Results from fabulous Fairhaven

Maxitours at Fabulous Fairhaven

Maxitours golfers enjoyed perhaps the best day out of the year at Fairhaven. It was almost sunbathing weather for our players as the November temperature was touching 20 degrees. The Fairhaven Golf Course is a superb layout which has improved tremendously over the last five years or so and our players were raving about the quality of the venue.

‘What a terrific day!’ Said Rob Little
‘That was outstanding- a day in a million and what a course!’ praised Dave Beard.

Thanks to Lindzi Stone and her hard working team for looking after us so well throughout the day.

After the cards were handed out and I had sampled a Fairhaven bacon butty I took advantage of the glorious sunshine and was practising my wedge shots on the practice ground beside the 10th tee. I have heard many interesting excuses over the years for bad golf shots and have even been known to use a few of them myself. Today there was a new one for me.
I couldn’t see who actually hit the shot but I heard a whoosh followed by some gentle swearing then I heard a golf ball scuttle deep into the undergrowth. ‘That ladybird put me off!’ came the complaint.

Staffordshire nice guy Richard Williamson turned up just in time for the 11am shotgun start. He was delayed after an articulated lorry crashed across the M6 near Knutsford spilling its load and blocking all Northbound traffic . The radio reported that ‘cold syrup’ had been spattered onto the carriage way. ‘What’s cold syrup ?’ I asked ‘ Its a bit like hot syrup but not as warm ‘ Craig Wilson kindly informed me.

On the golf course Richard and his team got into a few more sticky situations as they finished last with 70 points.

In today’s event the still conditions, reachable par fives and superb greens led to excellent scoring opportunities.
Postman Martin France(3) and his Lymm Golf Club team delivered the goods and they finished in 5th place with 85 points.

Les Russon(11) and his Bramall team finished in 4th with 87 points this was despite having Rob Kenyon(14) in the team.

Third place went to Mottram Hall’s ‘well spoken’ wine expert Richard Blackwell(13), and his red nosed team of Steve Austin(14), John Hilton(13) and Mark Jones(15). They played some vintage golf to score 89 points.

The ‘not quite as well spoken’ but far more talented Duckenfield quartet of Gareth Winston(10), Mark Phillips(12), Gareth Kershaw(13) and Josh Ainscough(3) thought they had done enough to win scoring 91 points. Mark was on fire and he made the most of the perfect conditions to pick up nine shots for the likeable team. Josh works in the Pro Shop at Duckinfield and he is obviously not selling enough Mars bars as he recorded five gross birdies in an impressive display of golf.

First place went to the Clitheroe trio of Munro Donald(14), Nigel Clowes(6), Phil Hanson(8) and Pleasington’s Nigel Comsty(11). Munro is a highly respected GP who worked in the Burnley area. He is enjoying his retirement and uses his hefty pension to play plenty of golf. Reading his scorecard was very hard but I think the scribbles added up to an impressive 92 points! Well played Doc- great score.

Thanks to all who travelled to this great course today, I am sure you enjoyed this class venue, yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 10th Alan Vaughan Dozen AD333s
Nearest the pin 17th Trevor Foster Dozen AD333s
£120 2’s sweep 12 srixons each
Barry Jackson x2 Andy Hale Trevor Foster Dave Beard Munro Donald Mick Jones

Fairhaven 15-Nov-2016
Pos Team Players Score OoM Comment
1 Munro Donald, Nigel Clowes, Nigel Comsty, Phil Hanson 92 12 Cleveland wedge each
2 Gareth Winstone, Mark Phillips, Gareth Kershaw, Josh Ainscough 91 10 Maxitours sweater each
3 Richard Blackwell, John Hilton, Mark Jones, Steve Austin 89 8 PGA tour top each
4 Les Russon, Steve Merricks, Ken Clarke, Rob Kenyon 87 6 Maxitours shirt each
5 Martin France, Pete Atherton, Carl Kennedy, Steve Collier 85 4 Srixon bag towel each
6 Ian Cole, Mick Jones, Steve Volp, Richard Major 84 2 Maxitours Winter hat each
7= Phil Okill, Graham March, Rick Buckley, Craig Wilson 83
7= Alan Vaughan, Joe Bazuki, Cliff Chew, Chris Wrighton 83
9= Steve Aspinall, Colin Berry, Alan Drew, Alan Simpson 82
9= Dave Blood, Jim Cox, Ian Smith, Duncan Challen 82
9= Danny Ritchie, Andy Hale, Carl Robinson, Ian Melling 82
9= Martin Cox, Koos Alders, Barry Simpson, Mark Morris 82
13= Paul Salt, Andy Salt, Andy Corner, John Taylor 81
13= Barry Jackson, Derek Fortune, Dave Beavis, Chris Gillespie 81
15= Garry Dowdle, David Bigley, Olivier Troalen, Domonic Leach 80
15= Chi Huh, Peter Meher, Sushiel Aggarwal, Richard Brown 80
17= Brian Hopkins, Niall Lynch, Alan Pengelly, George Bresncham 79
17= Trevor Foster, Mark Patton, Steve Riley, Pete Ledger 79
19= Rob Little, Dave Beard, Graham Bates, Stuart Millner 76
19= Eddie Jordan, David Sully, David Ashton, Pete Hibbett 76
19= Ian King, Joe Kirwan, Simon Hemsley, Mike Spencer 76
22= Ian Greenough, Mark Noden, Paul Walton, Tim Blackshaw 75
22= John Longworth, Alan Forber, Craig Trantham, Phil Young 75
24 Bev Crute, Trevor Nicholson, Steve Gibbons, Dave Bentley 73
25= Al Demmy, Ian Handy, Simon Burgess, Ian Hazelwood 71
25= Richard Williamson, Dave Goodwin, Pete Keena, 71

