Well there goes another year… and what a year 2006 will go down as. This was possibly the most enjoyable and most successful Costa Brava Pro-Am we have ever run!

The Weather
The weather was absolutely glorious with a small exception on Wednesday at D'Aro with a couple of light sprinkles of rain for half an hour - only for the sun to win through in the end. Perfect temperatures, warm high 70’s every day.

The Courses
This year we played PGA at the start and end of the week, playing the new Red course. The course was in great shape and the general feedback from everyone was very positive. On Tuesday we went to Emporda and played the forest course which everyone loved. Mas Nou on Wednesday, a tricky course with spectacular views defiantly a golf course you never forget! Pals on Thursday a great course! In all,  the courses did a fantastic job in representing the best of golf to be found on the Costa Brava. David Shacklady our Professional winner reckons the golf here is some of the best he has played throughout Europe!

This was only a small Pro-Am due mainly to the clash of dates with the notable golf shows and events across Europe. However, it did not distract in anyway in the fun everyone had. In fact, it was very personable and I got a chance to meet most of the players on an individual basis. We had a great group of golfers!

The Competition
As always the week kicks off with a fun practice day individual stableford. Tragically two years ago we lost one of our contestants Andrew Winter who was part of Gary Lister's team from Aberdeen. In memory of Andrew we now commemorate this first day to him playing for the Andrew Winter Memorial Trophy, which was won for the first time by an Amateur Mr G Martin with a magnificent 40 points… well done… you seemed to be enjoying yourself at the Gala Dinner… ha ha!.

The serious golf started on Tuesday at Emporda where David Shacklady began his magnificent weeks golf.  With a fantastic score of 10- David was a worthy champion and wins for the second year running. If he can win again next year he will match John Langmead's three titles. A new coming pro to our event Lee Clarke posted a fantastic 66 on the final day giving David a run for his money.  Not quite enough, but he managed a creditable 2nd Place finish. David walked away with a £2,050 cheque and Lee received £1,050

This year we had a new winning team Craig Ronald from Glasgow. Well done to Craig and his team Alistair Harkness, Tony Clark and John Robinson. A great bunch of guys and great golfers all playing off low handicaps. Their prize was a free return holiday to come back and defend their title next year which we hope they will do!

Gala Dinner
We as usual the team at Park San Jorge Hotel did us proud and really put on a great dinner for the event (as always). Considering trying to keep the costs down for everyone in the event, the meal was superb value for money. The duck with a port gravy was delicious and everyone seemed to clear there plates.  The abundance of good red and white wine on the table kept the mood merry. For the first time we had a large screen of the week’s pictures showing while we ate and everyone really seemed to enjoy that! Prizes were awarded at the end of the night with speeches and a great night was had by all.

Well that wraps up another year and hope to see you all next year!

Toby Marsden
Director

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