Great Maxitours winter venues
3rd November Wilmslow -times below- room for 1 pair
10th November 11.30 start Dunham Pairs -last couple of spaces
15th November Fairhaven -full ** now 11am start NOT 11.30am**
24th November Prestbury- 11am spaces
29th November Sandiway – 11am last 2 spaces
8th December Stockport -11am spaces
14th December Vale Royal 11am spaces
22nd December Ringway Christmas Cracker 11am – spaces

Maxitours at superb Stockport

It was great to see one of Cheshire’s premier courses prepared to such a high standard for today’s Maxitours event. The closely mown Stockport fairways looked immaculate and the freshly rolled and ironed greens were running at nearly twelve on the stimp meter. We are less than a week away from November – incredible. Many thanks to Adam Harrison and his staff for all their work.

Stewards Sue and Paul are famous throughout Cheshire for their high quality food and they were delighted to see so many of our players enjoying their menu. Thanks to everyone at this lovely Club for making us feel so welcome.
‘Those greens are fantastic’ said Colin Roberts who was first out this morning.
Brian Hopkins was last out and when I asked him if the greens were still good he also replied ‘Fantastic!’

Stockport has a big wooden revolving door which you pass through as you enter the Clubhouse. This provides hours of entertainment for retired children Brian Ankers and Peter Heald. Their favourite trick is trapping chunky Roy Ainsworth as he eagerly makes his way to the breakfast lounge.

Over 100 Maxitours players did safely negotiate the revolving door however wealthy estate agent John Pratt was the only player to get stuck without the help of any mischievous team mates. He could be seen pulling on the door and scratching his head. At one point he even seemed to be looking for a door bell. ‘I don’t sell many houses with revolving doors.’ Explained the likeable West Ham fan.

I pretended to be interested in regular Maxitours player Nick Monk’s game and I asked him if he was playing well at the moment.
‘No.’
When he finished his round I asked him if things had improved.
‘No.’
End of conversation.

Geoff Andrews doesn’t hit many greens with his irons. ‘How was your approach play today? I enquired. ‘The pointy bits on my pitch mark repairer are still razor sharp. ‘ he muttered in despair.

Ian Buxton owns a top local bakery in Darwin and he was up at 2am baking bread, cakes and pies for his shop. He started the day well when he hand delivered an apple pie and a warm small white loaf to the tournament organiser (me). The problems began when he overcooked his approach into several of the firm greens and he had his fingers burned when he misread the fast greens. He failed to rise to the occasion more than once and didn’t put any icing on the cake after a last hole bogey when he only kneaded a par.
In todays event scoring was close. Third place went to the Mottram Hall/Flixton team of Richard Blackwell(13), Tony Jennison(6), John Hilton(13) and Steve Bullock(10). Hilton was European table tennis champion in the early 1980’s and is a top competitor. He has not featured in the prizes for a few months after recent illnesses but it was great to see him back to his best.

Wilmslow’s Jim Caldwell(11) is well into his seventies but he is a fit as a fiddleand has a mind as sharp as a razor. Once again he rolled back the years and played great golf on the back nine to help his team into second place with 84 points. Bob Picthall(18), Andrew Aherne(18) and Nigel Compsty(11) completed the prosperous quartet.

The Didsbury Golf Club team of Hugh Mullin(8), John Bent(9) and father and son Dave(10) and Simon Bowers (5) came in late in the day with a solid 85 points to take first place. Simon is a primary school sports coach and he is good at telling children what to do. He helped his team around today. ‘The big difference was John Bent who is normally a waste of space but he played unusually well today.’ reported Simon.

Well played chaps, great golf. Thanks to everyone for your terrific support. Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 16th Anthony Wilson Dozen Ad333s
Nearest the Pin in 2 on 18th John Farnworth Dozen AD333s
2’s sweep
£225 (Maxitours will also donate £225 to the keeping Kate campaign) Please log on if you wish to give to this worthwhile cause.
Keeping Kate Campaign https://www.gofundme.com/2q8y9rs4)
Steve Hall Jim Caldwell Paul Wild Pete Atherton Colin Davies John Pratt Colin Davies John Bent 9 pro V1s or 21 srixon AD333s each