Prestbury start sheet 24th
November 11am shotgun
1a Colin Roberts x4
1b Mick Mahon x4
2b Phil Vokes x4
3 Dave Bowers x4
4 John Bancroft x2 Wayne Colclough x2
5 John Stubbs x4
5b Ian Nielson x4
6a Gary Hunt x2 Eddie Jordan x2
6b Roger Percival x4
7 John Hilditch x2 Jp X2
8a Rob Weston x4
8b Dave Blood x4
9a Brian Hopkins x4
9b Jason Henderson x2 Lewis Marland x2
10 David Kelly x4
11 Mark Williams x4
12a Jim Caldwell x2 Eddie Jordan x2
12b John Berry x4
14a Sam Leach x4
14b Simon Poucher x2 Gary Neiles x2
15a Steve Aspinall x4
15b Les Russon x4
16 Craig Dyson x4
16 Mike Fenton x4
17Dave Goodwin x4
18a Trevor Foster x4
reserves
Dave Wainwright x4
Dale Beaghan x4

Results from Wonderful Wilmslow

Maxitours tournament in Portugal!!!

36 players confirmed – room for 12 more.
*Join us on the best value trip of the year on a quality oversees course- £599 including flights, golf, 4 nights accomodation, breakfast, gala dinner all at the fantastic Vilasol hotel , free bar each night for an hour, prizes, free range balls, golf club carriage and tournament organiser. I played in two events at Vilasol last January and can recommend the superb weather, golf course and hotel facilities!
**one team need 2 players if you are a single or pair and fancy some golf in Portugal to break up the winter!

***Dunham Forest 11.30am Shotgun next week- times below
***Fairhaven 15th Novemnber is 11am shotgun not 11.30am as advertised

Maxitours at Wonderful Wilmslow

Another dry (but slightly chilly) day greeted Maxitours competitors at the classy Wilmslow Golf Club.

Thanks to everyone at this great, great Club for making us feel so welcome. The stewards are a delight to deal with and can’t be more helpful and the green keepers could not have presented their course to a higher standard- many thanks indeed.

‘Wow, Another great venue’ declared Terry Rathbone after his round.
‘That’s probably my favourite Cheshire course’ announced Simon Burgess.
‘It’s posh around here.’ observed Stoke-on-Trents Gav Dixon.

Peter Cross from Clitheroe played with Terry Crossley . They both mark their golf balls with a cross. When they finished their round it was hard to decide who was the crossest after they missed out on the prizes by a single shot. ‘You are still getting Across the line at the top of your swing.’ Peter informed his partner before adding ‘Oh yes- and you are also cutting Across your putts’
‘Do something useful for once and pass that pint of lager Across here’ said Terry. ‘You don’t mind if I Cross you out as my partner next week?’ he added.

Ian King turned up without his very nice but slightly temperamental regular partner Darren Whittaker who was on holiday in Florida. ‘He’s gone to the world club throwing championships- he’s the favourite !’ His usual four ball all agreed. Rather like Dan Fosbury who developed his own high jump technique to win the 1968 Olympics, Darren has taken club throwing to a new level and made it an art form. The ‘Whittaker whang’ is a very efficient throwing action and the club is always tossed forward towards the hole in play. This saves any unnecessary waste of energy on the golf course when going to pick it up. Good luck Darren.

Top french chef Olivier Troalen played again today and he cooked up a less than tasty score of 34 points alongside Garry Dowdle. Troalen owns a very successful french bistro in Lymm which has a growing reputation for producing superb food. He opened an Italian restaurant called Calzone a few years ago but unfortunately it folded.

In today’s event the tees were forward and the fairways were firm and fast, the greens also rolled extremely well and this was reflected in the best scoring for nearly eight years as Maxitours players went to town!

Well known Macclesfield Father and son plasterers Sam and Pete Cleaver played smoothly and finished in 5th place alongside Staffordshire’s Terry Rathbone and Keith Tunstall with 46 points.

Fourth place went to likeable Brian Hopkins and Alan Smith from Shrigley who were convinced they would win with an impressive 47 points. Classy Hopkins has been on fire recently and the four handicapper shot level par – well played Bri.

