Maxitours at Hazel Grove

I arrived early at Hazel Grove and asked their incredibly well-liked Club professional James Rowlands about the condition of the course.
‘Its mustard mate, its mega, its mega mustard.’ Indeed it was.
There were umpteen Maxitours players raving about the condition of this great course after their round:
‘That was superb!’ Reported wealthy John Hilditch.
‘ What a great course.’ Announced scruffy Pete Cotton.
‘ I’ve been playing here for many. many years but that is best it’s ever been’ Declared intelligent Dr James Shipstone.

Thanks to Martin Swindells and his catering staff for their excellent hospitality- I had a cheese and onion toastie at 11am and went back to back with another at 4pm.
Club Captain Simon Ashton is a great man and his friendly persona is mirrored by all the lovely members who were so warm throughout the day to all our players. Brilliant.

It was yet another early start for me to get to the course at 9am to do my course preparation and registration set up. I overtook Knutsford slow driving champion Stuart Blake and his pal Bob ‘Stena’ Sutton (he always needs a lift off his mates to the golf club) on the new bypass which really improves travel time. A local told me that it is now just 12 minutes from Hazel Grove to Manchester airport. Not if you are stuck behind Stuart Blake.
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Richard Williamson also stopped the Hazel Grove traffic as he had to hit his second shot off the road on the first hole after an embarrassingly bad 35 yard bobbling tee shot.

Senior Colin Roberts knows an attractive woman when he sees one and he wouldn’t stop talking about how friendly the half way house ladies were. ‘Can you thank those stunning Hazel Grove lady members for their voluntary efforts today- they were brilliant. I think one took a shine to me.’
‘Yeah right, What are you doing tonight Colin?’
‘I’m settling down to watch the Norwegian ladies football team – I can’t wait. Then it’s love island.’ Replied the amorous seventy year old.

Jim Clarke and Pete Hamletts teams showed their class and integrity after disqualifying themselves after realising they were playing off the wrong tees. You are todays winners in my eyes.

The greens were perhaps the best we have played all year and with them running at 11 on the stimp meter they were really tough to putt on. Today was I think possibly the worst scoring in Maxitours history with nearly half the teams failing to break par.

I teamed Ben Davies and his partner up with Tony Adams and his partner as they were both two players short last night. The newly formed quartet managed just 67 points. Ben Whispered to me that they were lovely guys but can I get them two better players next week. Three minutes later Tony came in ‘those lads you teamed us up with were great company but they weren’t the best -can you get us two decent players next time…’

Steve Foxcroft, Trevor Webb, Tony Andrews and Rob Weston are possibly the most unsuccessful four ball in maxitours history. Last year they were that bad at Hazel Grove I gave them a cap each just to cheer them up. Today they were delighted with their first top half finish for over 5 years ‘I can’t wait for the results to come through!’ Admitted on form Foxy.

Jim Caldwells(12) Wilmslow team were leading for most of the day after an impressive 83 points in the perfect early morning conditions. Liam Pilkington(11), Peter Griggs(15) and Russell Cash (6) completed the experienced team.

John Dickenson(20), his son Craig (9), Paul Lord (5) and Lyndon Stott (11) challenged them briefly with a solid 77 points and finished in 3rd spot.

Late in the day home advantage came into play as Cheshire golfing legend Andy Hill (1) Mike(19) and Dave(9) Stewardson and Cockney Joe Shelley(9) scraped 84 points to earn their first ever victory. They scored seven points on the seventeenth hole to make all the difference. Well played chaps!
Thanks to everyone for your support today.
Tim
Nearest the Pin 5th Chris Clarke Dozen AD333
Nearest the pin 15th Steve Marsh Dozen AD333
2’s £162.50 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon AD333s Joe Shelley x2 Dave Stewardson Chris Clarke Bri Hopkins Steve Marsh Gary Bresnahan David Kelly Mike Wainwright Dan Moss

