Maxitours at Conwy

Over 100 Maxitours golfers battled through the dreary Manchester rain to be greeted with wonderful blue skies and plenty of fresh sea air at the lovely Conwy golf course.

There were two teams from Didsbury Golf Club who stayed over in Llandudno the night before. More than a few of them desperately required a hair of the dog before play today. ‘I always have fruit juice for breakfast’ said Paul Bayley as he enjoyed an early morning Magners.

With his flat backswing Lee Tilley has won ‘Nearest the Bin’ on several occasions during his career. Today he hit a terrific shot into the 15th hole to win ‘Nearest the Pin.’ He also tapped-in for a birdie to pick up even more srixon balls- great shooting Lee!

In today’s event third place went to the on form Dave Stanhope(11), John Anderton(9), Dave Antrobus(8) and Giles Terry(14) who tamed the wind to score an excellent 86 points. This was beaten on a better back nine by Upton-by-Chesters Mark Killgallen(15), Brian Gibbons(9), Dave Murphy(9) and Rob Lavery(17).

Rory McIlroy can now completely focus on his golf after splitting with his athletic, blonde haired and long legged girlfriend. She has sapped all his energy and severely affected his concentration. Much to his dismay Pleasington’s John Hughes(9) has had no such problems for many years and this translated into his great performance today. He teamed up with Mark Robinson(10), Mike Johnson(8) and Stuart Coupe(10) to record a superb 88 points which took the honours.

Charles Herbert(10) won the Shotsaver Summer Tour Order of Merit by the narrowest of margins as just two points separated him from second placed Malc Wells(1). A strong finish to the season saw the Styal man win The Shotsaver Order of Merit Trophy and a fantastic s320 Tour pro GPS unit. Well played chaps.
1st Charles Herbert 101 points Shotsaver Unit
2nd Malc Wells 99points Dozen Titleist Pro Vs
3rd Bob Vickers 88 points Footjoy shirt

Peter Lees has been professional at Conwy for the past 46 years and he retires at the end of the month. As well as being a terrific Club pro, a fine after dinner speaker and a great teacher he is a lovely man who has been terrific to deal with and I for one would like to wish him a very happy retirement!

Many thanks for your support today, I hope you enjoyed this great links. Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 2nd Malc Wells Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 15th Lee Tilley Dozen AD333s

2’s 2 Pro V1s or 4 srixon balls £122.50 Luke Mighall John Hughes Mark Killgallen Phil Lockett Malc Wells Jay Seddon David Smith Mark Woodhead Richard Palmer Ken Swarbrick Mike Spencer Phil Vokes Stuart Mellish Lee Tilley Roger McMullan Dave Rhodes Andy Hallowes Dave Murphy John Hilditch John Stubbs John Robinson Tom Wilson

Dunham Forest Pairs start times
Friday 18th October £25
7.51am Neville Dennis x4
8.00am Colin Roberts x4
8.09am Mark Wheeler x4
8.18am Ian King x4
8.27am
8.37am Malc Wells x2 Colin Baxendale x2
8.46am Gav Sutcliffex4
8.55am Tony Cooper x4
9.03am Dave Stanhope x4
9.13am Dave Parsons x4
9.21am Richard Blackwell x2 Steve Johnson x2
9.30am Phil Vokes x4
9.39am Dave Collinson x4
9.48am Jason Waite x4
9.57am Gail Hegarty x4
10.06am George Maxwell x4
10.15am Ron Jolley x2 Pete O’Neill x2
10.24am Mick Mahon x4
10.34am Geoff haynes x4
10.43am Dave Blood x4
10.52am Des Kelly x4
11.01am Richard Williamson x4
11.10am Derek Ashford x4
11.19am Sean Kirkby x4
11.28am Dave Keen x4
11.37am Dave Keen x4
11.46am Colin Lynch x4
11.55am Paul Griffiths x4
12.04pm Roy Bramwell x4
12.13pm Dave Crowther x4
12.22pm Charles Herbert x4
12.31pm John Stubbs x4
12.40pm Barry Jackson x4

12.49pm John Hilditch x2 Chris Burrows x2

www.maxitoursgolf.com
Great upcoming October events

Monday 14th Conwy Am Am
Friday 18th Dunham Forest Pairs
Friday 25th Mere Am Am

Tuesday 29th Sandiway Pairs

Maxitours at Pleasington

Pleasington GC today confirmed its status as perhaps the best inland course in the county, stunning views, remarkable weather and striking golf holes ensured a great days golf was enjoyed by all.