Bromborough’s Phil Ashworth and Gary Garner scored 48 points which was good enough for 3rd place. They lost out on a card play off to the Didsbury low handicap pairing Barney Ross (5) and Paul Dalby(5) who eagled both the 7th and the 18th hole during his round.

It sounds like I am covering for them but Maxitours players Richard Palmer and John Farnsworth have played EVERY week in my events for the past nine years. They are lovely men but they have had very limited success. Last time out as a pair at Prestbury they scored 30 points to finish 47th out of 50 pairs. Today the Lancastrians recorded the best Maxitours total for over 8 years as they accumulated an incredible 53 points. I got a text message at 2pm from their playing partners informing me they had scored 29 points on the front nine!
‘I can honestly say I have never played that well before’ admitted a shell shocked Farnworth.

‘I can honestly say that you will never play that well again!’ added their scorer Mick Mahon. Great golf chaps- tremendous golfing!

Thanks to all who played today- terrific!
Nearest the Pin 9th Jimmy Cox Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 17th Clive Evans Dozen AD333s

2’s £170 4 pro v1s each or 10 srixon AD333s Andy Dunn Pete Atherton Jim Hodges John Hilditch ClIve Evans Mark Bulman Billy Rawsthore Jim Hodges Simon Poucher Peter Cross Trevor Foster Gary Garner Gav Sutcliffe

Wilmslow 03-Nov-2016
Pos Player pairings Score OoM Comment
1 John Farnsworth, Richard Palmer 53 12 Cleveland wedge each
2 Paul Dalby, Barney Ross 48 11 Maxitours merino sweater each
3 Phil Ashcroft , Gary Garner 48 10 Dozen DX3 Wilson urethane balls
4 Bri Hopkins, Alan Smith 47 9 Dozen DX3 Wilson urethane balls
5 Terry Rathbone, Keith Tunstall 46 8 Maxitours shirt each
6 Pete Cleaver, Sam Cleaver 46 7 Maxitours shirt each
7 Dave Sarsfield, Dave Rhodes 44 6 Maxitours shirt each
8 Garry Conroy, John Hilton 44 5 Titleist cap each
9 Billy Rawsthore, Mark Jones 44 4 Cleveland winter mitts
10 Leigh Smart, Mark Bulman 44 3 Cleveland winter hat each
11 Colin Roberts, John Rigby 44 2 Cleveland winter hat each
12 Phil Vokes, Steve Dunphy 44 1
13 Lee Tilley, Pete Norbury 44
14= Dave Marchant, Frank Wallace 43
14= Joe Kirwan, Mike Spencer 43
14= Martin France, Pete Atherton 43
14= Dave Blood, Jim Cox 43
14= Graham Bates, Bill Willcocks 43
14= Peter Cross, Terry Crossley 43
20= Ian King, Simon Hemsley 42
20= Martin Callahan, Andy Dunn 42
20= Ray Jones, Ian Berrisford 42
20= Frank Stapleton, Kevan Hawkins 42
20= Trevor Foster, Nick Freeman 42
20= Les Penson, Mark Hazledine 42
20= Mike Dean, Pete Tomlinson 42
20= Peter Brown, Steve Blakeway 42
28= Paul Browne, Dale Wallace 41
28= Steve Berg, Ted Barker 41
28= Pete Ledger, Roger Clarke 41
28= Stuart Pearson, Jeff Wealands 41
28= Alan Vaughan, Carl Margison 41
28= Dave Goodwin, Richard Williamson 41
28= Steve Merricks, Dave Fidler 41
35= David Bigley, Richard Lewis 40
35= Wayne Colclough, Ken Ashford 40
35= Lewis Marland, Joe Loughman 40
35= Dale Beaghan, Anthony Wilson 40
39= Jim Hodges, Sam Leach 39
39= Eddie Geary, Gareth Thomas 39
39= Mark Taylor, Alan Pengelly 39
42= Dave Harlow, David Kelly 38
42= Dave Gavin, Gav Spencer 38
44= John Hilditch, Clive Evans 37
44= Les Russon, Rob Kenyon 37
46 Mick Mahon, Frank Hindle 36
47 Pete Short, Martin Bradbury 35
48= Garry Dowdle, Olivier Traolean 34
48= Ray Massey, Steve Tyrell 34
48= John Hunt, Gary Vokes 34
48= Eddie Jordan, Dave Ashton 34
52 Bob Sutton, John Atkin 32

Dunham Forest Pairs Thursday 10th November
*11.30am shotgun
1a Frank Stapleton x4
1b Colin Roberts x4
2a Mark Jones x2 Eddie Jordan x2
2b Mick Mahon x4
3 Phil Vokes x4
4a Trevor Foster x4
4b Roger Percival x4
5 Lewis Marland x2 Gary Garner x2?
6a John Hilditch x2 Paul Smith x2
6b Phil Cross x4
7 Leigh Smart x4
8 Dave Blood x4
9a Richard Blackwell x4
9b Sam Leach x4
10 John Wallace x4
11a John Dickenson x4
11b
12 Nigel Oakes x4
12b Les Russon x4
13 Alan Vaughan x4
14 Danny Ritchie x4
14b Gav Dixon x4
15 Mark Williams x2 Ian Kirkland x2
16a Pete Tinkler x4
16b Robert Blane x4
17 Steve Aspinall x4
18a Jim Caldwell x4
18b Ian King x4

