Great Maxitours Summer events

Fixby Pairs- next Thursday 16th – 2 spaces
Worsley Team AM AM 23rd June- last few teams
Conwy Team AM AM 27th June- currently full

Hesketh Golf Club Pairs – Donald and Westwood win a major at last!

Ideal golfing conditions greeted Maxitours competitors at terrific Hesketh today. There was hardly a breath of wind, the fairways were running fast and the immaculate greens were receptive and rolling true.

Thanks to Club Manager Paul Corker and his staff for their excellent hospitality, the catering was also exceptional.

Big hitting John Royle gets through plenty of golf balls on the course. His game hit a new low at Hesketh when he even managed to lose two scorecards before he went out to play.

Likeable scouser Billy Rawsthore is known as Skippy the bush kangaroo to his golfing mates. He was tut tutting again as his partner Andy Jackson missed a couple of short putts as they struggled to 39 points.

Jeff Andrews came in with a solid score but he told me that their playing opponent and good snooker player ‘Ten ball Tony’ Adams had struggled .
‘Why is he called ten ball Tony? I enquired rather naively. ‘Is that his best break?’
‘No, he’s just lost ten balls during his round.’

The US Open starts next week and it should be a great event. The US Open is run by the USGA and they are famous for their mischievous pairings for the opening two days. Seve and Azinger were paired a few years ago after their Ryder Cup fall out, Garcia and Tiger were also paired after they had a spat with each other. Tour player Kevin Stadler (nickname baby walrus) took great offence when he was paired alongside Brendan de Jong and Shane Lowry in ‘the fat group’ two years ago. The USGA also run the Ladies US Open and a couple of seasons ago story has it that they took great delight in pairing up three women who were all going through therapy.

Also needing therapy were rich estate agents John Pratt and John Hilditch. They LET standards subside today. Both needed a new mortgage as they lost a few quid to their playing partners . Things started badly when Hilditch forgot his trolley and was seen scratching his head outside the pro shop – he was in two minds whether to rent or buy. On the course they were terrible and finished last by an impressive 6 points.
‘We can’t complain too much – we’ve sold 15 million pounds worth of houses between us last month- I think we were both a bit tired’ Said the ever positive Hilditch. ‘I also think my partners swing needs a full structural survey.’ he added.

In today’s event the scoring was always going to be excellent and in the ideal conditions things were incredibly tight at the top of the leader board.
There were four teams with 44 points and four teams with 45 points. North Manchester’s Gary Hornby(11) and Paul Wrigley(5) finished 4th with 45 points. Ben Chambers(2) and Maxitours legend Jimmy O’Reilly(12) finished third and a solid back nine saw Martyn Harris(15) and Steve Rayer(12) take 2nd place.
Dave Westwood(23) and Munro Donald(14) paid their own special tribute to the late, great, Mohammed Ali. They were on the ropes for the first nine holes as they scrapped their way to an average 18 points. On the back nine they came alive with a knockout 27 points and Westwood’s day was topped off with his first ever hole in one on the 16th! Congratulations- great performance!

Nearest the Pin 2nd Rob Harris – Dozen Srixons
Nearest the Pin 16th Dave Westwood -Hole in one -2 dozen Srixons!!
2’s £100 3 pro v1s or 8 srixons Martin France Aiden Hoosen Paul Wrigley Munro Donald Dave Westwood x2 Ray Tennant Richard Waterfield Dave Aden John Royle Nigel Davenport Ed Wilkinson

