Maxitours at fabulous Formby

Maxitours visited Formby Hall Championship golf course and all my players enjoyed the dry warm conditions. The course was excellent considering we are in late March when most golf courses are notoriously looking tired and in need of some growth. Indeed, many courses in Cheshire were closed today after recent monsoons.

The course has held some big events and the last time I played here was in a European Challenge Tour event in 1998. My Dad caddied for me and there were hundreds of people following me around. To be perfectly honest there was an old man and a dog following me around but playing in the group behind was Justin Rose who had nearly won the Open as an amateur down the road the previous year. The scousers had come out in force to follow their man. He narrowly beat me by 16 shots if anyone is remotely interested.

I set my registration desk up at the entrance to the bar and restaurant and had the shock of my life when a slightly luminous-orange skinned brunette with very plump lips and her blond pal who was an even brighter shade of orange and had even bigger lips came over and told me that their room number was one hundred and eleven. I nearly fell off my chair. It took me a few seconds to realise that they were trying to check-in for breakfast.

Scoring was tough on this Championship golf course. The wind picked up on the back nine and the course really showed its teeth.

It was good to see Richard Blackwell back playing Maxitours after a recent boozy trip to Dubai. He had a huge bandage on his hand but that didn’t stop the golf mad businessman from teeing up today. He fell over while holding a glass of red wine and cut himself. ‘It cost me £500 to get stitched up -not too bad really as it works out than less than £20 a stitch!’ Said the quick minded and extremely positive New Mills man. His team finished 7th.

The breeze didn’t faze Mike Hill from Bramall Park who had his first ever hole in one today with a well struck 6 iron on the sixth hole- brilliant. It helped his team into 4th place.

Stamfords Steve Moores(6), Paul Traynor(5), Rick Margreave(7) and Ian Fearns(14) were out last in the wind and they played superbly to finish in 3rd place.

Late in the day Birchwood Captain Dave Monk, retired Barry Wilson, eighty year old John Lynsky (who looks about sixty), and Simon Wilkinson (looks eighty but is only sixty) scored 88 points to narrowly miss out. Retired coach driver Wilson was on fire scoring a career best 4 over on this proper golf course. They were happy to finish second.

Jim Caldwell(9) was out early and he played alongside John Sherrington(12) who seems like a really nice bloke. I have only seen John three times at the local driving range and he is always very friendly but each time he has told me that he is going to the Masters. When he checked in today he told me that he was off to the Masters next week. I can’t wait until he gets home so he can tell me all about it… (I’m only jealous.) John knocked in five huge putts to give his team an early lead. Peter Griggs(11) and John Roome(15) completed the quartet. Well played chaps.

Thanks for your 100% attendance everyone. Class.

Naerest the pin 13th Matt Hughes Doz AD333

Nearest the pin 16th Paul Rudkin Doz AD333

4 pro v1 or 9 AD333 per two

2’s £200 Mike Hill hole in one (x2 balls ) Andy Parrington x2 Simon Moorhouse Fred Bridge Graham Wilkinson Paul Wrigley John Roome Tony Hope Glenn Mills Ian Fearns Rick Margreave

Prestatyn start sheet

Thursday 23rd March

10.04 Simon Hemsley x4

10.12Jim Caldwell x4

10.21 Colin Roberts

10.29 Dave Blood

10.38 Dave Goodwin x4

10.46 Jim Clarke x4

10.55 Paul Fell x4

11.03 Martin Humphries x4

11.12 Mick Mahon x4

11.20 Dave Sully x4

11.29 Kev Hart x4

11.38 Neale Laurent x4

11.46 Paul Salt x4

11.55 Dave Monk x4

12.04 Steve Aspinall x4

12.13 Richard Blackwellx4

12.21 Gary Neiles x4

12.30 Sam Leach x4

12.38 Roger Percival x4

12.47 Peter Maher x4

12.58 Lee Tilley x4

1.07 John Hunt x4

1.15 Simon Ashton x4

res

Nathan Mills

Roy Ainsworth

Ed Pysden

Garry Owen

Dear Maxitours player,

Tomorrows event at Ringway is off due to the forecast of heavy snow and freezing conditions.

