The Stavros Batley Trophy

Day Two - apologies to all for the delay in reporting and especially to Shelley in Sheffield who needs an update before she goes to bed.

Filling in the gaps - we had a great evening in Sean’s yesterday - apart from the lightweights who preferred to have an early night! (Jet laggers excluded). Great night in a great pub with great live music.

Breakfast start at 8.30 ( only one breakfast today) and then a two minute journey to athlone golf club.

It was a windy day both from a meteorological and alimentary perspective.

Not overly eventful but Cal did get run over by his own golf trolley and Graham had an eventful day with his balls falling out ( of his golf bag) and his pitching wedge learning to fly.

We did spot an athlone alligator - or maybe it was a crocodile?

In a very strong wind, the scoring was low but it was the same two form horses from yesterday who were at the top of the pile with Graham finishing ahead of Neil H.

The rest of the field were bunched a few points behind with no real changes overall - ahead of day 3 tomorrow.

At this stage it may well be that the Bog seat is heading stateside or to Tingley - but we are only half way there.

Unfortunately delays during the day meant we could not get to the races but maybe next time.

But we did get to Galway and with a late start tomorrow - we will be doing our best to get Neil H and Graham inebriated ahead of day 3 - we haven’t given up yet!!!

Some piccies from today - update to follow.

DAY ONE OF THE 2024 STAVROS BATLEY

ESKER HILLS GOLF CLUB

After an early start in Yorkshire, a trans Atlantic journey for Dave and Steve, the touring party convened on the newly branded tour bus 🙈at Dublin airport. After a pleasant spin to Esker Hills, everyone tucked into a full Irish on arrival. For some ( no names mentioned) it followed on from the full English a few hours earlier.

Fully stacked with plenty of protein the 2024 Stavros Batley got under way.

Playing at the home of Shane Lowry, in testing blustery conditions and with a few moans and early excuses, everyone battled around and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

Following on from last years victor, Neil H returned the winning first day score of 35 and was a few shots ahead of Graham who clearly benefited from his second breakfast!! In contrast, Calvin’s golf was a bit like the puddings in his full Irish - it was either black or white!!!

After a tough afternoon, those flirting in BOG SEAT territory are Dave, Steve and Cal - two of whom had jet lag as an excuse - one of whom was blaming his over consumption of the delicious black pudding!!

In mid table sit everyone else with Derek Mark Gareth and Mel slightly ahead of Phil and Neil J.

With the biggest ever field, Derek struggled somewhat to pull the scores together very quickly - the time being measured in pints of Guinness rather than minutes.

Gareth and Neil picked up the team prize and we all jumped in the bus for the short trip to tour HQ - the Hodson bay hotel.

Esker Hills was wonderful and the staff / hospitality were superb - could not recommend it any higher.

Just checked in we’re now off to the oldest pub in the world - if we can find it!!

Day two tomorrow - an early Tee and an evening at the Galway races!! - the Stavros Batley is really pulling out the stops this year. If anyone has any tips for the races - please message us!!

That’s it for now - stay with us for the next three days

https://youtu.be/bo4dbi6ntgA?si=9dETrIZIVG4hOFEW
THE 2024 STAVROS BATLEY TROPHY!!!
It’s here ! After 15 years of trips to Portugal, this years SBT is heading to a new and exciting destination! It’s the BIGGEST ever tour with new members joining from Connecticut and even Huddersfield!

Our 2024 preview takes a nostalgic look at 15 years of Superbok, Pastel De Natas and bog seat presentations and gives a sneak preview of this years new location, new courses and a bit of a hint about what else might happen!

We hope all our fans can continue to follow us this year - We will be keeping everyone fully up to date on all that happens!

JOIN IN THE FUN - SEPT 8th to the 11th!!

30 August 2024

Final Day - Stavros Batley 2023!!

Another eventful year was brought to a close today at the spectacular West Cliffs Golf Course.

A generally dry day but very windy again with a few heavy showers.

Difficult conditions for everyone - apart from this years champion who got off to a very strong start and never looked back.

