! In spite of this, generosity topped up the charity tin to make an overall sum of just over Euros 600 collected for the year. Captain David Thomas announced that this sum will be given to the Lar de Boa Vontade (Cheshire Homes) to enable them to pay for needed upgrades.

The long established Club rule that players who are unable to be present at the dinner do not qualify had a substantial effect on the prize winners this month.   It did not affect first place, however, and the undisputed Winner of the President’s Baffy was Fernando Oliveira with 39 points. Second place went to Richard Evans with 36 points.  Third to Auke Bos, after a countback  from Chris Goulding in fourth, Ron Goddard in fifth, all three with 34 points. Sakiko Takeda, the first Lady in the prize list,  came in sixth place with 33 points after a countback with three other players.

Winners of the President’s Baffy

L to R : Captain David Thomas, Richard Evans, winner Fernando Oliveira, Auke Bos

The monthly prizes: There was no Nearest the Pin prize awarded for either the Men or the Ladies this month. The only Guest – the Captain’s brother Trevor Thomas obviously won the prize! The Newstead Cup – for players with a handicap of 23 or over and not in the first six places – was won by Lars Ryberg. This month the Cow Bell went to Sally Buxton.

The annual prizes: the d’Arcy Orders Cup for the Best Gross Score in the President’s Baffy was won by Ron Goddard with a score of 78. The Dai Evans’ Trophy for the Best Gross Eclectic Score for the Year was won by David Gray with 57. The Alan Jones’ Trophy for the Best Net Eclectic Score for the Year was won by Eddie Leitao with 48. The Graham Paine Memorial Trophy for the 2017 Order of Merit was won by our oldest playing member Denys Stormont.

Annual Prize winners: L to R  Denys Stormont, Captain David Thomas, Eddie Leitao

Fifty seven members and guests enjoyed a magnificent dinner at the Hotel Miragem during which  Captain David Thomas thanked the members who had assisted him during the year and introduced the Captain for next year – Bruce Dawson who duly gave the programme for next year and introduced his Vice Captain Kate Scheier.

Brenda Leitao

Photos: courtesy of Tom Scheier

  November 2017

A Chilly Game

 The Royal British Club Golf Society played its first really cold game of the season on November 8^th when they turned out for the Peter Dawson Bowl. This game is the second leg of the Silver Jubilee Plate  - the first of which was the Rankin Brothers & Sons Trophy competition played last month. Thirty five members and guests participated this month with the later tee-offs able to appreciate more the sun warming the course!

Scores were relatively high this month with several countbacks needed and, surprisingly, a large number of Lost Balls resulting in a healthy taking for the charity tin! Winner of the magnificent Dawson Bowl was Ron Goddard with  37 points. After a 3-way countback a very happy Tom Scheier came second winning his first prize with the Society with 33 points. The following two places, after the countback, went to Ian Yarwood, third  and Andrew Jones fourth both with 33 points. Fifth place was won by sponsor Mark Dawson beating Captain David Thomas on a countback, both with 31points.

The annual competition for the Silver Jubilee Plate was introduced in 1999 and this year was won by Ron Goddard with a combined score of 68 points over the two events.

The monthly prizes awarded were:  Men’s Guest Prize – Robert Youde. This month, again, there was no Lady Guest. Nearest the Pin for the Ladies – Brenda Leitao, for the Men – Selwyn Kennard. The Newstead Cup, awarded to a member not in the first six places and with a handicap of 23 or over – Elizabeth Barker. The highly fought-over Cowbell went to Selwyn Kennard. The Top Ten Competition for those unable to play 18 holes for various reasons was a family affair with Isabel Nygren winning from her husband Lars.

A delicious lunch was enjoyed at the Estoril Golf Club House during which Captain David Thomas thanked the Dawson family present – Bruce, Mark and Mane – for sponsoring the competition since 1982 when the first winner was Alan Jones -  and for presenting the prizes. He reminded members that the final competition of the year – the President’s Baffy - will be held at Estoril on December 6^th followed by the Gala Dinner at the Miragem Hotel in Cascais.

Brenda Leitao

Sponsor Mark Dawson, Ian Yarwood, Tom Scheier, winner Ron Goddard,

Mane Dawson and Captain David Thomas

October 2017

Perfect Golfing Weather

On one of the nicest days of this summer the Royal British Club Golfing Society gathered at the Estoril Golf Course to play for the Rankin Brothers & Sons Trophy. This competition is played annually as part one of the Silver Jubilee Plate, the second round of which, The Peter Dawson Bowl, will be played next month.  Both Rankin and Dawson families are long time sponsors of the competitions which members look forward to playing every autumn.

Rankin Family Members

Carol Mason, Simon Mason & Ewan Rankin

Owing to late “sickness reports”, and even later signs ups, Captain David Thomas had his work cut out reorganizing the Tee off times at the last minute. Finally, with 29 members and a surprising number of 6 guests, plus two of the injured opting to play the Top Ten, the first members set off at 7.36 for a round in beautiful weather.