Davenport start times
Thursday 4th July
10.00 David Kelly x4
10.09 Colin Roberts x4
10.18 Simon Hemsley x4
10.27 Jim Caldwell x4
10.35 Ed Pysden x4 early
10.44 Jim Clarke x4
10.54 Lewis Marland x4
11,03 Mick Mahon x4
11.12 Dave Stanhope x4
11,17
11.21 John Hilditch x4
11.30 Martin Bramwell x4
11.39 Simon Poucher x4
11.48 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.57 Peter Maher x4
12.06 Roger Percival x4
12.15 John Dickenson x2 2 players required
12.24 John Hunt x4
12.33 Brian Greenbank x4
12.42 Neil Edwards x4
12.51 Neil Edwards x4
1.00 Paul Evans x4
1.09 Nigel Hallows x2 2 players required
1.18 Paul Fell x4
1.27 Brian Hopkins x4
1.36 Dave Sully x4
1.45
1.54 Richard Blackwell x4
2.03 Steve Parle x4
2.12 Bernatrd Wood x4
2.21 Gary Parle x4
2.30 Bill Melia x4
2.39 D Smith x4
2.48 D Smith x4
2.57 Olivier Troalen x4
3.06 Dave Goodwin x4
3.15 Joe Yates x4
3.24 Lee Tilley x4
3.33

Playing opportunities

Dear Maxitours player

There is room for 1 or 2 players tomorrow at Hazel Grove with two excellent teams!
10.39am or 2.48pm are the tee times.

I also need a team for the Leigh Pro am playing with me this Monday 1st July!
1pm start time -£200 team. – let me know if you want to play with a poor mans’ Colin Montgomerie.

There are now 2 team of 4 spaces in the Maxitours AM AM event at Lancaster on Monday 8th July -this is an amazing venue.

The overseas Portugal event 16th -20th January is now nearly full, please let me know if you are considering going on the great trip- 10 of last years 12 teams are returning alongside 6 new teams.
Hope you can play.

Thanks Tim

Next weeks Davenport times are below:

Davenport start times
Thursday 4th July

10.00 David Kelly x4
10.09 Colin Roberts x4
10.18 Simon Hemsley x4
10.27 Jim Caldwell x4
10.35 Ed Pysden x4 early
10.44 Jim Clarke x4
10.54 Lewis Marland x4
11,03 Mick Mahon x4
11.12 Dave Stanhope x4
11.21 John Hilditch x4
11.30 Martin Bramwell x4
11.39 Simon Poucher x4
11.48 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.57 Peter Maher x4
12.06 Roger Percival x4
12.15 John Dickenson x4
12.24 John Hunt x4
12.33 Brian Greenbank x4
12.42 Neil Edwards x4
12.51 Neil Edwards x4
1.00 Paul Evans x4
1.09 Nigel Hallows x2 2 players required
1.18 Paul Fell x4
1.27 Brian Hopkins x4
1.36 Dave Sully x4
1.45
1.54 Richard Blackwell x4
2.03 Steve Parle x4
2.12 Bernatrd Wood x4
2.21 Gary Parle x4
2.30 Bill Melia x4
2.39 D Smith x4
2.48 D Smith x4
2.57 Olivier Troalen x4
3.06 Dave Goodwin x4
3.15 Joe Yates x4
3.24 Lee Tilley x4
3.33

Great upcoming Maxitours events!
Hazel Grove – Thursday 27th June -spaces – reported to be in EXCELLENT condition
Davenport 4th July – spaces
Lancaster 8th July- full
Hopwood 18th July – spaces
Lymm 23rd July -spaces
Dunham Forest 1st Aug – full
Didsbury 8th Aug -spaces
Mottram Hall 15th Aug -spaces
New event!
Pleasington 12th Sept -spaces in this rearranged event 12th September – another not to be missed venue!

Maxitours at Fixby

Fixby golf club was in exceptional condition for today’s Maxitours event.
The greens were ‘Rapid’ and the fairways were like carpets as our players enjoyed this stunning championship venue.