Results from Superb Stockport

Great Maxitours winter venues
3rd November Wilmslow -times below- room for 1 pair
10th November 11.30 start Dunham Pairs -last couple of spaces
15th November Fairhaven -full ** now 11am start NOT 11.30am**
24th November Prestbury- 11am spaces
29th November Sandiway – 11am last 2 spaces
8th December Stockport -11am spaces
14th December Vale Royal 11am spaces
22nd December Ringway Christmas Cracker 11am – spaces

Maxitours at superb Stockport

It was great to see one of Cheshire’s premier courses prepared to such a high standard for today’s Maxitours event. The closely mown Stockport fairways looked immaculate and the freshly rolled and ironed greens were running at nearly twelve on the stimp meter. We are less than a week away from November – incredible. Many thanks to Adam Harrison and his staff for all their work.

Stewards Sue and Paul are famous throughout Cheshire for their high quality food and they were delighted to see so many of our players enjoying their menu. Thanks to everyone at this lovely Club for making us feel so welcome.
‘Those greens are fantastic’ said Colin Roberts who was first out this morning.
Brian Hopkins was last out and when I asked him if the greens were still good he also replied ‘Fantastic!’

Stockport has a big wooden revolving door which you pass through as you enter the Clubhouse. This provides hours of entertainment for retired children Brian Ankers and Peter Heald. Their favourite trick is trapping chunky Roy Ainsworth as he eagerly makes his way to the breakfast lounge.

Over 100 Maxitours players did safely negotiate the revolving door however wealthy estate agent John Pratt was the only player to get stuck without the help of any mischievous team mates. He could be seen pulling on the door and scratching his head. At one point he even seemed to be looking for a door bell. ‘I don’t sell many houses with revolving doors.’ Explained the likeable West Ham fan.

I pretended to be interested in regular Maxitours player Nick Monk’s game and I asked him if he was playing well at the moment.
‘No.’
When he finished his round I asked him if things had improved.
‘No.’
End of conversation.

Geoff Andrews doesn’t hit many greens with his irons. ‘How was your approach play today? I enquired. ‘The pointy bits on my pitch mark repairer are still razor sharp. ‘ he muttered in despair.

Ian Buxton owns a top local bakery in Darwin and he was up at 2am baking bread, cakes and pies for his shop. He started the day well when he hand delivered an apple pie and a warm small white loaf to the tournament organiser (me). The problems began when he overcooked his approach into several of the firm greens and he had his fingers burned when he misread the fast greens. He failed to rise to the occasion more than once and didn’t put any icing on the cake after a last hole bogey when he only kneaded a par.
In todays event scoring was close. Third place went to the Mottram Hall/Flixton team of Richard Blackwell(13), Tony Jennison(6), John Hilton(13) and Steve Bullock(10). Hilton was European table tennis champion in the early 1980’s and is a top competitor. He has not featured in the prizes for a few months after recent illnesses but it was great to see him back to his best.

Wilmslow’s Jim Caldwell(11) is well into his seventies but he is a fit as a fiddleand has a mind as sharp as a razor. Once again he rolled back the years and played great golf on the back nine to help his team into second place with 84 points. Bob Picthall(18), Andrew Aherne(18) and Nigel Compsty(11) completed the prosperous quartet.

The Didsbury Golf Club team of Hugh Mullin(8), John Bent(9) and father and son Dave(10) and Simon Bowers (5) came in late in the day with a solid 85 points to take first place. Simon is a primary school sports coach and he is good at telling children what to do. He helped his team around today. ‘The big difference was John Bent who is normally a waste of space but he played unusually well today.’ reported Simon.

Well played chaps, great golf. Thanks to everyone for your terrific support. Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 16th Anthony Wilson Dozen Ad333s
Nearest the Pin in 2 on 18th John Farnworth Dozen AD333s
2’s sweep
£225 (Maxitours will also donate £225 to the keeping Kate campaign) Please log on if you wish to give to this worthwhile cause.
Keeping Kate Campaign https://www.gofundme.com/2q8y9rs4)
Steve Hall Jim Caldwell Paul Wild Pete Atherton Colin Davies John Pratt Colin Davies John Bent 9 pro V1s or 21 srixon AD333s each

