The old Lancastrian mill town of Blackburn is famous for its cotton production but it is also blessed with one of the best golf courses in the North, always presented in immaculate condition.

Pleasington sits in 142 acres of stunning countryside in the beautiful Ribble Valley sitting in the foothills of the West Pennines and this great course was enjoyed by all Maxitours players today. Brian behind the bar is the definition of excellent Lancastrian hospitality and he can’t do enough to help.

The food is great at Pleasington and I enjoyed my mid afternoon cheese pie and chips. Unfortunately Koos Alders nicked one of my chips as I was checking his teams scorecard after their round. I think it was about the only thing Koos sunk today as his team finished with just 74 points.

Congratulations to Georgia Hall winning the Ladies British Open, it would be great if Tommy Fleetwood could win the USPGA this week to make it an English double. That’s my tip for the week.

Nigel Dibble likes playing In the Ribble but under pressure on the 18th green he made the ball dribble.
I told him that he rushed his shot but he replied:
‘I like playing without a quibble and I wanted to get back in the Clubhouse for a nibble.’

Dave Francis found the £1,000,000 newly developed footbridge over the railway very handy as he could retrieve his wild slice without having to negotiate the 12.40 express to Clitheroe as in previous visits he made to Pleasington.

In todays event the scoring was close with all but 2 teams teams scoring much better on the easier front nine.

Paul Fell(5) was shanking for the first 4 holes but the likeable Welshman regrouped and helped his team take 3rd place. The never say die ex soldier ensured his team had the best back nine of the day by a long way as they came home in 44 points to take 3rd place on the card play off. Mike Lowe(8) Dave Cooper(14) and Colin Bryan(9) completed the Welsh quartet.

Nigel Hallows(8) team scored heavily on the tough Pleasington par three holes as they finished in 2nd place. Sarah Ormrod(19), John Delaney(5) and Dave Greenwood(13) all recorded 2’s as the team scored 86 points.

Grange Parks Barry Wellings (6) took first place today with 87 points. When he gets hold of a tee shot he can hit it into a different Time zone . He drove the 6th green today and rolled in his eagle put and then incredibly eagled the par five next helping his team to pick up 14 points on those two holes. ‘The Warwickshire’s’ Keith Evans(10) and Alsager members Dave Mason(12) and Geoff Andrews(20) were his happy team mates. Well played chaps great golf.

Thanks to all players for your continued support. It was great to be back working hard today after my recent holiday- yeah right. Tim

Nearest the Pin 16th Allan Entwistle Dozen AD333
Nearest the pin in 2 on 18th Roy Sinclair Dozen AD333
2’s £240 3 pro v1s or 8 srixon Ad333s per 2 Geoff Bloom Dave Wardle-Kelly James Shipstone Barry Wellings Josh Garner Brian Yardley Steve Heywood Miles Chilton Nigel Dibble Sarah Ormrod John Delaney Dave Greenwood Paul Fell Dave Cooper Joe Kirwan Andy Dunster Steve Lamont Barry Jackson Paul Milner Mark Pasquall Bri Hopkins

Results from Delightful Dunham Forest

Dunham Forest was in wonderful condition once again for today’s Maxitours event. The greens were superb and a well struck shot would really spin. Fast running fairways and the forward tees meant scoring was going to be excellent.

Thanks to perhaps the best golf club Caterer in the North -Leslie Saxon and her husband Manager Mike for their famous hospitality- excellent.

Thanks also to highly respected Professional Paul Dennis who runs a tight ship and has a growing reputation as a top coach, the green keeping staff are also at the top of their game.

This years Open was right up there with the very best. And it was great to see the Italian Molinari take the Claret jug back home to Florida. Burnt fairways, unfair bounces, unplayable bunker shots, unpleasant weather conditions all added up to a real test of character and a confident and focussed Molinari was up to the task.- Brilliant.

Steve Morfitt sent his deep pocketed and short armed Yorkshire team into a frenzy this morning when he forgot his wallet and only turned up with a fiver.
‘I aint gi’in im nowt’
‘Nay a lender or t’ borrower be’
‘I’m not lending you £20- I could feed my whippets fo’ a week wi that’.

It was great to see newly retired Lewis Marland on the golf course. He had never parred the tough 4th hole at Dunham and once again he drove into the right hand trees. Lewis sensibly chipped out and then holed his 225 yard shot for a birdie. Have a great retirement Lewis!

