2 team Spaces at Mottram Hall – next Thursday- ‘The course is in excellent condition’

Maxitours at incredibly dry Dunham

Dunham Forest was once again in terrific condition for the latest Maxitours event.
The greens were like carpets and the huge ancient trees had soaked up any signs of recent rainfall to ensure a great day was had by all. Even Gary Holman who bought some shoes off me 11 months ago (and is desperate to make the most of his 12 month warranty like he did last year) couldn’t complain that his shoes were letting any water in as there wasn’t any to be seen on this great course.

The green keepers were out at 7.15am this morning preparing for us and they were still cutting grass at 6pm tonight – brilliant work. The high quality of the clubhouse staff and food make this a very popular venue for our players- thanks to all at the Club.

Cormack Henry made his debut today and although being an average golfer he is definitely the best ‘flautist’ ever to play on Maxitours. He plays his flute for the Liverpool Philarmonic Orchestra. His team mate -the very posh scouser Rob Farnham -reckons that the favourite instrument on Merseyside is the violin as most Liverpudlians he knows are on the fiddle from a very young age.

Old Frank Hardy has worked hard on his mind game with his coach and has decided to have a more positive mental approach to the game this Autumn. He was soon back to his old grumpy ways after two lost balls and a four putt in his first three holes. ‘The only new leaf he ‘s turned over was when he was looking for his ball under that big oak tree ‘ chuckled playing partner Bob Norman.

I have played with Dave Goodwin and I can report that he is not one of the better bunker players I have seen, in fact he is one of the worst. Dave shocked his team today when he was in the sand on the 8th and asked for the flag to be attended . ‘He’s been watching too much golf on sky sports’ Phil Robinson muttered . Dave then chipped in for a two to silence his many critics.

The superb and receptive greens, firm fairways, shortened course and calm conditions led to the best scoring of the year, even Garry Dowdles’ team nearly got 80 points.

Steve Woods and Paul Woods played on the same team but they are eager to confirm that they are not related. They are both good ball strikers but struggle to stay in the fairway. It is rumoured that the phrase ‘can’t see the Woods for the trees ‘ originated from one of their team mates during a recent monthly medal. They weren’t in the trees today however and were delighted to finish in 7th place with Nigel Edwards and Jason Atherton on 85 points.

Leigh Golf Club handicaps travel well and Graham Littler (17)Jim Doran(11) Pete Daniels(19) and Chris Doran (15) took 4th place with 89 points. Chris is a teacher and making the most of his two week half term holidays, he will soon be off for a month at Christmas to work on his skiiing.

The Hale ‘A’ team as they like to call themselves took 3rd place on the card play off with 89 points. Brian Greenbank(6), John Kennedy(12) and the famous Wainwright brothers Mike(18) and David(13) all played excellent golf . Greenbank shot his best round of the year shooting a level par 72.

Runners up spot went to Wychwood Parks s Tom Butler(11) Darren Sumner(9) Gary Nixon(8) and Sean O’Connor. The par 5’s were reachable for the bigger hitters and Tom’s team picked up 7 shots on the two par fives on the back nine.

Winning their first ever Maxitours event after several years of bad golf was Leigh golf Clubs Tom Wallis(19), Dave Tongue(10), Mark Pasqual (11)and Tony Green(15). Mark Pasqual has a big recruitment business and he selected his team well today! -Congratulations on your excellent performance.
Thanks to everyone for your support , I hope you had a great round.

The Maxitours Order of Merit was won by Prestbury Golf Clubs Chris Adams who wins a limited edition Taylor Made Porsche designed putter. Ever present Martin France finished in 2nd and his good pal Pete Atherton finished in 3rd spot. Congratulations to all three on some great golf this Summer.

The Stubart Sponsored Winter Order of Merit starts at Mottram Hall next week and will run until April. The top ten in the Order of Merit will shootout for great prizes at Knutsford in the end of season event.