Scoring an amazing 38 points and winning todays round and this years SBT was Neil - the first rookie to ever win the title - despite everyone’s best efforts to make sure he had plenty to drink all week.

In second place overall was Graham who had played well all week but couldn’t stay with Neil today.

In third place was Adam - pre tournament favourite for many who had a decent finishing round again today but had just left too much to do on the last day.

At the other end of the table there was a three way shoot out to avoid the bog seat with Derek very much enjoying his ringside seat to the action

After nine holes - the gap had closed and Cal Mel and Gareth were neck and neck as we entered the back nine.

It stayed incredibly tight until the very last hole when all three had gotten good drives away but Cal and Gareth were very unlucky with the bounce of their second shots both landing in trouble.

In the shake up and effectively decided with final putts on the final green it was Mel and Cal who dodged the bullet and Gareth who becomes the 2023 Bog Seat holder.

As always the prize giving ceremony was watched by a few bewildered spectators as the toilet seat trophy was presented to Gareth and as Neil was standing and presented with the customary winners leprechaun hat and beard - which remarkably appears to suit him quite well!

Well done to Neil for his rookie year victory, to Derek for again organising a tremendous tour and to Gareth, Graham, Adam, Mel, Cal and Phil for joining in the fun from the start and making this year very enjoyable for everyone.

Another year comes to a close - we are off out for tea now to celebrate the end of the week and maybe even do some planning for 2024.

Thanks to everyone for following this years SBT - we know we have enjoyed ourselves immensely and we hope you have enjoyed being part of fun too.Calvin DexterGraham OliverNeil HighfieldGareth JohnsonMel NallyDerek Hughes

DAY THREE - 2023!

After a great curry last night at Maharani in Peniche - we woke up this morning to strong winds heavy rain and a weather warning which lead to a lot of weather watching and the scanning of every weather radar available.

However - as it’s the STAVROS BATLEY - we were determined to make the best of it and in what only can be described as a monsoon - we started off at 12 noon. We had torrential rain and strong winds with one brolly snapping in the wind.

Gales continued all afternoon with heavy showers off and on but everyone made the best of it and saw it through to the end.

Tour debutant Neil had an exceptional round in the conditions with a score of 32 and 5 points clear of Graham in second.

Gareth and Adam had decent rounds with everyone else having a difficult day in scoring terms.

Going into the final day - Graham retains the lead but only one ahead of Neil with Adam still within reach.

At the bottom of the table and in the shoot out to avoid the Bog Seat are Mel Gareth and Cal.

It’s going to be a very interesting day tomorrow at both ends of the table with two seperate battles to work themselves out at the wonderful West Cliffs Golf Course - it’s still all to play for - and it might just go to the last shot on the last green.

Either way - this time tomorrow we will know who is the 2023 Stavros Batley Champion and who is bringing home the Bog Seat!! Best of luck to everyone!!Calvin DexterNeil HighfieldGareth JohnsonMel NallyGraham Oliver

Day Two of the 2023! The rain stayed away but the breeze was up - making it a tough day for everyone.

A great round of 36 by Graham was two better than Neil - with both the of them well out in front of everyone else.

Mel Cal and Gareth are sailing close to the dreaded bog seat with Phil and Derek both improving on yesterdays scores taking them both to mid table with Adam being a little below his best today but still holding on to third place and definitely in reach of the front two.

Phil and Neil took the better ball team prize with a score of 40. In the team event there are only two points between the top three teams with Cal and Derek bringing up the rear!!

Praía Del Rey was in wonderful condition and was a good test for any golfer today.

So after two days - there is one group of three at the top and another at the bottom with two in mid table mediocrity.

We had another round of Derek’s quiz and as like yesterday - the scores were pretty poor.

Day Three we are off to Royal Obidos - with a very poor forecast of rain and wind for most of today. Let’s hope we can get finished before the worst of it and avoid having to do extra rounds from Derek’s quiz 🙈

Tonight - we are out to Peniche for a curry - it’s going to be windy in more ways than one tomorrow!!

