Room for 1 team at 11.48am

Dear Maxitours player,

Great food will be served at tomorrows Romiley event from 8.30am and will be available throughout the day.

The bar will open at midday.

Thanks
Tim

Maxitours at perfect Preston

Many thanks to everyone for your tremendous support on a very wet and blustery day in North-West Lancashire. A few teams didn’t fancy braving the elements and kindly paid a reduced entry fee- thank you for your class. I am lucky to have such great players each week.

Preston were also super to work with and Head Professional Andy Greenbank is one of the best in the business. The head greenkeeper isn’t far behind and there was no danger that this class golf course was going to close today.

‘The greens are pure.’ Described Dave Griffiths.

‘That is a great track’ Declared Graham Jackson ‘The back nine is as good as you will play anywhere!’

When I drove down the avenue on the approach to the golf course this morning there were trees heavily laden with blossom. On the way home tonight the trees were bare after this afternoons storm.

I knew conditions were going to be bad when Dave Goodwin turned up for his round wearing two waterproof hats – I’ve never seen that before and yes, Dave looked as ridiculous as it sounds.

John Phibbs doesn’t hit too many great shots but as he checked-in he told me that the first hole at Preston was the scene of his closest ever hole in one when his ball was left teetering on the edge a few years ago. Today his first shot finished 6 inches from the hole and he easily took the nearest the pin prize.

‘I didn’t quite get it’ Chuckled the wealthy accountant. ‘I’m normally a bit closer.’

As the forecast was so poor the order of merit points competition was just over the first nine holes. Five teams tied for second with 42 points. It was the Knutsford team of David Kelly, President David Wilkinson, John Atkin and Stuart Blake that narrowly won the back six card play off

Dave Buckley, Dave Carter, Rick Howard and Ian Bruce from Antrobus took 1st place with 43 points – a great effort in these conditions. They very sadly lost regular Maxitours playing partner Ken Parkinson to Covid less than a month ago so their victory was tinged with sadness. I am sure Ken would be delighted lads.

In the 18 hole competition it was Myton Folds Mick Mahon, John Farnsworth, Dave Westwood and Richard Palmer who took the honours with 84 points. Palmer has just returned to the team after spending April in the fields with his Blue Leicester lambs. He was mint today.

Thanks again to everyone for your support and integrity.

Tim

Nearet the pin 1st John Phibbs Dozen Wilson UNO

Nearest the pin 8th Pete Ledger Dozen Wilson UNO

2’s Gareth Friend, Kevin Hindley, Andrew Hindley, David Owen Dave Mason John Phibbs Jeremy Lawton

9.30 David Kelly x4

9.39 Simon Hemsley x4

9.48 Colin Roberts x4

9.57 Jim Caldwell x4

10.06 Jack Coleman x4

10.15 Bob Pickthall x4

10.24 Martin Bramwell x4

John Newton x4

10.33 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 Dave Monk x4

12.06 Peter Dobson x4

12.15 Roger Percival x4

12.24 Sam Leach x4

12.33 Ian Hellens x4

12.42 Dave Sully x4

12.51 Les Russon x4

1.00 Mark Hagarty x4

1.09 Nigel Uttley x4

1.18 Mike Kirchin x4

1.27 Paul Rudkin x4

1.36 John Hudson x4

1.45

1.54 Rob Harris x4

2.03 Pete Moores x4

2.12 Lee Tilley x4

2.21 Gary Neiles x4

2.32 Kev Hart x4

2.40 Steve Marsh x4

2.49 David Smith x4

2.58 D Smith x4

3.00 B Melia x4

3.08 B Wood x4

3.16 Andy Buckley x4

3.25 Andrew Hill

Room for 2 teams at magnificent Preston on Monday -YOU MUST PLAY THIS COURSE!!
1 player required with Gary Phillips 11.03am at Preston on Monday

Maxitours at leafy Knutsford

Knutsford hosted the Cheshire PGA Championships last week and many of the professionals quite rightly rated it as the best nine hole golf course in the North. Despite a lack of growth due to the cold nights the greenkeeper worked hard to present a wonderful test of golf for our players. Many thanks Dave Jones.

