Sunshine’s No. 2 off to the Algarve

Oct 3 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Sunshine’s No. 2 off to the Algarve

VIC Trojan captured the 2008 PA Sunshine Challenge title – but it’s runner-up Gregor Roach who is packing his bags for the Algarve.

Two-times winner Vic edged out the Perth paramedic and Glenisla member at the 18th in a tense duel over the King’s Course at Gleneagles.

But the eight handicap Kirriemuir player will miss out on a return to Portugal in November for the national finals.

He explained: “I wasn’t expecting to win the Sunshine Challenge and unfortunately I am already booked for a seniors’ golf event in Spain the same week. I can’t get out of it.

“I loved my previous trip to the Algarve so it’s a real disappointment to miss out this time. But Gregor is a brilliant player, playing off five, and he will do the PA proud.

“I had to scramble to keep in contention over the King’s Course. To be honest my putting was phenomenal. They were dropping from everywhere. That was the only thing that kept it so tight.

“It was a fantastic final and really enjoyable. And the course was in great condition.”

Gregor admitted: “I couldn’t have played much better golf than I did in the final. Fair play to Vic, he was dropping putts from here, there and everywhere.

“It was nip and tuck all the way. But I found myself up against the face of a bunker on the last and that put paid to my chances of winning.

“The weather was good to us, unlike the semi-final and it was a great experience playing the Kings.

“It was disappointing coming off the last and having to settle for a runners-up spot. But Vic’s misfortune is my gain and it will be great to fly the flag in Portugal next month. It is a real bonus for me.”

So after a memorable season-long tournament, it’s Gregor who has bagged the keenly contested £650 golfing break to the Algarve, courtesy of sponsors and golf holiday specialists Bill Goff.

He heads for the resort of Carvoeiro to stay at the four star Tivoli Almansor Hotel, with golf lined-up against fellow UK newspaper champions at Alamos, Morgado, Palmares and Pinta.

Once again, the PA is grateful to the Gleneagles Golf Academy team for their input to the Sunshine Challenge.