 The winner, having one of his best rounds for a while, was Eddie Leitao with 38 points, followed by the ladies! Teresa Negrao  was second with 34 and the Captain’s wife, Miranda Thomas, gained third place with 33. It was almost Ladies Day with three places out of the top six going to the ladies! Fourth place went to Selwyn Kennard also with 33 points after a countback with Miranda. Carol Mason took fifth place with 32 after another countback, this time with Andrew Jones gaining sixth position, also with 32.           

 Two members of the “injured” George Everett and Tom Scheier, opted to play the Top Ten.  This option is always open to members who feel that they are not up to playing 18 holes. This month the Cup was won by Tom.

 The usual monthly prizes were: Guest Prize – men – Fredrik Elwing.  This month there were no Lady Guests. Nearest the Pin for the Ladies – Kate Scheier, Nearest the Pin for the Men – David Gray. The Newstead Cup went to Lars Nygren with 28 points. This cup is awarded monthly to the player with handicap of 23 or moreand who is not included in the first six places. Not having his best game this month, the Cowbell went to Lars Ryberg.

 After the presentation of the prizes and a few words from our sponsor, Ewan Rankin, an enjoyable lunch was served on the terrace of the Estoril Club, during which Captain David Thomas reminded members that next month we will play for the Peter Dawson Bowl on Wednesday 8th November, and that on December 8^th the competition will be for the President’s Baffy followed by the end of year Gala dinner at the Miragem Hotel in Cascais.

Brenda Leitao

Miranda Thomas, Sponsor Ewan Rankin, Winner Eddie Leitao, Teresa Negrao

and Captain David Thomas 

 September 2017 

The Sun Always Shines on Golfers 

On a beautiful, but hot, summer’s day the Royal British Club Golf Society started the Autumn season playing for the EY Trophy with a field of 35 players – which included one guest. Many members are now back from their summer travels and we were delighted to see the return of one of our frequent players, Ron Goddard,  who announced that he is completely recovered from his medical problems. In fact he celebrated his return in style by winning the Competition!

Ron won the competition with 37 points closely followed by another regular player, Denys Stormont, with 36. Paul Guerault was in third place with 35 and Harley Barnard in fourth with 34 points. There were then four players all with 33 points resulting in multiple countbacks with Eddie Leitao beating Sally Buxton for fifth place leaving Sally in sixth place. 

The monthly prizes were: Nearest the Pin for Men would have been won by Andrew Jones but, following the rules, winners cannot receive their prize if not able to be present at the prize giving lunch. The Nearest the Pin for the Ladies went to Elizabeth Barker, this month’s Newstead Cup to Carol Mason and the Cow Bell to Gabi Huttl.

As the weather was so beautiful members enjoyed the prize giving lunch on the Estoril Golf Club terrace overlooking the course. As no member of the sponsors, EY, were able to attend to present the prizes Captain David Thomas invited Eddie Leitao, a retired partner to do the honours.

Next month the Competition will be played on October 4^th for the Rankin Brothers and Sons’ Cup. This competition is the first part of the Jubilee Plate – the second half of which is the Dawson Bowl - the following competition to be played in November.

Brenda Leitao

David Thomas(Captain) Denys Stormont, Ron Goddard (Winner) Paul Guerault

Eddie Leitao (Sponsor)  

Late June 2017

Octogenarians on a Roll

The Royal British Club Golfing Society played their July competition for the Victoria Seguros Cup. This is an annual game with a different format: 4 Clubs and a Putter. Interestingly, many members have found that they can score just as well with 4 Clubs and a Putter and, therefore, wonder why they carry so many clubs in their bags each month. A few members made wrong choices and are determined to choose better next year. After the hot weather, members were looking forward to a cool comfortable game but the weather had other ideas! Despite the forecasts heavy showers came down for about two hours managing to completely soak many of the players.

 Two of the Octogenarians showed their skills honed after many years: First prize went to Denys Stormont with 33 points after a countback from Eddie Leitao, also with 33. Young Ewan Rankin, also scoring 33 after the countback , was in third place. Chris Goulding was fourth with  32, Lars Ryberg fifth with 31 and Harley Barnard with 30.

 The monthly prizes were: The Newstead Cup -  Adi Huettl with 28 points. Eddie Leitao won the Nearest the Pin for Men on the 13^th Hole but  no Lady managed to get on the 2^nd green for the Ladies Nearest the Pin! Richard Evans was awarded the Cowbell this month.

 A curry buffet lunch was held at the Estoril Club House during which Jose Alves, representing Victoria Seguros, presented the prizes. Captain David Thomas announced that the annual match between teams from the RBC and the ABP (Barmen of Portugal) will be played on July 13^th and that the next event for all the members will be the the fun game – The Texas Scramble – on August 9th. He also announced that the final of the Gordon Young Putter competition will be played on July 19^th with Sally Buxton and Pierre Laporte, being the finalists. He hopes that many members will be at the Club to witness the game. The September competition will be played on September 6^th for the EY Trophy.

Brenda Leitao 

 Captain David Thomas, Ewan Rankin, Eddie Leitao, winner Denys Stormont and Jose Alves of Victoria Seguros

June 2017

The Hotel Baia Plate 

Golf on a Summer’s Day

Finally the weather seems to have settled into summer and the Royal British Club Golfing Society gathered at the Estoril Golf course to play for the Hotel Baia Plate. The event had a slightly fewer number of players than usual, 26 Members and 2 guests, because several members have started their summer travels. This month, yet again, three octogenarians featured in the prizes awarded.

