Maxitours at beautiful Bramall Park

A rain free day greeted us at Bramall Park. I love this golf course which sits proudly in the wealthy Stockport suburbs.

Despite more heavy overnight rain the greens were excellent and running at a lovely pace.

‘They are definitely the best greens I have played on all year.’ Declared Martin Humphries who plays at least three opens each week.
‘Considering the recent weather the course was superbly presented’. Reported Graham Minton. Thanks to all the greens staff for their work.

Head pro Craig Daggitt is a friend of mine and runs a tight ship. He can’t be more helpful and has a brilliant shop for his members. The clubhouse also keeps getting better and there was a real buzz about the place as I did my report at 8.30pm. There must have been forty people enjoying food, drink and company – what a great golf club.

Tony Evans is a great bloke from Alsager. We always have a good laugh. His team today contained officially the worst player ever to play in a Maxitours event -Stuart Hibbert who has a handicap of 34.
High handicappers normally sound alarm bells as they have the potential to score heavily but Tony assured me that they only invite Stuart to play because he drives and he has a nice big car for golf clubs. Sure enough they were hopeless.

Apologies to Jack Coleman- a really lovely man who has suffered years of Maxitours abuse with bottom of the leaderboard performances. Last week he was class however and had a career best finish 4th place after some wonderful golf. Unfortunately, I was in a rush and he didn’t even get a mention in the report. Sorry Jack. Today he finished 2nd from last.

Roy Ainsworth has been out of the prizes for a couple of years, every week he searches high and low to find a winning team. Today he couldn’t even remember one of his team mates names.
‘I’m not sure but think I found him on the Tinder website. ’ Chuckled Roy.
The team finally clicked and they were delighted to finish in 2nd place. Adam Princep (2) Mike Verdon (15) and new guy Nigel Clapham (20) all contributed well as they racked up 84 points.

Winning today were crazy Microlite flying Les Penson(19), Paul Salt (18) Steve Gowry(2) and Conor Graham(8) all from Heyrose. Holes 10-12 at Bramall Park are really tough but Graham played them in two under which is exceptional. The only problem is that he works for the dark side (American Golf- so may not be eligible to win a prize.) Apart from that he is a nice guy.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance once again today- superb.

Yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 4th Steve Aspinall Dozen AD333
Nearest the pin 15th Phil Stevenson Dozen AD333

2’s sweep £215 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon AD333
Mike Verdon Steve Aspinall Phil Stevenson Colin Bryan Josh Brand Andrew Hill x3 Karl Allen Steve Heywood Martin Bramwell Andy Mansfield Conor Graham

Vale Royal start times
8.28 Simon Hemsley x4
8,36 Colin Roberts x4
8.44 Kev Hawkins x4
8.52 Dave Monk x4
9.00 Garry Owen x4
9.08Neil Laurent x4
9.16 Mark Phillips x4
9.24 Bob Pickthallx 4
10.30 Steve Aspinall x4
10.39 Jack Coleman x4
10.48 Gary Phillips x4
10.57 Lewis Marland x4
11.06 Mick Mahon x4
11.15 Paul Fell x4
11.24 Martin Humphries x4
11.33 John Hilditch x4
11.42 Andrew Cox x4
11.50 Rob Harris x4
11.58 Roger Percival x4
12.07 Sam Leach x4
12.16 Tim Spencer x4
12.24 Bob Eastwood x4
12.33 Ian Hellens x4
Dave Goodwin x4
12.42 Dave Sully x4
12.51 Les Russon x4
Andy Buckley x4
1.00 Dave Buckley x4
1.09 Martin Bramwell x4
1.18 Pete Walkden x4
1.27 Pete Walters x4
1.36 Simon Poucher x4
1.45 Richard Blackwell x4
1.54 Jon Hudson x4
2.03 Jim Rymer x4
2.12 David Smith x4
2.21 John Wallis x4
2.33 Gary Neiles x4
2.41 Kev Hart x4
2.50 Pete Dolan x4
2.59 Steve Marsh x4
3.08 Lee Tilley x4

Space for 1 team now in the welsh Classic at super Conwy and North Wales!!!

Maxitours at Pleasington
After watching last nights excellent forecast I was really looking forward to a stress free day at beautiful Pleasington. Three inches of hailstones then decided to fall on Maxitours competitors in the space of twenty minutes. It took an hour or so to clear but our players were eventually rewarded with a great days golf on one of the finest inland courses in Lancashire.

The staff at Pleasington were excellent throughout the day. The menu has slightly more than average golf club prices but you pay for quality and the food was superb.

In todays event Simon Burgess’ Bramhall team finished in 3rd with an excellent 86 points but they dropped a costly shot over the closing holes.
The view from the clubhouse is excellent and I enjoy watching the various chipping and putting techniques on offer. Kev Hart hit an excellent shot from 50 yards to within a foot. Playing partner Andrew Mansfield was struggling up the fairway then hit a chip which bounced off Kevins’ ball into the hole for an unlikely par. Kevin tapped his in for a team total of 6 points to secure second place.
Sandiways’ Gary Neiles has been out of the prizes in recent months but he was back on form today. His team had 44 points on the tough back nine and a couple of chip ins on their back nine moved them up the leaderboard late in the day. Well played chaps.

The report is shorter than usual as I have a busy day tomorrow!!

