The two previous events in 2020 and 2021 were subject to Covid restrictions but with all restrictions lifted this year the club was able to return to its traditional format with 65 players attending for golf, lunch and prize-giving. The weather was perfect, the players were happy and the food was excellent.

The event organizer, Peter Zahner from RCEPI said “Once again our golfers demonstrated their support for our charitable causes. Many told me how much they had enjoyed the day. I am delighted that all the hard work of my Rotary colleagues and the excellent Monte Rei team paid off and I congratulate all the tournament winners.”

RCEPI are very grateful to all the sponsors of the Golf Day which included Monte Rei, Gold & Country Club, Blacktower, Innovarisk, About Wine, Conrad Algarve, East Algarve Magazine, Pousada Palácio Estoi, Quinta dos Vales and Saboreal.

The first-place trophies this year were sponsored by Blacktower Financial Management Group and many of the competition prizes were donated by sponsors and RCEPI members.

This year’s winners were: Men: 1st Place: Luis Fortes with 42 pts; 2nd Place: Jakob Lehrecum with 38 pts; and 3rd Place: Ivan Mendoza with 38 pts. Ladies: 1st Place: Nicole Pinter with 41 pts; 2nd Place: Danielle Van Dalen with 36 pts; and 3rd Place: Zennat Nanji with 38 pts. “Nearest the Pin” Men was won by Tony Cryne and “Nearest the Pin” Ladies was won by Varena Kondes.

The event raised over 9,500 euros, which will support mainly local charities with part of the funds being dedicated to humanitarian aid in Ukraine. In recent years RCEPI has helped fund numerous projects notably a refrigerated truck for the Faro Food Bank, a mobile breast screening unit for the Algarve Oncology Association and a van to provide mobile skin cancer screening in the Algarve.

RCEPI is looking forward to welcoming golfers back to Monte Rei Golf and Country Club next year on Friday 25th August 2023. The Club advises golfers to book early to avoid disappointment as places will be limited. Further information is available from golf@rotaryestoipalace.org or visit www.rotaryestoipalace.org.