*Spaces at Knutsford on Thursday!

Maxitours at Curtis Cup venue -Conwy

A wonderful golf course with perfect links land weather greeted over 100 Maxitours players at Conwy today. Dry fairways and a testing breeze meant a great day was had by all.

New General Manager Matt Parsley is doing a great job at the Curtis Cup venue and the golf course and hospitality just keep getting better and better. Thank you to everyone at this great Club for a great day.

Steve Aspinall is known as ‘Swampy’ by his mates at his local golf course. It is rumoured that he cleaned his golf shoes once but nobody is quite sure whether or not that is true. I saw Steve tee off at Llangollen last week and he is actually a very good player with a solid swing. Course management is his forte and while the other low handicappers were struggling to control how much to spin they imparted on the ball in the wind Swampy had no such worries as his grooves are cleverly buried under an inch of mud.

As we all know Spring is breeding season and animals are trying to impress their partners in order to mate. There were a couple of cock pheasants that looked magnificent as they walked proudly across the 18th fairway this morning searching for a likely hen. Dave Beavis was out In Llangollen last night with his four ball and despite wearing his best plumage he failed to find a mate. Stick to golf Dave.

There was a steady breeze throughout the day but for the last hour of play the wind picked up dramatically and it could almost be described as gale force. In fact it was so windy late on even Colin Berry reached the par five 14th in two shots and we all know he is hopeless.

Some people are easily pleased and when Ian Hellens found out his teams appalling 69 points was better than seven other teams he had a jig of delight in the Clubhouse and headed off home to proudly tell his wife.

In todays events the main prize winners were out early in the day.

Third place went to the very popular premiership referee Mike Dean(3) and his team of Mike Masser(14) Colin Davies(18) and Henry Kenwright(12) with 83 points.

Finishing 2nd was this years’ Bramall Captain Mike Spencer (12) who likes to prepare thoroughly in order to succeed. His preparation involved buying some land on the great Orme three years ago, building a multi million house and then joining Conwy Golf Club to get to know the course better. This still wasn’t enough to secure victory and he had to settle with the runners up spot playing alongside Joe Kirwan(5), Ian King(7) and Darren Whittaker(11).

Winning their first event of the year today were the Wychwood Park team of Tom Butler(10) Ollie Scoates (6) Sean O’Conner(20) and Gary Nixon(8) They had the front nine of their lives collecting 50 points before reality set in and the limped home in 36 points to take the spoils.

Thanks to all who played today. Yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 2nd Chris Adams Doz AD333

Nearest the pin 15th Mike Spencer/Mike Sallabank 6 AD333s each

2’s sweep £135 4 pro v1s or 10 sricon AD333s

Jim Caldwell Janet Heywood Tom Butler Gary Nixon Paul Wrigley Mick Mahon Colin Berry Craig Jarvis Henry Kenwright Mike Sallebank