General manager Steve and his hard working staff (Sandra and Vicky) also served our players wonderfully well. Thanks guys.

The price of golf clubs has gone through the roof. It costs about £130 to buy a decent sand wedge nowadays. Roy Ainsworth has been struggling in the bunker so he thought he would treat himself.
On the 3rd hole he pulled it into the left hand trap and reached for his new weapon.

His ball was expertly thinned across the green. Luckily for Roy, Pete Atherton was bending down marking his ball. The ball ricocheted off Roy’s head and finished 3 feet away for a tap in par.
‘Thats my first sandy save of the season!’ Said a delighted Roy. ‘It’s all down to the new Club.’

In todays event Kevin Hart took third place with 40 points. He holed his second shot on the 4th hole for 5 points!
‘Do I get some balls for a two even though it’s a par four?’ Begged the Ellesmere man. ‘Yes you do Kevin, but only if you had paid £2.50 and gone in the ball sweep.’

Second place went to Brian Bryant with a terrific 42 points.

Seventy year old Colin Roberts(25) from Alsager has found some form in recent weeks and he had a stunning 44 points to win todays singles in style. The popular Maxitours regular kept churning out the bogeys as he scored a gross 5 on 13 of his holes today. Well done Colin.

Thanks to everyone for your support,

Tim

Nearest the pin 3rd Dozen Wilson Duo
Nearest the pin 5th James Brown Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s £62.50 3 pro v1 or 8 srixon ad333

Bob King Pete Atherton Dave Sully Jane Heywood Paul Yearsley x2

Preston start sheet

Check in at the pro shop/driving range- bacon, Sausage and egg butties and drinks available from the clubhouse near the 1st tee. Terrific half way house.
9,50 David Kelly x4
9.58 Simon Hemsley x4
10.07 Colin Roberts x4
10.16 Nigel Jenkins x4
10.24 Jim Clarke x4
10.33 Lewis Marland x4
10.41 Phil Loclkett 4
10.50 Steve Aspinall x4
10.58 Dave Buckley x4
11.07 Gary Phillips x3 1 player req
11.16 Neale Laurent x4
11.24 Mick Mahon x4
11.32 Paul Fell x4
11.41 Martin Humphries x4
11.50 Bob Eastwood x4
1-4
1.00 Graham Pike x4
1.09 Ian Hellens x4
1.18 Dave Sully x4
1.27 Dave Goodwin x4
1.36 Paul Browne x4
1.45 Kev Hart x4
1.54 Munro Donald x4
2,03 Andrew Cox x4
2.12 Dave Griffiths x4
2.21 Simon Poucher x4
2.30 Richard Blackwell x4
2.39 Paul Cooper x4
2.48 Tim Spencer x4
2.56 John Dickenson x4
3.05 Simon Ashton x4
3.14 Gary Neiles x4
3.23
3.32 Steve Marsh x4
3.40
3.49 James Wilson x4
3.58 Andy Buckley x4

*Spaces at Knutsford singles on Thursday – the finest 9 hole golf course in the North.
* Preston Monday 3rd May – please check your start times below. There may be room for a team of 4 -let me know if you want to play

Maxitours at brilliant Bramhall

On arrival at Bramhall Golf Club you drive through a lovely practice area which is manicured better than many local courses and this set the scene for a wonderful days golf.
I was delighted by how many positive comments there were from my players about Bramhall Golf Club today.

‘That is a superb course!’ Declared Mick Mahon ‘Best greens I have played on all year by far.’
‘Brilliant, brilliant venue.’ Reported Dave Blood.
‘This has just gone into my top 5 all-time favourite courses.’ announced Martin Humphries.
‘I’ve not played here for 20 years.’ Testified Lewis Marland ‘It has become a class golf club.’
Thanks to General Manager Max Sullivan and all his staff for their hospitality.

The five-star Bramhall marque was a pleasure to work in and Lynne and her catering staff are really nice people. They looked after me and my players so well today. Thanks ladies.

Regular maxitours players are well aware that salad dodger Graham Jackson loves his food.
‘That is the best sausage sandwich I have ever had!’ Announced the Heyrose man after his breakfast this morning. This statement should not be underestimated as Graham has had more than his fair share of sausage sandwiches over the years. It is the catering equivalent of Lionel Messi saying that is the best goal he has ever scored.

