Aphrodite Hills Mixed Pairs

Commanding a magnificent setting above the majestic hills of Paphos, lies the Aphrodite Hills Resort looking out over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. The hotel is surrounded by the stunning PGA National Cyprus golf course which was to be the examination for the week.

Round 1

A handful of couples had arrived early in Cyprus in preparation and news quickly got to us on our arrival that during one of these practice rounds John Watson had made his first ever “Hole in One”. It would set the tone for a wonderful weeks golf.

Just a short walk from the entrance of the hotel is the 1st tee of the PGA National course. For today and for the whole week, the group were greeted with a perfect golfing day. Temperature in the high twenties, clear blue skies and very little breeze. For many it was their first sight of the course which was in magnificent condition.

The ever consistent Welsh duo Leighton & Thelma Davies, would set the pace with a solid 40pts which was matched later in the day by Hindhead couple Stuart & Val Robinson. Finishing just 1 point ahead of these couples was the experienced Exeter team of Colin & Jane Wayman. Not trying to overpower the course and playing to their strengths, their score of 41pts included just 1 hole where they scored less than 2 points.

But the day would belong to the team from Chartham Park. Having waiting quite a while for their first victory on a Fairways event, Jeff & Anna Morris dove-tailed beautifully with matching scores of 22pts on each 9, they had waltzed around the course in a wonderful 44pts to win the day and hold a 3 shot lead after the opening round.

Round 2

After a Greek feast at the Pitharu Tavern for our first group dinner together the night before, it was back to business on a layout everyone was now familiar with.

Overnight leaders Jeff & Anna came slightly back down to Earth, signing for a respectable 35pts but this would still leave them in good shape after 36 holes. Newcomers from Luffenham Heath, Neil & Helen Weightman had produced a fantastic round. Improving their previous day’s play by 8 shots, they recorded a brilliant score of 42pts. Just pipping them on countback was Leighton & Thelma who had a storming back 9 of 24pts which included 2 birdies for 4 points each.

The round of the day belonged to Richard & Rosemary Kennett from Surbiton. After an immaculate front 9 of 23pts which included birdies at the 2nd & 5th, they continued their fine play on the back with another birdie on 14 to post a “best of the day” 44pts. This meant they held a 1 shot lead at the halfway stage of the competition.

Round 3

After a well earned rest day, the group reconvened to take battle on “moving day” With such a tightly fought leaderboard today was a chance to break away from the pack.

Stuart & Val who had a quiet 2nd round, bounced back with a front 9 of 21pts which included a lovely birdie from Val on the 8th. The Hindhead duo finished their round with Stuart birding the par-5 final hole to card a wonderful 41pts. Following their 2nd round of 40pts and just 2 shots of the lead, Colin & Jane had played beautifully posting a brilliant 43pts which included 23pts on the home 9.

Having been slightly under the radar for the opening 2 rounds, Rob & Alison Ellis from Brickendon Grange had come alight. In a round that included 8- 3pt holes and not a single dropped shot, they had teamed up perfectly with 2-nines of 22pts to jump up the leaderboard with a scintillating 44pts and the best card of the day.

Round 4

Four couples were tied in 3rd place heading into the final round, but Colin & Jane following 3 rounds in the 40’s had now given themselves a comfortable lead. Was the experienced duo from Exeter going to complete a memorable week?

Lying in 2nd place overnight, Leighton & Thelma needed to come out of the blocks firing. After a birdie on the par-3 signature hole 7th, the Welsh wizards would do so, completing a wonderful round of 41pts to put the cat amongst the pigeons. After 3 steady rounds, Cumbria’s Andy & Gill Jones signed off their campaign in blistering style. After a birdie at the 6th to be out in 23pts, the duo continued their magnificent play with another 4pts at the 13th to record one of their best scores to date and finish with a superb 44pts.

After their previous days score of 44pts, Rob & Alison were giving us a storming finish. A steady 20pts on the front 9, was followed by 6-3pt holes for a back 9 of 24pts to match their previous days score. They had totalled 88pts for the final 2 rounds, probably wishing that there was one more days play!

But for our leaders it just seemed like another walk in the park. They had exhibited a masterclass in consistency. Following 3 rounds in the 40’s they added another 40pts to their final total. They had been chased down by some gallant couples, but proved beyond doubt this was their week. With a total of 164pts Colin & Jane were deservedly the “Aphrodite Hills Mixed Pairs” champions.

Celebrations took place in the evening at our final group dinner together. Even though the Welsh had been knocked out of the Rugby World Cup, Leighton was in fine fettle and all agreed it had been a superb week. Colin gave a very touching speech, even if most of us had heard that final joke was someone else before!