Sausage eating Neale Laurent’s day got off to a bad start when he heard on the radio that there may be a barbeque ban introduced to prevent the risk of accidental fires. His day improved when he got on the course however and played some sizzling golf to help his team take 5th place with 91points

Brian Greenbanks Hale team were out just after 8am and they made the most of the stunning conditions to post a superb 91 points which looked good enough to take 1st prize. Dave Wainwright(12), Guy Levers(22) and Andy Rattray(5) were his partners.

Roy Ainsworth(25) was short of a player this morning, after 16 calls his phone was running short on credit and he was still a man down. He was forced to invite his old friend Brian Ankers(17) along. Brian’s nickname is ‘Last resort’ or ‘Barrel scraper’. Against all the odds Barrel scraper did more than his fair share to help the team take 3rd place. Seventy nine year old Peter Heald(10) impressively scored 76 in the Club competition last week and alongside Mike Verdon(14) they completed the successful team.

Nigel Hallows’ (8) team finally had a podium finish after they scored 92 points late in the day. The Turton quartet had a great round and I watched Nigel and Dave Greenwood(13) make superb birdies on their closing hole. Mick Gorrill(10) and John Delaney(5) also played great golf.

Four well spoken Prestbury members took the honours today. Even last years Captain Richard Johnson(17) did his fair share and his chip in on the 17th summed up a great day for the likeable quartet.
‘It was the best score we have ever had by a long way’ apologised Chris Adams(12).
Andy Oakes(7) and Steve Hall completed the affluent but down to earth Cheshire team. Well played chaps – great score.

Thanks to all my players for your support. I appreciate it. Tim

Nearest the pin 8th Paul Fell Doz AD333
Nearest the pin in 2 18th Bob King Doz AD333

2’s £175 3 pro v1s or 8 srixons Brian Greenbank x2 Guy Levers Jack Coleman Tony Hereford Paul Fell Colin Bryan Nigel Oakes Steve Woods Steve Heywood Peter Heald Brian Ankers (barrel scraper) Dave Goodwin James Shipstone Brian Hopkins Nigel Hallows

Vale Royal AM AM start times
Friday 3rd August
8.39 Colin Roberts x4
8.48
8.57 Neil Drummond x4
9.06 Dan Johnson x4
9.15 Chris Adams x4
9.24 Mike Stuart x4
10.30 Paul Fell x4
10.39 MIke Sallabank x4
10.48 Mick Mahon x4
10.57 Richard Blackwell x4
11.06 Ashley Elliot x4
11.15 John Hilditch x4
11.24 Tom Butler x4
11.33 Nigel Hallows x4
11.42 Munro Donald x4
11.51 Sam Leach x4
11.59 Nigel Oakes x4
12.08 Les Russon x4
12.28
12.37 Ian Hellens x4
12.45 Keith Boothroyd x4
12.54 John Hudson x4
1.03 Kenny Plumb x4
1.12 Peter Maher x4
1.21 Barrie Wilson x4
1.30 Steve Johnson x4
1.39 Graham Pike x4
1.48 Mark Gibbins x4
1.57 Howard Baker x4
2.06 John Kilner x4
2.15 Ben Harris x4
2.24 Simon Ashton x4
2.33 Richard Williamson x4
2.42 Joe Yates x4
2.51 Lee Tilley x4
3.00 Brian Hopkins x4

Manchester (Hopwood) Golf Club keeps getting better and better. The course is back to its very best and can certainly lay claim to be one of the elite venues in Manchester. All my Maxitours players really enjoyed their day. Thanks to everyone at the Club especially steward Steve who puts some hours in. He met me at 8.30am this morning and was still working hard when I left the course at 7.30pm this evening- many thanks Steve

Lots of Maxitours players were convinced that I have spent all afternoon enjoying myself relaxing and watching the Open golf on the huge Hopwood flat screen tv. This is not the case as I found time to have some lunch when the adverts came on.

John Farnsworth is really suffering due to this years drought. He normally has about 40 cigarettes a round but most courses now have smoking bans.
‘He is a nervous wreck by the time he finishes his round, his golf has really gone downhill.’ informed playing partner Richard Palmer. ‘On the 18th green he was starting to froth at the mouth like a rabid dog.’