The three Manchester United legends golfing today- Frank Stapleton, Stuart Pearson and Andrew Cole- have all had their fair share of footballing injuries during their glittering careers. Andy Cole has narrowly avoided crunching tackles from the likes of Tony Adams and Terry Butcher. Today he once again needed to give us a glimpse of his legendary pace as he side stepped Peter Sutton’s spectacular shank which narrowly whistled past his multi-million pound kneecaps.

Mike McCurdy turned up in the same desperate outfit he has done for the past five events. He claims it is a lucky sweater but judging by his recent results this may not be the case. He once again finished well out of the prizes today.

Winning nearest the Pin on the 16th was big Dave Antrobus who hit a semi shanked tee shot which clipped several trees before nestling close to the hole.
‘My poor strike could be because I’ve lost two stones in the last month’ slurped big Dave Antrobus as he celebrated his good fortune by drinking his 3rd pint of bitter in the bar after play. ‘I did it by not eating between meals’ he claimed munching his cheese and onion crisps and opening a packet of KP nuts.
‘This is my lunch.’ he added quickly.

In todays event there were five pairs tied for third place on 43 points. A good back nine helped Bob Vickers(6) and Adam Hart(9) take 5th place.

Frank Stapleton(13) played with top writer Dave Wilson(8). Wilson knows the importance of a good ending and he finishing strongly for fourth place. His wonderful writing skills are in sharp contrast to his average golf and his latest book ‘When a red light shines’ is top of the Amazon political thriller charts. (and at just 99p it is well worth a read this winter.)

John Anderton(9) and Dave Stanhope’s(11) close friendship continues to blossom as the like able duo took third place, Stanhope’s birdie on the seventeenth hole brought admiring glances and several fond winks from his delighted partner.

Malcolm Wells(1) and Tony Tansey(22) took second place with 45 points however this was beaten on a card play off by Charles Herbert(12) and one handicapper George Drakonakis. Big hitting Herbert was disappointed to hook his drive out of bounds so far over the railway line on the 5th hole that it was sitting up perfectly on the 11th hole, partner George eased his frustration as he rolled in the first of his four birdies to keep the momentum flowing.

Many thanks to all who played today, I am sure you enjoyed this terrific course.
Yours in Golf,
Tim.

Nearest the pin in 2 shots on 18th hole Pete O’Neill Doz AD333s
Nearest the Pin 16th Dave Antrobus Doz AD333s
Steve Quail holed an awesome 9 iron on the 17th hole to get his share of the balls in the sweep.
2’s £130 3 pro v1s each orv 6 srixon soft feels Jonty Geake Malc Wells x2 Frank Massey David Kelly Phil Lockett Rob Anderson Steve Quail Hitash Patel Lee Tilley Frank Stapleton Gary Hempstead

Conwy AM AM Start Times
Monday 10th October
9.45 Mike Spencer x4
9.52am Paul Crisp x4
10.00 Mark Robinson x4
10.08 Phil Vokes x4
10.16 Bob Sutton x4
10.24 Andy Sandham x4
10.32 Malcolm Wells x4
10.40 Dave Stanhope x4
10.49 Charles Herbert x4
10.58 Mick Mahon x4
11.07 Des Kelly x4
11.16 Cairan Bradshaw x4
11.25 Mark Wheeler x4
11.34 Ed Wilkinson x4
11.42 Lee Tilley x4
11.50 Colin Baxendale x4
11.59 Roger McMullan x4
12.09 Welcome x4
12.19 David smith x4
12.29 Welcome x4
12.39 Smith x4
12.48 Welcome x4
12.57 Smith x4
1.06 Ian Bartholomew x4
1.14 Peter Lees x4
1.23 John Stubbs
1.32 Al Noden x4
1.42 Al Noden x4
1.51
2.00 George Maxwell x4
2.08

http://www.maxitoursgolf.com

Great Upcoming Maxitours events

Thursday 10th Pleasington Pairs- nearly full
Monday 14th October Conwy AM AM –full
Winter Tour BEGINS!

