Results from World Class Vale Royal

*Spaces at magical Mere Pairs this Monday 7th Aug and just room for 2 teams of 4 at Sandiway on Tuesday 15th Aug*

Maxitours at World Class Vale Royal

Another great days golf was had by all at the stunning Vale Royal Abbey.

The course just gets better and better each year and my Maxitours players were once again raving about the quality of the golf course.

‘That was fabulous!’ said well travelled David Kelly who went out in the first match. ‘I’ve played Ganton, Fulford and Alwoodley recently but none of them were in as good condition as that- they were even ironing the greens in front of us, changing the holes and raking the bunkers- brilliant!’

Not only are the green keepers at the top of their game but all the Vale Royal staff were terrific – the hospitality was top notch.

There was once again 100% attendance from my Maxitours players, to have customers with such integrity makes my job a real pleasure- thank you very much indeed.

‘Has our 4th player already checked in with you ?’ Asked one of today’s teams delayed by some road works.
‘What does he look like?’
‘He’s a little fat man with a bald head’.
‘I’ve no idea, nearly half of my players fit that description .’ I replied.

The English women’s football team dashed the nations hopes with a dismal performance against Holland last night The Knutsford ladies team managed to restore the country’s faith in the fairer sex a little bit with a best of the day 42 points on the front nine. Unfortunately this was followed up by an average 34 on the back nine. Team Captain Rachel Horsley asked me to mention in my report that they beat John Atkins Knutsford men’s team.

After also throwing away a great score with a dismal back nine disappointed philosopher John Farnsworth(21) from Mytton Fold informed me that ‘There was no one to blame, only ourselves’.
I know that John.

Eugenio Fernandez sounds like he should be playing football in an expensive Spanish football team instead he was playing in Steve Aspinalls’ Northern premier level golf team. They could only manage a relegation threatening 74 points.

It was a delight to see my lovely wife Suzy having a day out and she enjoyed competing in her first ever Maxitours event. If any of you were wondering- it was a tough decision and it kept me awake last night but no I didn’t charge her for playing.

In today’s event the scoring was not too impressive as the sloping greens got the better of our players. Taking 3rd place with 83 points was the big drinking Hazel Grove team of Ian Walters(14), Roy Campion(6), Chris Heyes(5) and Arron Liddell (16). They could have won but Arron was a Liddell bit unlucky.

Prestbury millionaire investors Chris Adams(13), Steve Hall(17), Andy Oakes(6) and Charlie Cunningham(12) are an unlikely looking portfolio of players but they performed above expectations today and got a good return on their efforts. They made the most of the good forecast and picked up five shots on the closing two holes to take 2nd place also with 83 points. They celebrated with a SIPP of San Miguel and then SHAREd some nuts

Winning back to back events for the first time in Maxitours history was Wilmslow’s Jim Caldwell(10) with 84 points. The Aston Marten driving seventy year old golf fanatic assembled a different team from last week but he was still the main man. The team finished twelve under par but they picked up 7 of these shots between the 13th and 15th holes. The highlight of which was Jim’s holed pitching wedge on the 14th for an unlikely eagle. Nigel Milroy(14), Peter Maxwell(11) and Peter Griggs(16) completed the likeable quartet. Well played chaps!

Thanks to all who played today, your support is greatly appreciated.
Yours in Golf, Tim.
Nearest the Pin 10th Callum Hughes Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 16th Mike Lynch Dozen AD333s

There were a total of seven 2’s today and incredibly three of them were on the par four 14th where shots of 80 yards, 100 yards and a 20 yard chip in secured classy eagles for Rob Platt, Jim Caldwell and Andrew Waite respectively:
2’s £230 5 pro v1s or 12 srixon AD333s per two Phil Harvey Mike Hill Bob Eastwood John Johnstone Neil Macleod Rob Platt Jim Caldwell Andrew Waite Natalie Cusselle Ian Walters Callum Hughes x2 Mike Lynch