Nearest the Pin 8th Richard Williamson Doz AD333
Nearest the pin in 2 18th Ian King Doz AD333

Message from Paul Dennis – Dunham Head Professional ‘We offer a winter membership from November 1st to March 31st which allows unlimited golf for only £400. When you consider the standard of the course and how easily it copes with wintery conditions this represents great value.
As of today there are just 11 places available. If you are interested please email paul

2’s £212.50 4 pro v1s or 10 Srixons per 2.
Paul Woods James Shipston Steve Sutton Brian Greenbank Mike Wainwright Billy Rawsthore Pete Roche Graham Jackson Andy Oakes Richard Williamson Dave Goodwin Tony Jennison James Wilson Charles Beadle

Mottram Hall AM AM Thursday 2nd November
11am shotgun start
1a Mick Mahon x4
1b Les Russon x4
2a Simon Hemsley x4
2b Phil Vokes x4
3 Steve Heywood x4
4a Greth Bradley x4
4b
5 Barry Jackson x4
6 Dave Blood x4
7a Brian Greenbank x4
8 Jim Rymer x4
8b Lee Tilley x4
9 Chris Adamsx4
9b Lewis Marland x4
10a Brian Hopkins x4
10b Mike Stewart x4
12a Richard Blackwell x4
12b Rob Hands x4
13 Jim Caldwell x4
14 Paul Evans x4
15 Nic Hercules x4
16 Paul Fell x4
17
18a Dave Crowther x4
18b John Hunt x4

Still 3 Spaces in 4 man team at Mottram Hall on Thursday 2nd November
Please check your time for next week below- some have been moved by 10 mins!

Maxitours at sumptuous Stockport

Stockport was looking great this morning for the penultimate Maxitours fixture of the Summer season. This class golf course is getting right back to its very best despite an incredibly wet couple of months. Thanks to highly respected Adam and his hard working greens team for all their efforts.

‘The course was immaculate’ announced John Atkin.
‘Those fairways are beautiful’ reported Paul Browne.
‘The greens are brilliant!’ said Roy Ainsworth ‘mind you I putted like Ben Crenshaw’ said the modest Antrobus man.

The catering is also superb thanks to Sue and Paul. Head Professional Gary Norcott also serves his members extremely well with one of the finest pro shops in the area. Thanks to everyone at this lovely Club.

Gary Hodkinson hit his best shot of the day in to two feet on the 15th hole. Unfortunately he 3 putted for a bogey. ‘I was unlucky’ was his only excuse. Even though he let his team down badly on the course he was first to the bar ‘Even though he was hopeless out there if he buys the drinks we’re definitely inviting him again’ said team mate Frank Hindle

Lancashire farmer Richard Palmer returned to Maxitours action after taking last week off to buy some sheep. He spent over £6000 on 4 pedigree ‘Blue Faced Leicesters ‘ and the ram alone cost him £1900 . He was a’ red faced golfer’ himself after scoring a best of the day 46 points on the front nine followed by a very embarrassing 37 on the easier back nine.

‘We call Graham Jones ‘the anchorman’ of our team’ said Dave Parker before his round.
‘ Is that because he steadies the ship for you?’ I asked
‘No -he just drags us down to his level each week’ replied Dave.

In today’s event the scoring was slightly better for the morning players who enjoyed rain free conditions.
Rob Hands and Simon Hemsleys team scored 84 points to take the early lead before the Lewis Marland and John Hilditch teams scored 85 points.

Taking the honours however were Didsburys Paul Dalby(5) , Phil Vokes(5), Barney Ross(5) and Chris Cyprus(12) who recorded their first win for nearly a year with a very impressive 88 points. ‘We had a great day out there’ reported likeable Phil.

Late in the day they were nearly pipped by the Manchester United duo of Frank Stapleton(14) and Stuart Pearson(6) who teamed up with Kevan Hawkins(6) and Dave Wilson(8) to take 2nd place with a solid 87.
Richard Blackwell(12), Daniel Moore(26), Tony Jennison(6) and John Hilton(12) also played well in the afternoon rain and they scored 86 in the very damp conditions to take 3rd place.

Thanks to everyone for your support and integrity -there was a terrific 100% attendance which was incredible considering the forecast, thank you very much indeed.
Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 16th Charles W-Kelly Dozen AD333
Nearest the Pin 18th Ian King Dozen AD333

2’s sweep £190 3 Pro v1s or 8 srixons

Simon Burgess Stuart Pearson x2 Paul Robinson Phil Howsley Rob Platt Andy Strickley Pete Booth James Newton Barney Ross Chris Cyprus David Kelly Jim Clarke Ben Davis Brian Greenbank Richard Palmer Roy Ainsworth Steve Barber Andy Jackson

