Palheiro Golf Newsletter – MAY 2012

Pro Shop News

Put a Spring in your step!

For Ladies – Lovely shoes, daisies not included.

For Men – Footjoy Street Casual style for on-course wear. Check out the latest Footjoy shoes just arrived in our Pro Shop.

Answers to our fun quiz “Fetching Golfers”

Our dear member Mrs. Anne Bauer has been a member of Palheiro Golf Club for 15 years.

Golfer Ms. Judith Seago always stays at country house hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro.

Our “Top Model” member Mrs. Margaret Hignett is amply “protected” on the course, by regular golfing partners Coronel Fernando Vouga and Major Henrique Alves.

Palheiro Estate Fidelity Card

The new Palheiro Estate Fidelity Card

Get attractive discounts in Palheiro Estate group of companies and partners. Please contact Club Coordinator, Patricia Rodrigues, to get your card.

Benefits at BORDAL & BLANDY TRAVEL

Bordal

• 10% discount on all products.

Blandy Travel

• 10% discounts on excursions and transfers!

More information regarding the Palheiro Estate Fidelity Card at:

www.palheiroestate.coml

Golf Course News

Please remember that it’s easier to maintain than to recover and help us keep the golf course in the best possible condition. Please keep buggies on paths and follow signage, repair pitchmarks, rake bunkers and replace divots. Thank you.

We’re thinking of following a member’s suggestion, whereby players that repair others’ pitchmarks will receive €1 each time. It’s just a question of getting the other to agree to pay €1 every time they don’t.

Raking bunkers: child’s play

Trees

Reforestation Plan

Sadly, we continue to fell pine trees affected by the “Nematodo” (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)plague, and by now have removed some 900 trees. The draught has prevented seedlings planting, as they need plenty of water to survive. Therefore, we shall soldier on with work that can and should be done.

Laurus nobilis

The Laurel is a tree belonging to the Laurus genus and the botanical family Lauraceae. It varies in height between about 5 and 10 metres, but some can grow as tall as 20. It has attractive leaves and a very characteristic aroma, hence its wide culinary usage. Its fruit is berry like and dark when ripe. The wood from this tree is of excellent quality. There are two similar species of the same kind, which are endemic to the archipelagos of Azores (L. azorica) and Madeira and Canaries (L. novocanariensis). Here in Madeira, the oil derived from the endemic laurel berry is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and used as a home-made remedy for many ailments, and a litre of this near-magical elixir can be sold for extremely high prices.

In ancient Greece crowns made with laurel branches were a victory symbol for athletes and national heroes. In English, the word laureate has come to signify eminence or association with literary or military glory, as well as being used for winners of the Nobel Prize. This custom was also adopted in Rome, at the time of the Caesars.

We are thinking of suggesting to the Club that one of these crowns is presented to tournament winners, especially those players who, when they receive a trophy, would have preferred a gift-voucher, and vice-versa.

An infusion made with these leaves is a popular home-remedy for digestive problems. However, extreme care must be taken to avoid any possible confusion with the Oleander (Nerium oleander) which is a purely ornamental plant, and the leaves and capsules of which are highly poisonous. One single leaf can cause death to an adult due to the problems it might cause. To be served, perhaps, to players that take buggies up to the tees and greens…

Equipment

Driving Range: Long Summer Days

Following requests to keep the Driving Range open a little longer, particularly during the longer spring and summer days, we are pleased to advise that we have changed our operational procedures, in order to experiment a different system that will accommodate these requests. From April 11th the Driving Range opens at 10am, and remains open all afternoon, until the Clubhouse itself closes down. The Driving Range will continue to be closed on Thursday for maintenance.

Junior Academy

MEO Kids Tournament

On Saturday, 31st March 2012, Palheiro Golf hosted the Academy’s 4th tournament, “Meo Kids”, in which 45 youngsters played. The balance in skills was quite evident in each category, which plainly shows that these young athletes have been working hard and are determined to keep on improving their game.