Vale Royal 04-Aug-2017
Pos Team Players Score OoM Comment
1 Jim Caldwell, Nigel Milroy, Peter Maxwell, Peter Griggs 85 12 Footjoy merino sweater each
2 Chris Adams , Steve Hall, Andy Oakes, Charlie Cunningham 83 10 Maxitours Merino sweater each
3 Ian Walters, Roy Campion, Chris Heyes, Arron Liddell 83 8 Footjoy shirt each
4 Trevor Foster, Phil Mayers, Andrew Walmsley, Phil Harvey 82 6 Maxitours shirt each
5 John Hudson, Mike Hill, Gary Brooks, Rob Blane 82 4 Callaway shirt each
6 Mike Stuart, Dave Stone, Alan Bailey, Anthony Green 82 2 Maxitours bag towel each
7 Richard Blackwell, Gary Conroy, John Hilton, Steve Austin 82
8= Joe Kirwan, Dave Woods, Neil McCloud, Don Campbell 81
8= Rob Platt, Steve Morfitt, Carl Mollart, Steve Barber 81
8= Mick Jones, Callum Hughes, Dan Moss, Rick Booth 81
11= Jason Waite, Andy Waite, Tom Hulme, Dave Pearce 80
11= Greg Aspinall, Julie Jones, Jonathon Irwin, Nigel Davies 80
13= Pete Hamlett, Gordon Hamlett, Mike Lynch, Geoff Allen 79
13= Mick Mahon, Richard Palmer, Frank Hindle, John Farnsworth 79
15 Simon Lewis, Wayne Harris, Dan Huffman, Dave Hillier 78
16= Simon Hemsley, Ian King, Gareth Bradley , 77
16= Bob Eastwood, Stuart Reynolds, Ray Mills, Ashley Elliott 77
18= Pat O’Dowd, John Johnston, Vic Stratta, Martin Oldfield 76
18= Tim Spencer, Mark Saxon, Paul Higgs, Barry Pendlebury 76
18= Suzy Maxwell, Natalie Cusselle, Rachel Horsley, Kim Blake 76
21 David Kelly, John Atkin, Stuart Blake, Dave Harlow 75
22 Steve Aspinall, Colin Berry, Steve Lamont, Eugenio Fernandez 74
23= Barry Wilson, John Linnsky, Simon Wilkinson, John Fitzsimmons 73
23= Chris Hammond, Geoff Linnell, Peter Roche, Peter McCulloch 73
25 John Wallis, Graham Bailey, Paul Entwistle, John Moorfield 72
26= Keith Boothroyd, John Fielding, Steve Hickey, Les Patterson 70
26= Les Penson, Chris Darlington, Tony Davies, Darren Townsend 70
26= Brian Hopkins, Mark Johnson, Mark Taylor, Gary Bresnahan 70
29 John Shore, Michael Lavelle, Eugene Connolly, Dave Smith 68
30 Paul Evans, Tony Evans, Stuart Hibbert, Darren Forrester 64

Tee times for Mere AM AM this Monday 7th August

8.00 Jim Caldwell x4
8.09 Dave McCallum x4
9.24
9.48 Neil Drummond x2 Richard Blackwell x2
9.57 Paul Salt x4
10.06
10.33
10.42 Chris Hammond x4
10.51 Barrie Simpson x2 Lewis Marland x2
11.00 Chris Adams x4
11.09 Trevor Foster x4
11.18
11.27 Martin France x4
11.36 Neil Edwards x4
11.45 Brian Hitchen x4
11.54 Ian Broughan x2 Steve Austin x2
12.03 Mick Mahon x4
12.12 Frank Stapleton x4
12.21 Dave Thomas x4
12.30 Chris McKellor x4
12.39 Sam leach x4
12.48 Chris Brownhill x4
12.57 Nigel Oakes x4
1.06 Gerry John x4
1.15
1.24
1.33 Ray Tennant x4
1.42 Richard Williamson x4
1.51 Terry Crewe x2 Malc Thorhill x2
2.00
2.09 Iain Cole x4
2.18 Dave Bentley x4
2.27 Joe Yates x2 John Hilditch x2
2.36 Pete Norbury x4
2.45 Simon Ashton x4
2.54 Hugh Mullin

Maxitours at Delightful Dunham Forest

Spaces at Vale Royal team of 4 Footjoy Classic next Friday 4th Aug!!
also Mere Am Am – Monday 7th Aug

Maxitours at delightful Dunham Forest

Dunham Forest was once again at its majestic best for the visit of Maxitours.
The towering oak and beech trees did a great job sucking up the rain water from the fairways after a couple of heavy showers and the excellent free draining greens were really terrific to putt on. Thanks to all the green keepers for their fine efforts.

Thanks also to PGA professional Paul Dennis and his highly rated team and Mike and Leslie Saxon for providing possibly the best Clubhouse food in the North.

Steve Heywood is a lovely man and doing well in the Order of Merit with his pal Nigel ‘officer’ Dibble. He was desperate to play this week and noticed that John Farnsworth and Richard Palmer needed two players to make a four so he asked me to team them up. Farnsworth and Palmer will tell you themselves that they have ‘unique’ golf swings. On the first hole Richard got under his tee shot and it landed on the 4th green , John topped his way down the fairway. Steve nearly phoned me up to ask ‘Who the hell have you put us with?’ Luckily things improved and the team had a very respectable 79 points.

Mark Hagerty hit a new Maxitours low when he not only lost a couple of golf balls on the course but he also lost his shoes. ‘I Can’t find them in the changing room anywhere and I am sure I put them in there!’ He was delighted when I pointed out that there are actually two changing rooms at Dunham and he was looking in the wrong one.

Dunham Forest used to be a fourteen hole golf course before they rented some new land from the National trust forty years ago to make 18 holes . John Hilditch wished it was still a fourteen hole course as his team dropped six costly shots on the final four to throw away a great score.

Jim Rymer is very optimistic. Not only did he think he would win today’s event the Liverpool lawyer also thinks that Everton will do well this season. He headed off to Goodison after his round to watch Wayne Rooney make his second Everton debut . Jim finished in mid table mediocrity rather like his football team.