Knutsford Start sheet -This Thursday 26th April

8.50 Brian Greenbank x4

8.59 Pete Barratt x4

9.09 Paul Browne x4

9.18 Jim Clarke x4

9.27 Peter Maher x4

9.36

11.40 Mick Mahon x4

11.51 Phil Vokes x4

12.00 Pete Ledger x4

12.09 Simon Poucher x2 Paul Fell x2

12.27 Hilton x1 Geoff Andrews tbc

12.36 Barry Jackson x4

12.45 Simon Ashton x4

12.54 Simon Hemsley x4

1.03 Brian Hopkins x4

1.11

Wilmslow Golf Club Monday 30th April

10.00 Colin Roberts x4

10.08 Simon Hemsley x4

10.17 David Kelly x4

10.26 Ed Pysden x4

10.34 Dave Stanhope x4

10.43 Brian Greenbank x4

10.52 Jack Coleman x4

11.00 Lewis Marland x4

11.09 Mick Mahon x4

11.18 Trevor Foster x4

11.27 Nigel Edwards x4

11.35 Paul Evans x4

11.44 Simon Taylor x4

11.52 John Hilditch x4

12.01 Martin Bramwell x4

12.10 Gweneth Bramwell x4

12.18 Roy Ainsworth x4

12.27 Rob Weston x4

12.35 Les Russon x4

12.43 Craig Rea x4

12.51 Simon Ashton x4

1.00 John Dickenson x4

1.09 Steve Heywood x4

1.18 John Hudson x4

1.27 John Stubbs x4

1.36 Richard Blackwell x4

1.45 Bill Melia x4

1.54 Gordon Warke x4

2.03 Chris Ernill x4

2.12 David Smith x4

2.21 David Smith x4

2.30 Steve Parle x4

2.39 Lee Tilley x4

2.48 Brian Hopkins x4

2.57 Mick Fenton x4

Paul Fell x4 1.05 earlier

Dave Whelan x4

Here are todays full results from lovely Llangollen, Thanks for playing, Tim

Space for 1,2 or 4 players at fantastic Conwy this Monday

Space in Knutsford singles on Thursday- all welcome at this little gem!

Maxitours at Lovely Llangollen

Llangollen Golf Club is perhaps the most picturesque venue on the Maxitours rota and the course looked truly breath-taking today.

Freshly striped fairways and greens made the course look a real picture -thanks to all the staff at this great club.

Cliff Greenhalgh was delighted to make his tee time after a stress-free journey this morning. Last year he got lost in Chester and ended up struggling to find his way out of the main bus depot. Today he lost a few balls in the Welsh rough and then lost his team. They were in the Clubhouse enjoying a beer whilst Cliff was trying to remember where he had parked his car.

The hot weather was enjoyed by most of the Maxitours players.

Gerry Salmon had his umbrella up as he played to try and keep in the shade. He thinks he is playing in Thailand. This is North Wales in April Gerry, pull yourself together.

Unlucky Jonny Barton felt that this had been the longest Winter he could remember (and he has seen a few.) Today he was really looking forward to finally playing in some heat. Unfortunately, the first wasp of the year took a fancy to Jonnys’ cheap aftershave and he was last seen running out of the Clubhouse heading towards Oswestry.

Alan Ried stood on the stunning signature 9th tee admiring the beautiful river which flows along the right side of the large fairway. ‘That river should not be in play for me’ he informed his team. It certainly wasn’t as he easily cleared it by 40 yards with his wild slice.

Paul Evans finished 3rd from last yesterday at Caldy after scoring a miserly 66 points. He sacked that team and brought three new players. This group also scored 66 points and finished in last place.

Scruffy Terry Friday once again turned up looking as if he had been involved in a shipwreck. His team nearly deserted him after he failed to make a par after 14 holes. He then made a four point birdie and followed it up with a great par at the last to rescue his team and secure 4th place.

Birchwood legends Eugenio Fernandez(16) Simon Wilkinson (13) John Fitzsimmons(7) and Jerry Salmon(17) took 3rd place. There were rumours of Salmon returning to this beautiful river and there was certainly one in it today as Jerry lost yet another titleist pro v1. The likeable quartet reeled in 83 points.

‘Graceful Ian Gemmell’ led his Stockport team into 2nd place with 83 points. Despite his aging body Ian(5) has a great swing. Team mates Peter Roach(11) Bob Coley(11) and Bill Smith(12) are even older and they were delighted with their performance. Even Peter contributed well with his excellent birdie on the last.

Winning today are the Wychwood Park Team led by Matt Cheffins(11). Matt played yesterday and the team were very average finishing well down the field. A couple of early tramlined putts on the tricky greens saw them get off to a good start this afternoon and good play by Eddy Sterling(8) late on saw them safely home. Ray Cornwell(3) and Saj Hashmi(13) completed the Staffordshire team.

