Quite A Challenge
On the second day of The Baxter 2019 Portugal Golf Tournament, the teams played the Arnold Palmer designed The Victoria Clube, hosted by the luxurious and chic Anantara-Vilamoura Resort.
Home of the Portugal Masters, this par 72 18-hole tournament caliber course was a true test of every team’s golf skills, (some enjoying the expert help of golf professionals), to help to overcome this very challenging mix of wide, and rolling fairways and lightening fast greens.
When the last putt dropped at the end of nine holes, to close-out second-round play Team 1 – Christine James, Deana Murphy, Denise Harper and Al Valente), held onto their overall lead shooting a one under par round of 31, for a two round total score of 60.
Team 3 – Wolf Paunic, Mitchell McClung, Chris Nowrouzi, Wayne Noseworthy and Antoine Laroche — finished in second place for the day, with a one under par round of 31, but remain in third place overall with a two day combined score of 68.
Team 2 – David McClung, Jeff Element, Mike Ching Jor and Rod Thornton — came in third for the day with another two over par round score of 34, but are still in second place overall with a two round score of 63.
The group then enjoyed lunch as guests of the stunning Anantara-Vilamoura Resort. Delicious appetizers of local cheese, breads, olives, figs, and cured meats were then followed by beautifully cooked fresh sea bass, gold bream and salmon accompanied by a fresh salad, served with perfectly matched wines.
The superb weather allowed the group to enjoy this truly memorable meal on the airy patio, looking out onto the beautifully landscaped grounds.
All Aboard
Following lunch everyone was looking forward to exchanging their golf clubs for life-jackets, to watch dolphins and sea birds, while exploring the many sea caves and hidden coves carved out of the rugged Algarve coast line.
Unfortunately, strong offshore winds had created large ocean swells, too big for the boat to handle, so this highly anticipated adventure had to be cancelled.
Not to worry, the group decided to split up for the afternoon with some supporting the local economy by going shopping, while others enjoyed the afternoon down time by relaxing at the resort.
Traditional Algarve Cuisine
In the evening, everyone was ready for drinks and dinner at the rustic and homey Churrasqueria Beira Restaurant.
Their traditional Portuguese menu offered everyone a delicious array of authentic Portuguese dishes. Appetizers of sardines, cod fish cakes, pickled carrots and fresh bread was followed by two of their most popular house specialties of grilled octopus and piripiri chicken, all accompanied by some excellent local wines.
The nightcap to close out the evening was a shot of Medronho which left no doubt as to why it is called the “firewater” drink.