Abba loving John Linsky was having a great day. He played better than his normal rubbish at Manchester Golf Club and is now looking forward to watching the new Mama Mia movie which was released today. His team weren’t so positive.
‘We’re thinking about dropping you John- your not good enough and as you know ‘The winner takes it all.’
‘Take a chance on me!’ he begged
‘Knowing me, knowing you’ your golf is too bad sorry.’
‘ I’ll give you some Money, money, money. If you let me play next week.’ he pleaded.

Kieth Rigby looks quite intelligent but this is misleading. He caused a few chuckles in the clubhouse when he walked in and asked loudly ‘Is Kevin Costner is leading the Open?’

Erik Van Roohan was lying 2nd after the first day at Carmnoustie and the Sky golf commentator reported that has size 14 feet.
‘I have the same size golf shoes as him!’ said Frank Gallows proudly. Unfortunately, that is the only golfing similarity between 22 handicapper Frank and the highly talented Van Rooyan.

Taking third place in today’s event was seventy plus year old Dave Harlow and his wealthy team who all live next to the Mere. Dave’s golf is maturing with age like a fine wine and the 17 handicapper had a run of six pars in the middle of his round. Lovely guys Phil Smeathers(6) Dave Stanhope(11) and Les Penson(14) completed the millionaire quartet.

In second place were the Macclesfield lads. My old science teacher Neil Drummond(13) captained the team of Daniel Dunn(6) Callum Cook(20) and Pat O’Dowd(17). ‘We had great chemistry out there.’ Reported the physics graduate.

Winning was Les Russons(12) Bramall team. Their winning drought has been compared to the Summer of ’76 but the heavens opened for them on course today as they at last found some form.
Rob Kenyon(17) Chris Mackin(13) and Frank Kaminski(12) were his team mates. Rob Kenyon attributed the success to his two dropped team mates Rob Merricks and Simon Burgess. ‘We wouldn’t have won if they both played so I would like to dedicate this win to those two clowns.’

Thanks to everyone for your terrific support and 100% attendance- legends.
Tim

Nearest the pin 13th Ian Sampson Doz Srixon AD333s
Nearest the pin 16th Andy Robinson Doz Srixon AD333s

2’s £172.50 5 pro v1s or dozen AD333s per 2 Daniel Dunn Jason Moran Richard Johnson Paul Fell Mike Lowe Steve Halliwell Mike Tarrant Les Penson Barry Jackson Dave Smith

Dunham Forest start times
Thursday 26th July
8.00 Colin Roberts x4
8.14 Bob Picthall x4 later
8.22 Brian Greenbank x4
8.30 Rob Platt x4
8.39 Dennis Whelan x4
8.47 Mike Sparke x4
8.55 Jack Coleman x4
9.04 Paul Gilbert x4
9.13 Paul Fell x4
9.21 Dave Woods x4
9.30 Mike Sallebank x4
9.39 Chris Adams x4
9.48 Lewis Marland x2 Terry Hines x2
9.57 Jim Rymer x4
10.06 John Newton x4
10.15 Mick Mahon x4
10.24 Dave Bentley x4
10.33 Alan McNicol x4
10.42 Neil Edwards x4
10.51 Neale Laurent x4
11.00 Dave Griffiths x4
11.09 John Hilditch x4
11.18 Dave Sully x4
11.27 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.36
11.45 Paul Bayley x4
11.54 Pete Short x4
12.03 John Hudson x4
12.12 John Hunt x4
12.21 Pat O’Dowd x2 Pete Cotton x2
12.30 Peter Maher x4
12.39Richard Williamson x4
12.48 Nigel Hallows x4
12.57 Brian Hopkins x4

Maxitoirs at luxurious Lancaster

Lancaster Golf Club blew the (ankle length, white) socks off Maxitours players today. The course was in amazing condition and everyone enjoyed this terrific golf course.
Even Frank Hindle couldn’t find a fault with this top venue.
‘Best greens I’ve played on for a few years’ reported Dukinfield’s Mark Turner.

It was not only the greens which were getting praised as the fairways and bunkers were also in great condition.
The catering and Clubhouse were also very impressive.
Thanks to everyone at the Club for your hospitality.