Friday 18thOctoberDunhamForest pairs-spaces
Friday 25th October The Mere AM AM- spaces

Dunham Forest Pairs Betterball.

The Dunham Head Greens Keeper was up at the crack of dawn proudly ironing his stunning greens in preparation for today’s Maxitours event. Head pro Ian Wrigley was also up bright and early to greet our players and the legendary Dunham professional was still at the club to wish us a fond farewell 12 hours later, many thanks for your help gentlemen.

The Dunham members were all very friendly and I had a few nice chats with them today. I had a talk with four old members who teed off ahead of our event. ‘Did you play well? I asked. , ‘No I only hit 1 rider, Bob hit 2 riders and Tom had a great day-he hit 6 riders’ After further discussion I discovered a rider is a tee shot struck far enough to warrant a ride in the buggy.

The heavily wooded course always looks wonderful at this time of year. The huge Cheshire Oaks had boughs heavily laden with acorns and the towering ancient beech trees were plentiful with nuts. If any Maxitours players are considering going conkering with someone this weekend can I suggest Dave Wilson is your man. His partners are convinced he actually aims for the horse chestnut trees when he plays and ultrafast swinging Dave knocked down some real beauties today.

Even with Pellegrini as their intelligent manager ManchesterCity have once again shown how they struggle against the best foreign teams in Europe (Bayern Munich, CardiffCity). David Moyes on the other hand has proven what a tremendous manager he is, it’s taken him 11 years but it looks like he has finally succeeded in ensuring Everton will finish above United in the league.

In todays golf the early competitors had the best of the weather as the forecasted rain moved in at three o’clock to make things a little more interesting for the late starters. At one point the greens threatened to flood and Club house Manager Mike Saxon and Ian Wrigley showed their class as they kindly squeedgeed the greens for our players.

Ian Ainsworth(12) was a fine amateur player back in the 70’s He represented Cheshire and won several prestigious scratch Open events. Then he met Alan Clough(17) and his golf rapidly went into decline. The hopeless duo usually write themselves off in the car journey on the way to the course and have played in over 200 Maxitours events together, recording just one top five finish. Today grey haired Ainsworth and bald as a coot Cloughie rolled back the years, playing magical golf to record 47 points and 2nd place.

Stealing their glory was Poulton Parks Pete Hall(4) and Nathan Chadwick(11) who also scored 47 points with an incredible back nine on 26 points to just pip the likeable Hazel Grove men.

Alan Baxter(5) and Giles Terry(14) from The Mere finished in 5th position, beaten on a card play off by Malc Wells(1) and Phil Sharpe(16). Disleys Mark Woodhead(12) and Paul Kuiper(12) scraped into 3rd place as all three pairs scored 45 points. Kuiper flys jumbo jets for Cathay Pacific and he assures me that when it comes to aeroplanes size really does matter.

Many thanks to all players for your terrific attendance today.
Yours in Golf,
Tim

Nearest the pin 8th Paul Sherlock Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin in 2 18th Carl McKinney Dozen AD333s

2’s sweep £152.50 4 Pro V1s each or 8 srixon AD333 Pete Hall Nathan Chadwick Mark Wheeler Dave Wilson John Russell Steve Roberts Barney Ross Malc Wells x2 Bernard Wood

http://www.maxitoursgolf.com
(next week: Dunham Forest!)

Maxitours at Prestbury Golf Club

Prestbury was in wonderful condition for todays JP & Brimelow Classic Am Am. The catering and hospitality was its usual first class standard throughout the day and General Manager Neville Young made us feel very welcome indeed.

Tony Ramatowski really loves autumn. Today he got a good look at some colorful leaves as he was seen regularly playing shots very close to the many different species of trees on the course.

There is a plethora of great golf holes at Prestbury Golf Club however the magnificent par three 17th is the signature hole. There is a stream and steep bank to carry before reaching the small two tiered green which is closely guarded by several deep bunkers. It is fondly referred to as ‘Naomi Campbell’ as it is beautiful and nothing but trouble. Dave McCullough found it no problem at all as his arrow straight 7 iron was ‘Eatin fibre all the way’ and he won nearest the pin in style (flagsticks are fibre glass).

Prestbury member Terry Davison used his local knowledge to win nearest the pin on the 7th hole.