Martin Humphries was looking colourful today in a maroon and white outfit- even his shoes had maroon soles. He quietly confided in me that the better he is playing the more colourful the outfit he wears. After birdieing the 17th he is getting really dressed up for the Knutsford event on Thursday.
If you see him wearing a little black number at Preston on Monday don’t be too surprised.

In todays’ event the brightly dressed Martin Humphries and his team took the early lead with 83 points after an excellent 45 points on the easier closing 9 holes. Bob King(12), Steve Ross(18) and Alan Reynolds(11) completed the team.

The Marriotts Pete O’Neill(2) Kev Hart(11) Andrew Mansfield(18)and Paul Yearsley(13) took second place with 85 points. They had just 37 points on the back nine before catching fire. Even Kev Hart managed to make three birdies- a new personal best. It was Andys 50th birthday today – congratulations on both fronts Andy.

Taking the honours today were Sandiways Gary Neiles(5) John Longworth(13) Joe Yates(13) and Jimmy Ainscough(22). The par 3’s at Bramhall take some playing but they had three 2’s on the back nine to really make their score. Well played chaps- first good performance for a while. Excellent!

Thanks again for your 100% attendance guys- brilliant.

Tim.

Nearest the Pin 4th Mark Birtwistle Dozen Wilson UNO

Nearest the Pin 14th Gary Neiles Dozen Wilson UNO

2’s £210 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon per two

Alan Simpson Paul Robinson, Alan Reynolds Gareth Winston x2 John Lester Jim Caldwell David Thornill Mike Verdon Paul Robinson Mick Mahon Richard Blackwell Dan Moore Paul Salt

Knutsford start sheet
Thursday 29th April

8.30 Simon Hemsley x4
8.39 Colin Roberts x4
8.47 Bob King x4
8.56 Les Russon x4
9.04 Neale Laurent x4
9.13 Williamson x3
9.22
9.31 Andy Corrigan x4
9.40 Mick Mahon x4
9.49 Stewart Cragg x4
10.00 Martin Humphries x4
afternoon
12.32 John Hunt x4
12.40 Roger Percival x2 Richard Blackwell x2
12.49 Beadle x2 Gary Phillips x2
12.58 Kev Hart x4
1.07 Dave Sully x4
1.16 Roy Ainsworth x4
1.25
1.34
1.43 John Newton x4
1.52 Barney Ross x4
2.01 Steve Marsh x4
2.10 Lee Tilley x4

Preston start sheet
Monday 3rd May

Check in at the pro shop/driving range- bacon, Sausage and egg butties and drinks available from the clubhouse near the 1st tee. Terrific half way house.
9,50 David Kelly x4
9.58 Simon Hemsley x4
10.07 Colin Roberts x4
10.16 Nigel Jenkins x4
10.24 Jim Clarke x4
10.33 Lewis Marland x4
10.41 Peter Walkden tbc
10.50 Steve Aspinall x4
10.58 Dave Buckley x4
11.07 Gary Phillips x4
11.16 Neale Laurent x4
11.24 Mick Mahon x4
11.32 Paul Fell x4
11.41 Martin Humphries x4
11.50 Bob Eastwood x4
1-4
1.00 Graham Pike x4
1.09 Ian Hellens x4
1.18 Dave Sully x4
1.27 Dave Goodwin x4
1.36 Paul Browne x4
1.45 Roy Ainsworth x4
1.54 Munro Donald x4
2,03 Andrew Cox x4
2.12 Dave Griffiths x4
2.21 Simon Poucher x4
2.30 Richard Blackwell x4
2.39 Paul Cooper x4
2.48 Tim Spencer x4
2.56 John Dickenson x4
3.05 Simon Ashton x4
3.14 Gary Neiles x4
3.23 Kev Hart x4
3.32 Steve Marsh x4
3.40 Lee Tilley x4
3.49 James Wilson x4
3.58 Andy Buckley x4

*Next week sees us visit Bramhall Golf Club on Monday (full) and Knutsford Singes on Thursday (spaces.)
Bacon butties and drinks available before play at both these wonderful venues.