‘That was the hardest round of golf I have ever played. I think it was a combination of lightning fast greens, tough pin positions, breezy conditions and a general lack of talent.’ Admitted Richard Palmer.
‘What a course – that was superb!’ Declared knowledgeable Phil Smeathers.
‘That’s a proper test of golf – amazing.’ Announced Gordon Warke.

The food menu and service provided by the caterers at Huddersfield is also right up there with the very best venues we visit all year- thank you!

The day started well for Andy Oakes who had a big smile on his face as he enjoyed a famous ‘Full Fixby breakfast’ but things rapidly went downhill for the likeable Prestbury man who played like a sausage as his team could only manage 62 points.

Tomorrow is the Longest day of the year but it felt like today was even longer for me after I asked Frank Lyons if he was on form. Fifteen minutes later and he was still in full flow talking me through his most recent five rounds of golf.

It is great to see ladies playing on Maxitours and they are always very welcome. Christine Clarkson played today and she passed her friend Janet Heywood what looked like a golf tuition book. I asked for a closer look and discovered that it was entitled: ‘How to knit your own golf headcover’. Say no more.
Brian Hopkins (5) Majid Benyounis (22) Darren Whittaker(14) and Anthony Grimley(13) were out early n the day and they thought 77 points would earn them a mid-table finish – they will be delighted to learn that they finished in 3rdplace.

Classy Sarah Ormrod (16) Dave Greenwood(11) John Delaney(5) and Paul Smith(15) finished in 2nd place. They had a tremendous back nine of 43 points after a very average 36 points on the front nine.
Ashton in Makerfield good guys Ste Woods(21), Paul Woods(6), Jimmy McEwan(7) and Chris Bland(13) took first place. They picked up five shots on the tough par three holes when everyone else in the field were throwing them away like confetti. A great birdie from Jimmy on the last sealed an excellent team performance.

Thanks to everyone for your 100% attendance once again.

Yours in golf and friendship,

Tim
Nearest the Pin 8th Nigel Hall
Nearest the pin 11th Pete Norbury

2’s £150 6 pro v1s or 13 srixon AD333 Tom Hollis Alan Simpson Rob Andrew x2 Ian Dickenson Steve Woods Chris Bland Pete Norbury

Hazel Grove start times 27th June
10.00 David Kelly x4
10.09 Colin Roberts x4
10.18 Jim Caldwell x4
10.27 Mark Morrisx4
10.36 Jim Clarke x4
10.45 Jack Coleman x4
10.54 Lewis Marland x4
11.03 Brian Greenbank x4
11.12 Mick Mahon x4
11.21 Dave Stanhope x4
11.30 Ian Hellens x4
11.39 John Hilditch x4
11.48 Rob Weston x4
11.57
12.06 Dave Sully x4
12.24 Dave Randles x4
12.33 John Dickenson x4
12.42 Sam Leach x4
12.51
1.00 Howard Baker x4
1.09 Bri Hopkins x4
1.18 Nigel Hallows x4
1.27 Paul Fell x4
1.36 John Hunt x4
1.45 Pete Cotton x4
1.54 Andrew Hill x4
2.03 Chris Brownhill x4
2.12 Richard Blackwell x4
2.21 Barry Jackson x4
2.30 Joe Yates x4
2.48 Dave Goodwin x4
2.57
3.06 Simon Ashton x4
3.15 Simon Ashtonx4

Fixby next week – 2 players required
And Room for 1 team

Maxitours Welsh Classic at North Wales

Day two of the Welsh Classic saw a few bleary-eyed golfers entering the North Wales Clubhouse.

The course was in great condition and the greens were running fast and true.

‘The pace of these greens is beautiful.’ Admired Andy Hallows.

Club manager Phil Beard is switched on he has grown the membership and Club turnover and is terrific to deal with – I would highly recommend you to contact him if you fancy a group day out!

The weather held off and not a drop off rain fell in sunny Llandudno when the rest of the world was getting drenched. UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE!!!!