Day One 2023!!! In Yorkshire terminology - it wasn’t exactly cracking the flags today but we braved the conditions with a damp start to the round!

With rain coming and going for most of the day - and with the local population of mosquitos giving us a warm welcome - those of us in long trousers had made the right call!!

In the final shake up - it was Adam who pipped Graham by one with a score of 34 points - having a 4 point birdie on 18 which proved to make the difference.

Adam and Mel picked up the team prize having won by the tightest of margins on a back six countback.

Floating in toilet seat territory are Derek and Mel who are just one behind Gareth with Cal Phil and this years debutant Neil sitting in mid table!

After the round we had the first round of this years quiz - hosted by Derek!! They were typical Derek questions because everyone got most of them wrong!! Only 9 more rounds to go!🙈

We are off now for some sustenance and a few drinks before tonight’s rugby - with a big day tomorrow at the wonderful Praía Del Rey with another challenging forecast!!

It’s all to play for!!

And so we start another SBT. A really early start for a 5.40am flight to Lisbon. Some folks managed to catch up on some sleep on the way.
A leisurely lunch in Praía Del Rey and a few drinks the lovely surfing village of Peniche before having an early tea at La Boccone in Peniche - one of our favourite places from our last visit. Adam won the prize for eating the biggest pizza!! An early night for everyone ahead of the action starting at Bom Successo Golf Resort later today!! The race to AVOID the Bog Seat begins!!

NOT LONG NOW - 2023 STAVROS BATLEY TROPHY starts this Sunday 15th October!! Stay tuned for all the action as it happens!!! 🏌🏽‍♀️⛳️

When we chose to play West Cliffs on our last day, we had no idea just how good it was - but having played it - it’s hard to find words that can adequately describe it - it is a truly incredible golf course.

Calvin started the day with a healthy lead and never looked back. He won todays competition with 32 points to emphatically win this years overall competition- backing up his victory last year.

Phil came in second today with Adam in 3rd and Mel sharing 4th with Derek.

After his problems yesterday and thanks to a visit to Dr Dexters Dispensary - Mel was able to resume combat today.

With Cal and Phil placing 1st and 2nd today - they comfortably won this years team competition.

Winners of the twos club were Derek and Adam who shared the spoils.

On his first year on tour and over 4 very tough courses, this years bog seat winner is Paul - who along with our other rookie Phil were a great fit in our little tour. Thanks to both for joining the special trip that is the Stavros Batley Trophy.

Well done to Paul for accepting his trophy in such a magnanimous fashion - we are sure he will be back next year to hand it over to someone else.

A big thanks to Derek, Paul, Graham, Gareth, Calvin, Mel, Phil and Adam for again making this a very special and enjoyable trip.

A big shout out also to our worldwide followers including those in Connecticut and Dallas and a very special mention to our number one follower - Susan Dexter - who will be a very proud mum tonight - it has certainly been a good golfing year for Sheffield!

We are off out now for our end of tour dinner before heading back to Lisbon for our afternoon flight tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for a great 2022 SBT - see you all next year!!

Day 3 - this time at Bom Successo - another great course and only a short commute from base.

The sun came out today for a while - but the mosquitos came out for longer as the photos show.

Reigning champ Cal turned in another quality round to win for a second time this week - scoring a great 36 points on a tough course.

Cal finished just ahead of Derek with Gareth and Adam close behind on 32.

Phil scored well with 31 which combined with Cal’s score was enough to win the pairs comp today and extend their lead to 10 points going in to the last day.

Graham, Mel and Paul finished at the back of the field with Mel unfortunately aggravating his back early in the round.

Going into day 4, it looks like Cal has a lead that will see him defend his SBT tour title in a handsome fashion - but rest assured Adam and Derek will be doing their utmost to chase him down tomorrow.

It has all gotten a little tight at the bottom which makes for an interesting day tomorrow - but Paul will have to dig deep to avoid the bog seat on his maiden tour.

Another great day on another great course with a slight improvement in the weather.

