*PLEASE CHECK YOUR TIME FOR NEXT WEEK AT LEIGH – TIMES EARLIER THAN ADVERTISED

Great upcoming Maxitours events this September

Leigh 14th -3 spaces

Helsby 23rd -2 spaces

Bramhall 27th -1 space

Preston 29th -spaces – filling fast

Maxitours at really great Hazel Gove

Hazel Grove is a truly beautiful Cheshire course with great views of the Peak district. It is always incredibly well maintained and loaded with friendly staff and members -this is a must play venue.

Three older members kindly spent 5 hours welcoming my players to their Club and parking our cars so there was room for everyone. They got a free bacon bap for their efforts. The buttys are a bit special and worth the hard work I am sure, thanks very much guys – I really appreciate your time and efforts.

‘That is a great test of golf.’ Announced well-travelled Mike George ‘We all failed the test but we enjoyed taking the exam.’ He chuckled.

Sam Leach and Jonny Barton are two big characters and they are loved by all who know them but there was no sign of these two regulars today. I asked their team mate Chris Walley where they were.

‘They are fishing in Scotland this week. They are hopeless at that as well.’

There was something in the air today. Johnny Eccles drove to the course and with his telephone on his car roof. Luckily he drives like Miss Daisy so the phone was still there despite an eight mile journey and speed bumps on the golf club drive. Simon Ashton remembered his phone but was wearing a pair of slippers.

‘I thought my new golf shoes were very comfy.’ He remarked.

Eighty-one year old wealthy farmer Anthony Bloor recorded his first hole in one for 20 years after his Drive disappeared into the cup on the 9th hole. It couldn’t happen to a nicer man. Well done Anthony.

Conditions were perfect with Mediterranean temperatures and fast running fairways but the sloping Hazel Grove greens got the better of a few teams.

Jim Caldwell(8) won last week at Davyhulme and he was nearly at it again. Team mate James Cash(scr) is a class act and he finished his round with an impressive four gross birdies to move his team into 5th place. Peter Griggs(8) and Prestburys Lee Charnley(5) completed the team.

Retired Ex-Copper Neale Laurent(12) has not played great golf recently as he is back doing some part time policing. Nobody knows why he is back at work as he will never spend his generous police pension. He had a day off duty today and celebrated with a win. Ninety percent of teams scored much better on the 1st nine but Laurents team had two points of guinesss at the half way house and they can home in a super 46 points. Paul Butler(8) Adam Thomas (6) and Paul McDermott all played their part.

Lee Tilley(9) Pete Norbury(17) Dave Rhodes(16) and Ian Sutton(8) also had a tremendous 46 points on their closing nine but a strong finish saw the Saddleworth gentlemen take 2nd place.

Late in the day the Hazel Grove members team blew the field away with a superb 91 points. Retired Last years’ Club Captain Solicitor Simon Ashton(10) led the way Joe Shelley(10) Mike Booth (14) and Bob Dawson(9) all made the most of their local knowledge to secure the win.

Thanks to all for your support.

For your information there are lots of spaces at the rearranged Preston fixture on Weds 29th September. This is a great course if you have never played it!

Tim

Nearest the pin 13th Lee Tilley Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 15th Tony Jennison (2) Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £210  4 pro v1 or 10 srixon ad333

Anthony Bloor hole in one x2 Pete Fotheringham Brad Grime Lee Townley Simon Poucher Brian Greenbank John Fitzsimmons Paul Fell Tony Jennison Andy Oakes Ian Sutton

Leigh Start times Tuesday 14th Sept

9.00 Simon Hemsley x4

9.09

9.18 Jim Clarke x4

9.27 Martin Bramwell

9.36 Jack Coleman

9.54

10.03 Ian Hellens x4

10.12 Bob Pickthall x4

10.21 Lewis Marland x4

10.30 Steve Aspinall x4

10.39

10.48 Gary Phillips x4

10.57 Neale Laurent x4

11.06 Mick Mahon x4

11.15 Paul Fell x4

11.24 Martin Humphries x4

11.33 Bob Eastwood x4

11.42 Paul Browne x4

11.51 Roger Percival x4

12.00 Sam Leach x4

12.09 Dave Goodwin x4

12.18

12.27 Dave Sully x4

12.36 Les Russon x4

12.45

12.54 Jim Rymer x4

1.03 Lee Tilley x4

1.12 Simon Ashton

1.21 Richard Blackwell x4

1.30 Dave Monk x4

1.39 Gary Neiles x4

1.48 Kev Hart x4

1.57 Steve Marsh x4

2.06 Andy Buckley x4

2.15 Bernard Wood x

2.24 David Smith x4

2.33 Bill Melia x4

2.42 Bernard Wood x4

*Can regular players please check if you are down for rearranged Preston 29th Sept –(there is also an event at Bramhall on Mon 27th that week) – let me know asap if you can’t play so I can release times for others