Stockport 27-Oct-2016
Pos Team Players Score OoM Comment
1 Dave Bowers, Hugh Mullen, John Bent, Simon Bowers 85 12 Cleveland wedge each
2 Jim Caldwell, Bob Picthall, Nigel Compsty, Andrew Aherne 84 10 Maxitours Merino sweater each
3 Richard Blackwell, Tony Jennison, John Hilton, Steve Bullock 82 8 Cutter and Buck shirt each
4 Stuart Pearson, Dave Wilson, Frank Stapleton, Kevin Hawkins 81 6 Maxitours shirt each
5 John Pratt, Bob Anderson, Dave Gavin, Gary Whittaker 81 4 Maxitours shirt each
6 Mick Mahon, Richard Palmer, Munro Donald, John Farnsworth 80 2 Srixon tour cabreta glove each
7 Chris Adams, Steve Hall, Richard Johnson, Paul Wild 80
8= Leigh Smart, Mark Bulman, Ray Tennant, Billy Rawsthore 79
8= Lewis Marland, Nick Ford, Kevin Seaton, Alf Shillitoe 79
8= Barry Wilson, Simon Wilkinson, John Fitzsimons, Colin Berry 79
11= David Kelly, John Atkin, Bob Sutton, Dave Harlow 78
11= Steve Aspinall, Adam Galvin, John Lynskey, Eugenio Fernandez 78
13 Barry Jackson, Dave Beavis, Derek Fortune, Paul Milner 77
14= Simon Poucher, Brendan Leighton, Martin Routley, Dave McGuiness 76
14= Graham Littler, Jim Doran, Pete Daniels, Chris Doran 76
16= Roy Ainsworth, Brian Ankers, Peter Heald, Pete Atherton 75
16= Joe Kirwan, Jack Hankinson, Darren Whittaker, Mike Spencer 75
18= Colin Roberts, John Rigby, Geoff Andrews, Dave Marchant 74
18= Bob Barlow, Dale Wallace, Steve Berg, John Jones 74
18= John Allman, Andrew Rexstraw, Colin Davies, Paul Mellor 74
18= Graham Bates, Dave Beard, Jim Rymer, John Dickenson 74
22= David Silcock, Alan Vaughan, Derek Page, Barney Ross 73
22= John Hilditch, Ian Nokes, Clive Evans, Simon Walton 73
22= Sam Leach, Jim Hodges, Mike Barker, Jim Cumerford 73
25= Ian Ainsworth, Alan Clough, Alan Worthington, Paul Abbott 72
25= Ian King, Simon Hemsley, Brian Welsh, Phil Bull 72
25= Ray Jones, Ray Massey, Ian Berrisford, Steve Tyrell 72
25= Chih Hu, Tom Troop, Peter Meher, Mark Findlow 72
25= Ian Buxton, Sam Blurton, Malcolm Ridgeway, Mike Kinsley-Smith 72
30 Pete Ledger, Dale Beaghan, Anthony Wilson, John Fielding 68
31 Les Russon, Ken Clarke, Rob Kenyon, Simon Burgess 67
32 Dave Stanhope, Steve Hall, Dave Antrobus, John Anderton 64

Wilmslow Golf Club Pairs
Thursday 3rd November
1st tee
9.45 Colin Roberts x4
9.54 Ian King x4
10.03 Phil Vokes x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 Lewis Marland x2 John Hilditch x2
10.30 Roger Percival x4
10.39 Dave Blood x4
10.48 Pete Ledger x4
10.57 Trevor Foster x4
11.06 Richard Blackwell x2 Gary Garner x2
11.15 Alan Vaughan x2 John Hunt x2
11.24 Brian Hopkins x4
11.33 Gav Dixon x4
11.42 Dave Sarsfield x4

10th tee
9.45 Garry Dowdle x4
9.54 David Kelly x4
10.03 Paul Browne x4
10.12 Wes Colclough x2 Martin Callahan x2
10.21 Pete Cleaver x2 Terry Rathbone x2
10.30 Ray Jones x4
10.39 Frank Stapleton x4
10.48 Simon Poucher x4
10.57 Leigh Smart x4
11.06 Graham Bates x2 Pete Short x2
11.15 Simon Burgess x4
11.24 Dave Goodwin x2 Eddie Geary x2
11.33 Les Penson x4
11.42 Eddie Jordan x2 Ian Ritchie x2

results from perfect Prestbury

Maxitours at perfect Prestbury

Yet another stunning Autumn day greeted Maxitours competitors at Prestbury. I had heard great reports all Summer about the work head green keeper Mark Crossley and his team had done to the course and they certainly didn’t disappoint today.

‘ They are the best greens I have putted on all year! ‘ praised Colin Roberts. ‘And you’ve had plenty of good uns this season!’ he added.

Trevor Foster returned to Maxitours victorious after Lancashire were crowned the English Senior champions. He has played in National events all over the country but he rated Prestbury as the best greens he had seen this year.

Thanks to everyone at this special club for making us feel so welcome- brilliant.

Highly respected Prestbury pro Nick Summerfield’s eyes lit up when Paul McKee walked in. He had left his golf shoes at home- always great news for a golf pro. One hundred pounds later Paul looked great as he danced out of the shop sporting a new pair of the latest white FJ contours. Four and a half hours later he hobbled into the Clubhouse ‘I could barely walk on that back nine’ groaned the Fairfield man. ‘I’ve got two huge blisters but at least the shoes still look great!’