Chris Adams and his well spoken Prestbury team had a very strong finish to take 5th place on the card play-off with 82 points.

Brian Hopkins(4) started his round with three birdies to continue his excellent form. The Shrigley Hall team of Mark Taylor(10), Alan Pengelly(12) and Alex Mansfield(13) took 4th place with a solid 83.

Good friends Ed Wilkinson(7), Roger Percival(6), Martin France(3) and Peter Atherton (11)combined well on the back nine and they were delighted with third place also with 83 points.

The early starters had the worse conditions but paradoxically they had the better scores and third out this morning was Simon Hemsley(9),Ian King(7), Gareth Bradley(+1) and John Delaney(5). The high class Bramall team had nine birdies between them as they narrowly missed out on their first win of the year.

It was Wilmslow’s Jim Caldwell(11) who took first place with his hand -picked team of Peter Griggs(18), John Kelsall(11) and Doug Barden(10) . The team were out at 8.10am and raced to the turn in 46 points. They then had to rely on experienced Caldwell to putt like Jordan Spieth on the back nine to keep their momentum and ensure a first win of the season -well played chaps!

Thanks to all players for your terrific support,
Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 8th Hole Martin France Dozen AD333s
Nearest the pin 18th hole James Wilson Dozen AD333s
It is a testament to the quality of the greens we had a record number of twos’ with twenty one golfers securing par three birdies:

2’s £220 3 pro v1s or 8 srixon AD per two 333s Doug Barden Jim Caldwell Jim Clarke Dave Howarth Martin Bramwell Matt Nelstrup Chris Brown Neil Williamson John Hilditch Graham Pike Paul Allen Martin France Roger Percival Phil Smeathers Andy Veitch Kevin Reeves Rob Farnham Richard Williamson Paul Woodbine Brian Hopkins Richard Booth

Dunham Forest 26-Jul-2017
Pos Team Players Score OoM Comment
1 Jim Caldwell, Peter Griggs, John Kelsall, Doug Barden 86 12 PGA Travel coverall each
2 Simon Hemsley, John Delaney, Gareth Bradley, Ian King 85 10 Footjoy sweater each
3 Martin France, Peter Atherton, Ed Wilkinson, Roger Percival 83 8 Maxitours shirt each
4 Alan Pengelly, Alex Mansfield, Brian Hopkins, Mark Taylor 83 6 Footjoy Shirt each
5 Chris Adams, Paul Allen, Richard Johnson, Andrew Oakes 82 4 Maxitours shirt each
6 Brian Greenbank, David Wainwright, Mike Wainwright, Jason Moran 82 2 Maxitours bag towel each
7= Roy Ainsworth, Mike Verdon, Steve Collier, Malcolm Thornley 82 Maxitours bag towel each
7= Simon Ashton, Mick Jones, Dan Moss, Richard Booth 82
9= Colin Roberts, Tony Adam, John Rigby, Mike Butler 81
9= John Hunt, Gary Vaulkes, James Shipston, Alison Shipston 81
9= Jim Rymer, John Dickinson, Geoff Guest, Rob Farnham 81
9= Pete Norbury, Lee Tilley, Dave Sarsfield, Dave Rhodes 81
13= Martin Bramwell, Matt Nelstrop, Chris Brown, Andy Veitch 80
13= Tom Jarvis, Dave Stanhope, Phil Smethers, Dave Antrobus 80
15= Steve Heywood, Nigel Dibble, John Farnswoth, Richard Palmer 79
15= Peter Maher, Martin Higgins, Charles Beadle, Shushil Aggarawal 79
17= Mark Hegarty, Dave Thomas, Graham Jackson, Jim Clarke 78
17= Kevin Reeves, Alex McLean, Sam Leach, Jim Hodges 78
17= Malcolm Sparke, Ken Ashford, David Dean, Philip Nicholas 78
20= James Wilson, Paul Stones, Steve Halliwell, Gareth Lane 77
20= John Hilditch, Ian Noke, Tim George, John Pratt 77
22= Claire Whitney, Helen Billington, Derek Lamb, Mike Birchall 76
22= Mike Stuart, David Thorley, Dave Stone, Anthony Green 76
22= David Goodwin, Richard Williamson, Phil Goby, Paul Woodbine 76
22= John Stubbs, John Royle, Dave Parsons, Dave Moore 76
26 Bob Eastwood, Ashley Elliott, Stuart Reynolds, Dave 74
27 Lewis Marland, Kevin Seaton, Neale Laurent, Alf Shillitoe 73
28 Barry Jackson, Derek Fortune, Dave Beavis, Paul Milner 72
29 Peter Booth, Tony Williamson, Neil Williamson, Dave Inglefield 71
30 Paul Gilbert, Glynn Isaac, Colin Gilespy, Iain McInnes 70
31= Bev Crute, Graham Pike, Dave Shelmerdine, Geoff Bloom 69
31= Chih Hu, Keith Thompson, Jamie Gavin, Phil Houghton 69
33 Paul Evans, Tony Evans, Stuart Hibbert, Darren Forest 66