Maxitours at delightful Davyhulme

Davyhulme is a brilliant members club. The course is a very easy walk, the greens are superb thanks to their experienced Nick Marner and the hospitality in the Clubhouse is second to none.

I had well over a dozen players telling me to book again for next year- Thanks Davyhulme!!

Harry Turner is struggling with the new Handicap system.

‘Do you know what Tim. My handicap changes everywhere I go!’

I couldn’t be bothered to even start to try and explain.

Stuart Hibbert from Alsager brings his Abacus to most events to speed up the check in process. It is always a close battle between Stuart and Bob Sutton as to who gets the most shots with the new handicap system. They are having a terrific tussle to become the worst Maxitours player ever. Stuart is the strong favourite. I saw Bob hit a couple of crackers today.

In todays event Jim Caldwell’s Wilmslow team were 3rd out and took the early lead with 88 points. Student James Cash (scr) Lancastrian Peter Griggs(12) and Mere’s artificial turf expert Martin Longshaw(22) completed the talented team. I thought scoring would be high due to the excellent conditions but this score led the way throughout the day.

Four teams challenged with 86 points. Paul Wrigleys team finished 5th losing the card play off, and millionaire Jim Clarkes team took 4th.

The team of Simon Raine(4), Pete Dobson(10), Mark Millhouse(+1) and David Thornhill(4) finished 3rd. Dobson is famous for having a fifteen year old son who is miles better than him at golf but he played well himself for a change today.

Ex School headteacher Nigel Ashton(11) is a lovely bloke. He helped his team to a homeward 45 points which was good enough to take 2nd place. Mike Lowe(8) Colin Bryant(8) and Steve Parry(8) all did as they were told and chipped in nicely.

At the end of the day Jim Caldwells team held on for a cherished win. Very well played chaps!

Thanks to everyone for playing today. Great golf course , weather and friends. If you didn’t have a top day today you never will. Thanks for your support, Tim.

Nearest the Pin 14th Richard Taylor-Carr Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 17th Gary Neiles Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s lots of them today!

£200 2 pro v1s or 6 srixon AD333 Per two

Paul Wrigley Ian McWiliams Andy Faulkner Steve Schofield x2 Sam Leach Pete Newey Pete Maher Dave Kelly David Wilkinson Stuart Blake Richard Taylor- Carr Alison Shipstone Gary Neiles Paul Bailey Dave Pearson Ken Booth Simon Raine Mark Millhouse Pete Ledger Colin Dixon Andy Corner Derek Fortune Barry Jackson Paul Yearsley Ian Sutton Tim Jones

Hazel Grove start sheet

Monday 6th Sept

10.00 Simon Hemsley x4

10.09 Colin Roberts x4

10.18 Jim Caldwell x4

10.27 Ed Pysden x4

10.36 Jim Clarke x4

10.45 Lewis Marland x4

10.54 Steve Aspinall x4

11.03 Dave Buckley x4

11.12 Gary Phillips x4

11.21 Neale Laurent x4

11.30 Mick Mahon x4

11.39 Paul Fell x4

11.48 Martin Humphries x4

11.57 Simon Poucher x4

12.06 Dean Jagger x4

12.15 Mike George x4

12.24 Sam Leach x4

12.33 Ian Hellens x4

12.42

12.51 John Wallis x4

1.00 Dave Sully x4

1.09 Dave Goodwin x4

1.18 Martin Bramwell x4

1.27 Pete Fotheringham x4

1.36 Jack Coleman x4

1.45 Richard Blackwell x4

1.54 Chris Adams x4

2.03 Chris Adams x4

2.12 Jim Rymer x4

2.21 Simon Ashton x4

2.33 Gary Neiles x4

2.41 Kev Hart x4

2.50 Steve Marsh x4

2.58Lee Tilley x4

*Room for 2 teams at Davyhulme on Thurdsay and 1 team at Hazel Grove next Monday.
Maxitours at Classy Clitheroe

The journey ‘up North’ was well worth it for Maxitours players today. The Clitheroe Golf Course was excellent and everyone enjoyed trying not to three-putt their famously hard to read greens.

