Breakaway / 2026
2026-09-10
With 35 degrees of Andalusian heat on the forecast, the 2026 breakaway had all the makings of a good one — and it didn't disappoint
Day 1 — Arrival
The first day was spent exactly as it should be — chilling by the pool with a few beers and wines, with one 4-ball heading out to test the resident golf course. The hotel was excellent; brilliant rooms complete with whirlpool baths, a massive swimming pool, a pub, two restaurants, and a pool bar. What more do you need for an afternoon in the Spanish sun?
Come evening, everyone headed down the strip to explore the local bars, where the Rewind Bar and the Shamrock Irish Bar were duly discovered. A late-night Indian rounded off the night — although some among us couldn't quite remember eating it by the morning.
Day 2 — Hacienda Golf Club
A great start to the competitive golf, if you overlook the coach arriving 50 minutes late. We made it to Hacienda with minutes to spare. A tough track — bunkers everywhere and plenty of desert scrub that was less than kind on the equipment.
Russell Hinds got proceedings off to a strong start with 35 points, with Del Humphreys close behind on 33 points. Unfortunately, a full day on the drinks the previous evening caught up with Dean Robinson, who claimed the Frog with 13 points.
A swim and some football after the golf, before heading back down the strip where a brilliant Chinese restaurant was uncovered.
Day 3 — Sauriness Golf Club
The coach was on time today — progress. The sat nav situation with the lady driver was, however, less inspiring, and it's fair to say Dave Jones and his own sat nav did more navigating than the official one. The speed humps on the way, taken at roughly 50mph, gave everyone what felt like a round of spinal adjustments.
A shock winner on the day, but one that his teammates agreed was fully deserved — Bob Potter came in with 36 points to take top spot. Rob Price was runner-up with 33 points. Ian Semple took the Frog with 17 points, though it's understood the wine played a significant supporting role in that outcome.
Day 4 — Hotel Course & Presentation
Golf at the hotel today, which the majority agreed was very welcome — a few extra minutes in bed were badly needed given the state of one or two hangovers. Dean Robinson, benefiting from shots back and what we understand was approximately 15 hours of sleep, bounced back brilliantly with 40 points to take first place on the day. Dave Owens was runner-up with 36 points. Ian Semple, still apparently working through the wine from the back nine onwards, took another Frog with 17 points.
The 36 holes over the trip finally caught up with Russell Hinds, who managed just 19 points on the final day — commiserations also to his teammates Alex, Del, and Robbie.
Overall Competition — Final Standings
The presentation was held at the hotel, and it was Dave Owens who came from the pack to claim the overall title with 90 points, taking the cup and the top prize of £100. Russell Hinds finished runner-up with 85 points, and James Mason took third with 83 points. The overall Frog — no great surprise here — went to Ian Semple with 55 points.
The only two of the weekend was claimed by Dave Owens, worth a very tidy £80.
Final Evening
A few stayed at the hotel for a quiet last night; others headed down the strip for pool and, naturally, another late Indian at 10:30pm — it had been that good the first time. One drink was suggested afterwards. Yours truly and Col, showing rare wisdom, headed back early. The rest rolled in at 3:30am and made the 7am airport run a somewhat colourful affair.
An excellent breakaway, enjoyed by all. Until next year.