Fixby Pairs Thursday 16th June

10.00 Ian King x4
10.09 Jim Caldwell x4
10.18 Paul Browne x4
10.27 Jeff Andrews x2/4
10.36 Roger Percival x4
10.45 Chris Adams x4
10.54 Mick Mahon x4
11.03 Allan Brown x4
11.12 Paul Wrigley x4
11.21 Steve Hall x4
11.30 Dave Stanhope x4
11.39 Liegh Smart x4
11.48 Lewis Marland x2 Les Corner x2
11.57
12.06 Nigel Oakes x4
12.15 Dale Beaghan x4
12.24 Dave Blood x4
12.33 Steve Johnson x4
12.42 Rob Weston x4
12.51 Nigel Davenport x4
1.00 David Kelly x4
1.09 Colin Baxendale x2
1.18 John Stubbs x4
1.27 Les Russon
1.36 Archie Tahir x4
1.45 Ray Jones x4
1.54 Steve Parle x4
2.03 Richard Blackwell x4
2.12 Steve Aspinall x4
2.21 Paul Mitchell x4
2.30 Gary Christian x4
2.39Simon Ashton x4
2.48 Gary Whittaker x4

2.57 Brian Hopkins x4

Great Maxitours events this June
Ringway team of 4 Srixon Am Am next Thursday 2nd June – last few spaces
Hesketh Pairs Friday 10th June -start the weekend on this Open Qualifying course!- still spaces
Fixby Pairs Thursday 16th June- room for 2 teams
Worsley Team of 4 Thursday 23rd June -last few spots

Maxitours at Stunning Sandiway
Sandiway was the stunning setting for the latest Maxitours event. Tremendous weather and a golf course to match meant a great day was enjoyed by all players. Thanks to Anthony Roberts and his excellent team for their five star hospitality.
‘That is Cheshire’s finest golf course’ said well travelled Kevin Chisnell.
‘Amazingly good’ was how Ex Cheshire player Ian Ainsworth described the condition of the golf course.

Kevin Reeves prepared for his round like a tour professional. He arrived early wearing a freshly pressed crisp navy outfit with immaculately clean clubs. He gave himself plenty of time to find his rhythm on the excellent new Sandiway range and chipping area. He walked into the clubhouse before his round holding a banana and ordered a pint of tap water. Unfortunately his golf was hopeless and his team struggled to 76 points.

Once again there is no shortage of ammunition for me to use in my report when Mick Mahons team sit near me before play and they talk high quality nonsense to each other. There is a lovely old barometer in the Sandiway Clubhouse and Frank Hindle always has a look on behalf of his team to see if the weather is set fair. He then added that his wife has a pine cone at home which is like a barometer as it amazingly opens and closes when it is sunny or wet. ‘Your wife has a comb which opens and closes when it rains?’ said a confused John Farnworth ‘how does it do that?’

Bernard McDonald was the surprise winner two weeks ago when the fast swinging Hazel Grove man won ‘Liecester style’ with odds of 5000-1. Unlike Leicester the bookies aren’t afraid of lightening striking twice and Bernard was back playing like Ronald McDonald once again today. His team could only manage a relegation threatening 65 point total.

Tony Stiles and Dave Chambers need excellent memories to do their job to a high standard. They are both highly paid policemen and are called upon to remember criminal faces even though it may be just a brief glimpse at a distance. Remembering car registration numbers is a formality. After play I slowly told both of them the exit code but they were struggling to get out of the car park – ‘what’s the code again Tim? We have both forgotten it.’ Very reassuring.

For the majority of the day a score of just eighty one points was leading. There were three teams tied on that score. When I asked Chris Adam’s team who was to blame for just missing out on top spot and finishing 4th it was like watching a mexican wave as they all quickly pointed to Geoff Churchman.

John Royle’s(17) life long friend John Stubbs had to pull out of the event last night due to illness. Replacement John Dickenson(20) joined the team and helped them to a best finish for three years and third place. ‘I wonder if John will still be out of action next week I might tell him that he really needs to rest …’ said a considerate Royle. Guy Hall(11) and Keith Coxon(11) completed the Sale team.

Roy Hargreaves(15) has a pet shop in Sale, his round is usually littered with mistakes. Today he teamed up with friends Brian Hopkins(4), Mark Taylor(12) and Mike Powell (12)all from Shrigley Hall. Roy was delighted to show some pedigree to his chums as they finished in 2nd place. Well played.