Thanks to everyone for your support, I hope you are enjoying the start of the golf season. Tim

2’s £140 9 pro V1s or 21 Srixon AD333s Sam Leach Peter Roach Jon Hume Simon Wilkinson Craig Dyson

Nearest the Pin 14th Neil Drummond Doz AD333s

Nearest the Pin 18th Simon Taylor Doz Ad333s

Conwy start sheet Monday 23rd April

10.00 David Kelly x4

10.08 Jim Caldwell x4

10.17 Ross Birch x2 -2 players required

10.25 Ian King x4

10.34 Matt Nelstrup x4

10.42 Ian Acton x4

10.51 Paul Benson x4

10.59 Simon Hemsley x4

11.08 Phil Vokes x4

11.17 Barrie Simpson x4

11.25 Trevor Foster x4

11.34 Roy Ainsworth x4

11.43 Steve Heywood x4

11.52 Mike Sallabank x4

11.59 Tom Butler x4

12.06 Eugenio x4

12.10

12.15 Stuart Reynolds x4

12.24 Mike Dean x4

12.33 Paul Wrigley x4

12.42 Garry Dowdle x4

12.51 Mick Mahon x4

1.00 Chris Adams x2 Nic Hercules x2

1.09 Ian Hellens x4

1.18 Steve Aspinall x4

1.27 Ian Marchant x4

1.36 Paul Gilbert x4

1.45 Jim Clarke x4

1.54 pete Birtwistle x4

2.03 Jim Rymer x4

2.12 Stuart Reynolds x4

2.21

2.30 S Tate x4

2.39

2.48 D Acton x4

2.57 Barry Jackson x4

3.06

*1 player required tomorrow(12.04) at lovely Llangollen and room for team of 4 at Conwy on Monday!

Upcoming Maxitours events:

Conwy Monday 23rd April – spaces
Knutsford Thursday 26th April -spaces
Wilmslow Monday 30th April -full
Prestbury Thurs 10th April -full

Maxitours at Classy Caldy

The large Frodsham windfarm turbines were struggling to turn this morning as clear blue, breathless skies greeted our Maxitours players on their way to the Wirral masterpiece that is Caldy.

Caldy was recently announced as the wealthiest location in Merseyside. (although to be fair there wasn’t too much competition.) The area is stunningly beautiful and the golf course is one of the finest Cheshire has to offer. Everyone enjoyed themselves and there were plenty of compliments for highly rated green keeper Carl Crocher.

The food is also world class and the bacon rarebit is highly recommended.

Richard Payne knows how to dampen a teams’ spirit as I heard him give a motivational talk in the clubhouse before he went out to play. ‘I have to warn you guys- I am playing rubbish at the moment.’

Ed Pysden is a top lawyer and a great bloke who I have known for a long time. He still likes to blame his bad golf on the fact that I gave him his first few lessons when he started playing golf over twenty years ago. Thanks Edward.

Colin Lynch has got more Ferrari’s than Ian Poulter and he also has a greater variety of shots than the Ryder cup man he just doesn’t know when he is going to play them. Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite got the same winning mentality as Poulter on the golf course but he did finish in a very respectable tenth place.

Mike Wainwright had a bad start to his day. He cut his new Mizuno leather golf belt to size last night after a few drinks but was a bit too optimistic and took too much off so it wouldn’t fit around his waist this morning. He was also cutting off a bit too much on the Caldy doglegs today and could be seen trying to hold his pants up as he headed towards the bushes searching for his wayward ball.

Caldy Club member Paul Lea tried and failed to use his local knowledge today – he came in on the card three times. ‘The problem is I know where all the trouble is.’ Claimed the wealthy wealthy estate agent as his team finished second last.

Despite the perfect conditions scoring was tough and with soft fairways it was a day for big hitters.

Third place went to Lymm’s Rich Beem lookalike Roger Percival(5), Martin France(3), Pete Atherton (10) and Phil ‘birdie’ Byrne (17). After a strong front nine of 45 points this likeable quartet stalled a little on the tougher back nine before picking up six points on the last.
Second place went to North Manchesters’ Jon Farrell(9), Paul Wrigley(4), Aiden Hoosen (+1)and Mick Philbin(15). Full figured Wrigley was on the card 14 times as he enjoyed his day in the sun.

Taking first place was ‘three time England senior champion’ Alan Squires (scr) from Saddleworth and his less talented team of Andy Dunster(9), Alan Entwistle(6) and Nick Curran(13) Squires is a class act and his approach shot into the last was so straight he had to move to one side so he could see the flag stick. Well played chaps – great first victory at a lovely course!