The winner, this month was Lars Ryberg with 37 points, second was Auke Bos yet again finishing in the top prize-winners with 34.   Third, another frequent prize-winner, Denys Stormont with 33.  Fourth place went to Keith Potter with 32, fifth to Steve Deighton with 31 and finally for sixth place, to Captain David Thomas also with 31 after a count-back.

The monthly prizes – which can only be won once a year: the Newstead Cup, for handicap of 23 and over and not in first six was won by Eddie Leitao and the Cow Bell went to his wife Brenda Leitao!

• Nearest the Pin on the fourth hole in two for the Ladies:   Elizabeth Barker
• Nearest the Pin on hole six in two for the men:   Werner Langlitz.
• The Guest prize for ladies was won by: Marinez Bello
• The Guests prize for men was won by: Robert Youde.

Prizes were presented at the Hotel Baia after an enjoyable dinner when Captain David Thomas announced the that the annual competition against the Association of Portuguese Barmen will be held at Estoril on July 12^th. The next competition for the RBCGS is the Victoria Trophy to be played on June 28^th at Estoril to avoid the month of July when Estoril Golf Club treats the greens which makes play more difficult for the players.

                                                                                                            Brenda Leitao

David Thomas(Captain); Denys Stormont (3rd); Lars Ryberg(Winner) Auk Bos (2nd)

May 2017 

Blevins Franks Cup - Intrepid Golfers

 On May 10^th the members of the Royal British Club Golfing Society were due to play for the Blevins Franks Cup. In spite of the dire forecast the decision was made to go ahead and play. To begin with the leading flights, starting just after 7.30, were delighted to only contend with occasional light rain showers.  Unfortunately at around 10 a.m. when they had reached the 15^th or 16^th holes, with no hope of bailing out or shelter, the heavens opened leaving the entire field to wade through water, mud and flooded fairways. A very sorry looking group of golfers finally staggered in, having finished the 18 holes, making a dash for the hot showers.

Amazingly, in these dreadful conditions, scores were good and the field was led by our 86 year old member, Auke Bos, in first place scoring 39 points. In second place was Elizabeth Barker with 38 followed by Ian Yarwood with 37. Fourth place (36 pts) went to Teresa Negrao, fifth (35 pts) to George Everett and sixth (35 pts) to Ewan Rankin.

The monthly prizes awarded this month were:

           Nearest the Pin for the Men – Gavin Trechman

           The Newstead Cup – Miranda Thomas

           Nearest the Pin for the Ladies was not awarded as no-one had reached the 13^th hole in

           two!

           The Swiss Cow Bell this month was won by our Swiss Member,  Max Zimmerli

After drying off and welcome drinks in the bar the 37 players, together with spouses and guests enjoyed lunch in the Estoril Club Restaurant during which the sponsor Blevins Franks, represented by Matthew Krystman, presented the prizes. Ian Yarwood reminded members of the Summer Garden Party to be held at the Paula Rego Museum and Captain David Thomas announced that the annual Competition against the Portuguese Barmen Association will take place on July 13^th and that he is about to make up the team for this very popular event.

 Brenda Leitao 

 Matthew Krystman of Blevins Franks, Elizabeth Barker, winner Auke Bos, Ian Yarwood and Captain David Thomas.

April 2017

Royal British Club Cup

The Royal British Club Golfing Society has a very lucky Captain – the members played for the Royal British Club Cup in the most beautiful weather of the year so far! Some 36 players and guests teed off from 7.36 after the most beautiful sunrise!

“Lucky” Captain David Thomas led the field with 34 points to come in as the winner.

In second place was Kate Scheier with 32 points, third was Bill Buxton, with 32 after a countback. Continuing the countback Carol Mason scored 32 points for fourth place, Denys Stormont with 31 points in fifth place and Chris Goulding in sixth place with 30.

The monthly prizes were:

• Nearest the Pin for the Ladies: Carol Mason
• Nearest the Pin for the Men: Chris Goulding
• There wasn’t a Lady Guest, and  the hard fought Men’s prize went to Gunnar Kaeck.  
• This month the Newstead Cup was won by David Wright.
• The family affair of the Top 10 competition was, this month, won by Margo Zimmerli!

Ian Yarwood, newly elected Chairman of the Royal British Club presented the prizes and gave a speech outlining all the things that he has in mind to attract more members to the Club.

Members and guests enjoyed a delicious lunch on the veranda of the Estoril Golf Club, still taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Captain David Thomas reminded members that next month the competition will be on Wednesday May 10^th when they will play for the Blevins and Franks Trophy.

Bill Buxton, Ian Yarwood (Chairman RBC) David Thomas (Captain and Winner), Kate Scheier

March 2017

AngloInfo Trophy on St David’s Day 

After recovering from the Carnival celebrations the Royal British Club’s Golfing Society gathered on March 1^st, the feast of St. David, patron saint of Wales, to play for the AngloInfo Trophy. The weather was fair with no wind (really - no wind – at Estoril!) and the course in very good condition – allowing half the field to attain a score of 30 Stableford points and above, resulting in several countbacks to decide the prizes. Thirty players and two guests took to the field with tee offs starting at 7.36, with only a few of the players catching the light showers late in the round.

