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The Portugal Pro Am was once again held in the east Algarve, in the lovely town of Tavira.

Benamor, Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima were the courses chosen for this annual event, and although the turn out was lower than in previous years, everybody there was looking forward to a good time.

The event hosts were Performance Golf UK led by Marcus Buckley Bennion and his team, who as always did a superb job in making sure everyone was well looked after, on and off the course.

The start of the week was marred by some illness among the competitors and a few struggled to make the first tee on Day 1.

Benamor was the venue for the first round.  A beautiful little course with excellent greens and some short but tight holes on it.  Scoring was good, with Joe Smith leading the EGTF Pro event with a level par 72, and Bruce Loome's team edging ahead in the Team event.

Day 2 saw us move to the challenging Quinta da Cima course, recently host to the Senior Tour School, and always a good test of golf.  Joe Smith continued his good form with a score of 74 and extended his lead at the top of the board.  The Team event lead changed hands with Bill Abbott's team moving into a 5 point advantage with a day to spare.

With all to play for on the last day we moved onto Quinta da Ria, a particular favourite with  most people.  A slightly colder start awaited us, but the sun soon came out to make playing conditions favourable for everyone.

Joe Smith held his composure with another excellent round of 74, to take the title by 6 shots from Bruce Loome in second and Bill Abbott in third.  The Team event proved to be exciting once again, with Bruce Loome's team coming from behind to tie for the lead with Bill Abbott's team on 301 points.  Bruce Loome's team eventually won the title on a count back.

Winner Joe Smith

Team Winners - Bruce Loome's Team

The Amateur event was keenly contested throughout the week, but Roger Redsell showed most consistency in capturing the title, with a score of 97 points.

Amateur Winner Roger Redsell

Another great event was capped off with an excellent prize giving meal in Tavira, where much wine was supped and prizes presented.

My thanks as always go to Marcus Buckley Bennion and his team of Jennie and Kyla who were on hand throughout the week to offer advice and support.  Also my thanks to the people of Tavira who are always friendly and welcoming.

Finally to the people who turned up for the event this year, thank you for your company and friendship and I hope to see you at an EGTF event in 2008.

Bill Abbott