Wilmslow Golf Club Pairs
Thursday 3rd November
1st tee
9.45 Colin Roberts x4
9.54 Ian King x4
10.03 Phil Vokes x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 Lewis Marland x2 John Hilditch x2
10.30 Roger Percival x4
10.39 Dave Blood x4
10.48 Pete Ledger x4
10.57 Trevor Foster x4
11.06 Richard Blackwell x2 Gary Garner x2
11.15 Alan Vaughan x2 John Hunt x2
11.24 Brian Hopkins x4
11.33 Gav Dixon x4
11.42 Dave Sarsfield x4

10th tee
9.45 Garry Dowdle x4
9.54 David Kelly x4
10.03 Paul Browne x4
10.12 Wes Colclough x2 Martin Callahan x2
10.21 Pete Cleaver x2 Terry Rathbone x2
10.30 Ray Jones x4
10.39 Frank Stapleton x4
10.48 Simon Poucher x4
10.57 Leigh Smart x4
11.06 Graham Bates x2 Pete Short x2
11.15 Simon Burgess x4
11.24 Dave Goodwin x2 Eddie Geary x2
11.33 Les Penson x4
11.42 Eddie Jordan x2 Ian Ritchie x2

Maxitours at perfect Prestbury

Yet another stunning Autumn day greeted Maxitours competitors at Prestbury. I had heard great reports all Summer about the work head green keeper Mark Crossley and his team had done to the course and they certainly didn’t disappoint today.

‘ They are the best greens I have putted on all year! ‘ praised Colin Roberts. ‘And you’ve had plenty of good uns this season!’ he added.

Trevor Foster returned to Maxitours victorious after Lancashire were crowned the English Senior champions. He has played in National events all over the country but he rated Prestbury as the best greens he had seen this year.

Thanks to everyone at this special club for making us feel so welcome- brilliant.

Highly respected Prestbury pro Nick Summerfield’s eyes lit up when Paul McKee walked in. He had left his golf shoes at home- always great news for a golf pro. One hundred pounds later Paul looked great as he danced out of the shop sporting a new pair of the latest white FJ contours. Four and a half hours later he hobbled into the Clubhouse ‘I could barely walk on that back nine’ groaned the Fairfield man. ‘I’ve got two huge blisters but at least the shoes still look great!’

As he picked up his scorecard this morning Man City fan Bob Kwan(15) criticised United’s new negative way of playing football under Mourinho.(I still think he is a tactical genius) To be fair there was nothing defensive in the way Bob played on the course today as he only dropped four shots on the tough Prestbury back nine. Simon Truby’s(6) birdie on the 16th also contributed to their top four finish. Apparently Jose is now prepared to let Wayne Rooney leave as long as he puts down his transfer request in writing- so it looks like he could be staying. Rooney could be seen scratching his head and chewing on a pencil in his office window as Maxitours players passed his house on the 15th.

The golf course was playing longer than usual and combined with the slick greens it caused all sorts of problems.
There were three teams on the same winning score of just 42 points off 9/10th handicap so things were decided on a card play off.

‘I can’t believe 42 points won. We could have had that if we hadn’t blown up on the first.’ said Hazel Grove dreamer Rick Booth when he handed his card in.

Lee Jevons(6) and Mike Emmerson(3) narrowly missed out on a top three spot after they could only pick up one point on the eighteenth for a 41 point haul. ‘Whatever you do don’t mention Mikes three putt at the last in your report.’ Said sneaky Lee Jevons on his way to the car.

Derek Page(5) was an opening fast bowler for Northamptonshire Cricket team where he played alongside cricketing legends Allan Lamb and Wayne Larkins in the 1980’s. Nowadays he has to settle for playing golf alongside his untalented partner Alan Vaughan(11). They were bowled over to be leading for much of the day however the poor back nine left them stumped.

Steve Merricks(7) went to sleep for most of the back nine and he had to rely on his experienced partner Les Russon(11) to keep the team score ticking over. Steve then came alive on the sixteenth when he holed his second shot for an eagle two and five points and then followed it up with a two on the 17th to career through the field. Steve usually enters the twos but declined this week blaming it on the financial uncertainty due to Brexit. They were however delighted to finish in 2nd place with their 42 points. Playing partners Rob Kenyon and Simon Burgess get a special mention as they had the reverse score of 24 and finished last by an impressive 6 shot margin.