After the match forty members, guests and spouses enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Estoril Club House. Our sponsor, David Wright of AngloInfo, this year shared the spotlight with foreign exchange service provider Premier FX, represented by country head Cathryn Evans, who gave a brief presentation of the company. The Welsh theme was evident at the lunch with the captain sporting a daffodil buttonhole and member Richard Evans giving a St. David’s Day welcome in Welsh.

This month yet again some of the older members of the Society are showing the merely middle-aged players the way. First prize went to Denys Stormont with 37 points retaining the Cup that he won last year. He was followed by three players all scoring 35 points resulting in the countbacks: David Thomas was second, Auke Bos third and David Wright was in fourth place. Fifth place went to Duncan Barker and the sixth prize to Lars Ryberg.

The monthly prizes were: Guests, Man – Phil Docherty and Lady - Gunilla Holma Forsström, both of whom promising to join the Society! Nearest the Pin, Lady - Kate Scheier and Man - Paul Guerault. The Newstead Cup was won by Teresa Negrao, the Top Ten by Brenda Leitão and the Cow Bell won easily this time by George Everett.

Prizes were presented by Captain David Thomas and Cathryn Evans. Members were reminded that next month we play for the Royal British Club Cup at Estoril on April 5^th.

                                                                                                              Brenda Leitão

Cathryn Evans of PremierFX, winner Denys Stormont, Auke Bos and Captain David Thomas.

February 2017

The RBCGS Begins the Year

The 2017 Captain of the Royal British Club Golf Society, David Thomas, started the New Year well with the first competition of the golf society’s season when it played for the John Bull Cup. After days of heavy rain 35 players and guests took to the Estoril course, muddy but with the sun shining. The British may still be the biggest group in this Royal British society, but nowadays it has a truly varied international membership, the results of the game showing the first four prize winners being British, German, Portuguese and French!

Last year’s captain, David Wright was the winner with 36 points, followed by Werner Langlitz with 34. After a countback on 33 points, Fernando Oliveira gained third place beating Paul Guerault into fourth. Fifth and Sixth place also needed a countback with Harley Barnard winning fifth and Captain David Thomas sixth, both with 31 points.

Monthly prizes awarded were: Men’s Guest Prize  to David Evans, Nearest the Pin for the Men to David Thomas, The Ladies Nearest the Pin going to Sakiko Takeda who also won the Newstead Cup which is for players of handicap 23 and over and not in the first six prize winners. The “Top 10” ten holes competition was a family affair, won by Max Zimmerli from wife Margot. The hard fought Cow Bell went to Vice Captain Bruce Dawson.

Members and guests adjourned for lunch to the John Bull Restaurant in Cascais, sponsor of the event, where all the prizes were awarded. Captain David Thomas announced that there was a good entry for the Gordon Young Putting Competition and that a Master Class would be held at 12.00 on 15^th February. He also reminded players that next month’s competition is for the Angloinfo Cup and will take place at Estoril on March 1^st followed by lunch at the Estoril Club House.

Brenda Leitao

David Thomas(Captain), David Wright (winner)  

Werner Langlitz (2nd), Fernando Oliveira (3rd) 

December 2016 

RBCGS - Musical Finale to the 2016 Golf Programme

Ron Goddard, Winner

The final competition of the year for the Royal British Club Golfing Society was held on Wednesday 7^th December at Estoril Golf Club. This year the Society has been very fortunate and suffered rain during only one of its tournaments –and that was only for the duration of one hole of golf, around 12 minutes all year. So it was that on a beautiful, clear but crisp morning 39 players turned out for the President’s Baffy tournament, subject to the best Stableford score, and to battle too for the d’arcy Orders Cup awarded for the best Gross score in the last tournament of the year. Members were somewhat bemused to see a cartoon character present, Speedy Gonzales, present on all Society communication related to the final day of their golfing year.  An explanation was to be had later the same day.

November 2016

New attendance record at the Dawson Bowl

 The November competition of the Royal British Club Golf Society drew the biggest turnout of the year – 48 members and playing guests – for the Peter Dawson Bowl, a magnificent trophy.

The Dawson Bowl 

Multiple countbacks were necessary to separate the competitors with 6 players scoring 31 points and seven on 30! Conditions on the course were excellent and the tournament just finished in time before heavy rain set in.

Duncan Barker, Peter Dawson, Evelyne Marret, Eddie Leitao (Winner)

 Bruce Dawson, Chairman of the Garland Group,  spoke on behalf of the sponsors and reminded members that the company is celebrating 240 years of existence – since 1776 – five years before American Independence, and has been in the family for five generations. The President of the Garland Group, Peter Dawson, was also present and distributed the prizes along with his wife, actress Valerie Braddell.

• The winner of the trophy was Eddie Leitao with 32 points

• followed by Evelyne Marret on 31 leading the multiple countback

• Third place went to Duncan Barker

• 4^th to David Thomas

• 5^th to Sakiko Taked

• 6^th to Chris Goulding all with 31 points.