Joe Kirwan survived the night in the much-feared Whitehouse hotel. He said there was a nice touch on arrival as the bin in his room hadn’t been emptied – lovely.

Ian Fensom was short of a player this morning so I was trying to find him a local to play with. I saw an old chap I didn’t recognise in the bar and asked him if he fancied joining us. ‘I’ve played 18 holes on my own first thing but I quite fancy another round so -yes I will.’
I told the North Wales pro that Peter was standing in and he told me that his member was a top climber and leads expeditions up Kilimanjaro. He had cycled 40 miles to the golf club this morning and will be cycling home tonight.- Legend.

Andy Oakes never wins a bean. Even when he won nearest the pin yesterday he didn’t get a mention as I had done the report and presumed nobody in his 4 ball would knock it close. Well done for yesterday Andy.

In todays event Olivier Troalen owns a top French bistro in Lymm. His team score of 85 bettered yesterdays score at Conwy by a massive 21 points. They were pipped on the card play off.
Winning today was David Smiths smooth swinging Ringway team who also scored an impressive 85 points.

In the two day Classic Mike spencers team made a final day move with 82 points to move into 3rd place.

Overnight leaders Neale Laurents team demolished their £5 a head kitty in minutes and were still singing in a top welsh karaoke bar at 2am last night. They collected 42 points on the front nine but then ‘hit the wall’ with just 32 points on their closing nine to be pipped into 2nd

The overall event was won by Knutsfords Jim(12) and Georgie Clarke(23), Peter Ledger(19) and Graham Jackson(6) who added a solid 79 points to yesterday’s 81 points. Georgie was the only player in the field without a hangover and she played great golf on the front nine. Well played guys and girl!

Thanks to all players for your support,
I hope you enjoyed the event as much as I did!!
Tim

Nearest the pin 16th Wayne Harper Doz AD333s
Nearest the pin 17th Kev Hart Doz AD333s

2’s £130 5 pro v1s or 10 srixon AD333s Mike George Kev Hart Martin Higgins Ian Ritchie Jim Kenyon Ian Fenson Mark Franklin Wayne Harper

Fixby start sheet
Thursday 20th June
10.00 Colin Roberts x4
10.09 Simon Hemsley x4
10.18 Jim Caldwell x4
10.27 Jim Clarke x4
10.30 Paul Cooper x4
10.36 Jack Coleman x4
10.45 Mick Mahon x2 2 players required
10.54 Chris Adams x4
11.03 Dave Stanhope x4
11.12 Rob Platt x4
11.21 Steve Finnan x4
11.30Roy Ainsworth x4
11.39 Paul Wrigley x4
11.48 Roger Percival x4
11.57Steve Aspinall x4
12.06 Paul Rudkin x4
12.15 Neil Edwards x4
12.24 Chris Smith x4
12.33 Peter Maher x4
12.42 Paul Fell x4
12.51 John Hunt x4
1.00 Nigel Hallows x4
1.09 Dave Sully x4
1.18 Les Russon x4
1.27 Richard Blackwell x4
Brian Hopkins x4
1.36 David Smith x4
1.45 Bernard Wood x4
1.54 Steve Parle x4
2.03 Gordon Warke x4
2.12 Gary Parle x4
2.21 Bill Melia x4
2.30 Paul Price x4
2.39 Dave Goodwin x4
2.48 Dave Griffiths x4
2.57 Lee Tilley x4

Maxitours Welsh Classic Day 1 at Conwy

Conwy was the stunning venue for day one of the Welsh Classic Event. EVERYONE was raving about the course condition and the wonderful weather. What a great day!!

Highly rated new General Manager Matt Parsley is doing great things and everything about this famous Club is now five star. Thanks to everyone associated with the Club for your hospitality.

Most teams are staying overnight and Neale Laurent was collecting a Kitty for his team – £5 a man. Sounds like they are in for a big night out in Llandudno.