Take your wives to Marks and Spencers instead and get some brownie points under your belt moving into the golf season.

Thanks to Tracy the respected Manager at Ringway who is so efficient and a real pleasure to work with.

Tim.

Spaces in these great Spring events

March

16th Formby Hall

29th Vale Royal

April

3rd Stockport

13th Helsby

21st Llangollen

28th Knutsford singles

Maxitours at Classy Conwy

Challenging golf on a terrific links course was the order of the day at Conwy.

‘That was a touch attritional! ‘Declared Richard Wakefield.

‘Even the sea gulls had their heads down.’ Noted Steve Heywood.

‘What a course, I loved that challenge today’ Remarked James Francis.

The early starters got the best of the weather before the occasional brief refreshing shower passed through.

There was a team of four Scousers from Formby Hall who played today. They were in an even chirpier mood than normal and found everything I said hilarious. This had nothing to do with last nights football result. I had to keep my distance.

Scoring was exceptionally close with three teams on 79 points, two teams on 80 points and three teams on 81 points!

The back nine was playing about 8 shots easier than the front nine. Phil Young and his Lymm team came home in 43 to finish 3rd, Martin Humphries and his Portal team came home in 44 points to take 2nd but Dave Goodwin(7) and his Sandbach team took the honours after a terrific 45 on the back nine.

Richard Williamson (8) finished the last three holes in two under par in a very impressive finish to his round. Well played chaps! Phil Robinson(6)and talkative talented Paul Woodbine(7) completed the team.

Thanks for your 100% attendance.

Tim

Nearest the Pin 13th Jan Heywood Doz AD333

Nearest the Pin 15th Phil Dickens Doz AD333

2’s £115 5 Pro V1 or 11 srixon per two

Steve Heywood Jim Heyward Phil McCurry Phil Young Ed Wilkinson Martin Prescott

This Thursdays Ringway start sheet

Hole 8 closed

9.00 John Atkin x4

9.09 Colin Roberts x4

9.18 Jim Caldwell x4

9.27 Dave Sarsfield x4

9.36 Paul Price x4

9.45 Graham Blood x4

9.54 Paul Traynor x4

10.03 Sam Leach x4

10.12 Paul Fell x4

10.21 Martin Humphries x4

10.30 Richard Harper x4

10.39 Steve Aspinall x4

10.48 Mick Mahon x4

10.57 Dave Blood x4

11.06 Steve Hall x4

11.15 Paul Evans x4

11.24 Neale Laurent x4

11.33 Paul Salt x4

11.42 Roy Ainsworth x4

11.51 Kev Hart x4

12.00 Rob Kenyon x4

12.09 Lewis Marland x4

12.18 Lee Merson x4

12.27 Peter Maher x4

12.36 Gary Leek x4

12.45 Andy Taylor x4

12.54 Eugenio Fernandez x4

1.03 Richard Blackwellx4

1.12 Geoff Bickerton x4

1.21 Paul Rudkin x4

1.30 Simon Raine x4

1.39 Mark Robinson x4 tbc

1.48Nathan Mills x4

1.57 Andy Dunster x4

Room has come free for 3 teams in the Welsh Classic – Conwy and North Wales 5th and 6th June – don’t miss this brilliant trip1

*Room for 1 team at Ringway on Thursday

*Mondays Conwy start times below

Maxitours at eye wateringly good Eaton.

Maxitours paid its first ever visit to Eaton Golf Club and the general consensus was: ‘Brilliant- When are we coming back?’

The amazing greens were the main subject of conversation in the bar. The surfaces are incredibly true and the massively undulating contours are a real challenge to every level. In mid-summer they are possibly the best greens in Cheshire.

