Category: Annual Tour

Marrakech Tour 2024 – 6th to 9th September

Changing things up for 2024, 14 EPiC members travelled to exotic Marrakech to experience a different kind of tour! We stayed at the all-inclusive Kenzi Club Agdal Medina, nestled amid lush gardens with views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains – although only hazy glimpses of these were afforded throughout the trip.

3 very different courses were played over the weekend starting at Assoufid, with a unique, naturally undulating desert landscape, then Al Maaden with its unique rectangular pools and custom-made sculptures, finishing at Royal Marrakech with its exceptionally lush, manicured gardens.

We had some very impressive scores with 3 over 40 on the 2nd day, and 14 over 36 overall. Full details can be found HERE  and HERE for the ‘Green Jacket’ competition and daily scores (please remember that as far as possible you cannot win more than one prize on any one day) and of course the match play totals.

Cash prizes were awarded daily and the Captain’s team emerged as clear winners of the match play…..8-0 after 2 days!

Nick Archer was disappointed not to get a prize for his extra efforts in marketing the EPiC society!

Tour Winner – Neil Blundy. The ‘Green Jacket’ was presented by last years’ winner Oliver Tobin who came a close 2nd with only 3 points difference.

Lucky timing – our last 4 ball came in just before the sandstorm!

Arranging a tour is quite a challenge and I’d like to thank all the 2024 tourists for being a great bunch. A special thank you also to last year’s Captain, Rob Seeley for his secretarial assistance.

Report by Fiona Watson 2024 EPiC Captain and Tour Organiser

Cascais – EPiC Tour 2023

9th – 11th September

The EPiC Tourists have returned to the UK in various states of disrepair!!!

A huge “Thank You” to Captain Rob Seeley who despite the extreme and extensive efforts of Your Golf Travel to **** as much up as possible, produced a magnificent tour enjoyed by all 21 EPiC members.

An intrepid few braved the rain at Estoril on Friday in advance of the main tour.

It has to be said that all the courses were not in tip-top condition as in all cases the lack of green staff was clearly evident, however there was some magnificent scenery at all venues but the scores were mixed with only one person, Gavin Travica, playing to his handicap on the last day!!

Were the courses that difficult or did the Pre/Après Golf take its toll??!

Anyway enclosed here and here are for the anoraks all the details of “Green Jacket” scores, daily and overall prizes (please remember that as far as possible you cannot win more than one prize on any one day) and of course the match play totals.

Cash Prizes were awarded as we went along to the daily and overall winners as shown and the Captain’s team as winners were presented with a towel and a hat clip ball maker whilst the Vice’s team received a consolation ball marker.

Nick Archer – Winning a prize!! A very special occasion indeed!!
Overall “Most Challenging Score” – Winner John Biscoe
Tour Winner – Oliver Tobin. The “Green Jacket” was presented by last years winner Jason Wood

Thanks to all the tourists for making the 2023 trip to Cascais truly memorable!!

Vilamoura Tour 2022

20 Members and 4 “Northern” Guests checked into the Vila Gale Hotel in Vilamoura by Friday 9th September 2022 for the annual tour.

Some in hard training before the opening day!!

The 1st day saw us play the magnificent Quinta do Lago – South Course.

The Magnificent 15th

The Captains Team delivered a 4-1 defeat on the Vice’s Team on Day 1. Heading the Green Jacket standings were Martyn Howie on 33pts

1st Day Leader – Martyn Howie

followed by Joel Evans 32 pts and Michael Salmon and David Wannerton with 31 pts.

Day 2 saw a return to Quinta do Lago this time the North Course after an unscheduled change of coaches.

Waiting for Godot!! And a change of coach after a breakdown

Once again the Captains Team excelled with a 3.5-1.5 routing, extending their lead to 7.5-2.5 overall. Great individual scores for the Green Jacket were recorded by 1st Darrell Lewis 35 pts, 2nd Steve Davies 33 pts with Jason Wood, Neil Meixner, Rob Seeley, Chris Anderson, and Steven Barker all on 32 pts. Winners of the NP on 8 and 14 were Bradley Taylor and Joel Evans respectively and NP in 2 was Jason Wood

Leaders for the Green Jacket after two rounds were Martyn Howie and Steve Davies with 63 points each.