The Clubhouse and course are improving each year and this venue is a real treat.

Mark Hagarty echoed the thoughts of all my players: ‘What a brilliant course that was -so enjoyable to play. The greens are incredible!’
The small greens got the better of many players. As we all know it is so important to change your wedges with your professional every year in order to get maximum spin. If your budget can’t stretch to a new wedge then grooves should be meticulously cleaned after each shot. Dave Boardman is a farmer and his sheep could graze off the grass and mud accumulated on his clubface over the past thirty years. He hasn’t seen a groove for years. He just couldn’t understand why his approach shots kept hurtling through the back of the firm Clitheroe greens.

Ricky Howard took the wrong Club on the 17th and he was relieved to see his ball hit the little wooden bridge over the stream which guards this classic hole. His ball bounced 50 feet in the air before landing on the green and rolling into the hole for an Ace! Well done, Ricky.

Andy Oakes hit a great shot into the par three 8th and declared to his team that he wasn’t sharing his balls. He missed the putt and by the end of the round he was the only member of his team not to record a 2, much to their amusement.

By 2.30pm nearly all the cards had been administered so I thought I would treat myself and ordered steak pie, rich onion gravy and crispy chips from Rachel the superb catering manager. I then popped into the pro shop for a chat with the new friendly Clitheroe professional Sam Punchard. On my return to the Clubhouse Kev Hart was caught red handed dipping one of my chips into the gravy. I don’t think Kevin knows the gravity of this particular infringement. It is going to be a very long winter for him and his team when the shotguns start.

The greens got the better of many players today. Clitheroe is set in the beautiful Ribble valley but after watching Stuart Roach and his team leaving their putts short on the 18th it should be called Dribble valley.

Three teams tied 3rd with 85 points but it was Mick Mahon(19) Richard Palmer (8)John Farnsworth (18)and Dave Westwood(17) who won the card play off after their superior fitness paid dividends on the back nine. Yeah right.
Second place went to Darren Booth(7) Martin Lang (5) Mike Wilson (11) and Mark Timperley (10). These guys were rocking after dropping three shots on the 16th and 17th but seven points on the last hauled them into 2nd place with 86 points.

Winning today were Denton’s Gary Owen(10), Alistair Holloway(17), Alan Gayle(22) and Tony Grinnell(12). They were out first thing and made the most of the receptive greens and calm conditions to set the clubhouse lead. Scores gradually deteriorated throughout the day as a breeze picked up and the quartet were delighted with their win.

Thanks to everyone for your support. Yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 5th Barry Shaw Allen Dozen Wilson Duo
Nearest the pin 17th Ric Howard Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £185 3 pro V1 bor 8 srixon AD333 Andy Buckley Dave Carter Ricky Howard hole in one x2 Josh Street Jim Caldwell Steve Hornby Dave Parry Martin Humphries Steve Hornby Chris Adams Gary Butler Martin Prescott Kenny Stevens Neil Macloed Gary Owen Alistair Holloway Steve Martin Paul Yearsley Neale Laurent

9.00 David Kelly x4
9.09 Simon Hemsley x4
9.18 Colin Roberts x4
9.27 Jim Caldwell x4
9.36 Jim Rymer x4
9.45 Dave Monk x4
9.54 Ian Snape x4
10.03 Bob Pickthall x4
10.12 Garry Kirkwood x4
10.21 Paul Evans x4
10.30
10.36 Jim Clarke x4
10.45 Lewis Marland x4
10.54 Steve Aspinall x4
11.03 John Hunt x4
11.12 Dave Buckley x4
11.21 Gary Phillips x4
11.30 Neale Laurent x4
11.39 Mick Mahon x4
11.48 Paul Fell x4
11.57 Martin Humphries x4
12.06 Doug Craig x4
12.15 Steve Hall x4
12.24 Roy Ainsworth x4
12.31 Dean Jagger x4
12.39 Sam Leach x4
12.47 Ian Hellens x4
12.56
1.04 Dave Blease x4
1.12
1.21 John Hudson x4
1.30 Garry Kirkwood x4
1.38 Simon Raine x4
1.47 Tom Williams x4
1.56 Mike George x4
2.05
2.13 John Wallis x4
2.22 Barry Jackson x4
2.33 Pete Fotheringham x4
2.41 Kev Hart x4
2.50 Steve Marsh x4
2.58Lee Tilley x4