As he picked up his scorecard this morning Man City fan Bob Kwan(15) criticised United’s new negative way of playing football under Mourinho.(I still think he is a tactical genius) To be fair there was nothing defensive in the way Bob played on the course today as he only dropped four shots on the tough Prestbury back nine. Simon Truby’s(6) birdie on the 16th also contributed to their top four finish. Apparently Jose is now prepared to let Wayne Rooney leave as long as he puts down his transfer request in writing- so it looks like he could be staying. Rooney could be seen scratching his head and chewing on a pencil in his office window as Maxitours players passed his house on the 15th.

The golf course was playing longer than usual and combined with the slick greens it caused all sorts of problems.
There were three teams on the same winning score of just 42 points off 9/10th handicap so things were decided on a card play off.

‘I can’t believe 42 points won. We could have had that if we hadn’t blown up on the first.’ said Hazel Grove dreamer Rick Booth when he handed his card in.

Lee Jevons(6) and Mike Emmerson(3) narrowly missed out on a top three spot after they could only pick up one point on the eighteenth for a 41 point haul. ‘Whatever you do don’t mention Mikes three putt at the last in your report.’ Said sneaky Lee Jevons on his way to the car.

Derek Page(5) was an opening fast bowler for Northamptonshire Cricket team where he played alongside cricketing legends Allan Lamb and Wayne Larkins in the 1980’s. Nowadays he has to settle for playing golf alongside his untalented partner Alan Vaughan(11). They were bowled over to be leading for much of the day however the poor back nine left them stumped.

Steve Merricks(7) went to sleep for most of the back nine and he had to rely on his experienced partner Les Russon(11) to keep the team score ticking over. Steve then came alive on the sixteenth when he holed his second shot for an eagle two and five points and then followed it up with a two on the 17th to career through the field. Steve usually enters the twos but declined this week blaming it on the financial uncertainty due to Brexit. They were however delighted to finish in 2nd place with their 42 points. Playing partners Rob Kenyon and Simon Burgess get a special mention as they had the reverse score of 24 and finished last by an impressive 6 shot margin.

Retired Frank Wade(11) from Accrington made his vast money selling beer pipelines and widgets and he played with top driving instructor Mark Patton(10) from Vale Royal. Straight driving Patten had never played Prestbury before but he passed the test in style. After picking up two points on the first few holes playing partner Frank told him it’s your ‘three point turn’ and Patton obliged in style on the back nine. Well played chaps great win.

Thanks to all who played today- I am sure you had a great day on the links, Tim

Nearest the pin 10th Niall Lynch Dozen AD 333s
Nearest the pin 17th Steve Kelly Dozen AD333s

2’s £175 5 pro V1s or 12 srixon AD333s Each Mike Emmerson Iain Bartholomew Dave Antrobus Scott Ryan David Kelly Nigel Clowes Trevor Foster Simon Poucher Andy Adshead John Gleave Bob Anderson

Prestbury 20-Oct-2016
Pos Player pairings Score OoM Comment
1 Frank Wade, Mark Patton 42 12 FJ Merino sweater
2 Les Russon, Steve Merricks 42 11 Maxitours Merino sweater
3 Alan Vaughan, Derek Page 42 10 Cutter and Buck shirt each
4 Bob Kwan, Simon Truby 41 9 Cutter and Buck shirt each
5 Andrew Strickley, Andy Taylor 41 8 Maxitours shirt
6 Lee Jevons, Mike Emmerson 41 7 Maxitours shirt
7 Brian Hopkins, Mark Taylor 40 6 Dozen Wilson Soft feel
8 Tom Butler, Darren Sumner 40 5 Dozen Wilson Soft feel
9 Simon Hemsley, Dave Woods 40 4 Cleveland winter mitts
10 Dale Beaghan, Anthony Wilson 40 3 Cleveland winter mitts
11 Colin Roberts, John Rigby 39 2 FJ Socks each
12 John Hilditch, Iain Bartholomew 39 1 FJ Socks each
13= Ian King , Jack Hankinson 38
13= Darren Whittaker, Mike Soencer 38
13= Munro Donald, Philip Hanson 38
13= Frank Hindle, Dave Westwood 38
13= Dave Antrobus, John Anderton 38
13= Pete Cotton, Ed Cotton 38
13= Granam Davie, Dave Tracy 38
20= Frank Stapleton, Stuart Pearson 37
20= Craig Dyson, Scott Ryan 37
20= Ishmail Hamdouchi, Ian Acton 37
20= Andy Adshead, Ian Kirkland 37
20= Mick Jones, Rick Booth 37
20= Phil Vokes, Barney Ross 37
20= Mark Bulman, Billy Rawsthore 37
27= Trevor Foster, Richard Mellor 36
27= Ian Broughan, Ray Barlow 36
27= Pete Ledger, John Fielding 36
27= Jan Jagielka, Brendan Leighton 36
31= John Parkin, Gary Furlong 35
31= Simon Ashton, Steve Volp 35
31= Bill Harvey , Graham Brown 35
31= George Buchan, Dave Wainwright 35
35= David Kelly, John Atkin 34
35= Jim Caldwell, Peter Griggs 34
35= Lewis Marland, Alf Shillitoe 34
35= Dave Stanhope, John Buckley 34
35= Simon Poucher , Neil Simpson 34
35= Niall Lynch, Alan Pengelly 34
41 Kevin Hawkins, Dave Wilson 33
42= Richard Robinson, Nigel Clowes 32
42= John Gleave, Jimmy Imeson 32
42= John Bancroft, Paul McKee 32
45= Geoff Andrews, Mick Butler 31
45= Ashley Elliott, Bob Eastwood 31
47= Dave Harlow, John Horsley 30
47= Richard Palmer, John Farnsworth 30
47= Dave Allen, George Mackey 30
50 Rob Kenyon, Simon Burgess 24