Round 3 saw the traditional head to head singles match-play on the magnificent, if slightly damp, Laranjal course where once again the Captain’s team triumphed by a margin of 6.5-3.5. The Captains Team under the magnificent leadership of Jason Wood therefore won the team event by 14 matches to 6. Bad luck to Vice-Captain, Rob Seeley, and his team who just couldn’t get going, despite their best efforts, against fierce and consistent opposition.

Day 3 also saw some changes of fortune in the fight for the Green Jacket, with different names in the frame for the Day Prizes. Steve Haley astounded the players and himself by producing the back 9 of all time coming home in 26 points for a magnificent 44 pts in total. Other notable scores were Joel Evans and Chris Anderson 35 pts, Jason Wood 34 Pts and Neil Blundy, Rob Seeley, Michael Salmon, and David Wannerton all on 33 pts! NP on 6 and 12 was taken by David Wannerton and Martyn Howie respectively and NP in 2 by Joel Evans

The guest prize was shared by Tia Sherburn and Bradley Taylor

In the end the contest for the Claret Jug and Green Jacket went down to the wire with no less than 9 players within 4 points of the winner, in reverse order with Steve Davies, Neil Blundy, Chris Anderson, Joel Evans, David Wannerton and Martyn Howie not quite making the podium

So in 3rd with 93 pts was Rob Seeley on countback from Martyn Howie, 2nd on 94 points Michael Salmon.

Captain Jason Wood receives the Green Jacket for last years winner Ben Hurworth

1st Jason Wood with a magnificent 95 points. Well done Jason for winning the Green Jacket and for the magnificently well organised 2022 tour!!

Tour – Southport – 2nd to 5th September 2021

The Players in front of Hesketh GC Clubhouse

This years Tour to Southport taking in Royal Birkdale, Formby Hall and Hesketh was a great success with 20 players taking part. As you can see the weather at Hesketh was magnificent, but I get ahead of myself!!

Nearly all foregathered at the Vincent Hotel on Thursday evening and partook in the customary fitness and mental machinations prior to the first day at the magnificent Royal Birkdale.

Birkdale was in magnificent condition and their hospitality was second to none.

The Clubhouse at Royal Birkdale – Coming up the 18th!!!

The winner of the Day was Michael Salmon with 33 points on countback from John McMenamin with Gareth Sheppard 3rd with 17 on the Back 9 on countback from Neil Blundy, Martyn Howie and Robert Seeley. Front 9 Winner was John McMenamin, with 18 winning on countback with 13 points on the last 6 from Martyn Howie, Robert Seeley and David Wannerton all with 12 on the last 6. Back 9 Winner was Neil Meixner with 18 points as Michael Salmon has already won a prize. NPx2 was Gareth Shepherd and the NP was handed down to Neil Blundy as he was 4th over all and Michael Salmon has already won a prize. The team score was 1.5 points to the Captain’s team and 3.5 to the Vice’s!

Day 2 saw us play the rather disappointing Formby Hall where the service and organisation were absolutely awful! However we stayed dry and  some had an excellent round

Winner on the day Oliver Tobin 33pts on count back – 16 on the back 9, Front 9 Ben Hurworth 21 pts and Back 9 Steve Haley 17 points. NP Stewart Kirkwood AKA Alvin and NPx2 Gareth Shepherd for the second time in two days!! The Vice’s team extended their team score lead after day 2. The scores were 3.5 points to the Captain’s team and 6.5 to the Vice’s!

Day 3 dawned sunny and warm and we played Hesketh, a great parkland/links course just north of Southport.

Final Days Winners were – NP Oliver Tobin and NP in 2 Neil Meixner, Front 9 Ben Hurworth 22pts, Back 9 Neil Blundy 21 pts both and Day 3 Winner Steven Barker with 42 points and 22 on the back 9.

Ben Hurworth receiving the Green jacket and Claret Jug from last years winner Rob Seeley

So to the overall results in the individual. Third over three rounds was Iain Stevenson with 96 points, Second Neil Blundy 99 points and The Green Jacket Winner and therefore the new holder of the Claret Jug Ben Hurworth with 103 points. Well done Ben!!

The team score was very closely fought on the final day with the Vice’s Team prevailing over the Captain’s by 10.5 points to 9.5 Points. Jason Wood (Vice Captain) presented an engraved whiskey glass to all his team winners as a memento of the weekend.

A great time had by all!!

EPIC Tour 2020 – La Baule France

A message from your 2020 Captain – Iain Stevenson

Ladies and Gentlemen

Now is the time to commit to the 2020 tour to La Baule – France.