Vale Royal AM AM
start sheet Friday 4th August
8.20
8.30 Colin Roberts x4
8.39 Jim Caldwell x4
8.48 David Kelly x4
8.57 Ian King x4
9.06 Mike Stuart x4
9.15 Paul Evans x4
9.24 Dave Stanhope x4
10.30 Mick Mahon x4
10.39
10.48 Chris Adams x4
10.57 Richard Blackwell x4
11.06 Trevor Foster x4
11.15 Dale Beaghan x4
11.24 Pat O’Dowd x4
11.33 Bob Eastwood x4
11.42 Barry Wilson x4
11.51 Barry Wilson x4
12.00 John Wallace x4
12.09 Duncan Challen x4
12.18 Keith Boothrood x4
12.27 Chris Hammond x4
12.36
12.45
12.54 Tim Spencer x4
1.03 Jason Waite x4
1.12 Pete Hamlett x4
1.21 Brian Hopkins x4
1.30 John Hudson x4
1.48 Suzy Maxwell x4
1.57
2.06 Ian Walters x4
2.15 Greg Aspinall x4
2.24 Simon Ashton x4
2.33 Simon Lewis x4
2.42

Results from magnificent Manchester Hopwood

Thurs 27th Dunham Forest AM AM – Full – please check times below!
Friday 4th Aug Vale Royal AM AM – nearly full
Monday 7th Aug Mere – nearly full
Tuesday 15th Aug – Sandiway – Full
Monday 21st Aug – Stockport full

Maxitours at marvellous Manchester Hopwood

The strong wind which was challenging the best players in the world at Royal Birkdale also presented a stiff test to the 100 very slightly less talented maxitours players who enjoyed Hopwood Golf Club today.

It was the first day of the school holidays for many so the weather was always going to be unsettled but all players stayed dry which was a real bonus and led to a terrific day at this special venue.

Hopwood has a new green keeper -Matt Shinwell -and he has had previous placements at Augusta and Oakmont Golf Clubs on his CV. The course was certainly very well prepared and presented in excellent condition for our players.- many thanks. Manchester Golf Club held the European tour school qualifying in the early 1990’s and it is now more than ready to host a major event in the very near future.

Frank Hindles’ team is used to getting extremely close to nature as most weeks as they can be spotted looking for their balls in the deep wilderness. Today they played the first hole and miraculously all of them managed to stay on the fairway for a change. Their straight hitting was rewarded with the sight of two wild deer skipping across the fairway in front of them. Only five miles from the Manchester city centre-awesome!

When Mike Gauden turned up he told me that he was playing like one of the best players in the world at the moment ‘I was 4 over par through five holes yesterday -that was the same as Rory at Birkdale!’ he chuckled. McIlroy found his swing and moved up to be on the first page of the Open leader board today. Mike found his swing and finished 39th out of 45.
John Stubbs plays the new latest Callaway chrome ball which had red spots on. He claims that it helps him see the ball spin characteristics when he chips this gives him good feedback on the quality of his strike. He didn’t learn too much on the 13thhole when a right angled shank was quickly followed by a complete fresh air shot.

Pete Hamlett(7) is having a great day. He played excellent golf at Hopwood on his way to a 4th place finish alongside his brother Gordon(10). He then enjoyed the superb fish and chips in the clubhouse followed by a pint of San Miguel before heading home to watch the last hour of the Open coverage. At 9pm things will reach a climax when he settles down to his all time favourite show -Love island. ‘I really enjoy it ‘ said the happy Ashton car mechanic.

Scratch golfer Luke Donnely is a lovely lad and he was delighted when the ball throw up meant he would play with Ian Thompson(10) today rather than his Dad. Luke had three birdies on the front nine – but more impressively so did his partner as they reached the turn in 27 points! Nineteen points on the back nine saw them take 3rd place.

At Birkdale the commentators were saying that the main reason that Bubba Watson is struggling with his game is because he has lost too much weight recently. Portly Andy Hamlett(7) certainly hasn’t gone overboard with his diet and his healthy appetite paid dividends with an excellent 46 points to take 2nd place alongside Richard Blackwell(13).

Retired head teacher Keith Rigby (11) teamed up with scientist Mike Savage(14) to earn the Chorley Golf Club pair a very impressive first ever victory with 47 points in windy conditions. Intelligent Savage is a ‘corrosion specialist ‘ but there was nothing rusty about his golf game today- well played chaps excellent golf!