Tomorrow looks promising and as we move to the very highly regarded West Cliffs Golf course tomorrow - it promises to be another intrigueing and enjoyable day on the Stavros Batley Tour!

Tune in tomorrow for the grand finale!!

This years second round was at the wonderful Seve Ballesteros designed Royal Obidos Golf Club. An absolutely beautiful course that ordinarily provides some beautiful coastal views proved somewhat difficult today with a constant Portuguese Pea Soup making it quite difficult to see where balls were landing and in some cases where the green let alone the pin was positioned.

Regardless of the inclement weather there were some really good scores which has kept the tournament alive at both ends of the leaderboard.
Derek showed his bounce back ability with a great 34 points and pipped Mel into second on 33. Gareth and Cal were in joint 3rd with 31 points. Adam had another decent round with 28 points leaving Phil Paul and Graham a few points behind with a clear gap emerging between the possible tournament winners and those that need to dig deep to avoid the bog seat!!

Adam and Mel had an impressive better ball score of 44 points to take the team prize on the day!

At the halfway stage, Cal stays out front - 7 points ahead of Mel and closely followed one behind by Adam. The rest need a big day tomorrow on moving day to join these top three - but anything can happen on the sbt.

There is nothing in the team comp with Cal and Phil only one point ahead of Adam and Mel - abd this is now looking like a two horse race.

Limited opportunities for photos today with such poor visibility but full marks to Cal for providing the photo of the day when his ball landed and perched in a bush about 8 inches from the ground - but he still scrambled to score and has kept his nose in front.

It’s all to play for tomorrow - we are off to Peniche now to find another local hostelry that can match last nights wonderful meal at ‘Katekeiro’!

It’s all to play for - better weather forecast tomorrow - we are off to Bom Successo - another highly rated course here on the west coast. Stay tuned!!

What a fantastic golf course - Praia Del Rey is simply one of the finest we have ever had the pleasure of visiting on the SBT.

There was plenty of practice and a strong smell of adrenaline before we teed off at 2pm. Tough conditions on a soft course seeming to play much longer than the card suggested.

A brilliant front 9 by defending champ Calvin - starting off with a 20 ft birdie on the first and backing that up with a further birdie on the tenth. A super score of 36 points on our first day gave Calvin the lead after round one. A steady round from Adam - coming in second on 31 - closely followed by Phil on 29. Mel and Graham coming in to tie in 4th with 27. Gareth, Derek and Paul didn’t have their best days snd it’s tight at the bottom after day one.

A great day on a super course in difficult overcast snd damp conditions that were more like the west of Scotland than west coast of Portugal.

But even in tough conditions the course was still gave us a memorable day and a great start to 2022. Cal and Phil lead the pairs closely followed by Mel and Adam. The other pairs have their work to do to close the gap tomorrow snd the whole field will be chasing Cal from the start at Royal Obidos now!!!

Late dinner tonight after a late finish - we will report on that at a later time.

Thanks for tuning in - further updates tomorrow!!! It’s all to play for.

A late tee off today gave ample time for a cultural visit to the beautiful town of Obidos!

Everyone was happy to find ‘Nata’ / a cafe that by coincidence sold pastel de natas!!

The waitress did fall over when we asked for 16 of them!! 🤣🤣.

Back to base now for a 2pm start.

Pairs for the week were drawn yesterday - Derek and Graham. Cal and Phil. Mel and Adam - and Gareth and Paul.

Slightly damp conditions today but forecast to improve this afternoon.

We will keep you posted later today after todays events!

And so begins the 2022 Stavros Batley Trophy! New location - new blood but the fun is just the same!!
Early start to be at Manchester airport for a 5.55am flight - that didn’t leave until 7.55 in the end!! White knuckle Uber run from Lisbon courtesy of Mario in his peaky blinders outfit! A lovely evening meal in La Boccone followed by a cross country jaunt back to base. Tomorrow - it all starts for real - the race not to win the dreaded bog seat!

The SBT 2022 is only a few days away! Have a look at our preview here. https://youtu.be/99KUy22AtNo

The official SBT Channel

The Stavros Batley Trophy updated their address.