Dave Goodwin wants everyone to know that he didn’t three putt today, he was also looking a bit confused as he drank his second pint the bar: ‘I’m not sure what I love the most about Eaton, those greens or the lovely lass in the half way house.’

Bill Tye is one of the most respected professionals in Cheshire. His pro shop is terrific and has a brilliant selection at great prices. His members are all great and really support him without going to the dark side. (American golf)

Russ behind the bar is an ex-marine and runs a tight ship behind his bar. He’s been at Eaton for years and his friendly hospitality really adds to the experience of playing at this great course.

After his round today Paul Woodbine muttered; ‘I’ve played that bad today I’m going looking for the headless woman.’ as he handed his card in. I thought he was having another funny turn before his playing partner informed me that it was the name of the nearby local pub.

Graham James commits the three deadly sins of amateur golf.

1. He owns a Chipper.

2. He has headcovers on his irons

3. He uses pink castle tees

4. He added a new one today when I looked at his irons before play and the grooves were completely caked in mud. ‘I never clean them in winter as it gives me extra run.’

Scoring was tough and it was the Colin Roberts veteran team who took the early lead with 84 points. 3rd place went to Hazel Groves Simon Ashton, Dan Moss, Mick Jones and Iain Cole with 83 points.

Garry Smith, Steve Austin, Jim Wardle and John Hilton took the honours with 85 points. Wardle and Smith both chipped in to score heavily on the 15th hole as they all had a great day out in deepest Cheshire. Well, played guys.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance.

Brilliant.

Nearest the Pin 11th Ed Wilkinson Doz AD333

Nearest the pin 17th Paul Traynor Doz AD333

2’s Sweep £240

12 srixons or 5 pro V1s

Jonny Reeves Phil Hudson Paul Trainor x2 Richard Palmer Steve Nulty John Harrop Andy Taylor (Macc) John Hudson Andy Corner Alan Konarski

Conwy start sheet Monday 6th March

10.07 Simon Hemsley x4

10.15 Colin Roberts x4

10.24 Dave McDougall x4

10.32 Steve Aspinall x4

10.41 Mick Mahon x4

10.50 Paul Fell x4

10.58 David Hughes x4

11.06 Martin Humphries x4

11.15 Dave Goodwin x4

11.23 Jim Clarke x4

11.32 Dave Sully x4

11.40 Neale Laurent x4

11.49 Paul Salt x4

11.57 Dave Monk x4

12.06 Sam Leach x4

12.14 Kev Hart x4

12.23 Roger Percival x4

12 31 Dave Griffiths x4

12.40 Geoff Bickerton x4

12.49 John Hunt x4

12.57 Jim Lindsay x4

Dear Maxitours player,

Here is the latest Xentum Order of Merit.

Xentum is a team of experienced financial planners who support business owners, families and individuals to get the most out of life. The are delighted to sponsor our Winter and Summer Order of Merits.

Xentum Contact number: 0161 546 7452

http://www.xentum.co.uk

There are 11 events left in the Xentum winter order of merit. The temperature is rising both on the golf courses and at the top of the leaderboard.
Good friends Dave Rhodes and Dave Sarsfield from Saddleworth have recently stormed up the rankings after a great start to 2023 has seen them achieve a couple of excellent wins.

Can the two likeable businessmen handle the pressure?

The Latest XENTUM Maxitours Order of Merit 2023 (after Stockport event)