Start times at Stockport Thursday 27th November
8.57 Colin Roberts x4
9.07 Jim Caldwell x4
9.16 Joe Kirwan x4
9.24 Ian King x4
9.34 David Kelly x4
9.43 Bob Barlow x4
9.52 Roy Ainsworth x4
10.01 Ian Ainswoth x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 John Hilditch x4
10.30 Dave Stanhope x4
10.39 Lewis Marland x4
10.48 Chris Adams x4
10.57 Simon Poucher x4
11.06 Trevor Foster x4
11.15 Pete Ledger x4
11.24 Frank Stapleton x4
11.33 Les Russon x4
11.42 Sam Leach x4
11.51 Barry Wilson x4
12.00 Barry Wilson x4
12.09 John Dickenson x2 Graham Bates x2
12.18 Graham Littler x4
12.27 Leigh Smart x4
12.36 John Allman x4
12.45 John Pratt x4
12.54 Barry Jackson x4
1.03 Richard Blackwell x4
1.12 Ray Jones x4
1.21 Dave Bowers x4
1.30 Chih Hu x4
1.39 Ian Buxton x4
1.48 Dave Goodwin x4
1.57 Brian Hopkins x4

results from leafy Llangollen

The next Four stunning Maxitours events!
Prestbury Thursday October 20th full
Stockport October 27th full
Wilmslow Golf Club- terrific Open Qualifying venue November 3rd -last few spaces
Dunham Forest 10th November- filling fast

Maxitours at lovely leafy Llangollen

A cool but very pleasant Autumn day greeted Maxitours competitors at the Vale of Llangollen this morning. The course was in really amazing condition. Many thanks to the talented Llangollen green keepers for all their hard work and thorough preparation.

The Caterers Phil and Gaynor Gee are also right up there with the best in the business and they produce perhaps the best bacon baps of the year- we wish them all the best when they go to pastures new in January.

Mark Norman was out early and he was disappointed not to see any Welsh sheep on the hillside first thing this morning as the mountains were shrouded in a gentle mist. He was delighted when the sun came out on the back nine and the sheep appeared. His game suddenly perked up. The afternoon players all enjoyed the glorious sunshine and views throughout their rounds as a great day was had by all.

Russell Hollis asked me if I had seen the gorilla that escaped from London Zoo yesterday which caused mass hysteria. I replied that perhaps he had seen it judging by the panic on his face as he faced a tricky pitch over the bunker at the last. ‘Yeah, his chipping was that bad today I wish someone would hurry up and shoot him with a tranquilizer.’ Added team mate Roy Ainsworth.

Dale Beaghan’s team from Accrington played at North Wales GC yesterday and then stayed overnight in Llandudno. They looked like they hadn’t had much sleep. Dale was swaying a little as he checked in and when he breathed on me as he asked for his card he smelt like a Welsh brewery . When team mate Pete Ledger rolled into the clubhouse soon after I was shocked to notice that he actually smelt of disinfectant, I was about to ask him what he had drinking last night when the Lllangollen Golf Club cleaner shuffled past with her bucket and mop and a big bottle of bleach.

Dave Stanhope was very worried that he hadn’t contributed to his team score very much. ‘Let me just check that card.’ He asked his partners on the 16th tee. He carefully analysed his feeble input as he walked down the fairway before he began frantically looking for his ball. ‘Oh heck’ He sheepishly announced to his team ‘I think I’ve forgotten to tee off!’

In today’s event either the course was playing tougher in the morning and the scores improved as the day progressed.

Micro-lite pilot Les Penson from Knutsford teamed up with his Heyrose GC pals and they somehow drifted into 5th place with 79 points.

Despite dropping three shots on the closing holes Grange Park’s well dressed quartet of nice guys Andy Jackson(4), Mark Bulman(11), Ray Tennant (4)and Billy Rawthore(6) finished 4th with 81 points.

Highly respected solicitor and lovely man Jim Rymer(18) from Heswall sold his business for billions of pounds recently but nothing compared to finishing third in today’s event. ‘Money can’t buy this!’ said Jim as he proudly tried on his high quality Maxitours shirt. Rob Farnon(12), Paul Lea(16) and Geoff Guest(8) completed the team.