Solicitor Simon Ashton(8) is really enjoying his semi retirement and he is trying to spend his very large pension playing plenty of golf. The likeable Hazel Grove member teamed up with Stockport Top hat maker Richard Booth(14), log cabin builder John Allen(13) and marble kitchen man Chris Heyes(5). The team all combined well to earn a maiden victory together.They picked up 5 shots on the closing three holes whilst the rest of the field struggled with the tight finish. Well played chaps excellent golf.

Thanks to all players for your support, yours in golf, Tim

2’s £182.50 3 pro v1s or 8 srixon AD333s
Dave Wilson x2 Colin Lynch Trevor Webb Bob Sutton Guy Hall x2 Simon Poucher George Buchan Keith Caddick x2 Phil Harris Paul Barlow Simon Ashton Richard Booth Brian Hopkins x2 Mark Taylor Archie Tahir

Nearest the Pin in 2 on 8th Andy Jackson Dozen Ad333s
Nearest the Pin on 18th Andrew Norman Dozen AD333s

Start times for the Srixon AM AM at Ringway Golf Club
Thursday 2nd June

9.20 Colin Roberts x4
9.28 David Kelly x4
9.36
9.54
10.03 Brian Greenbank x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 Dave Stanhope x4
10.30 Jack Coleman x4
10.39 Ian Ainsworth x4
10.48 Andy Wilde x4
10.57 Lewis Marland x4
11.06 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.15 Leigh Smart x2 Richard Palmer x2
11.24 Terry Chaplin x4
11.33 Colin Baxendale x4
11.42 Chih Hu x4
11.51 Barry Wilson x4
12.00 Roger Percival x4
12.09 John Stubbs x4
12.18 Archie Tahir x4
12.27 Rob Harris x4
12.36 Colin Seddon x4
12.45 Bernard Wood x4
12.54 Bill Parkinson x4
1.03 David Smith x4
1.12 Bernard Wood x4
1.21 Bill Melia x4
1.30 Pete Short x4
1.39 Dan Huffman x4
1.48 Dave Bowers x4
1.57
2.06 Paul Donnely x4
2.15 Richard Blackwell x4
2.24
2.33 Brian Hopkins x4
2.42

Next great event: Pleasington 19th May- nearly full – see below
Sandiway 24th May – full
Ringway team of 4 – Thursday 2nd June last few spots
Hesketh pairs Friday 10th June – spaces

Results from beautiful Bramall Park

Maxitours returned to Bramall Park after a four year break and all of the players thoroughly enjoyed playing this really excellent Manchester venue.

Brian Greenbank was one of many players who hadn’t visited the course before
‘I really enjoyed that, what a great course, I will definitely play here again next year!’ Said the Hale man.
‘What a great track’ reported Archie Tahir.

Many thanks to all the staff at this great club who looked after us so well throughout the day- brilliant.

Terry Rathbone from Burslem is a lovely bloke and a competitive 10 handicapper. He plays off scratch when it comes to talking. I teamed him up today with a couple of perfect playing partners- John Waggett who turned off his hearing aid for the back nine and well spoken Dr Dave Arthur who was educated at Repton and couldn’t understand a word Terry was saying.

Thrifty moorland farmer Richard Palmer is back playing golf after a busy Spring spent delivering lambs. He has his own sheep dog and his dad (Richard’s dad -not the dogs dad) regularly appeared on BBC 2’s One man and his dog.

He told me they now have 1000 new lambs selling at £60 quid a lamb. I’ve not worked out how much money that is but I will be dropping a few hints about how old his golf clubs are looking. Today he was frantically whistling at his ball as it disappeared into the trees on the 6th.

Paul Clay always feeds me with a couple of funny one liners when he plays in my events, he overheard the chat about Richard’s sheepdog and told me he had just bought a very intelligent Colly from an iron monger in Buxton last week. He’d only had it for a day and it had already made a bolt for the door.

