Room for 2 teams at magnificent Preston on Monday -YOU MUST PLAY THIS COURSE!!
1 player required with Gary Phillips 11.03am at Preston on Monday

Maxitours at leafy Knutsford

Knutsford hosted the Cheshire PGA Championships last week and many of the professionals quite rightly rated it as the best nine hole golf course in the North. Despite a lack of growth due to the cold nights the greenkeeper worked hard to present a wonderful test of golf for our players. Many thanks Dave Jones.

General manager Steve and his hard working staff (Sandra and Vicky) also served our players wonderfully well. Thanks guys.

The price of golf clubs has gone through the roof. It costs about £130 to buy a decent sand wedge nowadays. Roy Ainsworth has been struggling in the bunker so he thought he would treat himself.
On the 3rd hole he pulled it into the left hand trap and reached for his new weapon.

His ball was expertly thinned across the green. Luckily for Roy, Pete Atherton was bending down marking his ball. The ball ricocheted off Roy’s head and finished 3 feet away for a tap in par.
‘Thats my first sandy save of the season!’ Said a delighted Roy. ‘It’s all down to the new Club.’

In todays event Kevin Hart took third place with 40 points. He holed his second shot on the 4th hole for 5 points!
‘Do I get some balls for a two even though it’s a par four?’ Begged the Ellesmere man. ‘Yes you do Kevin, but only if you had paid £2.50 and gone in the ball sweep.’

Second place went to Brian Bryant with a terrific 42 points.

Seventy year old Colin Roberts(25) from Alsager has found some form in recent weeks and he had a stunning 44 points to win todays singles in style. The popular Maxitours regular kept churning out the bogeys as he scored a gross 5 on 13 of his holes today. Well done Colin.

Thanks to everyone for your support,

Tim

Nearest the pin 3rd Dozen Wilson Duo
Nearest the pin 5th James Brown Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s £62.50 3 pro v1 or 8 srixon ad333

Bob King Pete Atherton Dave Sully Jane Heywood Paul Yearsley x2

Preston start sheet

Check in at the pro shop/driving range- bacon, Sausage and egg butties and drinks available from the clubhouse near the 1st tee. Terrific half way house.
9,50 David Kelly x4
9.58 Simon Hemsley x4
10.07 Colin Roberts x4
10.16 Nigel Jenkins x4
10.24 Jim Clarke x4
10.33 Lewis Marland x4
10.41 Phil Loclkett 4
10.50 Steve Aspinall x4
10.58 Dave Buckley x4
11.07 Gary Phillips x3 1 player req
11.16 Neale Laurent x4
11.24 Mick Mahon x4
11.32 Paul Fell x4
11.41 Martin Humphries x4
11.50 Bob Eastwood x4
1-4
1.00 Graham Pike x4
1.09 Ian Hellens x4
1.18 Dave Sully x4
1.27 Dave Goodwin x4
1.36 Paul Browne x4
1.45 Kev Hart x4
1.54 Munro Donald x4
2,03 Andrew Cox x4
2.12 Dave Griffiths x4
2.21 Simon Poucher x4
2.30 Richard Blackwell x4
2.39 Paul Cooper x4
2.48 Tim Spencer x4
2.56 John Dickenson x4
3.05 Simon Ashton x4
3.14 Gary Neiles x4
3.23
3.32 Steve Marsh x4
3.40
3.49 James Wilson x4
3.58 Andy Buckley x4

*Spaces at Knutsford singles on Thursday – the finest 9 hole golf course in the North.
* Preston Monday 3rd May – please check your start times below. There may be room for a team of 4 -let me know if you want to play

Maxitours at brilliant Bramhall

On arrival at Bramhall Golf Club you drive through a lovely practice area which is manicured better than many local courses and this set the scene for a wonderful days golf.
I was delighted by how many positive comments there were from my players about Bramhall Golf Club today.

‘That is a superb course!’ Declared Mick Mahon ‘Best greens I have played on all year by far.’
‘Brilliant, brilliant venue.’ Reported Dave Blood.
‘This has just gone into my top 5 all-time favourite courses.’ announced Martin Humphries.
‘I’ve not played here for 20 years.’ Testified Lewis Marland ‘It has become a class golf club.’
Thanks to General Manager Max Sullivan and all his staff for their hospitality.