Many thanks to Tony Smith from Srixon for his support today and for providing balls for all competitors.
Thanks to all players for your terrific support.
Yours in Golf, Tim
Nearest the pin 13th Dave Bowers Dozen Srixon AD333s
Nearest the Pin 16th Garry Smith Dozen Srixon AD333S
2’s £180 6 pro v1s or 15 srixon AD333s each
Kit Parkington x2!! Nigel Clowes Nigel Compsty Simon Walton Leigh Smart Andy Roberts John Royle

Hopwood 21-Jul-2017
Pos Player pairings Score OoM Comment
1 Mike Savage, Keith Rigby 47 12 Cleveland wedge each
2 Richard Blackwell, Andy Hamlett 46 11 Maxitours merino sweater each
3 Luke Donnelly, Ian Thompson 46 10 Dozen Z Star balls each
4 Pete Hamlett, Gordon Hamlett 45 9 Maxitours shirt each
5 Lee Tilley, Dave Rhodes 45 8 Dozen AD333s each
6 Paul Baxter, Richard Robinson 44 7 Dozen AD333s each
7 Simon Walton, Terry Hines 43 6 Performance ball pack each
8 Garry Smith, Gary Conroy 43 5 Performance ball pack each
9 Pat O’Dowd, Carl Kennedy 42 4 Srixon Shoe bag each
10 Richard Palmer, John Farnsworth 42 3 Srixon Shoe bag each
11 Tim Spencer, Ron Sloane 42 2
12 Andy Jackson, Billy Rawsthore 41 1
13= Alan Burton, Kenny Ackers 41
13= Andy Roberts, Sam Wilson 41
13= Jimmy Caffrey, Kit Parkington 41
16= Nigel Clowes, Nigel Compsty 40
16= Dave Stanhope, Phil Smeathers 40
16= Peter Anders, Bob Dellor 40
16= Craig Dyson, Ben Lever 40
16= Brian Hopkins, Mark Johnson 40
16= Duncan Challen, Steve Hogg 40
22= Jack Coleman, Anthony Bloor 39
22= Ray Tennant, Leigh Smart 39
22= Darren Whittaker, Garry Bresnahan 39
22= Matt Sayers, Adam Thomas 39
22= Hugh Mullin, Dave Bowers 39
22= John Bent , Billy Blissett 39
28= Brian Hitchen, Peter Dolan 38
28= John Stubbs, John Royle 38
28= Simon Taylor, Gary Amos 38
31= Jon Farrell, Gav Sutcliffe 37
31= Bill Harvey, Graham Bryant 37
31= Paul Donnelly, Damien Clayton 37
31= Eddie Ellis, Kenny Plumb 37
35= John Pratt, Paul Smith 36
35= Darren Jones, Andy Bentley 36
35= Neil McKinlay, David Fellows 36
35= James Hampton, Rick Palmer 36
39= Harvey Mattinson, Mike Gauden 35
39= Martin Wilson, Terry O’Mara 35
41= Dave Harlow, John Atkin 34
41= Al Smith, Alan Pengelly 34
41= Pete Norbury, Dave Sarsfield 34
44= Mick Mahon, Frank Hindle 33
44= Guy Hall, Keith Coxon 33
44= Phil Harris, Tim Beasant 33
47= George Buchan, Dave Garnett 32
47= Chris Brownhill, Gary Hempstead 32
49 Mark Saxon, Paul Higgs 31
50 Tom Jarvis, John Buckley 30

Start times at Dunham Forest AM AM
Thursday 27th July
7.58 Colin Roberts x4
8.05 Jim Caldwell x4
8.14 Simon Hemsley x4
8.23 David Garner x4
8.32 David Kelly x4
8.40 James Wilson x4
8.50 John Hunt x4
8.59 Paul Evans x4
9.08 Brian Greenbank x4
9.17 Claire Whitney x4
9.25 Paul Gilbert x4
9.33 Mike Stewart x4
9.42 Martin Bramwell x4
9.50 pete booth x4
9.59 Roy Ainsworth x4
10.08 Mick Mahon x2
10.16 John Hilditch x4
10.24 Bev Crute x4
10.33 Lewis Marland x4
10.42 Dave Stanhope x4
10.50 Chris Adams x4
10.59 Martin France x4
11.08 Peter Maher x4
11.17 Bob Eastwood x4
11.26 Barry Jackson x4
11.35 Dave Thomas x4
11.43 Sam leach x4
11.52 Jim Rymer x4
12.00 John Stubbs x4
12.09 Dennis Whelan x4
12.18 Keith Workman x4
12.27 Simon Ashton x4
12.34 Brian Rogerson x4
12.42 Chih Hu x2 Brothwell and Gavin
12.50 Brian Hopkins x4
12.59 Pete Norbury x4

Results from Gorgeous Hazel Grove

Hopwood Srixon Pairs – Friday 21st July – all players receive 2 ball ‘ try me’ pack – spaces for 2 or 4 players
Dunham Forest – Thursday 27th July – Full
Vale Royal AM AM – Friday 4th August – filling fast
Mere Pairs 7th August – filling fast

Thanks to Maxitours players for your continued integrity and loyalty, my next few events are very well subscribed so please give me at least 7 days notice if you need to cancel to give others a chance to play. Thanks Tim

Maxitours at Gorgeous Hazel Grove

Hazel Grove was back to its very best for today’s Maxitours Golf Day. Perhaps the best fairways on the circuit and superb greens make this one of the premier courses in Cheshire. The sloping and slick USGA greens are a great defence for this superbly designed course and despite being not a long course the scoring was very average by Maxitours standards.