And so ends the 2021 Stavros Batley Trophy.

Another hot and sunny day on the glorious villa sol course.

Derek won today’s competition with a score of 34 points but it wasn’t enough to deny Calvin the overall first place spot as his 31 points meant that he retained his lead by 4 points and duly follows in Graham’s footsteps of having gone from bog seat holder to overall competition winner in successive years. Congrats to Calvin for a terrific week of consistent performances. Commiserations to Jayne who will miss seeing the bog seat every day.

At the other end of the table - Adam put in a very strong start to move himself out of the danger zone and despite a better back nine during which Mel closed the gap on Gareth - he had simply too much ground to make up on the last day.

After 13 years and numerous Houdini escapes - Mel wins his first ever bog seat and as you will see from the photos - it gave Cal great pleasure to present him with the trophy!!

After a celebratory drink, we are now off to Llamparo in Villamora Marina for the customary end of week dinner.

Congrats to everyone - Adam, Cal, Derek, Gareth, Graham, Mark and Mel who all made this a very special week and another great experience for all of us.

Many thanks also to Catherine, Jayne, Ruru, Adel, Karen, Tiana and Caroline for letting us out to play.

See you all again next year and thank you for following this years Stavros Batley Trophy

Final Day - villa Sol championship course - today’s handicap s

Mark. 3
Derek. 7
Gareth. 9
Adam. 10
Mel. 14
Calvin. 16
Graham. 18

Someone’s going to win the bog seat in the next few hours!!

More reports later.

Frantic preparations today for the last day of the SBT!!

Some snaps from day three.

Day 3 Results.

Another glorious day of sunshine. No breeze today so no excuses to rely on!

Calvin had another great round but was pipped by Mark on 35 points and Derek on 33. Cal retains the outright lead by 4 points from Mark with Derek a further 3 points behind.

At the other end of the table, Mel recovered from a poor front 9 to close the gap slightly on Adam - with Graham leapfrogging Gareth into 4th place.

Tomorrow is all to play for with Calvin hoping to stay in front and get one over on Mark and Derek.

Mel still has it all to do to avoid the bog seat for the first ever time - but has given himself an outside chance if he can continue today’s form into tomorrow.

It’s unlikely that Graham or Gareth will get dragged into the toilet seat battle - but stranger things have happened!!

It was the legendary ‘chicken shack’ for tea followed by a visit to the marina for a few soft drinks!! 😂

Tomorrow is a 12.00 noon kickoff at Villa Sol - a terrific championship course that will be a true test at both ends of the table.

All the best to everyone - whatever happens - the bog seat will not be boarding Ryanair in a Dexter suitcase - the question is - who’s case will it actually be in!!

More updates tomorrow.

Day 3 - Gramacho!

Mark. 1
Derek. 4
Gareth 6
Adam. 7
Mel. 11
Cal. 14
Graham. 15

White tees today - handicaps revised accordingly.

Tee off at 11.09

Pressure is on today!!

Score update to follow.

All set for Day 3 moving day!!!

Day two results - Calvin excelled in very difficult conditions whilst many others went backward by comparison.

The field is now very well spread with 20 points between first and last.

With Calvin out front and Mark close behind, Derek and Gareth will be chasing hard tomorrow.

At the bottom, Mel is trailing Graham and Adam and will need to have an excellent round tomorrow to ensure that he doesn’t succumb to the bog seat this year. He has recovered from this position in the past but simply can’t afford another poor round tomorrow.

No 2’s today - so Mark is sitting pretty in the 2’s club at the halfway stage.

Lovely evening this evening at Casa Vostra in Almancil - great food and good fun.

Earlier start tomorrow at Gramacho - it’s moving day - and there will be some moving!!

Today’s starting handicaps!

Mark. 2
Derek. 5
Gareth. 7
Adam. 8
Mel 12
Cal. 14
Graham. 16

Noon tee off. 26 degrees or thereabouts. It’s all to play for today!!

No practice ground today so plenty of time for these!!