06/05/2016
We had a brilliant weekend .. thanks to everyone for their help, support and friendship for our first major event .. we hope you are all planing to return again next Easter 2017 !!
Here's a summary of the tournament from our friend Ramon Diaz.. gracias amigo !
The Iberian Circuit Footgolf stopped in Algarve (Portugal) this past weekend. There gathered about 50 players for the second stage, after the initial held last February in Benahavis. And among all participants, there was one who by his long history as footgolfista and extensive experience in high-level tournaments, was considered favorite to win the final victory. That player was none other than the Dutch Bjorn Bulk. And in the end he won, it is true, but theirs was not a bed of roses. He met with a spectacular Sergio Gutierrez, especially on Saturday, when he signed the course record, a return of -7 amazing that threatened the primacy of Bulk. In fact, on Saturday Guti lay down as leader, but with one stroke ahead of Bjorn, who seemed insufficient income for the final day on Sunday.
And so it happened. Dutch simply pressed his main opponent and Sergio finally succumbed to the cold and experience of the Dutch tulip. Sergio started badly, with two bogies on the first two holes. But then remade and even he signed an eagle on the 4 and birdied the 5. But here came the disaster. The 6th hole is short, but the flag is located between two lakes that is accessed or flying over the first hurdle of water or playing for the right of the lake, which is what I usually do around the world. Sergio measured evil and his ball ended up in the reeds bordering the water. He finished with 7 strokes on a par 3 hole These 7 strokes did much damage with just three holes to play. Bulk no longer had to risk and just do their job, without fanfare. Guti ended with sobriety. Par, par and birdie to finish, but the downside was already insurmountable and Bulk first perhaps easier because of what was expected in view of the results was Saturday, but with justice, anyway.
Guti was clearly in second place, although 5 strokes behind Bulk, but with 4 lead over their closest pursuers, Gareht Morcombe and Scott Walker, who finished tied for third place. The regulation of the Iberian Circuit says there can be no draws, when it affects one of the top three positions, so a playoff was held between the two. The play off took place on the 9th hole, with all participants waiting for the outcome in a beautiful hillside above the flag. 9 is a long hole, par 5. After a good first hit by both Scott made a second fantastic, leaving the ball one meter from the hole, a hole that can not be seen from where he had hit. However, the fall from the slope on which sat the public, took his ball to the privileged position. All the pressure was on the minds and Irishman Gareth bet big, but his ball fell to a stop hovering about 15 meters left of the flag. From there he gambled and although just barely, the ball went inside. Gareth no longer played the next shot and waited for Scott finished his sensational performance, thanks to a simple putt that ended up granting third place.
Apart from the adult category, the Portuguese Gustavo Meireles won in children with Quinn Kleiser behind him. In females, Thania reimposed its law, Laura Irving from behind. Meanwhile, senior, Ramón Díez took the victory after a nice duel with Richard Woodland, who finished very touched in both legs. Team, the victory went to Costa del Footgolf, who repeated success after having also won in Benahavis. But beware, because the Madrid Golf Tab - AMFG are already a real threat to both Coast Footgolf to Casares Footgolf Club, who finished in second place, just two strokes ahead of the combined capital of Spain.
And with the protocol awards ceremony she was put the finishing touch to a memorable weekend for all participants in Lusitanian lands. It was a long competition, but worth it because the weather was also rather there were problems with the wind in Benahavis were recorded. Moreover, such a long coexistence, made possible rapprochement between the players and their families, so the footgolf is also serving enviable platform to promote friendship between the people who are involved in the Iberian Circuit.
Worth mentioning the phenomenal reception accorded to everyone, Tony Smith, as employees of the Resort Colina Verde, heaping attention to visitors during the four days they were staying there. And you can dismiss this account without mentioning the excellent work of Pedro de Jesus, Footgolf Basto responsible for organizing everything perfectly to avoid or solve the classic problems of last minute. At the same time, it has been a joy the presence of seven players Footgolf Bierzo, who have made a distant displacement from that precious Leon region to enjoy a fantastic weekend. They have been delighted with the experience and also the rest of the participants were enthralled by the sympathy of the northerners. Therefore, they are eagerly awaiting the moment to find a field near his land to practice footgolf often without having the need for as long commutes to enjoy that it is their favorite sport.
And all with an eye already in Marbella, where the third stage of the Iberian Circuit 23 and 24 of next April, in El Campanario, with the organization of Footgolf Marbella and the National Council of Footgolf take place. But that will be another story. As you can always see the results on the link above.