Retired Frank Wade(11) from Accrington made his vast money selling beer pipelines and widgets and he played with top driving instructor Mark Patton(10) from Vale Royal. Straight driving Patten had never played Prestbury before but he passed the test in style. After picking up two points on the first few holes playing partner Frank told him it’s your ‘three point turn’ and Patton obliged in style on the back nine. Well played chaps great win.

Thanks to all who played today- I am sure you had a great day on the links, Tim

Nearest the pin 10th Niall Lynch Dozen AD 333s
Nearest the pin 17th Steve Kelly Dozen AD333s

2’s £175 5 pro V1s or 12 srixon AD333s Each Mike Emmerson Iain Bartholomew Dave Antrobus Scott Ryan David Kelly Nigel Clowes Trevor Foster Simon Poucher Andy Adshead John Gleave Bob Anderson

Start times at Stockport Thursday 27th November
8.57 Colin Roberts x4
9.07 Jim Caldwell x4
9.16 Joe Kirwan x4
9.24 Ian King x4
9.34 David Kelly x4
9.43 Bob Barlow x4
9.52 Roy Ainsworth x4
10.01 Ian Ainswoth x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 John Hilditch x4
10.30 Dave Stanhope x4
10.39 Lewis Marland x4
10.48 Chris Adams x4
10.57 Simon Poucher x4
11.06 Trevor Foster x4
11.15 Pete Ledger x4
11.24 Frank Stapleton x4
11.33 Les Russon x4
11.42 Sam Leach x4
11.51 Barry Wilson x4
12.00 Barry Wilson x4
12.09 John Dickenson x2 Graham Bates x2
12.18 Graham Littler x4
12.27 Leigh Smart x4
12.36 John Allman x4
12.45 John Pratt x4
12.54 Barry Jackson x4
1.03 Richard Blackwell x4
1.12 Ray Jones x4
1.21 Dave Bowers x4
1.30 Chih Hu x4
1.39 Ian Buxton x4
1.48 Dave Goodwin x4
1.57 Brian Hopkins x4

The next Four stunning Maxitours events!
Prestbury Thursday October 20th full
Stockport October 27th full
Wilmslow Golf Club- terrific Open Qualifying venue November 3rd -last few spaces
Dunham Forest 10th November- filling fast

Maxitours at lovely leafy Llangollen

A cool but very pleasant Autumn day greeted Maxitours competitors at the Vale of Llangollen this morning. The course was in really amazing condition. Many thanks to the talented Llangollen green keepers for all their hard work and thorough preparation.

The Caterers Phil and Gaynor Gee are also right up there with the best in the business and they produce perhaps the best bacon baps of the year- we wish them all the best when they go to pastures new in January.

Mark Norman was out early and he was disappointed not to see any Welsh sheep on the hillside first thing this morning as the mountains were shrouded in a gentle mist. He was delighted when the sun came out on the back nine and the sheep appeared. His game suddenly perked up. The afternoon players all enjoyed the glorious sunshine and views throughout their rounds as a great day was had by all.

Russell Hollis asked me if I had seen the gorilla that escaped from London Zoo yesterday which caused mass hysteria. I replied that perhaps he had seen it judging by the panic on his face as he faced a tricky pitch over the bunker at the last. ‘Yeah, his chipping was that bad today I wish someone would hurry up and shoot him with a tranquilizer.’ Added team mate Roy Ainsworth.

Dale Beaghan’s team from Accrington played at North Wales GC yesterday and then stayed overnight in Llandudno. They looked like they hadn’t had much sleep. Dale was swaying a little as he checked in and when he breathed on me as he asked for his card he smelt like a Welsh brewery . When team mate Pete Ledger rolled into the clubhouse soon after I was shocked to notice that he actually smelt of disinfectant, I was about to ask him what he had drinking last night when the Lllangollen Golf Club cleaner shuffled past with her bucket and mop and a big bottle of bleach.

Dave Stanhope was very worried that he hadn’t contributed to his team score very much. ‘Let me just check that card.’ He asked his partners on the 16th tee. He carefully analysed his feeble input as he walked down the fairway before he began frantically looking for his ball. ‘Oh heck’ He sheepishly announced to his team ‘I think I’ve forgotten to tee off!’

In today’s event either the course was playing tougher in the morning and the scores improved as the day progressed.