The monthly prizes were:

• Ladies’ Guest: Jacqui Byrne

• Men’s Guest: Tony Byrne – keeping it in the family!

• Nearest the Pin for the Ladies: Miranda Thomas

• Nearest the Pin for the Men: David Gray

• The Newstead Cup awarded to a player of handicap 23 and over and who is not in the first six places was won by Teresa Negrao

• The Cow Bell with a free golf lesson went to our new playing member Elizabeth Ryberg.

The Society has a rule that prize winners must attend the lunch to be awarded their prize. However, this month the player with most points was Mans Hoglund who was unable to attend due to family commitments. The sponsor kindly donated an additional prize and it was decided to invite Mans to join us with his 3 grandchildren while we were having lunch. The prize gave special recognition for what would otherwise have been a clear tournament victory, a photograph was taken with the sponsor as normal and in the company of his grandchildren, much to the delight of the proud young girls.

Peter Dawson, & Mans Hogland with

Stella, Thea & Alba

The Dawson Bowl is the second part of the Silver Jubilee Plate a tournament for the best combined Stableford result over two consecutive tournaments.  Denys Stormont was the winner following his outstanding 41 points last time out with 30 points this time.

This month the Charity tin, which collects funds over the year by members paying a “fine” of 1 Euro per ball they lose,  received an additional boost. Captain David Wright harvested Pink Grapefruit which had been turned into a delicious marmalade by Jackie Kennard and sold at the lunch to members. At the year end the incumbent RBCGS Captain donates the money collected throughout the year to a charity of his choosing. The generosity of members meant that the Charity Lost Ball Fund received a boost of more than 190 euros.

Among the 51 guests and players at the lunch Captain David Wright was especially pleased to welcome Axel Beselin. He and his wife  Anita, who sadly passed away recently, have been long term members of the Society and have many friends within it.

The Captain reminded members that the last game of the season will be played at Estoril on December 7^th and is followed by our annual Gala Dinner at the Hotel Miragem  Cascais.

 Brenda Leitao

October 2016

Maximum Turnout for the Rankin Trophy

After a night of heavy rain – the first we have seen for many weeks – members of the Royal British Club Golf Society woke to a day of cloud. This month’s tournament was for the Rankin Brothers & Sons Trophy which forms the first part of the Silver Jubilee Plate competition. The second part, the Peter Dawson Bowl, will be played in November.  The winner of the Silver Jubilee Plate is decided by the aggregate Stableford scores for both competitions.

This month a record number of players and guests – 44 players – filled the course at Estoril Golf Course. There were literally no tee spaces left available on this occasion.

Some of the early players managed to complete their rounds with only a slight sprinkling of rain, later players got slightly wetter, but overall the rain held off!  The winner, one of our oldest members and a tough Scot, Denys Stormont, came in with a remarkable score of 41 points showing the rest of the field how to cope with mud and rain.

Denys was closely followed in second place by the current trophy holder, Graham Dewar, with 39 points. Scores were much higher this month with the first 13 members scoring 30 points or above.  Third place went to George Everett with 36, fourth to Mans Hoglund with 34. Kate Scheier gaining the fifth position with 33 points and Andrew Jones in sixth with 32.

The other monthly prizes awarded were:

• Ladies Nearest the Pin: Sakiko Takeda
• Nearest the Pin for the Men: Bruce Dawson
• The Ladies Guest prize: Sylvie Langlitz,
• Men’s Guest prize: Axel Bernstorff
• The Newstead cup for players of handicap 23 and over was won by Elizabeth Barker with 31 points
• This month’s coveted Cow Bell went to Isabel Nygren.

Prizes were presented by Ewan Rankin on behalf of Rankin Brothers & Sons with Denys Stormont wearing a company shirt with a misprinted name of Ranklin Brot & Sons!

The sponsors were warmly thanked for their continuing support, this year Ewan did not win his own Trophy! Fifty two members, guests and spouses sat down to a delicious lunch at the Estoril Club with Bruce Dawson – sponsor of the Dawson Bowl competition – expressing the hope that next month’s turnout will be equal to this one.

Captain David Wright closed the successful day by reminding members that the Peter Dawson Bowl and Silver Jubilee Plate will be played for on Wednesday 2^nd November, also at the Estoril Course.

Brenda Leitao

George Everett, Sponsor Ewan Rankin, Winner Denys Stormont, Graham Dewar

and Captain David Wright

September 2016

The EY Challenge

 After a series of very hot days the Royal British Club Golfing Society members were relieved to see a drop in temperature when they returned from their holidays all over the world. The competition this month was for the EY Trophy. 35 players – one of the largest groups this year – were determined to do their best to win the attractive prize.

Despite all the hard work only one member – the winner – managed to play better than handicap. However, a record of six members scored 32 points resulting in a complicated series of countbacks to determine places on the podium. The winner, who made sure all his putts dropped, was Hans Ludolphi with 39 points. Second, was our new Lady member Caroline de Roos, with 33 points. The following places – all with 32 points – were awarded to: third place, another new member, Keith Potter, fourth to one of our oldest members, Auke Bos, fifth to David Gray and sixth, Ron Goddard.