The five-star Bramhall marque was a pleasure to work in and Lynne and her catering staff are really nice people. They looked after me and my players so well today. Thanks ladies.

Regular maxitours players are well aware that salad dodger Graham Jackson loves his food.
‘That is the best sausage sandwich I have ever had!’ Announced the Heyrose man after his breakfast this morning. This statement should not be underestimated as Graham has had more than his fair share of sausage sandwiches over the years. It is the catering equivalent of Lionel Messi saying that is the best goal he has ever scored.

Martin Humphries was looking colourful today in a maroon and white outfit- even his shoes had maroon soles. He quietly confided in me that the better he is playing the more colourful the outfit he wears. After birdieing the 17th he is getting really dressed up for the Knutsford event on Thursday.
If you see him wearing a little black number at Preston on Monday don’t be too surprised.

In todays’ event the brightly dressed Martin Humphries and his team took the early lead with 83 points after an excellent 45 points on the easier closing 9 holes. Bob King(12), Steve Ross(18) and Alan Reynolds(11) completed the team.

The Marriotts Pete O’Neill(2) Kev Hart(11) Andrew Mansfield(18)and Paul Yearsley(13) took second place with 85 points. They had just 37 points on the back nine before catching fire. Even Kev Hart managed to make three birdies- a new personal best. It was Andys 50th birthday today – congratulations on both fronts Andy.

Taking the honours today were Sandiways Gary Neiles(5) John Longworth(13) Joe Yates(13) and Jimmy Ainscough(22). The par 3’s at Bramhall take some playing but they had three 2’s on the back nine to really make their score. Well played chaps- first good performance for a while. Excellent!

Thanks again for your 100% attendance guys- brilliant.

Tim.

Nearest the Pin 4th Mark Birtwistle Dozen Wilson UNO

Nearest the Pin 14th Gary Neiles Dozen Wilson UNO

2’s £210 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon per two

Alan Simpson Paul Robinson, Alan Reynolds Gareth Winston x2 John Lester Jim Caldwell David Thornill Mike Verdon Paul Robinson Mick Mahon Richard Blackwell Dan Moore Paul Salt

Knutsford start sheet
Thursday 29th April

8.30 Simon Hemsley x4
8.39 Colin Roberts x4
8.47 Bob King x4
8.56 Les Russon x4
9.04 Neale Laurent x4
9.13 Williamson x3
9.22
9.31 Andy Corrigan x4
9.40 Mick Mahon x4
9.49 Stewart Cragg x4
10.00 Martin Humphries x4
afternoon
12.32 John Hunt x4
12.40 Roger Percival x2 Richard Blackwell x2
12.49 Beadle x2 Gary Phillips x2
12.58 Kev Hart x4
1.07 Dave Sully x4
1.16 Roy Ainsworth x4
1.25
1.34
1.43 John Newton x4
1.52 Barney Ross x4
2.01 Steve Marsh x4
2.10 Lee Tilley x4

Preston start sheet
Monday 3rd May

Check in at the pro shop/driving range- bacon, Sausage and egg butties and drinks available from the clubhouse near the 1st tee. Terrific half way house.
9,50 David Kelly x4
9.58 Simon Hemsley x4
10.07 Colin Roberts x4
10.16 Nigel Jenkins x4
10.24 Jim Clarke x4
10.33 Lewis Marland x4
10.41 Peter Walkden tbc
10.50 Steve Aspinall x4
10.58 Dave Buckley x4
11.07 Gary Phillips x4
11.16 Neale Laurent x4
11.24 Mick Mahon x4
11.32 Paul Fell x4
11.41 Martin Humphries x4
11.50 Bob Eastwood x4
1-4
1.00 Graham Pike x4
1.09 Ian Hellens x4
1.18 Dave Sully x4
1.27 Dave Goodwin x4
1.36 Paul Browne x4
1.45 Roy Ainsworth x4
1.54 Munro Donald x4
2,03 Andrew Cox x4
2.12 Dave Griffiths x4
2.21 Simon Poucher x4
2.30 Richard Blackwell x4
2.39 Paul Cooper x4
2.48 Tim Spencer x4
2.56 John Dickenson x4
3.05 Simon Ashton x4
3.14 Gary Neiles x4
3.23 Kev Hart x4
3.32 Steve Marsh x4
3.40 Lee Tilley x4
3.49 James Wilson x4
3.58 Andy Buckley x4

*Next week sees us visit Bramhall Golf Club on Monday (full) and Knutsford Singes on Thursday (spaces.)
Bacon butties and drinks available before play at both these wonderful venues.

