Golfers Unite

We’ve been publishing reports from the Las Palmeras Golf Society for a few months now, so, with the greens and fairways deserted until further notice, we thought it was a good time to let Secretary Jean-Francois Crinquand tell us a little more…

First published in Gazette Life, May 1st 2020.

Las Palmeras Golf Society (LPGS) is the largest and oldest Golf Society in Lanzarote. With well over 40 members from seven different nationalities, we are an international group of people with a common passion: playing golf! The Society comprises of ladies and gents from all ages and background.

History

In 2005, two groups of local residents were playing golf on Tuesdays. One day they met, decided to play together, and this went on for a couple of years. It was then decided to officialise and structure this group as a Society. In 2007, the Golf Society rules were written and agreed upon, which lead to the nomination of the first committee: Tim Weston as Captain and Steve Hill, Bryan McEwan and Dave Bennett as Officers. The society was aptly named Las Palmeras (The Palm Trees) Golf Society and a great club was born.

Today

The Society is very active throughout the year with events to keep all members busy and focused on our sport. Our main competition, The Henson Cup, takes place on the first Friday of each month, is competed for over 10 rounds of golf and the winner receives the coveted Henson Cup at the Society´s Christmas Dinner. Additionally, the Cup is sponsored by local businesses and each month there are some great prizes for finishing first or second, which include meals for two in local restaurants, all-inclusive weekends in the best hotels in Lanzarote or cases of wines from local wineries.

Among other cups and trophies, there are the highly-contested Singles and Doubles Match Plays, for which the draws take place in early January. In June there is Captain’s Day, when a special competition is organised. A delicious buffet awaits all participants at the reception following the game. Prizes are plentiful and are awarded to the first three teams, for the longest drive and for nearest to the pin. A wonderful day out to always look forward to.

In December, the traditional Turkey Trot is played. Finally, this year LPGS will travel to Fuerteventura in October for a Match play against the Corralejo Golf Society. In December, the Society holds its annual dinner. Following a lovely meal with excellent local wines, there is the presentation of all trophies played for during the year. To round off the evening, a raffle with exceptional prizes is drawn. In 2019, Tim Weston (our first ever captain) and his lovely wife Mary won the first prize: a superb painting from the renowned local artist Marymar Duarte.

LPGS elects a new committee each year. This year, working for the smooth running of the society, the committee comprises: Captain Melo Hernández (Spain), Treasurer Roger Noack (USA) and Secretary Jean-Francois Crinquand (France). Members are a mix of permanent residents, snowbirds spending the long European winter months in the warmth of the island, and the jet-setters coming and going numerous times in the year, spending 4 to 6 weeks on the island each time.

The society prides itself on being open and friendly, so all visitors to Lanzarote wishing to join our members for a game of golf (or two!) are very welcome. Plus, new members can join at any time during the year. We play every Tuesday and Friday, meeting in the Costa Teguise Golf Club House at 8.45am. The draw for the day’s pairing is at 9.15am and first tee off is at 9.35am.