Golf Academy Spain Trip, 2008
28 February 2008
Golf Academy Spain Trip 2008 Report
This years Golf Academy trip to Spain followed on from a very successful inaugural trip last year. This year we would be competing against King Edwards School from Bath's team in the first running of the Gulliver's schools golf championships. The tournament was held over the Desert Springs Indiana course like last year so members of the team who went on the trip last year knew that they were in for a tough test of golf which has hosted the Spanish Amateur Open previously.
On Thursday the 28th of February after breakfast we left from Mill hill for our transfer to Edinburgh airport. Luckily, all the flights were on time and more importantly all our golf clubs and suitcases came out at the airport so we were all set to head to the resort. After a 2 hour bus journey we quickly checked in to our luxurious apartments with the help of the friendly resort staff and then headed to the practice ground for an hours practice before dinner.
On Friday we had a full days practice with a morning range session, practice round and then practice session afterwards. This long day had taken its toll on many of the team as we were withdrawn from the use of buggies thanks to someone who I will not name! After an enjoyable dinner in the Crocodile Club we headed back to our apartments to get some rest for the tournament ahead the next day.
The 1st tournament day proved difficult for many as we were thrown in at the deep end by playing of the championship tees. The severity of the course itself also took many players a while to adjust as the course is completely different to what we are used to at Cragielaw links. Despite this Loretto players still returned some very good scores in the tough conditions. Angus Cappi led the day with a 75 but was closely followed by James Guterman who shot a 77 and Abhishek Ruia, who scored a hole in one on the practice day, followed with an 80. Joel Westwell would complete the final 4 ball on Sunday with a 1st round 83.
The final round on Sunday delivered some low scoring from many players from Loretto. After a few high scores on Saturday the tournament organiser thought it would be a good idea to move us one tee forward which was beneficial to the speed of play and to the scoring as well. It was another good day for Loretto where Angus Cappi led the way again with a 3 over par 74 to clinch the individual title with an impressive tournament sore of 149, Richard Pickard also had a good day, matching Angus with a 74. Ben Whiteside, James McCormick and Abhishek Ruia also played well recording 75's. Loretto managed to win both the individual tournament and the team event with Angus Cappi winning the individual trophy and the team of James Guterman, Joel Westwell, Angus Cappi and Peter MacKay winning the team trophy.
A big thank you must go to Mr Burton who sacrificed his valuable time to come with us on the trip and also to Derek Scott from Cragielaw Golf Club who also managed to fit the trip into his busy schedule. Thanks also to Mr Valentine who unfortunately could not come with us this year but still organised a very enjoyable trip. Lastly, everyone on the trip was very grateful to the generous sponsorship of Mr McDowall which provided us with equipment for the tour.
The trip was enjoyed by both schools that entered the championship and hopefully the Loretto Golf Academy will have many more trips to Desert Springs to come.