Micro-lite pilot Les Penson from Knutsford teamed up with his Heyrose GC pals and they somehow drifted into 5th place with 79 points.

Despite dropping three shots on the closing holes Grange Park’s well dressed quartet of nice guys Andy Jackson(4), Mark Bulman(11), Ray Tennant (4)and Billy Rawthore(6) finished 4th with 81 points.

Highly respected solicitor and lovely man Jim Rymer(18) from Heswall sold his business for billions of pounds recently but nothing compared to finishing third in today’s event. ‘Money can’t buy this!’ said Jim as he proudly tried on his high quality Maxitours shirt. Rob Farnon(12), Paul Lea(16) and Geoff Guest(8) completed the team.

Despite a poor closing five holes, Bramall Golf Club’s Les Russon(11), highly respected Rob Kenyon(14) , Ken Clarke(14) and Darren Wilson(12) were overjoyed to finish 2nd with 83 points. ‘ What a great venue- please book us in for next year!’ said the wealthy fourball.

Simon Poucher(13) and his Sale GC team were really on form and they took first prize by a season best five clear shots. Even Jan Jagielka(14) played well -usually he only gets a mention as many years ago he and his lovely wife managed to produce a talented English footballer. Brendan Leighton(16) and Andrew Stone(17) completed the quartet.

‘This is my second ever win.’ Simon beamed ‘And our most memorable – that golf course was stunning.’

Well played chaps- I am delighted for you all. Thanks to all players for travelling in such numbers to Wales to support this event, brilliant, Tim

Nearest the Pin 14th hole Frazer McKenzie Dozen Srixon AD333s
Nearest the Pin 18th hole Jonathan Hudson Dozen Srixon AD333s
2’s £177.50 5 pro V1s or 14 srixon AD333s Colin Berry Kevin Bramall Rosemary Bramall Jonathon Hudson Cliff Dews Mark Bulman x2 Andy Jackson John Dickenson John Longworth

Prestbury Golf Club start times
Thursday 20th October
9.00 Colin Roberts x4
9.09 Jim Caldwell x4
9.18 David kelly x4
9.27 Ian King x4
9.36 Frank Stapleton x4
9.45 Mick Mahon x4
9.54 John Hilditch x2 Lewis Marland x2
10.01 Lee Jevons x2 Munro Donald x2
10.09 Dave Stanhope x4
10.21 Kevin Chisnall x4
10.30 Ian Acton x2 Craig Dyson x2
10.39 Pete Cotton x2 Andy Strickley x2
10.48 Roger Percival x4
10.57 Leigh Smart x4
11.06 Dave Tracey x2 Tom Butler x2
11.15 Trevor Foster x4
11.24 Dale Beaghan x4
11.33 Ian Broughan x4
11.42 Simon Poucher x4
12.00 John Stubbs x4
12.18 Les Russon x4
12.45 John Gleave x2 John Bancroft x2
12.54 Simon Ashton x4
1.12 Brian Hopkins x4
1.21 George Buchan x4
1.30 John Pratt x2
res Si Hemsley 36
Andy Adsheadx2/4 51
Nigel Clowes x4

Maxitours Invitational at Vilasol 12th – 16th Jan – get away this Winter with some tournament golf on one of the best courses in Europe for just £599 including flights!! Email me for more details.

Dear Maxitours Golfer,

Here is the full results from fantastic Dunham Forest!

Great Upcoming Maxitours events all filling fast!
October
Friday 14th Oct Vale of Llangollen – 1 space Team of 4
Thursday 20th Prestbury- full
Thursday 27th Stockport -full
November
Thursday 3rd Wilmslow-spaces -last few Pairs
Thursday 10th Dunham Forest- spaces Teams of 4
Tuesday 15th Fairhaven – spaces -spaces teams of 4
Thursday 24th Prestbury-spaces -Pairs
Tuesday 29th Sandiway-spaces -Pairs

Maxitours at Dunham Forest
Another fantastic Autumn day greeted today’s Maxitours Competitors at Dunham Forest. Everything about this venue oozes class.

The golf course was in fantastic condition thanks to Head Green keeper David Lippiatt. David was out bright and early raking the bunkers and proudly ironing the blemish free greens for us. The catering is also of the highest quality and I enjoyed my incredibly tender sirloin steak sandwich for lunch- I highly recommend it.

