Tenby GC’s Saturday Swingers embarked on their first ever foreign Tour recently. It was the Swingers’ 29th Tour and all the previous ones have been in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The 16 Swingers actually played and stayed at Mendip Spring GC prior to flying out of Bristol Airport.
Whilst in Barcelona, they stayed at the excellent Colonial Hotel – very conveniently positioned for the main attractions including Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, the Old Town and the Gothic Quarter plus the Marina and the Port etc.
Mendip Spring GC
Nestled in the beautiful Wrington Vale, the Swingers played the Brinsea Championship Course which incorporates the renowned “Green Mile”.
The best scores were Gary McNeilly – 34pts, Richard Ormond – 33pts and Gary McKeown, Steve Maytum & Spencer Harries – all 32pts.
Llavaneras GC
Considered to be one of the best courses in the Barcelona area. Hawtree design with views of the Mediterranean from most holes. Not long but very well bunkered – a technical challenge with fast greens.
The best scores were Neil Webb – 36pts, John Bowhay – 32pts, Owen James – 29pts and Steve Maytum & Gary McKeown – both 28pts.
Barcelona GC
The Masia Bach Course was designed by Jose Maria Olazabal and is set against a magnificent backdrop of the spectacular Montserrat Mountains. A demanding layout with rolling fairways and quick greens.
The best scores were Richard Ormond – 30pts, Andrew Cope – 29pts, Gary McNeilly – 28pts and Steve Maytum, Gary McKeown & Chris Evans – all 25pts.
54 Hole Aggregates
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Richard Ormond – 33 + 25 + 30 = 88pts
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Neil Webb – 28 + 36 + 24 = 88pts
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Gary McNeilly – 34 + 24 + 28 = 86pts
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Steve Maytum – 32 + 28 + 25 = 85pts
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Gary McKeown – 32 + 28 + 25 = 85pts
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John Bowhay – 31 + 32 + 21 = 84pts
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Andrew Cope – 28 + 25 + 29 = 82pts
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Owen James – 27 + 29 + 24 = 80pts
Consequently, Richard “Percy” Ormond was crowned 2026 Swingers’ Tour Champion by virtue of his better final round than that of Neil “Spider” Webb. It was Percy’s first ever Tour victory and he has never ever won either of the other two Swingers’ major trophies.
Nearest The Pins
Gary McNeilly, John Bowhay and Gary McKeown.
Longest Drives
Andrew Cope, Spencer Harries and Dai Cope.
Ancillary Prizes
There were seven Twos plus several other prizes.
The Tour Dinner & Presentations were held at the Jeffreytson Inn last Saturday where most of the Swingers enjoyed a fabulous Tapas meal prepared by landlady Kath.