**Bolton Old links – sorry due to a date clash this event as been moved to Friday 10th June please let me know if you can’t play/ or wish to enter a team.

** Welsh Classic full

Maxitours at excellent Helsby

Another full field assembled at Helsby golf club in the heart of Cheshire.

The course is situated down a little country lane and it is lovely to see the ancient hedgerows and old oak trees turning a stunning lime green in the Spring sunshine. I was told by an old member a few years ago that this is Cheshire’s very own Magnolia lane!

The course was really excellent and enjoyed by all- thanks to everyone at this traditional Cheshire Club. The half-way house near the car park was open and served terrific food throughout the day. It took me a while to explain to Allan Brown that he was allowed visit the half way house before his round and not just half way round. We got there in the end. Many thanks to the lovely caterers.

I had some great chats with my players today.

Dave Reading has been really struggling with his game but to his credit he is always trying to make the best of a bad situation. ‘ I’m so terrible at the moment I am just hoping my shanks will go a bit straighter than usual today!’.

Alex Jerman is a lovely lad. He is about 40 years old and is always good fun to have a talk with. He had a couple of new excuses today. Apparently, one of the reasons he plays badly is because his shoes are too comfortable. Secondly, when he was 16 he grew over twelve inches in six months so he is still getting growing pains. I’ll write those two down thanks Alex- they are new ones to me and I’ve heard a few in my time.

The final hole at Helsby is a 200 yard brute of a par three. In Steve Heywoods team Steve had a two on the first par 3, his wife Janet recorded a two on the 2nd par 3 and Graham Davenport had a two on the 11th (the 3rd par 3) . Playing partner Chris Lee stepped up to the teams fourth and last par three – could he make it a remarkable quartet?
No. He hit his ball into the daisies.

The golf course has a gentle opening nine holes where you make your score and then a tough back nine to test your nerve. The scoring was low once again reflecting how well the course was designed.
Beating four other teams into 3rd place was the Romiley team of Dave Blood, Ian Smith, Colin Gallimore and Nick Green. They had a super 43 points on the back nine.

Sandbach’s Maxitour Hall of famer and all round great bloke Lewis Marland led his team into 2nd place with 83 points. Team mates Steve Schofield, Phil Dickens and Paul Robinson all had a great day.

Taking top spot with his first ever Maxitours win (it could also be his first win of any description as he is normally useless) was Nigel Uttley(19) and his likeable Heyrose team of Alan Kay (17) Andy Hirst (10) and Jeff Mitchell (19).They had just 38 points on the front nine before picking up 8 points on the 10th hole. After some great putting they managed a one shot win with 84 points! Great golf guys, I am delighted you have won – very well played.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance. Class.

Tim

Nearest the Pin 11th Mick Mahon Dozen Wilson Uno
Nearest the Pin 18th James Brown Dozen Wilson Uno

2’s sweep £227.50 7 pro v1s or 16 Srixon AD333 per 2.

Steve Heywood Janet Heywood Graham Davenport Mark Davies Dave Hillier Brian Kelly Andy Corner Paul Yearsley John McAtee

Bramhall start times
Monday 26th April
9.00 Simon Hemsley x4
9.09 Colin Roberts x4
9.18 Jim Caldwell x4
9.27 Gary Neiles x4
9.36 Dave Blood x4
9.45 Lewis Marland x4
9.54 Neale Laurent x4
10.03 Jim Clarke x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 Dave Goodwin x4
10.30 Paul Gilbert x4
10.39 Les Penson x4
10.48 Paul Fell x4
10.57 Martin Humphries x4
11.06 John Hunt x4
11.15 Dave Sully x4
11.24 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.33 Simon Raine x4
11.42 Gary Phillips x4
11.51 Steve Aspinall x4
12.00 Pete Fotheringham x4
12.09 Dave Stewardson tbc x4
12.18 Kev Hart
12,27 Sam Leach x4
12.36 Roger Percival x4
12.45 Dave Goodwin x4
12.54 Chris Bracchi x4
1.03 Steve Marsh x4
1.12 Peter Dobson x4
1.21 Richard Blackwell x4
1.30 Lee Tilley x4
1.39 Bernard Wood x4
1.48 David smith x4
1.57 Bill Melia x4

Maxitours at welcoming Hazel Grove

Thanks to Hazel Grove Golf Club for stepping up to host Maxitours after Covid put a halt to the Llangollen event. The course is always a firm favourite with my players and everyone had a terrific day out there.