Dunham Forest AM AM times Thursday 26th Oct
7.58 David Kelly x4
8.08 Pete Monaghan x4
8.18 John Hunt x4
8.27 Garry Dowdle x4
8.36 Ian King x4
8.45 Neil Edwards x4
8.56 Paul Evans x4
9.05 Brian Greenbank x4
9.13 Martin Bramwell x4
9.22 Ian Gemmill x4
9.31 Roy Ainsworth x4
9.40 Ray Tennant x4
9.50 Jack Coleman x4
9.58 Rob Weston x4
10.06 John Hilditch x4
10.15 Lewis Marland x4
10.24 Mick Mahon x4
10.33 Jim Rymer x4
10.42 Chris Adamsx4
10.51 David thomas x4
11.00 Mike Gray x4
11.09John Stubbs x4
11.18Graham Littler x4
11.27 peter maher x4
11.36 Ian Hellens x4
11.45 Sam Leach x4
11.54 Steve Johnson x4
12.03John Wallis x4
12.12 James Wilson x4
12.21 Richard Williamson x4
12.30 Richard Blackwell x4
12.39 Tom Butler x4
12.48 Brian Hopkins
12.57 Pete Hamlett x4

Dear Maxitours player

The Stockport course is open and in good condition for tomorrow’s event

however there is some drainage work taking place so worst case scenario is the 15th and 18th holes will play as par threes

Just a heads up

You may want to let your team know

Thanks Tim

Stockport 19th Oct – full
Dunham Forest 26th – full
Mottram 3rd Nov- team of 4- last few spaces
Maxitours at the Vale of Llangollen

Llangollen looked AWESOME this morning as sun streamed down on the stunning Autumnal valley setting. Conditions were perfect for a tremendous days golf.

Thanks to everyone at this great venue for looking after us all so well throughout the day. Everyone commented on how dry the course was and it was presented to its usual very high standard.

Simon Ashton from Hazel Grove was in trouble even before he left home :
‘Where are you competing at today darling? asked his lovely wife over breakfast.
‘The Vale of Llangollen dear’
‘Why the hell are you going all the way to Scotland to play golf?’

Barry Simpson loses plenty of balls when he plays but today he was looking puzzled as he walked around the clubhouse’ has anyone seen my golf bag I can’t remember where I put it?’
‘Have you got a provisional one?’ came the reply from one of our more quick witted players.

Steve Foxcroft nearly lost his golf balls , bag, clubs and trolley after he accidentally caught the go button on his electric trolley and watched it nosedive into the fast flowing river. Some long reeds stopped it from being completely swept away. He spent the rest of the round drying out his clubs but was grateful that his bag had waterproof pockets so no damage done to his valuables or car keys – Phew !!!!

Thanks to Matt Turnock for running the latter part of the day and collating the results.

Scoring was very tight at the top in today’s event with Grange Park’s Ray Tennant’s (5) low handicap team of Andy Jackson(5), Leigh Smart(1) and Billy Rawsthore(6) winning on card count back on 82 points from both Simon Ashton’s Hazel Grove team (Mick Jones(6) Rick Booth(10) and Dan Moss (6)) and Paul Dalby’s Didsbury team (Barney Ross 5, Chris Cyprus 12 and Phil Vokes 5) who were beaten into 3rd place.

Thanks for all who travelled and played today- I hope you had a great day. Tim

Nearest Pin 14th – Chris Adams Dozen AD333s
Nearest Pin 18th – Dave McDougall Dozen AD333s

2’s – £162.50
5 x ProV1’s or 12 Srixons per two
Barney Ross, Neil Gardner, Paul Evans, Stuart Blake x2 two’s, Steve Foxcroft, Ken Clarke, Chris Adams, Mike Hill & Dave Goodwin

Start sheet for Stockport AM AM
Thursday 19th October

8.54 David Kelly x4
9.03 Ian King x4
9.12 Barney Ross x4
9.21 Dave Woods x4
9.30 Brian Greenbank x4
9.39 Ben Davies x4
9.47 Paul Browne x4
9.56 Paul Browne x4
10.04 Roy Ainsworth x4
10.13 Rob Hands x4
10.22 Pete Booth x4
10.31 Mick Mahon x4
10.40 John Hilditch x4
10.48 Rob Platt x4
10.57 Andy Strickley x4
11.06 Lewis Marland x4
11.24 Chris Adams x4
11.33 Martin France x4
11.42 Frank Stapleton x4
11.50 Paul Evans x4
12.00 Les Russon x4
12.09 Barry Jackson x4
12.18 Duncan Challen x4
12.27 Duncan Challen x4
12.36 Dave Blease x4
12.45 Craig Dyson x4
12.54 Richard Blackwell x4
1.03 Richard Williamson x4
1.12 Jon Hudson x4
1.21 Simon Ashton x4
1.30 Ray Tennant x4
1.39 Pete Norbury x4
1.48 Brian Hopkins x4

res

Claire x4

Paul Robinson x4

Mike Gray x4

Spaces at must play Lovely Vale of Llangollen next Friday 13th October!!