All you need to do is say “Yes” and pay a deposit of £200 by

1st November 2019 to

Account Name Iain Stevenson

Account Nr 84136260

Sort Code 87-37-13

Please put your name as the reference

 

The tour details are below but in a change to previous

  • You don’t need to book flights – It’s done for you
  • We will play the first round on arrival on Thursday so that Sunday will be a morning of recuperation prior to an afternoon flight.

Details

Thursday to Sunday 7th – 10th May 2020  –France – La Baule

 Flights

Thursday 07/05/2020: London, United Kingdom – Stansted (STN) to Nantes, France – Nantes Atlantique (NTE)
Departs 07:30 / Arrives 10:00
Flight number: TBC
Reference: TBCSunday 10/05/2020: Nantes, France – Nantes Atlantique (NTE) to London, United Kingdom – Stansted (STN)
Departs 16:00 / Arrives 16:20
Flight number: TBC
Reference: TBC

Number of passengers: 20

Golf bags carriage included

Yes – Ryanair I’m afraid

Accommodation

Accommodation: Hotel Barrière L’Hermitage La Baule
3 nights / 20 guests / Bed & Breakfast

Check-in: Thursday, 07 May 2020 (after 15:00)
Check-out: Sunday, 10 May 2020 (before 11:00)

10 × Twin (2 occupants) Please advise if single occupancy required but note it will incur an additional cost

Golf

3 rounds on Thursday Friday and Saturday with a chill on Sunday Morning prior to the return flight

Golf: Golf International Barriere La Baule
Thursday, 07 May 2020 at 13:00 (5 tee times)
Golf: Nantes Vigneux
Friday, 08 May 2020 at 11:30 (5 tee times)
Golf: Golf De La Bretesche
Saturday, 09 May 2020 at 10:24 (5 tee times)

Price

£599 Includes Stansted Flights and Golf Club Carriage

Deposit

£200 by Friday 1st November as we have to pay the full cost of all flights when confirming booking

Thanks on behalf of Iain Stevenson

The Tour – La Cala Spain

16 members took to the sky including 4 new tourists to enjoy the delights of La Cala golf resort and spa in southern Spain!!

The weather was fantastic considering the deluge that befell Murcia just up the coast from us. We had the most spectacular of thunderstorms but fortunately during the night and although some major damage was done to the bunkers the courses were eminently playable.

A good time was had by all and a serious amount of wind up and banter was given and taken, encouraged by Captain Neil Blundy.

The Captain’s and acting Vice-Captain’s Teams pitted themselves against each other over two days of better ball and a final day singles competition. I’d like to say it was as close as the recent US v Europe Ryder Cup encounters but that was not the case with the Captains Team running away 12-4 winners

The individual competition for the Green Jacket and Claret Jug was a close run affair until the last few holes when Neil Blundy  (92 points over 3 days) and Steve Haley (94) lost out to Rob Seeley (98). 

Last Years winner and acting Vice-Captain presenting the Green Jacket to Rob Seeley . Congratulations to you Rob on 3 great rounds

The Jacket fits where it touches.

I am sure all tourist echo my thanks to Neil Blundy for a great venue and faultless arrangements which made it a pleasure as usual to tour.

Next year’s Captain has to go some to match that!!

There’s a challenge Iain!!!

All the results here – EPIC Tour 2019 – La Cala – The Results

Turnberry – The 2018 Tour

The Tour Party (minus David Featherstone, who left early for the airport but left the airport last due to delays!!!!!)

A great time was had by all who attended the 2018 Tour to the magnificent Trump Turnberry. The accommodation, service and food were all exceptional.

We played the Ailsa course twice and the King Robert the Bruce once and whilst the weather left a little to be desired at times the views and courses were magnificent.

The lighthouse and Ailsa Craig are the highlights of the landscape as can be seen above only slightly spoilt by the addition of some EPIC Golfers

The Captain’s Team (Darrell Lewis) trounced the Vice Captain’s Team (Neil Blundy) by 10.5  to 4.5 points. Winning all three days for a clean sweep!! Well done Capo!!!

The Green Jacket was a closely fought affair this year as always with Jason Wood dominating the last day in wet and blustery conditions to secure top prize – The Claret Jug and the coveted Green Jacket.

Well done to Jason

Thanks to Darrell Lewis for a great job done with the organisation and also to our Eligo Members without whom the tour would not have been possible