I think this is possibly the friendliest club we visit and the members can’t do enough for me. A lovely older member called John volunteered to park our cars for 5 hours and the half way house was open throughout the day for our benefit. Club Professional James Rowlands is a good friend of mine and I can’t speak highly enough about him. Thanks everybody.

Players were once again around in less than four hours- brilliant guys -that really helps.

Ben Beer played today – he wins a Srixon ball for owning the best name I have seen all year. He is a great bloke and told me his son is called Teddy.

Ed Wilkinson is another legend and great company but if I can offer everyone a word of advice: don’t ask him about the new world handicap scheme. Ed turns a funny shade of red and starts to hyper ventilate.

‘I ve been absolutely battered!! Everyone I know has gone up three shots and I’ve come down two!!’ It is quite amusing to be fair and he is getting more frustrated by the week.

Roy Ainsworth is struggling to get a winning formula for his Maxitours teams. He tries different players each week but has recently come to the conclusion that the common denominator for his teams’ poor performances is himself. Long suffering team mate Brian Ankers once came out with the famous line ‘I can throw a piano further than Roy hits his chips.’ Brian wasn’t playing today due to a poor shoulder. Roy thinks he has been practicing his piano throwing?

In todays event the scoring was very average.

Ashton in Makerfields’ Jimmy Shirley(14), Dave Lee(19) John Harker MBE(21) and Jimmy McEwan (6) took 3rd place with just 80 points ‘ We left loads out there!’ Said a modest McEwan.

The Sale team of Terry Crewe (16), Graham Shufflebotham(13) Vic Neilson(13) and Neil Simpson(13) were surprised to find themselves in 2nd with 81 points.

The Denton team of Garry Owen(11), Mark Bone(10) Alistair Holloway(15) and Steve Yeadon(12) were disappointed after dropping two shots on the closing hole but their heavy gloom lifted when they discovered that 82 points was good enough for victory!

‘Wow- that’s amazing’ Declared a delighted Owen who works for the British Olympic Taekwondo team. ‘I’m shocked. You just never know what might win in this great game!’

Well played guys.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance.

Tim

Nearest the pin 10th Andy Latham Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin in 2 on 15th Paul Yearsley Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £200 10 pro V1 or 22 srixon AD333

Pete Birtwistle Ian Cooper Paul Fell Andy Leatham Steve Marsh x2 Pete Jackson

Helsby start times Thursday 15th April

9.28 Simon Hemsley x4

9.36 Colin Roberts x4

9.44 Jim Caldwell x4

9.50 Gary Neiles x4

9.58 Dave Blood x4

10.06 Ed Pysden x4

10.15 Lewis Marland x4

10.24 Martin Bramwell x4

10.33 Bob Pickthall x4

10.42 Chris Chidley x4

10.51 Steve Hall x4

11.03 Neale Laurent x4

11.12 Jim Clarke x4

11.21 Mick Mahon x4

11.30 Ian Snape x4

11.39 Roger Percival x4

11.48 Rob Weston x4

11.57 Paul Fell x4

12.06 Martin Humphries x4

12.15 John Hunt x4

12.24 Dave Sully x4

12.33 Steve Aspinall x4

12.42 Gary Phillips x4

12.51 Richard Blackwell x4

1.00 Les Russon x4

1,09 Neil Edwards x4

1.18 Neil Edwards x4

1.27 Dave Hilier x4

1.36 Jon Hudson x4

1.45 Nigel Uttley x4

1.54 Mike Tarrant x4

2.03 Dave Goodwin x4

2.12 Dave Monk x4

2.21 Steve Baldwin x4

2.30 Lee Tilley x4

2.39 Kev Hart x4 earlier

2.48 Simon Ashton x4

2.57 Steve Marsh x4

Room for a team of 4 and a couple of single players required at Hazel Grove on Thursday to join two top teams – forecast superb (bacon butties available before play and superb half way house food- please support the caterers to your normal high standard)!!