Nearest the Pin 16th Mick Mahon Dozen Wilson Duo
Nearest the pin 18th Moby Rawthore Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s £200 8 pro V1s or 18 srixon AD333 John Farnsworth Paul Fell x2 Dave Wainwright Lindon Stott David Kelly Garry Smith Mark Drabble

Bramall Park times Tuesday 25th May
11.30 Simon Hemsley x4
11.38 Colin Roberts x4
11.46 Jim Caldwell x4
11.55 Jim Clarke x4
12.04 Roy Ainsworth x4
12.12 Lewis Marland x4
12.20 Steve Aspinall x4
12.29 Dave Buckley x4
12.38 Gary Phillips x4
12.47 Neale Laurent x4
12.56 Mick Mahon x4
1.04 Paul Fell x4
1.12 Martin Humphries x4
1.20 Jack Coleman x4
1.28 Dean Jagger x4?
1.36 Roger Percival x4
1.44 Sam Leach x4
1.53 Ian Hellens x4
2.02 Dave Sully x4
2.10 Les Russon x4
2.19 Paul Evansx4
2.26 Steve Lamont x4
2.35 Dave Goodwin x4
2.44 Jim Rymer x4
2.53 Richard Blackwell x4
3.01 Mike George x4
3.10 Martin Bramwell x4
3.18 Andrew Cox x4
3.27 Andrew Hill x4
3.35 Gary Neiles x4
3.43 Kev Hart x4
3.51 Steve Marsh x4
3.59 Lee Tilley x4
res
Russell Sollit x4
Graham Pike x4

Room for 1 team at Lancashires finest -Pleasington next Wednesday!

Wonderful Romiley results

A sunny and sometimes showery Spring day greeted the full field of Maxitours competitors at Romiley.

This golf course is becoming a firm Maxitours favourite – we had a good field last year but word has spread about what a terrific venue Romiley is. The Club is incredibly friendly- both The President and committee members made the journey to the Club to welcome us all today.

The greens were hand cut and ironed and they are possibly now the best in the area. The Romiley layout is superb and this golf Club is rapidly becoming recognised as one of the finest in Manchester.

‘That is a great golf course. There is no doubt about it.’ Praised Colin Roberts.

‘That is in superb condition!’ Reported Peter Francis.

Head pro Graham Drabble has a terrific shop- I used to coach him when he was a young lad and he is now a model Club pro. He was fully booked with lessons today reflecting his growing reputation as a top coach.

Fifty-nine is the holy grail of golf scores. Only Ollie Fisher has broken 60 in the history of the European tour. Mike Kirchins’ Hale team scored 59 today.

‘Have you ever relegated a team?’ Chuckled Brian Fleetwood.

Not yet Brian.

Nigel Uttley and his team are still in shock after their first win three weeks ago. Normal service was resumed today with their mediocre 74 point hall.

Once again scoring was average and three teams will be very surprised to share second place with just 80 points. Maxitours legend Lewis Marland and his team finished 4th on the card play off and Wilmslow millionaire Jim Caldwells team of John Kelsall(11) John Roome(17) and Steve Barlow (4) took 3rd place after scoring 39 on the back nine.

Bramhall’s Simon Hemsley((11) Ian King(6) Joe Kirwan (7) and Cheshire senior team Captain Gareth Bradley(+2) had a frustrating front nine before a best of the day 43 points on the inward nine saw then move into second. Bradley showed his class with three birdies on the closing holes.

Colin Roberts is a very intelligent bloke who has a tremendously successful engineering company, although it is hard to believe as he is still wearing his face mask inside out every week. Colin is thoroughly enjoying the new world handicap system which has given him a new lease of life and a few extra shots. He teamed up with Alan Turner(22) Dave Marchant(22) and Andrew Williamson (16) to take first prize with just 81 points.

Well played chaps.

The Winter season was cut very short to only five or so events due to lockdowns. I wasn’t going to have an order of merit but unfortunately Kev Hart worked out that he has won it and he told all his pals what a great player he is. He also wants a prize.

Xentum Winter Order of merit

1st Kev Hart Cleveland wedge

2nd Colin Roberts Dozen Srixon Z Star

3rd Gary Neiles Dozen SrixonAD333

3rd Joe Yates Dozen Srixon AD333

5th Colin Bryan Dozen Srixon AD333

Xentum financial planning are kindly sponsoring our Summer Order of Merit and prizes will be awarded to the top ten players at the end of the season. Good luck to all.

Nearest Pin 2nd Jim Horton Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest pin 15th Rob Kenyon Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s £230 6 pro v1s or 15 srixon AD333 Simon Wilkinson Graham Jackson Richard Palmer Steve Aspinall Ewan McRae Simon Ledger Jonny Barton David Wilkinson Steve Barlow Pete Myers Austin McBride

Pleasington Weds 19th May

Indoor food available- woo hoo!

9.30 Simon Hemsley x4

9.39 Jim Caldwell x4

9.48 Nigel Jenkins x4

9.57

10.06 Lewis Marland x4

10.15 Steve Aspinall x4

10.24 Dave Buckley x4

10.33 Gary Phillips x4

10.42 Neale Laurent x4

10.51 Mick Mahon x4

11.00 Paul Fell x4

11.09 Martin Humphries x4

11.18 Jon Hudson x4

11.27 Jim Rymer x4

11.36 Ed Pysden x4

11.45 Sam Leach x4

11.54 Ian Hellens x4

12.03 Dave Sully x4

12.12 Dave Goodwin x4

12.21 Mark Hagarty x4

1.30 Steve Lamont x4

1.39 Roy Ainsworth x4

1.48 Roger Percival x4

1.57 Garry Owen x4

2.03 Richard Blackwell x4

2.12 Simon Poucher x4

2.21 Adam Carolan x4

2.33 Gary Neiles x4

2.41 Kev Hart x4

2.50 Jack Coleman x4 tbc

3.00 Steve Marsh x4

3.10Lee Tilley x4

reserves

Andy Taylor x4

Eddie Sterling x4

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