In today’s event Knutsford nice guy Dave Bentley had a terrific back nine and was delighted to score 43 points alongside Mere legend Paul Cooper. I asked him what size shoe he was ‘Oh right, that’s great, I’m size nine, have we won some shoes?’ said delighted Dave.
‘No’ I replied ‘you might get a pair of socks’.

There were four pairs who played top golf to score 44 points, Myton Folds Mick Mahon(23) and Richard Palmer(10), Frank Hindle(13) and Dave Westwood(23) also from Myton, Wilmslows Jim Caldwell(10) and Andrew Aherne(18) but winning the card play off with a solid back nine to take 3rd spot was Wychwood’s Dave Goodwin(10) and Richard Williamson(11).

Ian Ainsworth(13) and Bernard McDonald(15) were 5000-1 to win today. They were surprisingly top of the table for most of the day after a magnificent 45 points but unlike Leicester City the Hazel Grove heroes were pipped at the post. Ainsworth hasn’t had too much success in recent years however he played some magnificent golf at Bramall Park and at one point he was not only leading the event but also winning both Nearest the pins!

The likeable duo -Heswall solicitor Jim Rymer(18) and security specialist John Dickenson(20)- recorded a very impressive 46 points to take their second victory of the season. Jim played great on the front nine and Dickenson showed his fighting spirit as he parred 3 of the last 5 holes to ensure the win.- well played chaps!

Thanks to all players for your support, yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 4th Ian Ainsworth Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 15th Chris Hunt Dozen AD333s

2’s £155 3 pro V1s or 8 srixons per two Jim Caldwell Paul Clay Frank Hindle Dave Stanhope Pete Ledger Paul Cooper David Fellows Gareth Winston Martin Cullen Josh Brand Chris Hunt John Stubbs Dave Henshall Martin Callahan x2 Mobisher Majeed Talat Mahmood

Start times at Pleasington
Thursday 19th May
9.30 Colin Roberts x4
9.39 Mark Wheeler x2
9.48 Ian King x4
9.57 Mick Mahon x4
10.06 Trevor Foster x4
10.15 Paul Browne x4
10.24 John Dickenson x4
10.33 John Hilditch x2 Andy Strickleyx2tbc
10.42 Dave Stanhope x4
10.51 Chris Adams x4
11.00 David Kelly x4
11.10 Ron Sloane x4
11.19 Brian Greenbank x4
11.28 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.37 Steve Johnson x4
11.46 Frank Stapleton x4
11.55 Roger Percival x4
12.04
12.13 Paul Bayley x4
12.22
1.30 Mike Dobson x4
1.39 Steve Parle x4
1.48 Archie Tahoir x4
1.57
2.06 Paul Wrigley x4
2.14 Rob Little x4
2.22 George Buchan x4
2.31 Greg Aspinall x2/4?
2.40 Dave Goodwin x4
2.50 Richard Blackwell x4
2.58 Brian Hopkins x4
3.06 Gary Neiles x4
3.14 Simon Ashton x4

Terrific June events all filling fast!(still room at brilliant Bramall Park this Tuesday)

Thurs 2nd June Ringway 9-2.30pm Taylor Made AM AM £25
Fri 10th June Hesketh 10.30-3pm Holiday4golfers Pairs £30
Thurs 16th June Fixby 10-3pm Pairs £25- nearly full
Thurs 23rd June Worsley Footjoy Classic 10-3pm AM AM £22.50
Mon 27th June Conway 10.30-3pm AM AM £30 -full

Maxitours at Vale Royal

Summertime finally arrived at Vale Royal Golf Club! Glorious sunshine, not a breath of wind and temperatures in the 70’s meant a great day was had by all.

Head green keeper Jonathon Betts does a world class job and has turned Vale Royal into one of the top courses in the North West. The hand mown greens were running at eleven on the stimp meter and this caused a few problems for the less talented golfers in the field.

General manager Ian Embury is a good man and excellent to work with, his team run a very smooth operation. – Many thanks to all his staff.