‘Those greens are brilliant!’ beamed Gav Dixon from Trentham.
‘I love this golf course.’ admitted John Dickenson
‘This course doesn’t suit me.’ said Darren Whittaker ‘I don’t like trees.’

I hadn’t seen Maxitours player Paul Boulter for a few years and it was very nice to talk to him him once again when he checked in. ‘Has your golf got any better since the last time I saw you?’ I asked him . ‘No its even worse’ he replied.

Frank Hindle thought he had recorded a hole in one when his ball was nowhere to be seen on the 15th green. Unfortunately there was no pinnacle in the hole but there was a little rabbit scrape over the back of the green. Frank who is well known for his short arms and deep pockets reached down into the darkness and was happy to discover his tatty ball almost three feet underground.

Chris Roberts is a lovely chap but he turned up today with one of the oldest electric trolleys I have ever seen – I was curious to know how long ago it was when he bought it.
‘Don’t tell anyone but I found it on Knutsford tip a couple of years ago!’ He admitted.
I’m not too sure where he found his team of Anton Ellis, Peter Ellis and David Treadwell, but they might all end up on the scrapheap tomorrow after finishing in second to last place with just 69 points.

In today’s event the scoring was not high as the firm greens and swirling breeze protected the course.

Didsbury Golf Club’s Chih Hu(28) has played in over 30 Maxitours events and has so far won a pair of socks and a ball marker. (To be perfectly honest he didn’t win them I just gave them to him after another bad round.) I asked him and his team mates a couple of months ago if they knew any decent golfers. Today he was inspired and picked up four net birdies and an eagle on his way to 84 points and 3rd place. Playing partners George Maddison(27), Shushil Aggarwal(13) and Peter Meher (18) completed the delighted quartet and they all contributed well.

In second place was Flooring specialists ‘Carpet’ Bob Kwan(16), his bank manager Andy Adshead(6), Brian Clare(12) and Iain Kirkland(15). These four had a steady front nine before they ‘piled’ on eight points when Andy Adshead eagled the par five 11th. ‘The greens were like lino!’ declared Bob, and he should know.

It is really great to see big Phil Smeathers(6) back playing some great golf with his Knutsford team of Trevor Webb(12), Dave Stanhope(11) and Steve Hall(11). Phil became famous after winning the first ever competition at High Legh when it opened in 2000. The sign writer was slightly dyslexic and when Phil and his mates visited the club to see his name on the honours board he was dismayed to see the winner displayed as P S Mathers. There was no mistaking the quality of Phil’s play today and the likeable engineer was delighted with his first ever Maxitours victory. Congratulations chaps that is a great win.

Thanks to all players for your terrific support. Once again there was full attendance which is really appreciated. Yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 8th hole Trevor Webb Doz AD333’s
Nearest the pin 18th hole Andy Collier Doz AD333’s

2’s £175 3 pro v1s or 8 srixons per two
Dave Harlow Trevor Webb Phil Smeathers x2 Andy Adshead Iain Kirkland Peter Bean Mike Hehir Frank Stapleton Geoff Sherburn Keith Coxon Ray Tennant Mark Bulman Leigh Smart James Williams Paul Hodgson Laurie Cole Dale Beaghan

Vale of Llangollen Friday 14th October

9.30 Colin Roberts x4
9.39
9.48 David Kelly x4
9.57 Kevin Chisnall x4
10.09 Richard Blackwell x4
10.18 Chris Adams x2 – two players required
10.30 Steve Aspinall x4
10.40 Dave Stanhope x4
10.48 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.03 Trevor Foster x4
11.12 Dale Beaghan x4
11.21 Bev Crute x4
11.30 Les Penson x4
11.39 Frazer Mackenzie x4
11.48 Rick Sym x4
11.57 Simon Poucher x4
12.06 Rob Weston x4
12.15
12.24 Ian Lilley x4
12.33 Sam Leach x4
12.42 Jonathon Hudson x4
12.51 Dave Griffiths x4
1.00 Leigh Smart x4
1.09 Dennis Whelan x4
1.18 John Stubbs x4
1.27 Les Russon x4
1.36 John Dickenson x4
1.45 Rob Farnham x4
1.54 Dave Goodwin x4
2.03John Longworth x4