Despite a poor closing five holes, Bramall Golf Club’s Les Russon(11), highly respected Rob Kenyon(14) , Ken Clarke(14) and Darren Wilson(12) were overjoyed to finish 2nd with 83 points. ‘ What a great venue- please book us in for next year!’ said the wealthy fourball.

Simon Poucher(13) and his Sale GC team were really on form and they took first prize by a season best five clear shots. Even Jan Jagielka(14) played well -usually he only gets a mention as many years ago he and his lovely wife managed to produce a talented English footballer. Brendan Leighton(16) and Andrew Stone(17) completed the quartet.

‘This is my second ever win.’ Simon beamed ‘And our most memorable – that golf course was stunning.’

Well played chaps- I am delighted for you all. Thanks to all players for travelling in such numbers to Wales to support this event, brilliant, Tim

Nearest the Pin 14th hole Frazer McKenzie Dozen Srixon AD333s
Nearest the Pin 18th hole Jonathan Hudson Dozen Srixon AD333s
2’s £177.50 5 pro V1s or 14 srixon AD333s Colin Berry Kevin Bramall Rosemary Bramall Jonathon Hudson Cliff Dews Mark Bulman x2 Andy Jackson John Dickenson John Longworth

Llangollen 14-Oct-2016
Pos Team Players Score OoM Comment
1 Simon Poucher, Andrew Stone, Brendan Leighton, Jan Jagielka 88 12 Sunice Windshirt each
2 Les Russon, Rob Kenyon, Ken Clarke, Darren Wilson 83 10 Ashworth sweater each
3 Rob Farnham, Paul Lea, Geoff Guest, Jim Rymer 82 8 Maxitours shirt each
4 Billy Rawsthore, Mark Bulman, Ray Tennant, Andy Jackson 81 6 Maxitours shirt each
5 Les Penson, Graham Jackson, Paul Salt, Chris Darlington 79 4 Srixon Cabretta leather glove each
6 Rob Williams, Pete Keena, Laurie Cole, Paul Woodbine 79 2 Srixon Cabretta leather glove each
7 John Dickenson, Brian Edwards, Dave McDougall, Roy Christian 79
8= Colin Lynch, Rob Hands, Stu Roach, Steve Dickenson 78
8= Richard Blackwell, John Hilton, Roger Lee, Paul Collins 78
8= Steve Lamont, Graham Wilkinson, Simon Wilkinson, Colin Berry 78
8= John Longworth, Gary Neiles, Alan Forber, John Moreton 78
12 Frazer Mackenzie, Kevin Bramall, Gill Mackenzie, Rosemary Bramall 77
13= Dale Beaghan, Gary Beaghan, Roger Clarke, Pete Ledger 76
13= Bev Crute, Steve Gibbons, Dave Bentley, Richard T-Carr 76
13= Jonathon Hudson, John Taylor, Mike Hill, Rob Blain 76
16= Roy Ainsworth, Mike Verdon, John Morgan, Russell Hollis 75
16= Roy Ainsworth, Mike Verdon, Russell Hollis, John Morgan 75
16= Sam Leach, Jim Hodges, Chris Walley, Mike Barker 75
19= Dave Stanhope, Jack Coleman, Dave Thomas, John Anderton 74
19= Ian Lilley, Cliff Greenalgh, John Brooks, Eddie Oakley 74
19= John Stubbs, Guy Hall , Dave Moore, Keith Coxon 74
22 Dennis Whelan, Dave Dean, Dennis Price, 73
23 Rick Sym, Phil Chadwick, John Halman, Ray Wigglesworth 71
24 Stuart Blake, John Atkin, Anthony Bloor, Dave Harlow 70
25= Colin Roberts, Chris Reade, Geoff Andrews, Greg Pointon 68
25= Rob Weston, Steve Foxcroft, Tony Andrews, Trevor Webb 68
27 Dave Griffiths, Steve Owen, Pete Birtwistle, Cliff Dews 64

Prestbury Golf Club start times
Thursday 20th October
9.00 Colin Roberts x4
9.09 Jim Caldwell x4
9.18 David kelly x4
9.27 Ian King x4
9.36 Frank Stapleton x4
9.45 Mick Mahon x4
9.54 John Hilditch x2 Lewis Marland x2
10.01 Lee Jevons x2 Munro Donald x2
10.09 Dave Stanhope x4
10.21 Kevin Chisnall x4
10.30 Ian Acton x2 Craig Dyson x2
10.39 Pete Cotton x2 Andy Strickley x2
10.48 Roger Percival x4
10.57 Leigh Smart x4
11.06 Dave Tracey x2 Tom Butler x2
11.15 Trevor Foster x4
11.24 Dale Beaghan x4
11.33 Ian Broughan x4
11.42 Simon Poucher x4
12.00 John Stubbs x4
12.18 Les Russon x4
12.45 John Gleave x2 John Bancroft x2
12.54 Simon Ashton x4
1.12 Brian Hopkins x4
1.21 George Buchan x4
1.30 John Pratt x2
res Si Hemsley 36
Andy Adsheadx2/4 51
Nigel Clowes x4