Day 1 of the VCI European Nations Cup

Drizzle on the first tee didn't dampen the players mood during the first round of the tournament. The Austrian pair of Nicole Gergely and Stefanie Michl took line honours, carding six under par. Their achievement was made all the more remarkable as Stefanie only arrived in Spain from the USA at 12:3o last night and without her clubs and clothes. She was able to compete today by borrowing clothes from Maria Verchenova, a Russian competitor, and by sharing clubs with her team mate. Fortunately, for team Austria, both girls use Titleist clubs and a Scotty Cameron putter. The team format means that, unlike stroke play events, players can share clubs so long as there are no more than 14 in the bag. The good news for the Austrians is that Stefanie's clubs are on their way to Madrid as I write so she should be re-united with them by her tee time tomorrow.

Spain produced a late rally to tie for the lead by birdying the 17 & 18th holes but with eight teams within 2 shots of the lead and three rounds left, everything is still to play for.

VCI European Cup

The VCI European Nations Cup is one of my favourite events of the year as the promotors always make the effort to launch the event is a spectacular way. This year it was magic shows on stage, glitter and lots of music, along with the obligatory champagne, wine, canapes ad finger food. The new addition to the line up this year was a painting of 'Birdie" the official mascot to the event. Each team had to complete the painting by colouring in their respective flags. Above you we have Gwladys Nocera showing that she could be next in line as one of the great French impressionists. The tournament itself starts tomorrow and comprises 18 teams playing.

VAV's Make their way to Denia for the VCI Euro Nations Cup

With all flights cancelled from the UK there there was only one thing for it.. a Road Trip to the east coast of Spain for the European Nations Cup. Four VAVs (Volcanic Ash Victims), Myself, Bethan Cutler, Media Relations Manager for the Ladies European Tour, Matt Cooper, from Golf 365, and Steve Walsh a professional caddie and friend. I made the 1300 mile, 2 day trip from the New Forest, picking up passengers on the way until I arrived at the Channel Tunnel. The drive itself was not too bad apart from having to stop in Paris to find two new tyres that needed to be replaced as I, thankfully, spotted 2 blisters on the outside wall of the drivers side front. Anyway we eventually made it to Denia and just in time for the Opening ceremony.

Thanks to Matt for the Photo of one of our "Pit Stops" Here you can see Bethan on the fuel, Steve with the squeegee and me cleaning the drivers side window. Sadly we were not as quick as the F1 teams but we did our best :)

Congratulations Anja.

Congratulations to Anja Monke on winning in the Lalla Merryem Cup. Sadly the prize presentation was held a day later to coincide with the Mens European Tour so I only had a shot of Anja with the flowers that she received on the 18th green. A couple of weeks off now before the Ladies are in action again at the VCI European Nations Cup