Intelligent and thrifty Mike Tarrant uses rechargeable batteries in his Garmin GPS unit as he tells me it works out a lot cheaper in the long run. Unfortunately, the batteries were still at home happily charging on his wall unit when he teed off today at Lancaster. ‘You haven’t got any AA batteries you can lend me have you Tim?’
‘No.’

The history of the Ashton estate where the Golf course sits is fascinating. King James 1 and Charles 11 are both reputed to have stayed in the clubhouse a few hundred years ago. Brian Hopkins has also stayed in the Dormy house here and he says it is very nice.

The first ever St Leger race was supposed to have taken place on the golf course land. Chris Adams Prestbury team certainly weren’t at the races today as they could only manage 34 and 35points between them

Peter Allis includes the Lancaster signature 18th hole in his top ten finishing holes in the World. Rob Parry would agree as his thinned tee shot hit the flag and disappeared into the hole. It wasn’t the only thing to disappear quickly as Rob made a sharp exit for the M6 without buying a drink at the bar. Congratulations Rob.

On his arrival Stewart Taylor was bemused by a huge sign in front of the grand Lancaster Clubhouse warning golfers that the parking of cars and the congregating people is prohibited due to the risk from flying golf balls. The 18th green is over 50 yards away so it would take a very bad shot to endanger life thought Stewart. Four hours later he was screaming ‘fore’ as his badly struck tee shot rattled around the front of the historic Clubhouse.

In todays event scoring was excellent with fast running Lancaster fairways and pure putting surfaces.

Shrigley Hall legend Brian Hopkins(4) rolled in a birdie at the last to take 5th place alongside Mark Taylor(10).

Andy Faulkner(18) repairs telephones on the railway for a living. A one point double bogey at the second would usually signal the start of his game coming right off the tracks. Luckily playing partner Dr Munro Donald(15) held things together and they were delighted to finish in 4th with 44 points.

Worsleys’ Kev Hart(10) and Paul Yearsley(10) recorded a best ever 45 points to take 3rd . Kev is a great character who could never be described as quiet. He was talking even louder than usual about his excellent golf in the bar after play.

Nuclear Submarine builders Mike Hillman(11) and Barrow Golf Club Captain Dave Pratt(9) took 2nd place. After an explosive start they were delighted to see Dave’s ball submerge beneath the hole for a birdie on the 16th .

Richard Palmers(12) game has come together since he dumped his driver last month in favour of a strong three wood.
‘They call me the Henrik Stenson of Mytton Fold at the Club!’ he told me after his round.
‘No they don’t ‘ Corrected his playing partner John Farnsworth(22).
The two lovely men were popular winners- Well played!

Thanks to all who travelled today – it was terrific to have over 120 players and not a single no show-pure Class.

Nearest the pin 13th Hole Dave Lowe Dozen AD333s
Nearest the pin 18th hole Rob Parry Dozen AD333s

2’s £207.50 5 pro v1s or 12 srixon AD333s Steve Blakeway Matt Firth Billy Rawsthore Dan Thomson x2 Rob Parry x2 (hole in one) Jay Atherton Wayne Harper Mike Hillman Dave Chambers Brian Hopkins

Hopwood Start times
Thursday 26th July
10.00Colin Roberts x4
10.09 Jack Coleman x4
10.18
10.27 Martin Bramwell x4
10.36Paul Gilbert x4
10.45 John Wallis x4
10.54 John Newton x4
11.03 Mick Mahon x4
11.12 James Wilson x4
11.21 Chris Adams x4
11.30 Paul Fell x4
11.39 Richard Blackwell x4
11.48 Sam Leach x4
11.57 Neil Drummond x4
12.06 Les Russon x4
12.15
12.24 Nigel Oakes x4
12.33 Rob Platt x4
12.42 Peter Maher x4
12.51 Tim Spencer x4
1.00 Chris Chidley x4
1.09 Nigel Hallows x4
1.18 Barry Wilson x4
1.27 Andy Strickley x4
1.36 John Hudson x4
1.45 Ian Hellens x4
1.54 Barry Jackson x4
2.03 Phil Harris x4
2.12 Ray Jones x4
2.21 Terry Hines x4
2.30 John Kilner x4
2.39 Alan Leigh x4
2.48 Richard Williamson x4
2.57 Brian Hopkins x4