It was great to see Sam Leach back in full swing. He had a dodgy curry the night before last week’s Maxitours event at Llangollen and had to retire after 6 holes from food poisoning. ‘I must have been more poorly than I thought ‘ he reported’ ‘I felt so bad I didn’t have a pint for nearly two days.’

Unfortunately today’s sunshine brought out the golfing shorts. Ian Buxton is an award winning baker from Darwin but his legs looked like a pair of undercooked sausage rolls. Chester’s Mark Howson is a keen ornithologist and his sparrow like knee caps were also a cause for concern.

As expected due to the perfect conditions and yellow tees scoring was excellent. ‘Do we get any extra courtesy shots as we were playing best 2 scores from just 3 players?’ enquired Mere’s Dave Madely.
‘Did one of your team not arrive?’ I asked.
‘ No, Mark Wheeler was hopeless’ .

Phil Smeathers’ (6)Knutsford team played some great golf to finish in 5th place, Joe Stanley(5) recorded five birdies, Dave Stanhope(10) came in twelve times and even Dave Antrobus(10) played well. Brendan Leighton’s(16) Macclesfield team also scored 84 points and a strong finish saw them take 4th place.

Sandiway’s Gary Neiles (5) Jim Doran(15) John Longworth(14) and Joe Yates came in late in the day to scrape into 3rd place with 85 points- well played.

Colin Roberts(18) Alsager team is getting better with age. After eight very barren years the team of seventy -something -year -olds have eventually hit some form . Softly spoken Dave Marchant(15) had a career round and he birdied the first and ninth to pick up eight very useful points. Geoff Andrews(21) and Tony Adams(20) also contributed well as the team finished in second.

After over 50 events Brookdale’s Gareth Winston(10) and Gareth Kershaw(13) had their first ever Maxitours victory at Vale Royal in March this year. It was a case of horses for courses as once again playing alongside Alf Shillitoe(19) and Josh Ainscough(3) the likeable lads were delighted to record another win -well played chaps!
Thanks to all players for your terrific support. I hope you have a great summer of golf, Tim.

ps the report is slightly shorter than usual as it’s my birthday and I’m off for a pint.

Nearest the pin 10th Josh Ainscough Dozen AD333s
Nearest the pin 16th Anthony Bloor Dozen AD333s

Wealthy Knutsford farmer Anthony Bloor rolled back the years with a brace of two’s on the tough par three holes to win some golf balls for his team-Excellent play.

2’s £185 Dave Murphy x2 Anthony Bloor x2 Archie Tahir Gareth Winston Mike Stott Jim Hodges Ollie Tovee Joe Stanley Monro Donald Stuart Pearson Gary Youall Chris Heggarty Terry Rathbone Greg Aspinall John Allman Joe Yates

Bramall Park start times
Tuesday 10th May
10.00 Terry Rathbone x4
10.09 Jim Caldwell x2 Monro Donald x2
10.18 Ian King x4
10.27 Ian Ainsworth x4
10.36 Matt Cheffins x4
10.45 Jason Henderson x4
10.54 Roger Percival x4
11.03 Mick Mahon x4
11.12 John Dickenson x2 Al Reid x2
11.21 Dave Stanhope x4
11.30 Trevor Foster x4
11.39 Brian Greenbank x4
11.48 David Kelly x4
11.57
12.06 Richard Taylor -Carr x4
12.15 Les Russon x4
12.24 Gareth Winston x2 Colin Baxendale x2
12.33 Steve Johnson x4
12.42 Paul Wrigley x4
12.51 Ian Bartholomew x2 Josh Brand x2
1.00 Martin Cullen x2 Richard Blackwell x2
1.09 Tony Andrews x4
1.18 Archie Tahir x2
1.27
1.36 Pete Short x4
1.45
1.54
2.03
2.12 Brian Hopkins x4
2.20 Dave Goodwin x4
2.30 Gary Neiles x4