The monthly prizes this time were:

• Nearest the Pin for the Ladies,Caroline de Roos

• Nearest the Pin for the Men, Andrew Jones.

• The Newstead Cup – awarded to members of handicap 23 and over and not in the first six places – was won by another player with 32 points – Sakiko Takeda. 

• The Cow Bell with a free golf lesson from the Club Pro was won easily this month by  Duncan Barker.

Sadly, a former Captain of the Club in 2003, Peter Mason, passed away recently. During his tenure as Captain the Top 10 tankard competition was introduced for those members unable to complete 18 holes. Also the Lost (or Wet Ball) Charity Fund was instituted during his year as Captain. In memory of Peter, the Top 10 tankard was symbolically awarded to his wife Carol to hold until the next Top 10 competition is won.

In Memory of Peter Mason
The Top 10 Tankard was awarded to his wife, Carol Mason

Possibly, due to the fact that golf needs a little fine tuning after the holidays, the Lost Ball fund, whereby players are fined Euro 1 for every ball lost, collected a larger than usual sum of 45 euros. At the end of the year the money collected goes to a Charity chosen by the current Captain.

Our sponsors for the tournament will have been delighted by the large turn out of society members  for this tournament. Eddie Leitao, a former managing partner of Arthur Young in Portugal (now EY), presented the prizes to the winners on behalf of EY and thanked the sponsors for thewir continuing support of the society and the tournement. 

A summer lunch was served on the terrace on the Estoril Golf Club where Captain David Wright reminded members that, as the first Wednesday of the coming month falls on the holiday of October 5^th, the next competition will be held on October 12^th for the Rankin Cup. Scores will count for a double competition, with the scores added to the November tournament score to determine the winner of the Silver Jubilee Plate.

Captain David Wright; Keith Potter, winner Hans Ludolphi, Caroline de Roos

and Eddie Leitao (representing EY)

July 2016

Victoria Seguros – How many Clubs do you need?

 The Royal British Club Golf Society accepted the annual challenge of Victoria Seguros by playing its monthly tournament with only 4 clubs and a putter. The Victoria Seguros Cup competition at Estoril Golf Club on July 6^th started with a little morning fog but warmed up as the day went on. As usual, there was much deliberation and conferring, even some secrecy, before the game as to which clubs would prove to be the correct ones. Some got it right, some didn’t! Several members were heard to mutter round the course “if only I had chosen club x instead of y!”

Despite the fact that many players considered throwing away the rest of their clubs, having realized they did not really need them, scores  were not particularly high, with the exception of the winner – Eddie Leitao – who played below his handicap to achieve 38 points. He had obviously chosen the right clubs for him! Second and third places were decided on a count back with Richard Evans beating Captain David Wright – both with 33 points. Sakiko Takeda and Andrew Jones both scored 29 points with Sakiko taking fourth place and Andrew fifth. The final position on the score board – for sixth place – went to Bill Buxton on 28 points after a count back with five other players: Graham Dewar, Chris Goulding, Hans Ludolphi, David Thomas and Denys Stormont all missing out.

• The monthly prizes awarded this month were:
• Guest prize to David Riches
• Newstead Cup for players with handicap of 23 and over and not in the first six places was won by Denys Stormont. 
• The Nearest the Pin for the Ladies was Miranda Thomas
• Bruce Dawson managed to win an unusual combination of two prizes: Nearest the Pin for the Men and the coveted Cowbell which includes a free golf lesson!!

A delicious lunch was held at the Estoril Club House where José Alves – representing Victoria Seguros spoke about the company and presented the prizes. Victoria Seguros – whose sponsorship together with the original sponsor Commercial Union goes back to 1990 – is one of the Society’s oldest associations.

Captain David Wight announced that some of the members were playing the annual match against the Barmen of Portugal the following day and wished them all success. On 10^th August a convivial Texas Scramble will be played by members at the Estoril course.

Brenda Leitao 

Captain David Wright, Richard Evans, Winner Eddie Leitao and José Alves of Victoria Seguros

 JUNE 2016

A Place in the Sun

The Royal British Club Golf Society played their competition for the Hotel Baia Plate– which had to be delayed because of sanding of the greens at the Estoril course – on a hot summer’s day on June 23^rd. Twenty nine members and two guests found the course in excellent condition except for the greens which, at present, are still challenging – maybe the winners were able to cope better than the rest of the field!

Winner Selwyn Kennard – with a commendable 35 points – managed a clear win from second and third places which needed a countback with Eddie Leitao gaining second place from Mark Dawson’s third, both with 34. The only Lady in the winner’s list of prizes was Teresa Negrao with 33 points in fourth place after another countback leaving Ron Goddard in fifth place. Sixth place went to Richard Evans with 32.

The monthly prizes awarded were: The Newstead Cup for players of handicap 23 and over and not in the first six prizes was won by Lars Ryberg. There were no Lady Guests this month and the Men’s prize went to Steve Deighton. Nearest the Pin for the Ladies on the 13^th hole was Evelyne Marret and for the Men on hole number 4 in two was Ewan Rankin. The hotly contested Cow Bell went, this month, to Brenda Leitao.