It is also interesting to note where people are staying.
I am lucky enough to be booked in a very homely and clean local guest house called ‘Sunny side.’
A few teams are booked into the safety of a premier lodge which is not very exciting but it is where you know what you are getting.

Bramhall members have been invited to stay at wealthy retired banker Mike Spencers mansion on the Great Orme. The only problem was that Ian King was doing the inviting without Mikes knowledge. Mike is sleeping on the sofa.(It is a nice sofa though)

I asked Maxitours legend and all-around nice guy Lewis Marland and his team where they are staying and they proudly announced that they were at ‘The White House’ in Llandudno. It was only £25 a head. This rang a few alarm bells as last year Les Russons team stayed there and they swore never to return. I went on trip advisor to check.
These are the first three reviews
‘The worst hotel I have ever stayed in’
‘Absolute Nightmare’
‘Avoid at All costs’
Good luck Lewis!
Things got even worse when Twenty minutes later Joe Kirwan checked in
‘ Where are you staying tonight Joe?’
‘The White house- it’s only £30 a night!’

John Farnsworth continues to lead the Maxitours putts per round average. He only had 19 putts in total today -unfortunately he only putted on six greens as he had picked up well before he needed his putter.

In today’s event Lewis Marlands team took the lead with 84 points. Neale Laurent, Paul Butler and Phil Dickens were his partners.

Jim Clarkes team of three old men and his daughter are lying second with 81 points. They were one short late last week so Jim invited Georgie who is one of the nicest seventeen year old girls you will ever meet. She is in for a long night as her team mates started on the San Miguel immediately after their round at 3pm.
As I left for my bed and breakfast at 6pm one of the team was telling her another “Interesting” story
‘When I was a lad…
Colin Roberts, Dave Marchant, Dave Mason and Mike Upton are looking good in third place. They have a good chance tomorrow but they need to ensure Colin behaves himself in the lively Llandudno nightlife tonight.

Tomorrow looks like the forecast is improving but with an occasional shower and strengthening breeze the leaderboard may well change!! Local man Mike Spencer tells us that the rain will miss us so bring your suncream.

The highly under-rated Knutsford team of Tony Andrews, Trevor Webb, Rob Weston and Steve’Sorry for treading on your line’ Foxcroft are normally delighted to get any score not in the sixties sure enough they were 67 today BUT they all made twos on the 15th – brilliant! (especially as there were only 7 twos on the whole course all day!)

Have a great night.

Tim.
Nearest the Pin 2nd Doz AD333 Tony Andrews
Nearest the pin 15th Doz AD333 Steve Foxcroft

2’s £140 6 pro v1s or 15 srixonAD333s David Smith Paul Smith Sarah Ormrod Swarmy Naryama Tony Andrews Steve Foxcroft Trevor Webb

Fixby start times
Thursday 20th June
10.00 Colin Roberts x4
10.09 Simon Hemsley x4
10.18 Jim Caldwell x4
10.27 Jim Clarke x4
10.30 Paul Cooper x4
10.36 Jack Coleman x4
10.45 Mick Mahon x4
10.54 Chris Adams x4
11.03 Dave Stanhope x4
11.12 Rob Platt x4
11.21 Steve Finnan x4
11.30Roy Ainsworth x4
11.39 Pete Dobson x4
11.48 Roger Percival x4
11.57Steve Aspinall x4
12.06 Paul Rudkin x4
12.15 Neil Edwards x4
12.24 Chris Smith x4
12.33 Peter Maher x4
12.42 Paul Fell x4
12.51 John Hunt x4
1.00 Nigel Hallows x4
1.09 Dave Sully x4
1.18 Les Russon x4
1.27 Richard Blackwell x4
Brian Hopkins x4
1.36 David Smith x4
1.45 Bernard Wood x4
1.54 Steve Parle x4
2.03 Gordon Warke x4
2.12 Gary Parle x4
2.21 Bill Melia x4
2.30 Paul Price x4
2.39 Dave Goodwin x4
2.48 Dave Griffiths x4
2.57 Lee Tilley x4