Clitheroe Bank Holiday Monday 30th Aug start times below – room for 1 team

Davyhulme on Thursday 2nd Sept – room for 1 team

Hazel Grove 6th Sept – room for 2 teams

Maxitours at brilliant Knutsford

A lovely late Summer’s day greeted Maxitours competitors at Knutsford. The perfect weather ensured a great day was had by all.

Head Greenkeeper Dave Jones does an amazing job and has really raised the bar with his knowledge and hard work – once again the golf course was immaculate.

Steve Aspinall plays in every Open under the sun and he thought Knutsford Greens were the best he had seen on his travels. ‘They are right up there with the best greens I have played all year.’

Chris Brown went one better and told me that they were: ‘Definitely the best greens I have played all season.’

‘ Wow! If this was an 18 hole course it might well be the best in Cheshire.’ Was Frank Jewels verdict after his first ever round at Knutsford.

‘That is the best golf course I have played for quite some time, compliments to the greenstaff !’ Said Jim Doran President of Leigh golf Club.

Thanks also to Clubhouse manager ‘Mr Hospitality’ Steve Barker who looked after my players so well throughout a very long day.

I think I am going to keep my distance from Nigel Ashton in future.

‘Do you realise this is where I first ever saw you?’ He informed me at check in this morning. No, I can honestly say that I wasn’t aware of that Nigel. Thank you very much.

Rob Cross is famous for his wild hitting. His team told him to bring plenty of balls to Knutsford and even the Tatton Park wardens diverted the public footpath and kept the deer out of range as they knew Rob was playing. Incredibly Rob stayed out of the Park all day until the 18th hole when his gentle hook reappeared and normal service was resumed.

Vic Strata from Hale is a lovey bloke but he is very easily confused. He wanted a trolley for today so I gave him a handle. I saw him ten minutes later outside struggling by the trolley shed looking very stressed. He was trying desperately to work out how to attach the handle onto a trolley that already had a handle on it.

In today’s event everyone’s favourite golfer Lewis Marland(17) and his team scored 85 points to take 6th place. Lewis picked up seven shots for his team of Phil Dickens(11), Steve Scofield(13), and Paul Robinson(8) went home happy.

Roger Percival’s team took 3rd with 85 and second went to Gary Neiles Sandiway men on 86 points but they were just pipped on the back nine.

Tony Finau is famous as being a class golfer who is unable to get over the finishing line but he did so in last nights PGA Tournament. Des Kelly is famous as a terrible golfer who is also unable to get over the finishing line. Today his Poulton Park team of Phil Roberts(13) Des Kelly(21) Phil Johnson (11) and Aaron Dennis (12) scored 40 points on the front nine (which they hadn’t played before) but once they knew where they were going they came home in 46 for a great victory– Excellent Golf.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Tim

Nearest the pin 12th Chris Lane Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 14th Bob King Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £125 2 pro v1s or 6 srixon AD333 per 2

Steve Aspinall Dave Monk Martin Quinn Bob King Chris Brown Garry Phillips Paul Fell Mike George Tim Tighe Roy Adkins Barry Jackson Chris Lane Richard Palmer Joe Cross Pete Atherton Dave Greenwood