A delicious dinner, hosted by Manager Joao Coruche at the Hotel Baia in Cascais was enjoyed by all. Captain David Wright  announced that the Society will play next month on Wednesday July 6^th for the Victoria Seguros Cup.

Brenda Leitao

Captain David Wright, Eddie Leitao, winner Selwyn Kennard, Mark Dawson

and Hotel Baia Manager Joao Coruche

MAY 2016

The Blevins Franks Plate

The Royal British Club Golfing Society were extremely lucky when they played for the Blevins Franks Plate at Estoril on Wednesday, May 4^th.  

The weather forecasts had been dire with the news of approaching heavy rain.  All forty players, members and guests managed to finish their games without a spot of rain with the forecast holding true but delayed by just one day.  Captain David Wright was able to arrange two more tee times to accommodate the numbers and lunch at the Estoril Club House was almost full house with 49 members, guests and spouses and sponsors attending. 

The Blevins Franks Plate is always a popular tournament in part due to the time of year but also because the Plate has been fought for since as far back as 1995 when Blevins Franks was known by a different name. Our thanks go to the partners of Blevins Franks for their commitment to the success of the day and their generosity both in sponsorship and with their time. Gavin Scott travelled from the Algarve to take part in the tournament and be present at the lunch afterwards. While Matthew Krystman, based in the region, already knows many of the members, presented the prizes and invited 2 guest players who may even become members of the Society.    

The Estoril course was in excellent condition following the recent hosting by the Estoril Golf Club of an International Seniors competition. Fairways and bunkers were immaculate which meant that players lost fewer balls this month. The charity tin gained only €35!

Lars Nygren (3rd), Ed Robbins (Winner) Bill Buxton (2nd)

Sponsor: Matthew Krystman

Two members played better than their handicap, both scoring 37 points. After a count back Bill Buxton, lost out to Ed Robbins in first place. Ed was playing his farewell competition in the Society before he heads off to Trumpland as he calls it! Ed is a former Captain of the Golfing Society and his sharp sense of good humour and frequent jokes will be greatly missed. You could not write a better fictional script for him, leaving us by winning his final competition! Members now insist that he returns next year to defend his Blevins Franks Plate. 

Lars Nygren is currently playing well – perhaps helped by racing round the course in his new electric buggy – and scored 36 points to give him third place.  Fourth and fifth places needed a count back to separate Auke Bos and Eddie Leitao. Both achieved 34 points but Auke placed fourth. David Gray, with 33 came in sixth. 

The monthly prizes this month were:

Guest prize for the Ladies, Caroline de Roos and for the Men Ian Yarwood.

Nearest the Pin for the Ladies on hole 4 in two, Kate Scheier, for the Men, on hole 13, Hans Ludolphi.   David Wright received the Newstead Prize this month, awarded to players of handicap 23 and over and not in the prizes for the first six winners. This month the Cowbell was won by David Jackson who we are very pleased to see playing again after his recent health problems.  

David Wright (Captain), Matthew Krystman (Sponsor) Ed Robbins (Winner)

Before the prize ceremony Matthew Krystman spoke to members and guests about the services of Blevins Franks and a special award of a pair of slippers was made to Ed Robbins for him to remember Portugal in his retirement to Trumpland.

Next month the Society will play for the Hotel Baia Trophy on June 8^th at Estoril followed by dinner at the Hotel in Cascais.

Brenda Leitao

APRIL 2016

HM AMBASSADOR PRESENTS RBC CUP

After days of inclement weather the members of the Royal British Club Golfing Society were delighted to see relatively clear skies, although with strong gusts of wind, for their first tournament of Spring. This month members played for the Royal British Club (RBC) Cup. We were very privileged to be joined for lunch after the tournament by HM Ambassador, Kirsty Hayes who had kindly agreed to present the prizes to the winners of the tournament in her role as President of the RBC.

HM Ambassador, Kirsty Hayes

After meeting as many members of the Society as possible, and following an excellent meal served in the restaurant of the Estoril Golf Club, HM Ambassador gave a short address to the members during which she commented on how pleased she was to have decided to come along to meet such an active, engaging and supportive community of many different nationalities. She also took the opportunity to talk about the issues surrounding the forthcoming referendum in the UK and to encourage those members who can do so to ensure they are registered to cast their vote.

Unfortunately, when it came to presentation of the tournament prizes, several of the members had struggled a little on such a blustery day.  The results showed that the ladies are able to cope better than the men. No member managed to play better than their handicap but the winner, Kate Scheier, almost did. She signed for a commendable score of 35 points, followed by another lady member, Carol Mason on 31. In third place, this month relinquishing his position as winner of the previous 2 tournaments, was Denys Stormont – also with 31 points after the count back. Fourth place, on the same count back as Carol and Denys, went to Ron Goddard. After her absence we welcomed back Sakiko Takeda who earned fifth place with 30 points, closely followed in sixth, by Paul Guerault after yet another count back on 30 points too. 