James Rowlands the Club Professional is one of the best in the business and he looked after us well today. I can highly recommend him for Club fitting if anyone is in the market for a new set…

Hefty Les Penson plays his golf wearing a stretchy belt he bought off a dodgy guy selling them on a beach in Tenerife last year. It came in very handy today after he really enjoyed a couple of large bacon and sausage barm cakes and a quick snickers bar before he went out to play.

Dr Alistair Mackenzie designed Augusta National, Cypress Point and Hazel Grove. There is a lovely wooden statue of him overlooking the 18th green. I thought there was another statue of a very old golfer on the green but when I looked closely I saw it was it was Bill Henderson going through his lengthy pre shot putting routine.

When it is played off the tournament tees the 3rd and 18th holes both require hefty 200 yard carries over a ravine so I asked Hazel Grove to kindly move them forward on those holes. Players like Roy Ainsworth(26) then have a chance to reach the fairway. Unfortunately it all went wrong for Roy when his woeful tee shot careered backwards off his partners trolley and gently rolled back onto the white tee 40 yards behind him.

Steve Heywood had an impressive 24 putts today, the only problem was he lost ten balls and only finished 8 holes.

Phil Smeathers holed his bunker shot on the second to win some balls in the 2’s sweep. He shouted to some of his pals on an adjacent fairway and told them all about it. After play he had a look around the pro shop and talked the pro through his birdie. The lovely bar maid worked hard throughout the day and was trying to pull the shutters down at the end of her very long shift.
‘Did you hear about my birdie today?’ asked big Phil sitting on a nearby bar stool.

Manchester United have managed to off load Wayne Rooney to Everton this week but they are still paying half his wages. Frank Hindle’s team were without holidaying Mick Mahon today and finished in a respectable 7th place. Franks team tell me that they are happy to off load Mick if anyone wants to sign him and they are prepared to pay all his wages as part of the deal.

The home Hazel Grove team of Mick Jones(7), Andrew Hill(1), Dan Moss(7) and Chris Hayes(5) were overwhelming favourites to use their local knowledge and win today’s event. The class team were gutted to finish in 4th with 80 points.
‘The putt’s just wouldn’t drop ‘said Mick.
‘They were hopeless ‘reported honest legend Andrew Hill.

Prestbury’s Steve Hall(17) and Chris Adams(13) were teamed up at the last minute with David Wakerley (6) and Malcolm Hodson(10) from High Legh. The chemistry was electric as they combined well to take 3rd place and they immediately became the best of friends. ‘When can we see you again?’ asked Steve after his enjoyable first date with the handsome duo.

Narrowly taking 2nd place on a card play-off was Richard Blackwells'(13) Mottram Hall team. These boys have struggled this year but they showed all their experience to battle to runner up spot on a tough Hazel Grove course. I watched them make two tremendous pars on the closing hole to pick up six points. Andy Hamlett(8), Tony Jennison(5) and John Hilton(13) completed the talented quartet.

Winning today’s event was Shrigley Hall’s Brian Hopkins(4), Mark Taylor(12) Mark Johnson (12) and Niall Lynch (10). Lynch is a radiologist at Manchester hospital and he looked at a few pictures and twiddled a few knobs this morning before he left work to play great in today’s Maxitours event. It was a wonderful team effort but Hopkins’ driver and wedge into 12 feet at the last set up a memorable birdie finish to win by a solitary shot!

Well played chaps great golf!!

Thanks to all who played today, everyone was raving about the quality of the golf course, Tim
Ps Wonderful Worsley golf Club has spaces in a men’s Open on Sunday 6th August -please contact them directly to book your place.

Nearest the Pin 9th Dozen Ad333s Tony Evans – well done Tony first ever prize on Maxitours!
Nearest the Pin 13th Dozen AD333s Andy Hamlett – great shot to within 2 feet

2’s £160 3 pro V1s or 8 srixons per two.
John Buckley Graham Pike Phil Smeathers Dave Wakerley x2 Malcolm Hodson Arron Woodward Rod Booth John Hilton Andy Hamlett Brian Hopkins Mark Taylor Mark Johnson