Nearest the Pin 2nd John Fielding Doz AD333s
Nearest the Pin 17th Ian Stanton Doz AD333s

2’s sweep £210 5 pro v1s or 12 srixon AD333s

Richard Payne Ian Acton Vince Earl Neil Crowther Steve Heywood Simon Walton Leo Sewell Darren Burgess Pete Tomlinson Phil Byrne Dave Allen Paul Wrigley Mark Johnson x2

Llangollen start sheet

9.58 Richard Blackwell x4
10.07 Colin Roberts x4
10.15 David Kelly x4
10.24 Jim Caldwell x4
10.32 Neil Drummond x4
10.41 Rob Weston x4
10.49 Simon Hemsley x4
11.05 Simon Taylor x4
11.12 Paul Evans x4
11.20 Darren Jones x2 B Hopkins x2
11.29 Tom Butler x4
11.38
11.47 Chih Hu x4
11.55 Martin Edmunds x4
12.04 Chris Adams x2 Nic Hercules x2
12.13
12.24 Steve Aspinall x4
12.33 Peter Roche x4
12.42 Sam Leach x4
12.51 Eugenio x4
1.00 Roy Ainsworth x4
1.18
1.27 Paul Fell x4
1.36
1.45 Ian Lilley x4
2.03 Ian Hellens x4
2.12
2.21
2.30 Ray Tennant x4
2.39 Tom Baker x4

Conwy Start sheet

10.00 Colin Roberts x4
10.08 Jim Caldwell x4
10.17 David Kelly x4
10.25 Ian King x4
10.34 Matt Nelstrup x4
10.42 Ian Acton x4
10.51 Paul Benson x4
10.59 Simon Hemsley x4
11.08 Phil Vokes x4
11.17 Barrie Simpson x4
11.25 Trevor Foster x4
11.34 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.43 Steve Heywood x4
11.52 Mike Sallabank x4
11.59 Tom Butler x4
12.06 Eugenio x4
12.15 Stuart Reynolds x4
12.24
12.33 Paul Wrigley x4
12.42 Garry Dowdle x4
12.51 Mick Mahon x4
1.00 Chris Adams x2 Nic Hercules x2
1.09 Ian Hellens x4
1.18 Steve Aspinall x4
1.27 Ian Marchant x4
1.36 Paul Gilbert x4
1.45 Jim Clarke x4
1.54 pete Birtwistle x4
2.03 Jim Rymer x4
2.12 Stuart Reynolds x4
2.21
2.30 S Tate x4
2.39
2.48 D Acton x4
2.57 Barry Jackson x4
3.06 Brian Hopkins x4

Here comes the SUN!!

Next weeks red hot events at two must play courses:
Caldy Thursday Thurs 19th April -spaces
Vale of Llangollen Friday 20th April -spaces

Conwy Monday 23rd April – spaces
Knutsford Thursday 26th April -spaces
Wilmslow Monday 30th April -full
Prestbury Thurs 10th April -full

Maxitours Galvin Green Spring Classic at the marvellous Mere

A big field of talented golfers (and also Andy Strickleys team with a meagre 57 points) really enjoyed their golf at the Mere today.

The fairways were in great condition considering more recent heavy rain and it is clear that Gwen and his expert greens staff are working hard and the course will be in real tip top condition this Summer.

Golf Manager Max and his Clubhouse team were also excellent to work with and looked after us extremely well throughout the day, thank you.

The Mere event is always popular with it’s terrific golf course, great Galvin Green prizes, the exciting start of the golf season and plenty of wealthy Cheshire Housewives knocking about to keep players entertained throughout the day. Roy Ainsworth is even considering some Botox treatment himself after spending all day at this country club.

In a Maxitours first three brothers played in today’s event. Nick, Mark and Warren Simister. They didn’t play together and it was the youngest sibling Nick who has the bragging rights finishing in third place with 84 points.

Ian Marchants’(9) Wolstanton Golf Club team finished second also with 84 points Danny Clayton (8) Richard Peake(12) and ‘You tube sensation’ Dave Sayer(8). Please go to ‘you tube’ and type ‘golfer with head stuck in bin’ and you will see Dave’s claim to fame. I will say no more…

Taking first place was Wilmslows’ Jim Caldwell(11) who was out first this morning at 8am and set a Clubhouse target that stood the test of time Congratulations also to John Hume(13) Dave Thomas(16) and Don Bailey(12) who completed the successful team. Sergio Garcia needs to take a few tips from John on how to stay out of the water. The seventy year old thinned his tee shot which skimmed over the surface of the pond on the 3rd and rolled to the front edge of the green before two putts ensured a regulation par.