Maxitours at Perfect Prestbury Golf Club

Another twenty millimetres of rain fell overnight but free draining Prestbury was presented in superb condition by highly acclaimed Mark Crossley and his expert greens team.

‘How do they get the greens that quick?’ asked a bemused Darren Whittaker ‘they were tremendous!’
‘That’s a beautiful course’ said Barry Jackson

I loved working here as assistant pro in the early 90’s and it was always a special place to be associated with. Every time I return the facilities and course keep improving at this forward thinking Club.- Thanks to Manager David and all his staff for their hospitality today.

Anthony Bloor played unusually well today, he actually told me it could have been even better but he pulled a muscle in his shoulder playing bowls last evening. He will have to take it easy and make sure he doesn’t sprain a finger in his dominoes match tonight.

Chocolate loving big Roy Ainsworth loves kit kats and mars bars so much he is known by everyone who plays Maxitours as ‘chunky’. On a recent trip to ALDI Roy was surprised and delighted to discover they have named chocolate biscuit in his honour. He loved handing his team their ‘Chunky’ chocolate bars today.

Brendan Poynts is known as ‘lack of ‘ by his golfing mates. He had an impressive 21 points on the front nine but lived up to his nickname with just 16 on the back nine to miss out on the prizes.

John Harrison skipped history classes to play golf when he was younger. The likeable Alsager man struggled to get in the Clubhouse after his solid round.
‘ What’s the door code?’ he asked the bar man through the window –
‘Battle of Hastings’ replied the steward
‘No, what’s the code for the door to get in?’
‘It’s the BATTLE OF HASTINGS’
‘I want to know the code for the door?’
‘ 1066’
‘Thats all I wanted to know’

It was the most amusing conversation of the season.

Knutsfords’ nice guys John Atkin(17) and David Kelly(9) were out first and they were round in just over 3 1/2 hours. They set the Clubhouse lead for most of the morning with 41 points and eventually finished in a very respectable 4th place after a card play off.

Lewis Marland is a lovely man. His golfing catch phrase is ‘I’m out of this hole partner- where are you?’ Today though it was Lewis(15) who was doing the work as he came in eleven times alongside Kevin Seaton(5) as they scored 41 points to take 3rd place.

After an average 18 points on the front nine top man Richard Blackwell(12) eagled the 11th and straight hitting John Hilton (13) parred the next three as 23 points on the back nine sealed 2nd place for the chirpy Mottram Hall duo.

John Bent(8) from Didsbury has not won on Maxitours since 2009. His long drought ended today as he teamed up with Billy Blissett(15) to take a wonderful four shot victory. Blissett works at the airport and his game has taken off thanks to a new spider putter.
‘I couldn’t miss out there and my partner played well also’ said the Mancunian. He also won nearest the pin after hitting his 7 iron to twelve inches at the signature 17th hole.
Well played chaps super golf in breezy conditions!

Thanks to all who played today – I hope you enjoyed this great course.
Tim

Nearest the pin 7th Geoff Andrews Doz AD333s
Nearest the pin 17th Billy Blissett Doz AD333s

2’s £145 4 pro V1s or 10 srixons each

Andy Jackson David Kelly Dave Woods Kev Hart John Harrison Billy Blissett John Bent Dave Goodwin Mark Taylor Bri Hopkins

Lovely Vale of Llangollen next Friday 13th October
9.30 Colin Roberts x4
9.39 David Kelly x4
9.48 Ian King x4
9.57 Jack Coleman x4
10.06
10.15
10.24Barry Simpson x4
10.42 Paul Dietz x4
10.51 Neil Edwards x4
11.00 Simon Ashton x4
11.09 Pete Cotton x4
11.18 tom baker x4
11.27 Paul Evans x4
11.36 Steve Foxcroft x4
11.45 Frazer Mackenzie x4
11.54 Simon Poucher x2 pat O’dowd x1 – 1 player required
12.03 Ray Tennant x4
12.12 Les Russon x4
12.21 Keith Workman x4
12.30 Bob Mottershead x4
12.39 Barry Simpson x4
12.48 Paul Salt x4
12.57 Jon Hudson x4
1.06 Richard Williamson x4
1.15 John Stubbs x4
1.24 Steve Parle x4
1.33
1.41 Pete Norbury x4
1.50
1.59 Joe Yates x4