Darren Bragg’s

PORTUGAL GOLF HOLIDAY

Algarve Classic Feb 21st-26th Feb 2008

The chance of some Winter sun and an opportunity to work closely with my clients abroad was too big to turn down, so during the Christmas period I decided to plan a golf holiday in Portugal for Feb..

On an early morning flight from Gatwick, we took off on what was going to be a fantastic golfing experience. Greg, Ian and Manish have been under my guidance for a couple of months since I started at Northwick and I was eagerly anticipating seeing their hard work pay off. Graham joined the group as a guest of Ian and sadly Hitesh was unable to make the trip as planned with Manish. Nevertheless, we all enjoyed our stay in Eastern Algarve.

We ran a stableford competition, a long drive competition and nearest the pin challenge to sharpen their skills for the week ahead.  I have to say, when we landed in the Algarve there was a relaxed atmosphere amongst the guys, but when the competition began on the Friday morning, the game faces were on!

But it wasn’t all serious, we enjoyed some great food over the week and the hospitality was first class wherever we went. Tavira was the perfect setting for the holiday. Set along the banks of a river, the old fishing port provided us with some culinary delights, like the Steak on the Stone, and Golfers Prawns.  We did enjoy a couple of nights in Vilamoura, that offered us a good variety of entertainment like the Karaoke at Rui’s and the late night drinks at Patacas!!  Say no more.

   Ian Dawes – Algarve Classic Winner Feb 2008

Ian Dawes ran out eventual winner over long tough courses, namely Quinta de Cima, Quinta da Ria and Castro Marim with a combined total of 60 points. Playing in the Algarve is a very different proposition and with the quick greens, a mass of water (grabbing a fair few balls along the way) and tree lined fairways was no mean feat.

Ian Dawes with his trophy and his Nearest the Pin award. His impressive 7 iron on the 160 yard 11th at Quinta de Cima finished some 12 inches from the hole! (shown above). 

Greg Johnson (above) standing on the daunting 18th at Cima and warming up in the sun at Castro Marim. Greg also won the Longest Drive competition with an impressive 260 yard drive on the long par five 1st..

Manish Vaid (above) flaunting his new putting routine at Castro Marim and on the 18th at Cima where he was preparing for one of his best drives of the week.

RELAXATION

You can’t travel to Portugal without enjoying the food and wine on offer. As you can see, the Portuguese wine was well tested over the week. Sadly for the rest of the Guys Ian seemed immune to the constant supply of Rioja on the penultimate night and even produced his best round of the week!

TUITION

Over the six days, we had plenty of time to work on all aspects of the game and with the incentive of some 5 Euro bets there was something to play for with the sessions.

I was delighted with the application of the guys and it was a pleasure to see the difference in their games; from a coach’s point of view there is nothing more satisfying.

I would like to thank Ian, Greg, Manish and Graham for making this an incredible week and we are already looking forward to next winter’s return trip.

My next Algarve holiday is planned for May. Don’t miss out!

For more information on the golf holidays feel free to contact me at the

Academy reception, call 0208 422 6697 or alternatively email me on darren.bragg@premiumgolfschools.co.uk