In todays event Peter Hall(4), Phil Lockett(9), Des Kelly(17) and Hari Patel(20) had a terrific front nine however they failed to pick up any shots on their closing 5 holes and their 82 points was just good enough for fourth position.

Big hitting James West (+2) , Malc Wells (1) Adam Hart (6) and Bob Vickers(6) scored an excellent 84 points for another podium finish. Tytheringtons Howard Baker(17) Tony Taylor (+2) David Johnson(12) and Mark Foley(9) played great golf for 2nd place as they scored 85 points.

Late in the day 2 handicapper Mark Richardson and his team of Andy Stubbens(5), Ross Birch(8) and Charles Herbert (13) also scored 85 to take first place due to a slightly better last six holes. Very well played.

Many thanks to my sponsors John Pratt and Eddie Ellis from JP & Brimelow who have a terrific reputation as Manchesters best estate agents with offices in Withington, Cholton and Didsbury. They kindly provided all todays competitors with a goody bag. If you want to sell your house these are the best in the business.

Thanks to all players for your terrific support today.

Yours in golf, Tim

2’s £130 3 Pro V1 balls eachRussell Brooks James West Paul Woodcock Mark Brierley Guy Hall Chris Unsworth x2 Wayne Flaherty x2 Lee Tilley

Nearest Pin 7th Terry Davison
Nearest Pin 17th Dave McCullough

www.maxitoursgolf.com

Maxitours RAA Putter Classic at Hazel Grove

Occasional showers and a blustery wind greeted today’s Maxitours competitors at Hazel Grove. Despite this week’s heavy rainfall the superbly undulating USPGA greens remained wonderful to putt on and the fairways were in their usual carpet-like condition.

This year is Hazel Grove’s Centenary year and this really warm and friendly Club should be congratulated for hosting so many successful events throughout the season.
James Rowlands is officially the happiest and most helpful PGA pro in the North and his support today is greatly appreciated.

On a slightly different note one of todays regular maxitours players told me he went weak at the knees and started thinking irrationally last night when his wife bought home some skimpy leather underwear ‘I got excited because she smelt like a new golf bag’ he explained later.

The early starters had the worst of the weather and racehorse owner Mick Mahon’s team battled well before falling at the last as they dropped three points on the closing holes to finish just out of the prizes.

Mike Hall doesn’t own a racehorse but his team also needed shooting as they dropped shots on their last two holes to just miss out on their first podium finish.

Taking third place was the Didsbury team of Bob Vickers(6), Malc Wells(1) Phil Sharpe(16) and Adam Hart(6) on a creditable 80 points.

Proud Jan Jagielka(13) -father of England International Phil- played alongside insurance supremo Barry Horrox (11) Charles Herbert(13) and nearly man Brian Hopkins(6). All the team contributed well to the overall score and Jan was delighted with his 2nd place finish. ‘I was a bit little emotional when I saw my son wearing the famous England shirt and representing his country for the first time, but when Barry birdied the 8th hole it was hard to hold back those tears.’

Taking their maiden Maxitours win today are the ever present team of Iain Bartholomew(3), wealthy legendary Hale estate agent John Hilditch(11), Ian Noakes(11) and Max Henderson(10). Hilditch was ridiculed last week for playing golf in what looked like his old school uniform. Today his new improved image led to a more confident golf game and he surprised his team with three high quality birdies on the tricky Cheshire course.

Congratulations on a great performance, the team each win a fantastic new RAA putter.

Many thanks to RAA owner and designer Roy Ainscough and PGA Pro Lee Sullivan (Cheshires number 1 putting coach) for supporting todays event. The new putters are really taking off and they are currently used by many senior tour players including Gary Wolstenhome and also North Region number 1 David Shacklady. My own custom fit putter is due to arrive on Wednesday- watch this space……
Please visit the website to view the latest range: http://raaputters.com/home.aspx
Lee Sullivan Qualified putting coach tel:07759917518

Thanks to all players for your terrific support today! Tim.

2’s £75 3 PRO v1s Each
Bob Vickers Ray Brown Paul Baxter Dave Karling
John Hilditch Richard Blackwell

Nearest the Pin 13th Chris Hegarty Doz AD333s
Nearest the Pin in 2 18th Jef Brothwell Doz AD333s