HMA addresses the RBC GS

Other prizes, awarded this month, were: Nearest the Pin for the Men, Paul Guerault, and for the Ladies, Kate Scheier. The Ladies Guest Prize went to Monique Bryers –soon to become the newest member of the Club! The Men’s Guest Prize went to Pedro Brehm. This month the new Newstead Cup (for members of handicap 23 and over and not in the first six places) was awarded to Lars Nygren with 27 points. The most fought over monthly trophy in the competition - the Cow Bell - this month went to Thomas Scheier making a top and bottom award with his wife being the winner!  

David Wright (Captain), Carol Mason, Kate Scheier (Winner),

HMA Kirsty Hayes, Denys Stormont

The Society’s next competition will be held at the Estoril Golf Club on May 4^th when they will be competing for the Blevins Franks Cup.

Brenda Leitao

MARCH 2016 

SUPER SENIORS IN ASCENDANCY

After strong winds, heavy rain and showers of hail, the Royal British Club Golf Society had a a lucky break with the weather for their March Competition, this month playing for the Angloinfo Trophy. Over 30 players signed up for the game, therefore more four balls than usual had to be scheduled and three groups - the “Larks” – bravely teed off from 7.28.  To the surprise of many, it was light but the sun was struggling hard to rise. Eventually it did and the day was a great improvement on the recent weather.

 Three members of the Super Seniors, all three in their eighties - and playing off the normal tees – decided to show younger members that age does not matter. This month’s winner who also won the competition last month was our oldest playing member, Denys Stormont, at 86 years of age coming in with a score of 37 points. Chasing him, but not quite catching him in second place was Ron Goddard with 35 points after a countback with Mans Hoglund – leaving him in third place. In fourth place was the first Lady player, Carol Mason after a count back with 83 year old Max Zimmerli  both with 33 points.  The sixth place went to Dutch member Joke Bartelse with 31 points after a threeway countback with Ed Robbins, and 80 year old Eddie Leitao.

Ron Goddard, Keith Barrett, winner Denys Stormont, Mans Hoglund, Captain David Wright

Eddie Leitao also won the competition for the new Newstead Cup which is awarded to players of 23 handicap and over and not in the first six places. Nearest the Pin for the  Ladies was Teresa Negrao, and Mans Hoglund won the Nearest the Pin for the Men. The bravely fought for Cow Bell went this month to Margot Zimmerli.  There were no Lady Guests this month, and the Guest prize for Men was awarded to Duncan Magregor. Keith Barrett, played as a guest of the Sponsor, David Wright, but, as a professional, was ineligible to win prizes. He very kindly distributed Trophies and prizes to the winners.

David Wright (Captain)  Eddie Leitao

After a delicious lunch at the Estoril Club Restaurant, Captain David Wright introduced two new members of the Society: Gul and Pierre Laporte who we look forward to seeing at the next competition which will be played at Estoril on April 6^th when players compete for the Royal British Club Cup.

Brenda Leitao

FEBRUARY 2016 

Dawn Breaks Over a New Tournanent Year at Estoril Golf Club

 The Royal British Club Golfing Society played their first game of the season at Estoril in strong winds. Last year’s overall winner, Ron Goddard, had the honour of hitting the first competitive ball of the new tournament year.

The Society was playing for the John Bull Trophy, sponsored by the well-known pub in Cascais. Members had to contend not only with the windy conditions but  a course that was still trying to dry out after the winter rains and large patches of clover into which balls disappeared! Many struggled, but a few hardy souls showed their strength, even though it wasn’t possible for even the leading scorers to play to their handicaps.

 A quite remarkable story emerged with the winner of this month’s tournament. Long-term member, Denys Stormont, has won 41 society tournaments over the years but none since 2009. This month he stormed to a clear victory with 35 points. Remarkable is the fact that last week Denys celebrated his 86^th Birthday and still plays off a golf handicap of 23.

He was closely followed by two members both scoring 34 points which necessitated a count back to award second place to Richard Evans and Mans Hoglund third. Fourth place went to Fernando Oliveira with 33. After another count back Ron Goddard was declared fifth and Lars Ryberg sixth – both scoring 31 points.

 Other prizes went to: Nearest the Pin for the Ladies, Kate Scheier, and for the Men, Mans Hoglund.

L to R: Tournament Sponsor, José Gil Sanchez; Richard Evans, Denys Stormont (winner), Mans Hoglund and David Wright (RBC GS Captain)

 The Newstead Cup – a tradition started in the 1980’s by Ron Newstead to encourage higher handicap members - over 23 handicap and not placed in the first six winners – was won this month by Carol Mason. This Cup, awarded monthly, was presented for the last time as it is showing the worse for wear. It will now be replaced by a new Cup to honour Ron’s memory after his recent death. 

 The last, and final prize – the “coveted” Cow Bell which includes a free golf lesson by the course professional, Gordon Young, was won by Antonio Vieira.

 An enjoyable lunch was held at the sponsor’s location, the John Bull Pub in Cascais. We were welcomed by the host and manager José Gil Sanchez.

 David Wright, this year’s Captain, welcomed members, including new member Evelyne Marret, and reminded everyone that our next competition will be held as usual at Estoril Golf Course on March 2^nd when members play for the Angloinfo Trophy.

Brenda Leitao