In the 18 hole competition, Jessica Otto was the undisputed winner, coming 1st with 88 shots (+16); Pedro Camacho came 2nd with 90 shots (+18) and Nuno Camacho came 3rd with 91 shots.
In the 9 hole competition the Gouveia brothers conquered all: Joaquim Gouveia came 1st with 39 shots, followed by Oliver Gouveia with 45. Benjamim Camacho came 3rd. with a brilliant score of 46 shots.

On the Academy course the young players had to complete 6 holes with the fewest possible shots. Francisco Rodrigues came 1st with 28 shots, João Maria Damião came 2ndwith 30 shots, and Bernardo Gonçalves came 3rd, also with 30 shots.

Chip & Putt – Fun for the Little Ones

The Chip & Putt competition is for the youngest players, aged between 5 and 8. It’s a competition where these grand little players are challenged by five different golfing situations, suited to their skill level. Family members and other onlookers gathered to cheer the good shots of the 13 participants.
The three winners all scored 14 shots, and so a tie breaker placed Rodrigo Fagundes 1st, Pria Handa 2nd and Daniel Afonso da Silva 3rd.

The sponsor was essential for the event’s success, providing trophies and gifts for the youngsters. The draw for a cell phone was an exciting moment, with a breaming Daniela Matias being handed a shiny new phone.

MEO Kids Tournament

March 23rdsaw Palheiro Golf participating in a community event once again, this time helping to bring the game closer to the local population. The “Meeting of Generations” was held in S. Martinho School and the theme was “Everyone in favour of physical activity”. An invitation was issued by teacher Anita Martins, and golf pro Edgar Rodrigues spoke a bit about the sport, and gave a demonstration.

Participants had the opportunity to experiment a bit, with some fun exercises, which were carried out with the help of Patricia Rodrigues, of Palheiro Golf.

The activity was a huge success, and many youngsters were very enthusiastic about the sport, and were delighted to have had the opportunity to try it out.

(adapted from the text by P.V.L., from Diário de Notícias da Madeira, 4.4.2012)

Palheiro Golf Golf Pro Edgar Rodrigues and Patrícia Rodrigues prepare a demonstration in S. Martinho School.

With a great club, Golf Pro Edgar Rodrigues shows how it’s done!

Children: Summer Activities

Summer Golf Camp

Following last year’s success, summer activities are between 2nd July and 7th September. For children aged 6 to 16, Summer Junior Golf is a 2-week period, mornings only, from Monday to Friday. For more information please contact the Palheiro Golfe Clubhouse, or email academia@palheiroestate.com

Palheiro Estate Adventures

Exclusively for youngsters aged 12 and 13 “Palheiro Estate Adventures” is an activity programme bursting with surprises and adventures. Each group is composed by just 5 youngsters who, with their animator, will embark on a rich variety of activities and visits, which culminate in a grand adventure at the finale!

From Monday to Friday, for 2 week periods, from 2nd July to 7th September 2012.

Rules of Golf

MAIN CHANGES IN 2012

Denise hit marvelous Tiger Woods type tee shot on the 10th where there are some rocks on the left of fairway. The ball landed by a tree. Denise sized up the tree and felt it had winked at her. So she decided to slice the ball around the tree. But the tree did not cooperate, and hurled the ball right back at Denise’s shin. Crippled with pain, Denise barely heard Celina, her playing partner, who was presumably in a hurry, asking what was taking her so long… That evening Fernanda Cuckney rang to ask about the game and Denise, brimming over with Paracetamol and balancing an ice-pack on her once shapely leg, told her about the accident, in a small voice still shaken from the shock. “That’s a penalty” said Fernanda immediately. Determined to get some sympathy, Denise indignantly added that the ball hit her twice. “Oh, that’s two penalties, then.”

Quite right. Golf is not for the meek and, anyway, rules are rules.

Rule 23 – Moveable obstacles:

By now you will have noticed that we are experimenting with black sand in some bunkers on the golf course. This sand is extracted from the bottom of the sea and sometimes contains shells. There has been a bit of a muddle with some players regarding Palheiro’s local rule that allows stones (moveable object) to be removed from bunkers. The point is that the stone rule is only for stones. Removing anything from the bunkers other than stones (including shells) is an infraction. The penalty for this infraction (Ryle 23) is two shots.

