Golf Tournament Day 1 Golf Platja de Pals

Today we had our first day of the golf tournament at Golf Platja de Pals. I was fortunate to start first along with Andreas and Gerhard. We played a 4-man scramble.

A 4-man scramble is a popular golf format, especially used in tournaments, as it emphasizes the team aspect. Four players play in a team. Each player in the team tees off. After the tee shots, the team selects the best ball that is in the most favorable position. All players then take their next shot from the position of that best ball. This continues with every shot (including putting) until the hole is completed. Since we were only three, we alternated as the missing fourth player.

The team's score is determined by the number of strokes played until the ball is holed. This format is ideal because it alleviates pressure from individual players and allows for strategic decisions regarding the best ball. It is also very team-oriented and offers a chance to achieve good results even with less experienced players.

Golf Platja de Pals is a beautiful golf course on the Costa Brava. Opened in 1966, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the region. The course is located near Platja de Pals beach and is surrounded by a stunning natural environment characterized by pine forests and dunes. Despite being near the sea, you never see the beach or the ocean.

The first holes are quite short, with narrow fairways, gentle doglegs, and extremely deep bunkers (I felt I got acquainted with every second one) guarding the greens. The hundred-year-old pines lining the fairways demand extremely precise play. The 18-hole layout (Par 73) has a total length of about 6,263 meters.

Golf Platja de Pals has hosted several international tournaments, including the PGA Catalunya Open.

We had a fun and successful round. After a somewhat tentative start, I brought out my best golf in the back 9, and we finished with (Even) Gross 36 (second) and Net 45 (first).