Hazel Grove 13-Jul-2017
Pos Team Players Score OoM Comment
1 Brian Hopkins, Niall Lynch, Mark Johnson, Mark Taylor 83 12 FJ Hydrolite shoes
2 Richard Blackwell, Tony Jennison , Andy Hamlett, John Hilton 82 10 FJ Shirt each
3 Chris Adams, Steve Hall, David Wakerley, Malcolm Hodson 82 8 PGA Jacket each
4 Roger Percival, Peter Atherton, Ed Wilkinson, Andy Cunningham 81 6 Maxitours shirt each
5 Mick Jones, Chris Hayes, Andrew Hill, Dan Moss 80 4 Maxitours Cap each
6 Pete Ledger, Phil Maher, Roger Clarke, Andy Wrigley 78 2 Maxitours Cap each
7 Steve Parle, Garry Parle, Gordon Warke, Wayne Harper 77
8= Frank Hindle, John Farnsworth, Phil Hanson, Munro Donald 76
8= Robert Forder, Arron Woodward, Phil Major, Rod Booth 76
10= Bob Picthall, John Hume, John Broadbent, Dave Thomas 75
10= Simon Hemsley, Ian King, Neil Worthington, Darren Whittaker 75
10= Dave Harlow, Stuart Blake, Graham Pike, Les Henson 75
10= Dave Stanhope, Phil Smeathers, Tom Jarvis, John Anderton 75
14 Jack Coleman, John Buckley, Mike Gauden, Harvey Mattinson 74
15 Chris Brownhill, Peter Hamlett, Gordon Hamlett, Paul Randall 73
16 Dave Bentley, Keith Edminson, Nigel Uttley, Mark Cooper 72
17 Les Penson, Mark Hazeldine, Dave Wainwright, Chris Darlington 71
18 Lewis Marland, Nick Forde, Alf Shillitoe, Neil Laurent 70
19 Tony Evans, Paul Evans, Stewart Hibbert, Darren Forrester 66
20= Colin Roberts, John Rigby, Geoff Andrews, Dave Marchant 64
20= Roy Ainsworth, John Waggett, Mike Hindley, Mike Verdon 64
22 Barry Jackson, Dave Beavis, Paul Milner, Steve Tate 61

Hopwood Srixon Pairs
Friday 21st July
10.00 Colin Roberts x4
10.09 David Kelly x4
10.18 Jack Coleman x4
10.27 Dave Stanhope x4
10.36 Mick Mahon x4
10.45 Lewis Marland x2
10.54Chris Adams x4
11.03Trevor Foster x4
11.15 Simon Walton x2 John Pratt x2
11.24 Ray Tennant x4
11.33 Pat O’Dowd x2 Darren Jones x2
11.42
11.51 Paul Butterworth x4
12.00 Tim Spencer x4
12.09 Brian Hitchen x4
12.18 Gary Smith x4
12.27 Richard Blackwell x2
12.36 Brian Rogerson x4
12.45 Duncan Challen x4
12.54
1.03 Paul Donnelly x4
1.12 Phil Harris x4
1.21John Stubbs x4
1.30 Jimmy Caffrey x2 Darren Whittaker x2
1.39 Richard Williamson x4
1.48 Chris Brownhill x4
1.57
2.06
2.15 james Hampton x4
2.24
2.33
2.42 Hugh Mullin x4
2.51 Pete Norbury x4
3.00 Brian Hopkins x4

Results from Delightful Davenport

Spaces next Thursday at Hazel Grove Team of 4 event – it is in great condition!

Hopwood Friday 21st July – spaces – all players receive a try me ball pack from srixon
Dunham Forest – 27th July – full
Vale Royal team of 4 4th August – nearly full
Mere Pairs 7th August -filling fast!

Maxitours at delightful Davenport

Davenport Golf Club members can be very proud indeed after their golf course was presented in immaculate condition for todays’ Maxitours event. The blemish free greens were cut and ironed and the putts were rolling straight and true. Many thanks to all the greens staff.

Giles Terry doesn’t get out much but he claimed that the bacon and egg bap was ‘The best I have ever tasted’ . Sam leach also agreed that these are the best bacon barms on the circuit.

Clubhouse manager Fraser is a great guy and he really knows how to look after my special dietary needs – plenty of chips with my pies. Many thanks to Fraser and his top team for their attentive service throughout the day -brilliant job.

The golf course was originally at Davenport near the middle of Stockport but moved to higher Poynton in 1973 where it has now matured into a really enjoyable test of golf.. Neil Omeshers’ ball nearly made it’s way back to the old course after his wild hook on the 15th.

Jim Hodges and Chris Walley had a solid start after they picked up two shots on the tricky opening four holes. Both tee shots on the next found the heart of the green unfortunately they were gutted when it was pointed out that they were incorrectly playing the 14th rather than the 5th. After a two shot penalty they narrowly missed out on the major prizes. ‘Here’s a headline for your report Tim ‘ chuckled unsympathetic playing partner John Barton ‘ At devilishly difficult Davenport dynamic duo disgracefully docked!’
Jim didn’t find it quite as amusing. ‘We are a deeply devastated couple of dxxxheads’ was all he could add.

There was a real threat of thunderstorms throughout the day and the weather stayed warm and dry but at times it was very close. Richard Palmer usually gets in some sticky situations on the golf course, today the Blackburn man just got sticky.

‘It is even stickier out there than when Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun’ said sweaty Mark Graham after his warm round.

In today’s event scoring was mostly good due to the still conditions, yellow tees and excellent greens.

Westwood and Donald are two big names in European golf who are both struggling with their games. Today was no different as Dave Westwood and Munro Donald teamed up but could only manage 37 points to lie in 44th place.

Dave Allen played like a comedian as he teamed up with Guy Hall and finished in last place with 33 points.

At the top end of the leader board Knutsford’s lucky John Anderton(9) and High Legh’s Dave Stanhope(11) won a five team card play-off to take 4th place.

Nic Hercules(15) travels around the world working for the UN and when he comes home he relaxes by playing well on Maxitours. The gentle giant finished in 3rd with 45 points playing with Alan Pratt(26).

