Portugal 2026 – The Peter Crowhurst Celebration Trophy – 10 Years ! Bizley Hits Top Spot !!!

Probably the most complex Portugal Tour in living memory saw 14 talented golfers fighting for the coveted Crowhurst Trophy in a two day tussle at Vale da Pinta and Pinhal golf courses in Portugal’s sunny Algarve.

Late morning on the first day the 14 gathered at Vale da Pinta , a tad of rain in the air as Richard Ballantine of Algarve Golf blessed the players and the game was on.

Chilly was straight out of the blocks with a 21 point front 9 reflecting his recent form from winning the 2026 Spring George Open, but had he gone too early ?

Rookie Steve Bizley was in the chase but his 32 points could not match Chilly’s 37 and Sir Roger Large, heavily bandaged and accompanied by his own personal Physician Dr Stuart , was in the frame with a solid 31 points.

The quality of the golf can be judged by the fact that out of 5 par 3s only one nearest the pin was achieved, these boys were on fire !

The rest of the field floundered and as Chairman and ex champion MK Seve commented:

“I think there is something wrong with these clubs !!”

Day 2 of the Crowhurst was staged at the famous Pinhal Golf Club which of course is in the grounds of he Crowhurst Estate in Vilamoura.

The 14 arrived on time, surprisingly, and play got underway with Mick R and Nigel being accompanied by 2 complete  strangers who seemed very friendly and are now about to move in with Nigel in his caravan.

The final round was hard fought, Kevin making a play for the Trophy with 33 points, Clive hung in with 31, Chilly faded a little , but rookie Steve B emulated Chilly’s opening round score of 37 points and grabbed the Trophy in some style.

“As a Rookie I was a little nervous but the experienced players around me settled me down with some serious abuse and unnecessarily rude comments which, being a member at Kibworth, made me feel right at home !” Steve commented at a lively presentation ceremony at Crowhurst Mansions.

At the presentation Biffa Amos revealed the “Crowhurst Memorial Wand” carefully crafted from Pete’s old ball retriever which will be presented during this 10 year anniversary year at each of the Crowhurst Tournaments.

 

Final words, before the travelling players had to rush off to their next engagement came , as ever, from our Chairman MK Seve:

“Yet another triumph for Golf, Friends, Global Relations and all Humanity !!!

Will that do, I could do with another Super Bock if that’s OK ?”