Espiche Golf Club, near Lagos, in the Western Algarve, was the host venue for the second stop on Swing 1 of the “Jamega Algarve Pro Golf Tour”. This was the first “Professional” event hosted by Espiche Gof, after a number of recent highly successful Charity events and demonstrates the growing reputation and stature of the course and club.
Some mixed weather conditions made it a tough challenge for the field on a course where accuracy is rewarded. In the first round, Ben Smith from Lindrick Golf Club headed proceedings with a fine first round 3 under par 69 that just edged ahead of Harry Casey who on 2 under par was 2 shots in front of the previous event winner, David Dixon, as well as the German Max Echmeier.
The second day did not turn out to be as difficult conditions as predicted and as the players came in, it became clear that it was anyone’s to win. Will Johnson was the first to break par with a fine 1 under 71, but after a disappointing 80 on the first day, he was unlikely to win.
One player who was making up ground was Tyler Hogarty, who signed for a superb 5 under par 67, to set a clubhouse lead of 3 under, which went on to be the winning score as the leaders fell away. Hogarty’s 67 was a new Professional course record for Espiche and his fine display of golf proved that, although the course presents the golfer with a set of challenges to overcome, it is very fair and you can score well.
Harry Casey carded a 1 over par 73 to finish 1 under for the tournament and secure second place in consecutive weeks. This time he had to share second with David Dixon, who carded a 1 under par 71.
The Jamega Pro Golf Tour and Portuguese PGA congratulated Peter Thornton, the co owner of Espiche, on his Eco friendly, yet stylish clubhouse and the thoughtful way the course sympathetically preserves the natural aspects of the land and the sustainable approach through use of appropriate grasses.
They added: “The staff at Espiche could not have been any more helpful and the food they served was of the highest quality at very reasonable prices. We would heartily recommend it to all golfers who visit The Algarve.”
Peter Thornton commented “We are delighted to host our first Professional Tournament at Espiche and it demonstrates how the course is maturing and the quality of conditions and presentation that our team now deliver. Congratulations to Tyler Hogarty on his win and new Professional course record.”
Espiche Golf is located just outside Lagos in the Western Algarve and is set in an Ecological Reserve providing a great golfing experience within a stunning natural environment. Golf course architect Peter Sauerman sympathetically designed the course to integrate into the surrounding scenery.
Braemar Golf is an international golf management, advisory and construction company head quartered at the home of golf in St Andrews, Scotland. They construct, advise and manage high quality golf developments in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Espiche Golf www.espiche-golf.com