**Bolton Old links – sorry due to a date clash this event as been moved to Friday 10th June please let me know if you can’t play/ or wish to enter a team.

** Welsh Classic full

Maxitours at excellent Helsby

Another full field assembled at Helsby golf club in the heart of Cheshire.

The course is situated down a little country lane and it is lovely to see the ancient hedgerows and old oak trees turning a stunning lime green in the Spring sunshine. I was told by an old member a few years ago that this is Cheshire’s very own Magnolia lane!

The course was really excellent and enjoyed by all- thanks to everyone at this traditional Cheshire Club. The half-way house near the car park was open and served terrific food throughout the day. It took me a while to explain to Allan Brown that he was allowed visit the half way house before his round and not just half way round. We got there in the end. Many thanks to the lovely caterers.

I had some great chats with my players today.

Dave Reading has been really struggling with his game but to his credit he is always trying to make the best of a bad situation. ‘ I’m so terrible at the moment I am just hoping my shanks will go a bit straighter than usual today!’.

Alex Jerman is a lovely lad. He is about 40 years old and is always good fun to have a talk with. He had a couple of new excuses today. Apparently, one of the reasons he plays badly is because his shoes are too comfortable. Secondly, when he was 16 he grew over twelve inches in six months so he is still getting growing pains. I’ll write those two down thanks Alex- they are new ones to me and I’ve heard a few in my time.

The final hole at Helsby is a 200 yard brute of a par three. In Steve Heywoods team Steve had a two on the first par 3, his wife Janet recorded a two on the 2nd par 3 and Graham Davenport had a two on the 11th (the 3rd par 3) . Playing partner Chris Lee stepped up to the teams fourth and last par three – could he make it a remarkable quartet?
No. He hit his ball into the daisies.

The golf course has a gentle opening nine holes where you make your score and then a tough back nine to test your nerve. The scoring was low once again reflecting how well the course was designed.
Beating four other teams into 3rd place was the Romiley team of Dave Blood, Ian Smith, Colin Gallimore and Nick Green. They had a super 43 points on the back nine.

Sandbach’s Maxitour Hall of famer and all round great bloke Lewis Marland led his team into 2nd place with 83 points. Team mates Steve Schofield, Phil Dickens and Paul Robinson all had a great day.

Taking top spot with his first ever Maxitours win (it could also be his first win of any description as he is normally useless) was Nigel Uttley(19) and his likeable Heyrose team of Alan Kay (17) Andy Hirst (10) and Jeff Mitchell (19).They had just 38 points on the front nine before picking up 8 points on the 10th hole. After some great putting they managed a one shot win with 84 points! Great golf guys, I am delighted you have won – very well played.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance. Class.

Tim

Nearest the Pin 11th Mick Mahon Dozen Wilson Uno
Nearest the Pin 18th James Brown Dozen Wilson Uno

2’s sweep £227.50 7 pro v1s or 16 Srixon AD333 per 2.

Steve Heywood Janet Heywood Graham Davenport Mark Davies Dave Hillier Brian Kelly Andy Corner Paul Yearsley John McAtee

Bramhall start times
Monday 26th April
9.00 Simon Hemsley x4
9.09 Colin Roberts x4
9.18 Jim Caldwell x4
9.27 Gary Neiles x4
9.36 Dave Blood x4
9.45 Lewis Marland x4
9.54 Neale Laurent x4
10.03 Jim Clarke x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 Dave Goodwin x4
10.30 Paul Gilbert x4
10.39 Les Penson x4
10.48 Paul Fell x4
10.57 Martin Humphries x4
11.06 John Hunt x4
11.15 Dave Sully x4
11.24 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.33 Simon Raine x4
11.42 Gary Phillips x4
11.51 Steve Aspinall x4
12.00 Pete Fotheringham x4
12.09 Dave Stewardson tbc x4
12.18 Kev Hart
12,27 Sam Leach x4
12.36 Roger Percival x4
12.45 Dave Goodwin x4
12.54 Chris Bracchi x4
1.03 Steve Marsh x4
1.12 Peter Dobson x4
1.21 Richard Blackwell x4
1.30 Lee Tilley x4
1.39 Bernard Wood x4
1.48 David smith x4
1.57 Bill Melia x4