Tee to Green, by Bob Gaston of Gaston Golf S.L. based in Puerto de la Duquesa, in Andalucia

August 2008

EUROPEAN GOLF NEWS

The European Open was held at one of my old haunts, The London Club in Ash, Kent. Obviously all the top bananas of the European Tour were there hoping to top up their bank accounts and Ryder Cup points. On the third day, Montgomerie’s mood went from his normal misery to absolutely foul, moaning at spectators and cameramen alike, evoking pithy comments from the TV commentators and frustrated gestures from his long-suffering playing partner, Ian Poulter. However, it was Englands Ross Fisher who led into the final day by 3 from Ireland’s Graeme McDowell. The weather turned as foul as Montgomerie’s mood on the last day but Ross Fisher (Eng) played immaculately and won by seven shots. This win puts the big hitting youngster in sight of a Ryder Cup place.

The Scottish Open was hosted at the extremely picturesque Loch Lomond with a full field. Monty was still out of sorts and failed to qualify for the weekend. The leaders coming to the last day were Graeme McDowell (Ire) and Simon Khan (Eng). This time, McDowell was not to be denied, proving too strong for Khan, pocketing £500,000 and the trophy. Khan had a touch of the collywobbles, but just did enough to pinch the last remaining spot in The Open next week.

WORLD GOLF NEWS

The long awaited Open was held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Liverpool the City of Culture. There was a camera shot of the car park and not one car had any hub caps, but I digress.

For the first three days the rain lashed down and it was blowing a hooley making for very tough conditions. The scores obviously reflected this but I think a bit of the atmosphere and excitement was lost as the top players in the world battled to stay in it. Coming to the last day it was astonishly Greg Norman (Aust) at the age of 53 who led the way on +2, followed by KJ Choi (Kor) and the holder of the title, Padraig Harrington (Ire), two back on +4. Greg Norman and his new bride, Chris Evert-Lloyd must have been celebrating a bit too much the previous night as he fell away, leaving the fight between Padraig Harrington and a fast-improving Ian Poulter to contest the title. Padraig Harrington, nursing an injured wrist was not to be denied birdying the 15th to finish four strokes clear from Ian Poulter followed by Stenson (Swe) and Norman (Aust). This win by Harrington was the first time in 101 years that a UK/Irish player had successfully defended The Open title. Beware the injured golfer!

THE INTER-BAR TOURNAMENT – SUMMER 2008.

The Summer Inter-Bar Tournament was held at Doña Julia Golf Course on Sunday 20th July, 2008 for the second time running. There was pretty much a full turn-out for the competition with the exception of a few sleepy-heads who couldn’t get out of bed in time. The course was, as usual, in first class condition with the exception of the greens which were much slower than usual and took a lot of getting used to…....that’s our excuse anyway!

Many thanks to the participating bars and companies who were as follows:-

Kinsale Bar La Duquesa, Leisure Lounge La Duquesa, Finos Bar, Monte Duquesa, Hemingways Bar La Duquesa, ED’S Bar Monte Duquesa, Fergussons Bar Estepona, Graingers Bar Sabinillas, La Bodega Bar La Duquesa, The English Butcher La Duquesa, The English Kitchen Co Estepona

All of the above bars and companies are well worth a visit, and you are assured of a warm welcome.

After the tournament we all repaired to The Kinsale Bar, where Pat & Keirha put on a cracking barbeque and the presentations were made by Jackie amidst much shouting and ribaldry from the obviously drunken combatants.

Team Events

Lastly, we are now well into the Summer Months where golf rates are very favourable so if you fancy a game somewhere different, please pop into our office by the Taxi Rank in La Duquesa Port for an instant booking, or telephone us on the numbers below.