Maxitours at Sun soaked Llangollen
A fresh Spring day greeted Maxitours players in the stunning Llangollen valley.
As heavy snow hit Manchester this beautiful sheltered Welsh valley was the only place to be. The sun was out for most of the day with just an hour of attractive sleet which pleasantly cooled down the players and turned their picture postcard golf course into a Christmas card golf course. The fine weather soon returned as everyone had a great day.

The terrific greens, superb layout and amazing views make Llangollen the best inland course in North Wales. The food at Llangollen is also superb with the crispiest bacon on the Maxitours rota. Phil the steward is a great man and serves his customers with a smile- many thanks to everyone at the Club.

The last hole at Llangollen is a terrific 170 yard uphill par three. Pete Atherton was the only non single figure player in his group and yet he was the only one to hit the green. ‘I always thought you were the worst player in your team, Pete?’ I couldn’t resist calling down from my clubhouse perch to the delighted Lymm man who had a big smile on his face. Partner Roger Percival then chipped in and Ed Wilkinson hit a quality bunker shot to three feet. Pete managed to four putt and his big smile slowly disappeared.

Steph Hamilton has been called many things in his life but he has never been described as a ‘stylish’ golfer. He sliced his drive on the 12th hole and then once again lost it right with an ugly over the top second which was heading towards a Friesian cow. His ball then struck a stile and rebounded back onto the middle of the fairway. After a thinned approach Steph didn’t apologise as he two putted for a bogey. ‘That was a very ‘stylish’ five!’ remarked quick witted playing partner Chris Perrin.
Trevor Webbs’ team was delayed on the journey to Wales as there was an unfortunate car crash on the Wrexham by pass involving a hearse and a funeral party. Trevor’s team came home in an ambulance as they could only muster 61 points.

Kevin Sharratt hit his approach to 8 inches on the nearest thin pin 14th hole. He then missed the putt. When I asked him how he missed it all he could reply was ‘I don’t know’. Cliff Dews hit his approach to less than two feet at the last to also win nearest the pin. He also missed his putt but was so choked up he was unable to provide an when I asked what happened.

Taking third prize was Prestbury Golf Clubs Chris Adams(13) and Steve Hall(18) who were paired up with Joe Donnelly(5)and Martin Farnworth(12) from Harwood. They combined well to score 76 points which was good in the breezy conditions.

Roy Ainsworths(26)veteran team were delighted and surprised to take 2nd place with 81 points, they were unfortunate not to win but narrowly lost out on the back nine. Team members Brian Ankers(15), Peter Heald(10 from Lymm) and Mike Verdon(15) from Warrington made up the rest of the team.

Heswall lawyer Jim Rymer(18) was guilty of some great golf playing alongside respected Formby Hall Captain Dave McDougall(11), John Dickenson(22) and Paul Lord(5). Retired Jim is loaded and his game has really improved since he had an artificial chipping and putting green erected in his back garden. Great golf chaps well played.

Thanks to everyone for your support today and for making the journey despite the dismal weather forecast. I am delighted you were rewarded with some sunshine. Yours in Golf, Tim

2’s £87.50 5 pro v1s or 12 AD333s per two Colin Berry David Kelly Roger Percival Dan Percival Dave McDougall
Nearest the pin 14th Kevin Sharratt Dozen AD333s
Nearest the pin 18th Cliff Dews Dozen AD333s

Vale Royal start times Friday 6th May
8.20 Jim Caldwell x4
8.30 Colin Roberts x4
8.39 Rob Platt x4
8.48 Jason Waite x4
8.57 Ian King x4
9.06 Mark Wheeler x4
9.15 John Berry x4
9.24 Kenneth Chinn x4
10.30 Gareth Winston x4
10.39 Mick Mahon x4
10.48 Jack Coleman x4
10.57 Brian Greenbank x4
11.06 Trevor Foster x4
11.15 David Kelly x4
11.24 Colin Baxendale x4
11.33 Les Russon x4
11.42 Frank Stapleton x4
11.51 Bev Crute x4
12.00 Dave Stanhope x4
12.09 Paul Bennett x4
12.18 Les Penson x4
12.27 Sam Leach x4
12.36 Simon Poucher x4
12.45 Graham Littler 4
12.54
1.03 Ian Lilley x4
1.12 Fizz x4
1.21 P Kennedy x4
1.30 Nigel Oakes x4
1.39 Steve Parle x4
1.48 Richard Blackwell x4
1.57 Brian Hopkins x4
2.06 Greg Aspinall x4
2.15
2.24 John Allman x4
2.33 Ian Buxton x4
2.42 Gary Neiles x4
2.50
3.00