In the two day Galvin Green Spring Classic event Man City fan Simon Hemsley restored some self confidence after a disastrous week on the football pitch with a third place finish playing alongside Gareth Bradley(+1) Joe Kirwan(5) and Ian King(7)

Mottram Hall’s lovely man Richard Blackwell(11), Dan Moore(21), John Hilton(12) and Andy Hamlett(7) took second place with rounds of 87 on Monday and 81 today.

It was the Shrigley Hall quartet of Brian Hopkins(4), Mark Taylor(9) George Bresnahan(14) and Mike Powwon the Galvin Green Spring Classic with a better last day after adding 83 points to their 85 point haul at Stockport on Monday- great golf chaps!

Thanks to Cheshire Golfing legend John Gallagher from Galvin Green for his terrific sponsorship this week.

We all know Galvin Green is by far the best product on the market place – Never Compromise!

Thanks to you all for your terrific support, Tim

Nearest the Pin 8th Mark Taylor Galvin Green Cap
Nearest the Pin 14th Joe Yates Galvin Green Cap

2’s £280 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon Ad333s per 2 Mark Davin Joe Yates Tom Hollingworth Steve Williams Paul Allen Anthony Green Paul Lord Brian Greenbank Richard Williamson Phil Robinson Mike Masser Roy Campion Mick Mahon Chris Wrighton Simon Walker Ian Gemmell Mark Taylor Frank Walker John Wallis

Start sheet for Caldy Thurs 19th April

9.00 Colin Roberts x4
9.09 Simon Hemsley x 4
9.18 Mike George x4
9.27 Ed Pysden x4
9.36 Lewis Marland x4
9.45
9.54 Neil Moffatt x4
10.02 Brian Greenbank x4
10.11 Lewis Marland x4
10.20 Paul Fell x4
10.30 Mike Dean x4
10.39 Ian Acton x4
10.48 Tom Butler x4
10.56 Rob Hands x4
11.00 Trevor Foster x4
11.12 Neil Edwards x4
11.21 John Hilditch x4
11.30
11.33 Roger Percival x4
11.42 Andy Leather x4
11.52 Steve Heywood x4
12.00 Nigel Hallows x 4
12.08 Ian Hellens x4
12.16 Paul Evans x4
12.25 Jim Rymer x4
12.34 John Wallis x4
12.42 Gary Bailey x4
12.51 Gary Hempstead x4
1.00 John Stubbs x4 tbc
1.09 Keith Boothroyd x4
1.18 Andy Dunster x4
1.27Richard Williamson x4
1.35 Jon Farrell x4
1.44Lee Tilley x4 tbc
1.51 Steve Lamont x4
1.59Brian Hopkins x4

Start sheet for Vale of Llangollen Friday 20th April

10.00 Colin Roberts x4
10.08 David Kelly x4
10.16 Jim Caldwell x4
10.24 Neil Drummond x4
10.32 Rob Weston x4
10.40Darren Jones x4
10.48Simon Hemsley x4
10.56 Simon Taylor x4
11.04 Richard Blackwell x4
11.12 Paul Evans x4
11.20 Phil Vokes x4
11.29 Tom Butler x4
11.38 Trevor Foster x4
11.47 Chih Hu x4
11.55 Martin Edmunds x4
12.04 Chris Adams x2 Nic Hercules x2
12.13 Rob Weston x4
12.24 Steve Aspinall x4
12.33 Peter Roche x4
12.42 Sam Leach x4
12.51 Eugenio x4
1.00 Roy Ainsworth x4
1.09 Jim Clarke x4
1.18
1.27 Paul Fell x4
1.36
1.45 Ian Lilley x4
1.54 Graham Littler x4
2.03 Ian Hellens x4
2.12 Nick Baxter x4
2.21
2.30 Ray Tennant x4
2.39Tom Baker x4
2.48