Clitheroe start times

Monday 30th Aug

10.00 David Kelly x4

10.09 Simon Hemsley x4

10.18 Colin Roberts x4

10.27 Jim Caldwell x4

10.36 Gary Owen x4

10.45 Lewis Marland x4

10.54 Rob Hands x4

11.03 Dave Buckley x4

11.12 Mick Mahon x4

11.21 Gary Phillips x4

11.30 Paul Fell x4

11.39 Martin Humphries x4

11.48 Darren Booth x4

11.57 Neil Edwards x4

12.06 Andy Buckley x4

12.15 Mike George x4

12.24 Dave Goodwin x4

12.33 Ian Hellens x4

12.42 Dave Sully x4

12.51 Les Russon x4

1.00 Mark Hagarty x4

1.09 Paul Entwistle early

1.18 Chris Adams x4

1.27 Roy Ainsworth x4

1.36 Tim Spencer x4

1.45 Dave Griffiths x4

1.54 Pete Waters x4

2.03 Simon Ashton x4

2.12 Jim Rymer x4

2.21

2.33 Gary Neiles x4

2.41 Kev Hart x4

2.50

2.58 Neale Laurent x4

Maxitours at stunning Stockport

Stockport is right up there in my top three courses in Cheshire. A wonderful golf course and welcoming Clubhouse make this venue a real treat to play. General Manager Ryan and Jane in the office are also class acts.

Stockport had done some work to their greens last week so I sent out a note to teams to pre warn them that they weren’t perfect – I had at least 20 guys tell me after their round that there was no need for the note as the greens were putting superbly – many thanks to the Stockport greens staff – terrific work this week.

Colin Roberts team mates hadn’t played here before and they could not believe how ‘pristine’ the course was. ‘The tee boxes are the best I have ever seen.’ Reported Mike Webb. Brilliant.

Early morning drizzle gave way to lovely golfing conditions and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Stan Devlin wasn’t sure if he had visited this venue but when he arrived he was absolutely certain that he had played here. ‘ Yes I’ve definitely been here before, In fact I played really well. This is the course where you cross the main road after the 2nd hole‘

No it isn’t Stan.

Vale Royal’s Don Phillips, Ian Pezell, Stuart Park and Cheshire senior player Don Campbell (2) finished 3rd with 85 points . Don stood in as a late replacement and his adopted team were class. Everyone played well.

‘Put us with Don again please!’ Begged Stuart ‘He is a fine ball striker.’

‘I loved that!’ Announced Don. ‘These guys are so much better than the lads you fixed me up with last week. Those guys were hopeless’

Taking 3rd place were the lads I fixed him up with last week.

Grd Keary, Steven Sheard Andy Penney and Bob Morris scored a measly 69 points at Ringway but today they were inspired and their 86 was good enough for 3rd place,.

In his early seventies Colin Roberts has turned himself into a top golfer. He was hopeless when he was in his 60’s but is now a force to be reckoned with his team finished in second place with an excellent 88 points and Colin moved up the XENTUM order of merit .Carl Deaville (20) Andy Williamson (16) and Mike Webb(15) all played well.

Joe Corrigan was the 3rd best goalkeeper in England for many years as he was unfortunate to be born in the same era as Shilton and Clemence. His son Andy played today and he was number one as his Shrigley hall team collected 89 points to take first place. Father and son Gary(14)and Paul Leek(22) and Brian Bryan(19) had a terrific back nine and I watched them roll in birdies on the 16th to pick up an impressive 7 points.

Great golf guys.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance yet again.

Tim

Nearest the pin 16th David Linton Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin in 2 on 18th Jack Suttie Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £290.50 5 pro v1s each or 12 srixon AD333

Andy Corrigan Paul Leek John Harrop John Kelly Laurie Heal Colin Berry Ian Gardner Matt Sayers Chris Adams Dave Smith Ian Gilchrist Jonny Barton Dave Fidler Ken Booth Brian Cattrell David Linton

Knutsford Golf Club AM AM Tuesday 24th August

8.30 Simon Hemsley x4

8.39 Colin Roberts x4

8.48

8.57 Bob King x4

9.06 Paul Roberts x4

9.15 Neale Laurent x4

9.24 Gary Kirkwood x4

9.33 Lewis Marland x4

9.42 Michael Hewitt x4

9.51 Steve Aspinall x4

10.00 John Johnston x4

10.09 Roy Ainsworth x4

10.18 Mick Mahon x4

10.27 Steve Marsh x4

Afternoon times

12.40 Ian Hellens x4

12.49 Jim Doran x4

12.58 John Hunt x4

1.07 Gary Phillips x4

1.16 Paul Fell x4

1.25 Gary Neiles x4

1.34 Danny Holbrook x4

1.43 Mike George x4

1.54 Pete Fotheringham x4

2.03 Barry Jackson x4

2.12 Martin France x4

2.19 Andy Buckley x4

2.28