*Spaces at must play Knutsford on Thursday 29th April (venue for the Cheshire PGA Championship on 23rd April)

Maxitours at the Mere

The Mere was the five-star venue for Maxitours competitors today. Feedback was excellent and the general consensus is that the golf course is in its best condition for years. It was also a real pleasure for me to see all my players enjoying the golf, sunshine and a few drinks with each other after their round. WE ARE BACK!!!!

‘The fairways and greens are superb for mid April! That is in great nick!’ Declared well-travelled Ian Snape ‘ Excellent!’

It was a very early start for Stuart Blake and his Knutsford team. Stuart remarked that it was the earliest he had been up since he was a schoolboy 63 years ago. Team mate John Atkin always dresses like a schoolboy and he enjoyed playing some great golf in his well-worn shorts in the minus 3 conditions.

Mike McKenna was proudly wearing his brand new £200 footjoy myjoy shoes. He treated himself and has had his initials MM carefully stitched into the leather on his heel. ‘He usually plays like Mickey mouse’ teased team mate Dave Monk. The team was excellent today however scoring 85 points.

The local Knutsford team of Eddie Ellis(11), Jim Kenyon(14), Tony Tighe(20) and James Clarke(23) took the early lead with 86 points. Tighe has had such an extraordinary life he is currently writing his auto biography- he needs to add another chapter after this famous Maxitours podium finish.

Joe Stanley(1), Shaun Mudalige(19), Adam Carolan(13) and Knutsford Captain Rob Sims(14) took third after losing out on a card play off. Picking up just two points on the 17th hole will give this team sleepless nights for the next few weeks.

Leading the way was the Vale Royal team of Andy Buckley(10), Pete Woodbine(16), Don Phillips(15) and Ian Pessol(13). A terrific 46 points on the front nine was where the tournament was won. It has been a terrific week for Japan with a Japanese female player winning the amateur ladies prize and Hideki winning the green jacket on Sunday. Andy Buckley actually drives a Toyota so the Japanese will have even more reason to be cheerful tonight. ‘I’m having Sushi for my tea!’ Announced the Sandbach man.

Thanks to everyone for your amazing support.

I hope you had a great day,

Tim

Nearest the pin 8th Paul Fell Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 14th Moby Rawthore Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s £230 6 pro v1s or 14 srixon per two

Paul Robinson Roger Percival Pete Atherton Dean Jagger Norrie Irwin Graham Davenport Steve Price Adam Carolan Moby Rawthore Simon Wells Pete Jackson Kev Hamilton

Thursdays Hazel Grove start times

Bacon butties available to eat in the marque before play TERRIFIC FOOD AVAILABLE AT THE HALF WAY HOUSE!!!!! Card payment only

9.58 Simon Hemsley x4

10.06 Colin Roberts x4

10.14 Dave Blood x4

10.22 Mike Kirchin x3 1 player required

10.30 Lewis Marland x4

10.39 Neale Laurent x4

10.48 Ian Snape x4

10.57 Mick Mahon x4

11.06 John Hilditch x3 mark Richardson

11.15 Roger Percival x4

11.24 Paul Fell x4

11.33 Martin Humphries x4

11.42 Garry Owen x4 .

11.51 Stuart Cragg x4

12.00 Les Russon x4

12.09 Andy Buckley x4

12.18 Sam Leach x4

12.27 Neil Edwards x4

12.36 Neil Edwards x4

12.45 Steve Lamont x4

12.54 Andrew Cox x4

1.03 Gary Phillips x4

1.12 Dave Griffiths x4

1.21 Ian Hellens x4

1.30 Dave Cooper x1 Ian Neilson x3

1.39 Simon Poucher x4

1.48 John Dickenson x4

1.57 Roy Ainsworth x4

2.06 Koos Alders x4

2.15 Kev Hart x4

2.24 Dave Goodwin x4

2.33

2.42 Steve Marsh x3 mick jones