Pro’s Tip

For a golf player, it is frustrating to putt a ball on the green and watch it come to a standstill short of the hole. But it’s even more frustrating to putt it past the hole! Very often this happens due to lack of followthrough. Followthrough is important in all golf shots (unless it is impossible to do) and putting is no exception. Look out for our next Newsletter, with exercises to help you improve your sensibility to distance as well as direction.

Equipment

Maybe you’ve already spotted the Ping equipment in our Pro Shop. This world renowned brand is always a success. Check out the wide choice available with putters, wedges, irons, hybrids and now even the excellent drivers, especially new ranges i20 and G20.

Good golfing!

Staff

Maja Vidner

Palheiro Golf welcomes a new member to its team. If you’ve noticed a new smiling face around Palheiro, chances are you’ve encountered Maja! Maja Vidner is a sociologist from Eslovenia who is conducting some research at Palheiro Golf.

We think the name of her paper is “Why on earth do these people keep on chasing after little white balls”, but we might be wrong.

Hire Equipment Discounts for Club Members

Whatever special offers and promotions are available to the general public, in our Pro Shop, are obviously available to Club members too. Current Special Offers include:

Voucher “Buggy Fiver” @€160 (= €32/buggy): five buggy rentals, any date, any time of day (subject to availability, voucher expiry date: 31st Dec.);

Voucher “Buggy Trio” @99 (= €33/buggy): three buggy rentals, any date, any time of day (subject to availability, voucher expiry date: 31st Dec.);

Voucher “Unlimited buggy week” @€225 (€32/buggy): seven buggies during seven consecutive days (subject to availability, voucher expiry date: 31st Dec.);

It’s difficult to beat the special discounts for individual buggy hires that are available to members only:

Buggy member am: €35 (any time of day, subject to availability);

Buggy member pm: €20 (New: all year round, summer + winter, as from 1pm, as they become available);

Buggy tournament: €30 (major tournaments days only, such as Palheiro Open, Anniversary Salver).

These buggies are always subject to availability. Especially with the buggy member pm, the discounted price is available as from 1pm (summer + winter), for buggies that become available from 1pm onwards. During busier periods, this might be any time during the afternoon

Insurance

Have you renewed your registration with the Portuguese Golf Federation? Federated players are covered by two insurance policies, through the Federation, so it is vital that your registration is active.

If you opted not to join the Federation, then you should join our custom made Zurich group insurance policy, created especially for this purpose. It costs €20 per calendar year, and renews on 1st January every year. Please contact Patrícia Rodrigues, with your identity card or other valid identification, and your fiscal card.

Dates for your Diary

7th & 9th June: Royal Savoy

17th June: Palheiro Open

15th & 16th September: Club Championship

14th October: Anniversary Salver

21st October: Moynihans’ Open

Trophies & Prizes

Following a request by Club members, gift vouchers issued by Palheiro Golf Club, as tournament prizes, which could hitherto only be exchanged for articles in the Pro Shop, we are pleased to advise that from now on they can be used in or for the following:

- Clubhouse Restaurant

- Casa Velha do Palheiro Restaurant

- Tea House (HWH)

- Palheiro Spa

- Golf lessons (golf pros Edgar Rodrigues and Luís Franco)

- Articles in the Pro Shop (equipment rentals excluded)

Fauna

Pombo Trocaz

According to Wikipedia, the the pombo-trocaz (ou pigeon-of-Madeira, or pigeon-of-the-laurissilva-of-madeira), is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family, endemic to the island of Madeira, also called Columba trocaz Heineken.

Even without scientific evidence, one can only conclude that this is a bird with Dutch ancestry, and would probably love an invitation for a cool pint on the panoramic terrace of the Clubhouse Restaurant… Three cheers for Dutch golfers everywhere, and the great contribution that their country made to the 19th hole!