Second place went to late stand-ins John Horsley(15) who is the hard working Knutsford secretary and his new best friend Paul Maxwell(11). Both players appeared on the card 9 times but it was iron man Horsley who kept things going over the closing holes when Maxwell was wobbling.

Alsager veterans and ever present Maxitours players Bob Sinclair(16) and Geoff Andrews (20) were first out this morning and they made the most of the cool conditions and receptive greens to score 47 points to take first place. Both players had failed to score any order of merit points all season but it all came together at Davenport and these lovely guys were made up to win!

Thanks to all who played today, everyone seemed to really enjoy this lovely Cheshire course.
Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 14th Nigel McKinney Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 16th Brian Hopkins Dozen AD333s
2’s sweep £172.50 4 pro V1s or 10 srixon AD333s
Ian Broughan x2Andy Oakes Roy Ainsworth Mike Wainwright Stuart Blake Dave Kelly Giles Terry Steve Heywood Pete Hamlett Darren Bridge Iain Cash

Davenport 06-Jul-2017
Pos Player pairings Score OoM Comment
1 Bob Sinclair, Geoff Andrews 47 12 Cleveland wedge each
2 John Horsley, Peter Maxwell 45 11 FJ Sweater each
3 Nic Hercules, Alan Pratt 45 10 PGA Jacket each
4 John Anderton, Dave Stanhope 43 9 PGA Top each
5 Andy Moon, Chris Dykens 43 8 Maxitours shirt each
6 Ian Broughan , Gaz Furlong 43 7 Maxitours shirt each
7 Pete Hamlett, Gordon Hamlett 43 6 Sunice shirt
8 Simon Walton, Ian Andrews 43 5 Sunice shirt
9 Steve Parle, Rodney Mills 43 4 Maxitours Cap
10 Ray Royle, John Crossfield 43 3 Maxitours Cap
11 Jim Hodges, Chris Walley 42 2 Maxitours Cap
12 Andy Oakes, Richard Johnson 42 1 Maxitours Cap
13= John Farnsworth, Richard Palmer 42
13= Gary Parle, Barry Judge 42
13= Roy Ainsworth , Brian Ankers 42
16= Steve Heywood, Nigel Dibble 41
16= Dave Wainwright, Mike Wainwright 41
16= David Kelly, Dave Harlow 41
16= Martin France, Pete Atherton 41
16= Tom Jarvis , Giles Terry 41
16= Iain Cash, James Mooney 41
22= Colin Roberts, John Rigby 40
22= Sam Leach, John Barton 40
22= Roger Percival, Ed Wilkinson 40
22= Paul Whitworth, Dave Watts 40
22= Terry Crewe, Nigel McKenny 40
22= John Royle, Andrew Royle 40
22= Paul Woodbine, Dave Goodwin 40
22= Bernard Wood, Rod Barlow 40
30= Brain Greenbank, Chris Brown 39
30= Stuart Blake , John Atkin 39
30= Chris Adams, Simon Golsby 39
30= Steve Collier, Mike Verdon 39
30= Rob Rhodes, Andy Watts 39
30= Gordon Warke, Chris Ernill 39
30= Ted Ellis, Alan Brough 39
37= Mike Dudley, Peter Waterhouse 38
37= Jimmy Caffrey, Kit Parkington 38
37= Phil Robinson, Richard Williamson 38
37= Brian Hopkins, George Bresnahan 38
37= Mark Johnson, Darren Bridge 38
37= Jimmy Caffrey, Kit Parkington 38
37= Tom Wilson, John O’Donnell 38
44= Munro Donald, Dave Westwood 37
44= Bill Parkinson, John Dawson 37
44= Dave Smith, Barry Taylor 37
47= Paul Evans, Tony Evans 36
47= Darren Forrester, Andy Lawton 36
49= Simon Poucher, Vic Nilsen 34
49= Ian Neilson, Mark Birtwistle 34
51 Guy Hall, Dave Allen 33

Hazel Grove team of 4
Thursday 13th July
10.00 Colin Roberts x4
10.09 Bob Picthall x4
10.18 Simon Hemsley x4
10.27 Dave Bentley x4
10.36 Jack Coleman x4
10.45David Kelly x4
10.54 Dave Stanhope x4
11.03 Mick Mahon x4
11.12 Paul Evans x4
11.21 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.30 Chris Adams x2 David Wakerly x2
11.39 Phil Major x4
11.48 Dale Beaghan x4
11.57 Steve Parle x4
12.06 Lewis Marland x4
12.15 Rob Weston x4
12.24 Martin France x4
12.33 Steve Heywood x4
12.42
12.51 Les Penson x4
1.00
1.09
1.27 Chris Brownhill x4
1.36 Richard Williamson x4
1.54
2.03 Gary Neiles x4
2.12 Simon Ashton x4
2.21Richard Blackwell x4
2.30 Barry Jackson x4
2.39 Brian Hopkins x4
2.47 Pete Norbury x4
2.56 John Stubbs x4