2010 SPRING ISSUE 3.75 Incl. VAT - Backspin Golf Magazine

This is a story about a group of Irish golfers who have been seduced by the
LISBOA GOLF COAST since their first visit in 2004. Philip Quinn’s article
captures the fun they share planning and enjoying their annual pilgrimage.
by PHILIP QUINN
(Irish Daily Mail)
PENHA LONGA
After 675 holes and 18 courses, the tingle
of anticipation of a return visit to
Portugal surges through the veins like a
roller-coaster on speed.
The annual spring pilgrimage of a not-so
honorable company of six Dublin golfers, known
unflatteringly as “The Soiled and Ancient” began
as an excuse in 2004 to celebrate a 40th
birthday.
It was, our good lady wives were assured, a
once off. Balderdash. What we started, we
haven’t finished yet. Now, as we all tip-toe
towards 50, we unashamedly acknowledge that
Portugal has us happy hackers hooked.
It did from day one, when in a country famed
for his explorers, we embarked on our own
journey of discovery in Praia D’el Rey and has
continued each year until the last putt is
dropped, or missed, on the home green at Penha
Longa, the customary final port of call.
With Ireland layered in a wintry blanket and
golf clubs gathering dust, talk of Lisbon has lit up
many a chill dark night and lifted spirits.
It invariably begins over a Christmas drink
with a casual reference to what dates best suit at
the end of March or early April, and where we
might play.
Before long, the debate becomes intense.
A full-blown committee meeting is called for,
usually in Carthy’s pub in Drumcondra, where
the plotting begins in earnest.
Each of us has jobs to do; sourcing flights,
accommodation, car hire and, crucially, the teetimes.
As pints are supped, dates are nailed down, a
provisional itinerary teased out, the format is
agreed and, crucially, handicaps are revised -
mostly up to give ourselves as much chance as
possible!
For our wrecking crew, breaking 30 points,
rather than the mythical 36, is an achievement
worthy of praise while finishing a round with the
same ball you started out with is regarded as
heroic.
None of us are single figure golfers but you
don’t have to be to take pleasure in the golfing
pearls of Portugal.
They are so seductive that each year we try
to cram in as much as possible by playing
18 holes for six days with a break‚ for nine holes
on the delightful monastery course in Penha
Longa, to allow time for shopping in Cascais - we
can’t return home empty-handed after all.
continued...
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