Look out for an interesting article on this endemic bird, by Richard Pell, in the next newsletter.

Ducks

Our very kind member Vitor Freitas reports that no efforts have been spared at Carpintaria VPF, who produced the magnificent duck house in the photo. The little hut is lined with Viroc, a wood-based product that will protect it from the elements and keep it cosy inside.

Viroc is naturally grey and will be therefore be painted. The Greenkeeper wants green, the driver wants red and green for Marítimo football club, and some ladies have suggested lemon and pink flowers, to look like a flowerbed from afar. Ok, maybe this is getting out of hand.

We received the following suggestions for names:

Daisy & Donald

Mr. Darcy & Miss Bennett

Hole & One

Palheiro & Palheira

João José Xavier do Carvalhal Esmeraldo e Vasconcelos de Atouguia de Bettencourt de Sá Machado e António Leandro da Câmara Carvalhal Esmeraldo de Atouguia Sá Machado ou simply Jojo and Lola

Golfino & Golfina

Cutter & Duck

Calvin & Klein

Birdie & Eagle

Augusta & Andrews

The Ducks of Hazard

Protea and Pro Tee

Captain & President

Some time ago we asked for suggestions for our ducks’ names. Well, this time we have a new challenge for our players: until the end of this week, the 1st player that brings us a photo of our ducks by their hut near the lake will win a prize (probably a portion of snout à la Pinocchio). Should anyone experience any difficulties with this task, just get Luís Franco to lend you some binoculars.

Special Birthday for member Walter Maus

On Monday April 2nd Mr. Walter Maus celebrated his 80th birthday! A bottle of Moet & Chandon was popped and bubbly was distributed to all and sundry in the Clubhouse, along with yummy chocolate cake. What a shame Mr. Maus doesn’t have a special birthday more often – staff certainly went about their duties with extra special cheer that afternoon!

Many happy returns, Mr. Maus! We strongly recommend Mr. Maus’ “secret” to all and sundry: he plays golf three times a week and this year had a magnificent hole-in-one on number 3!

Many happy returns, Mr. Maus! We strongly recommend Mr. Maus’ “secret” to all and sundry: he plays golf three times a week and this year had a magnificent hole-in-one on number 3!

Our Birthday Boy will not be alone for long, though, as Mr. John Hardy is a keen runner-up, and looking forward to having 80 candles on his birthday cake too, next June 5th. Alas, we’ve heard it won’t be in the Clubhouse, but in London, as Her Majesty seems to be planning a little something on his special day! Have a nice one, Mr. Hardy!

Mother’s Day – 6th May

Mother’s Day is on the 1st Sunday in May, and everybody knows that there is no one in the world like your mother, so be nice to her! It doesn’t get any nicer than Palheiro Spa, so for Mother’s Day pamper your mother with a gift of a Palheiro Spa treatment!

Mother & Daughter Special: Tropical Body Scrub & Massage – double package, including use of the Spa on that day (indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, etc.), special price for members €90 (two people)

(Single price: €45)

Give your mother a treatment voucher, for her to use at her convenience.

Reservations: tel. 291790352

Did you know?

The first Stableford competition was played at Wallasey Golf Club on 16th May 1932.

An advocate for a more satisfying scoring method, Dr. Frank Barney Gordon Stableford (1870–1959), was a first-rate golfer and physician who served with distinction and decoration in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Mad Mullah of Somaliland uprising, the Boer War and World War I. He devised an alternative scoring system born “out of frustration of being unable to reach some of the long par fours in regulation figures when harsh westerly winds made a nonsense of the traditional bogey [par] system of scoring.”

A portrait of Stableford hangs in the clubhouse, a reminder to members and visitors of the debt owed to the club golfers’ great benefactor

and outside, but not far away, is the place where Stableford had the brilliant idea for the most popular points scoring systemever worked out.

At Palheiro we felt we might like to follow suit with this place-marking trend, and we considered marking the place where the original golfing Blandy had the idea of building a golf course at Palheiro, but we then we felt it wisest to circumvent a possible lack of consensus in considering this a brilliant idea…