Greencard Golf Tour Report: Final Round Rocks the Boat at Lake Garda

This is the first time that we’ve taken the Greencard Golf Tour to Lake Garda – and the venue was worth the wait! We were based in the picturesque town of Sirmione, which is located on a peninsula at the southern end of this spectacular lake.

The centre of Sirmione is now pedestrianized allowing people to wander uninterrupted through the narrow streets, which are full of character with shops and restaurants. This magical little town even has a thirteenth century castle and moat.

Our golf programme included rounds at Arzaga Golf, Garda Golf, and Franciacorta Golf – all courses which promised spectacular views of the lake, mountains and surrounding woodlands as well as some challenging golf.

Countback Victory for AM-AM at Spectacular Arzaga Golf

The weather was perfect for the opening round, the team AM AM at Arzaga Golf. The course is surrounded by woodlands, and has astonishing views of the Alps. There are three loops of nine holes, two designed by Jack Nicklaus Jnr and one by Gary Player. We were playing the Player nine and the front nine of the Nicklaus course.

Arzaga Golf – Venue for Three Rounds of our Greencard Golf Tour to Lake Garda

The team captained by Jim Barton and including Angela Heritage, Ian James Bailey and Marian Raybone took victory on countback with 87 points from Phil Raybone, Monique Petiot, Paul Speakman and Sandie Klimcke.

On returning to the Hotel, we all gathered for the welcome cocktail on the Hotel terrace overlooking Lake Garda. It was a stunning view with the sun setting over the lake and mountains beyond.

Tim Elliott Sets the Target in Round 1

The following day we returned to Arzaga for the first round of the individual competition. This time we were playing the full 18 holes on the Nicklaus course.

It is not as undulating as the Player nine, but has some challenging holes including the 18^th where water comes into play on both the drive and approach into the green.

Tim Elliott led the way with a wonderful 38 points. Jez Morgan was only three behind having shot a superb back nine to card 35, a score also matched by Phil Raybone.

Fast Greens at Garda Bring Field Together

For the second round we moved to Garda Golf that is regarded as one of the best courses in the area. Situated between the Rock of Manerba, Soiane Castle and the Valtenesi hills, it offers extraordinary panoramic views. The greens were much faster than Arzaga and as such it took a few holes to adjust.

The Greens and Hot Putters at Garda Golf Club Proved to be the Difference in Round 2

Julie Harris and Neil Gillam certainly enjoyed the greens, both coming home with 32 points. Phil Raybone continued his form from yesterday with a 31, a score matched by Ian Harris.

At the half way point Phil Raybone with 66 points had a slender one shot lead from Ian Harris and Tim Elliott. Neil Gillam was a one further back and Julie Harris was the leading lady on 59 points.

R&R Day – Time to Enjoy the Beautiful Surroundings

It was time for a free day and with the weather continuing to be hot and sunny, it was perfect conditions to enjoy a cruise on the lake or a more detailed explore of Sirmione.

Time to Enjoy the Lake and the Stunning Surrounding Area in Sirmione & Garda

Some of the group chartered their own boat to travel down the lake, passing stunning scenery before visiting Garda.

Looking Like a Close Finish After Round 3

The next day it was back to business with the third round and a return to Garda Golf.

The scores on the second visit to the club were higher but the personnel at the top of the day’s leaderboard had changed. This was Lodewijk Schlingemann’s turn to bring home the highest score of the day with 35 points. Jonathan Issacs found his form and finished with 34.

These scores were enough to move both players into the top ten going into the last round. Tim Elliott had another solid day at the office with 34 as did Phil Raybone, John Tate and Frances Chegwidden who all finished with 33.

Seven Points Split Top 5 Going into Final Round

Going into the final round the top of the leaderboard was very congested. Phil Raybone had 99 points, Tim Elliott was on 98, Ian Harris 96 and John Tate 95. Frances Chegwidden had taken over from Julie as leading lady and was in fifth position with 92.

The final round was played at Franciacorta Golf. The course is characterised by smoothly winding golf holes through small forests, along the lake and with spectacular views over the valley and surrounding vineyards of Franciacorta.

There are some good holes on this course, but the condition of the both the fairways and teeing areas was very poor. Whether this was due to the dry summer, I do not know for sure but thankfully the greens were running true and the sun was still shining.

To Assume is to set Yourself up for a Surprise!

As the final fourball set off, I think it is fair to say that the odds were on the winner coming from this group or Frances in the penultimate group. The general feeling was that everybody else was a little too far back to challenge for the title.

However, if all these years of watching the results at Greencard Golf Tour Events I’ve realised in golf it is dangerous to assume anything! And sure enough the boat was about to be rocked at Lake Garda!

Neil Gillam Provides the Surprise With Fantastic Final Round

Neil Gillam played his best round of golf for some time and came in with 39 points. Despite this tremendous score he was still dependent on the players finishing behind him.

John Tate was the only member of the final group to reach 30 points. Tim Elliott and Ian Harris both finished with 28 and Phil Raybone completed the day on 25. Lodewijk had earlier finished his last round with 35.