Captain’s Chat – The 2nd Instalment

WET, WET, WET… (and no, I’m not talking about Marti Pellow!)

Well, the good news is that the Algarve now has enough water to see us comfortably through the next two or three years!

The less cheerful news, of course, is that our friends further north in Portugal bore the full brunt of the storms. Watching the devastation unfold — and hearing of homes and businesses lost when a state of calamity was declared — certainly put the inconvenience of cancelled golf into perspective.

Here at the Parque, the persistent rain and resulting course conditions led to six cancelled competitions. I know many of you have also missed additional games due to buggy-on-path restrictions and general ground conditions. Thank you all for your patience — it’s appreciated.

The encouraging news is that the worst of the weather now seems to be behind us, and we’re hopeful that normal service will resume very soon.

Let’s get back to fairways instead of floodways.

Recent Events

Live Knockout Draw – 15th February

Our live knockout draw took place on 15th February. If you couldn’t attend in person, I hope you enjoyed the video — it gave us all a good chuckle! Click here to watch the video on our YouTube Channel!

Singles & Pairs Knockout – Rules & Dates Pairs

Singles

Please note the following:

• 90% of handicap difference applies

• Offer at least one tee time before 12 noon to your opponent

• 1st Round: to be played by 12th April 2026

• 2nd Round: by 7th June 2026

• Quarter Final: by 2nd August 2026

• Semi Final: by 27th September 2026

• Final: by 22nd November 2026

By entering the competition, you are agreeing to be available to play within the timeframes for each round.

Let the friendly battles begin!

Ladies Golf Day – 13th February

Although the golf itself was sadly cancelled due to the weather, that certainly didn’t dampen spirits in the evening!

Janice Galloway and Rebecca Smith once again pulled it out of the bag with a wonderful early Valentine’s couples dinner at Tiago’s. A fantastic turnout, a great atmosphere, and a reminder that this club is about far more than just golf.

Well done to everyone involved.

My Captain’s Charities – 2026

I’m delighted to confirm my chosen charities for this year.

Madrugada

We will once again be supporting Madrugada — an organisation that provides extraordinary care for people living with life-limiting illness, including palliative support for families during incredibly difficult times.

It’s a cause very close to many of our hearts, and I know I’ll have the full backing of Vice Captain Duane when it comes to fundraising.

To learn more or see how you can help: www.madrugada-portugal.com

Nandi – The Animal Charity

My second nominated charity is Nandi, which supports animal sanctuaries, organisations, and independent vets by funding sterilisation programmes and vital medical treatment.

Those of you who know me won’t be surprised — I’m a complete softie when it comes to animals, especially the sick or abandoned.

My own cat, Noah, was found at just nine months old after being hit by a car. He required two operations at Espiche Vets and spent three months there recovering. The entire cost of his surgery and aftercare was funded by charitable donations. Espiche then searched for his forever home…

And I’m very glad to say — that home was with us 😊

Noah Tobin - my gorgeous little boy.

To learn more: www.nandicharity.com

A Flying Start

We’ve already made a tremendous start to fundraising.

In January alone, George Beattie and his wonderful WAGS raised an incredible €1,350 for our charities — absolutely fantastic.

I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to Paul Cotterell and Casa De Barlavento for their continued generosity.

• Bespoke POETS shirts (which made their sunny debut on 20th February!)

• Sponsorship of the 2026 Interleague team shirts

• Sponsorship of the WAGS team shirts

• Funding for our fantastic new club jackets

Members contributed approximately €400 collectively towards the jackets, and that entire contribution goes directly into the charity fund.

Paul — your support is hugely appreciated.

What’s Coming Up

Interleague Season Begins

• 2nd March 2026 – Away at Levante (Quinta da Ria)

• 13th March 2026 – League Cup Round 1 at Amendoeira (Faldo Course — brace yourselves!)

I’ll keep everyone updated with team line-ups and results via the FPGC WhatsApp group, and of course in future Captain’s Chats.

For weekly competitions, please check the website here for the full schedule.

Special Dates for the Diary

• 22nd March – Ralph Griffin Trophy (followed by presentations and finger buffet)

• 1st April – Pinsplitter Charity Day

  • €5 entry

  • €5 to buy a “Fool” (otherwise known as a mulligan!)

No excuses on April Fool’s Day…

Race to Budens & Race to 2’s

RACE TO BUDENS - FEBRUARY 2026

TOP OF THE TWO'S - FEBRUARY 2026

Other Business

Volunteers Needed

A sincere thank you to our volunteer card markers — your efforts are invaluable.

However, we do need more help.

If you can spare some time, please speak to Mike Evans or myself. Many of the team formats are straightforward to administer, and full training will be provided.

We’re also looking for members willing to be trained on the club computer to help enter and mark Single & Medal qualifiers. At present, only a small number of members carry this responsibility, so any additional support would be hugely appreciated.

If you’re brave enough to tackle the “dreaded computer,” we promise it’s less frightening than a downhill four-footer!

As always, thank you for your continued support, patience, and enthusiasm.

This club thrives because of its members — your humour, your generosity, and your camaraderie.

Here’s to drier fairways, competitive matches, and perhaps even a few pars along the way.

See you on the first tee.

Captain ⛳