1 Dave Rhodes 44
1 Dave Sarsfield 44
3 Gary Smith 42
4 Richard Blackwell 38
5 Jim Clarke 34
6 Paul Fell 32
6 Neale Laurent 32
8 Jim Caldwell 30
8 Peter Griggs 30
10 Lee Charnley 28
10 John Hilton 28
10 Graham Jackson 28
10 Pete Ledger 28
10 John Longworth 28
10 Gary Neiles 28
16 John Harrop 24
16 Pete Norbury 24
18 Pete Atherton (Lymm) 22
18 Colin Bryan 22
18 Dave Cooper 22
18 Kev Hart 22
18 Mike Lowe 22
18 Alan Vaughan 22
24 Nigel Ashton 20
24 Nathan Mills 20
24 James Mooney 20
24 Roger Percival 20
24 Ed Wilkinson 20
24 Paul Yearsley 20
30 Steve Austin 18
30 Billy Coleman 18
30 Gary Winston 18
33 Paul Butler 16
33 Andy Hamlett 16
33 Dave Hest 16
36 Richard Melrose 14
37 Ken Booth 12
37 Fred Bridge 12
37 Gavin Connor 12
37 John Fitzsimmons 12
37 Sam Garnett 12
37 Tony Jennison 12
37 Peter McElkerney 12
37 Kevin McEvoy 12
37 Simon Moorhouse 12
37 Henry Petrie 12
37 Ed Pysden 12
37 John Rooney 12
37 Jack Schofield 12
37 Alan Simpson 12
37 Graham Wilkinson 12
52 Roy Ainsworth 10
52 Brian Ankers 10
52 Jason Atherton 10
52 Richard Bannard 10
52 Chris Bland 10
52 Josh Brand 10
52 Paul Butler 10
52 Martin France 10
52 Alan Giles 10
52 Dave Hanson 10
52 Ian Hebbingdon 10
52 Simon Johnston 10
52 John Kelsall 10
52 Jeremy Neale 10
52 Dave Parry 10
52 Tim Potter 10
52 Darren Riley 10
52 Russ Sollitt 10
52 Dave Tobutt 10
71 Nigel Armitage 8
71 Simon Ashton 8
71 Dave Blood 8
71 James Clarke 8
71 Jim Cox 8
71 Jim Edgerton 8
71 Ian Fensom 8
71 Mike Grainger 8
71 Neil Griffiths 8
71 Dave Mason 8
71 Paul Moonan 8
71 Peter Moores 8
71 Dan Moss 8
71 Dean Newsham 8
71 Phil Raines 8
71 Colin Roberts 8
71 Tom Roe 8
71 Dave Ryder 8
71 Ian Smith 8
71 Joe Stanley 8
71 Adrian Waring 8
92 Geoff Bickerton 6
92 Adrian Brown 6
92 Graham Clarke 6
92 John Farnsworth 6
92 Andy Faulkner 6
92 John Hartley 6
92 Jay Hayward 6
92 Martin Humphries 6
92 Jim Kenyon 6
92 Mick Mahon 6
92 Henry Melrose 6
92 Richard Palmer 6
92 Liam Pilkington 6
92 Martin Schofield 6
92 Michael Schofield 6
92 Alf Shillitoe 6
108 Dave Abram 4
108 Tom Bane 4
108 Martin Bray 4
108 Chris Burnett 2
108 Jay Dempsey 4
108 Mike Fenton 4
108 Phil Gow 4
108 Dave Griffiths 4
108 Gareth Gwilliam 4
108 Nigel Hallows 4
108 Paul Hurst 4
108 Jamie Lloyd 4
108 Andy Mills 4
108 Ian Pickles 4
108 Mark Sanderson 4
108 Ian Snape 4
108 John Tomlinson 4
108 Ben Toolin 4
108 Martin Williams 4
108 Roger Woolstenholme 4
128 Chris Adams 2
128 Malcolm Bates 2
128 Rob Blain 2
128 Bryce Brooks 2
128 Bob Bolton 2
128 Dave Bolton 2
128 Iain Cole 2
128 Andy Corrigan 2
128 Mark Foley 2
128 Mike Hill 2
128 Jon Hudson 2
128 Tim Johnson 2
128 Mick Jones 2
128 Nick Jones 2
128 David Lathwood 2
128 Karl Marginson 2
128 Phil McCurry 2
128 Neil Pemberton 2
128 Martin Prescott 2
128 Paul Robinson 2
128 Paul Salt 2
128 Steve Smith 2
128 Stuart Smith 2
128 Lee Tilley 2
128 Darren Wilkinson 2
128 Andrew Williams 2