**Please note that Next Thursday at Dunham Forest is 11am start**
Results from a wet and windy Sandiway

Maxitours visited Sandiway Golf Club in the 6th event of the Winter series. The course was in absolutely unbelievable condition despite the recent heavy downfalls. The greens are rolling as well as any in the North West so many thanks to the head green keeper for his excellent preparation. New Golf Club manager Anthony Roberts is terrific to deal with and is rapidly becoming one of the most respected Secretaries in the country.

This November has seen Maxitours players endure some tough golfing conditions and today was no exception as heavier than forecast rain saw the course at one stage become saturated with water. The superbly draining Sandiway course soon recovered as the storm clouds lifted and play continued. Thanks to everyone once again for your patience.

Mick Mahon is delighted to be made Captain Elect at Mytton Fold Golf Club this week- congratulations you will have a great year. When he told his family the good news his daughter looked confused and replied ‘I thought you had to be a good golfer to be made Captain?’

As I register my Maxitours players I am always amazed by the variety of smells that greet me throughout the day. There were two ladies playing and they both smelled great – Christine and Gail were wearing the latest expensive perfume no doubt. Things went downhill as the blokes arrived and the rain started. It was especially bad when Francis Murray turned up wearing some damp waterproofs which he had been carefully fermenting in the corner of his golf bag for the last few months.

Bramall millionaire Mike Spencer was panicking after he couldn’t find his unusually large wallet. He has dropped it in the past but he is usually alerted by the loud thud or a sudden feeling of weightlessness. He phoned me when he got home to report he had no wallet and sounded very distressed. He forced me to look in the changing room, the bar area and three times around the car park. He has just phoned me again to let me know his wife found it in the biscuit barrel at home. Sweet toothed Mike has ‘no idea’ how it got there.

The Sandiway Clubhouse heating was put on full blast last week and I was incredibly warm throughout the day. Steve Foxcroft played well in the rain but for some reason he was still wearing his waterproof pants in the clubhouse after play. It was hard to make him out through the mist as he sat in the corner of the bar with sweat steadily dripping down into his pint of bitter.

In today’s event gas heating engineer John Berry(13) and Chris O’Regan(17) from Sale ignited on the closing holes to finish in a career best 5th position with 41 points.

Posh scousers Roy Christian(9) and Bob Mottershead(14) from Heswall also had the best finish of their golfing lives as they took 4th on 42 points. The two bankers ‘deposited’ plenty of putts and also took the cash from their playing partners who lost ‘interest’ over the closing holes. They narrowly lost out on a card play-off to Manchester United legends Stuart Pearson(6) and Frank Stapleton(13), these old strikers are used to playing on wet pitches and they revelled in the rain.

Talented Paul Dalby(4) and Phil Vokes(4) from Didsbury are two of the most successful players on the tour and they were on form once again to take second place. They only dropped one shot all day but unfortunately they made the costly error on their closing hole.

Winning today was John Hilton(12) and Richard Blackwell(13) from Mottram Hall. John has had a tough battle with cancer over the past year but he is a real fighter and it is terrific to see him getting back to his best on the golf course. Richard Blackwell is also a great guy who plays every week and he was delighted with his first win in over a year. Well played chaps- great golf!

A few players decided to complete just nine holes and Sandiway kindly supported a nine hole prize table to keep all players happy. Geoff Underhill and Mike Hazeltine took first place with 21 points.

At our next event at Dunham Forest we will be running an ETIQUS Charity Challenge in aid of The Golf Foundation with a nearest the pin at the 3rd hole. Entry to the challenge is a minimum donation of £5 per player. Many of you will remember that we did a similar challenge at Hazel Grove last year where everyone got an ETIQUS ball marker just for entering – well this time entrants will each receive an ETIQUS protective watch case which sells on their website for £10! The winner of the Challenge will receive a watch voucher to the value of £179 which can purchase a Classic Tour watch or be put towards any other watch on their site, men’s or ladies. All donations will go to the Golf Foundation to support the development of the game of golf and the life skills it has to offer to kids who would not normally be able to experience our game. ETIQUS Founder and Maxitour player Gary Butler has already raised over £10,000 to support golf at the grass roots and his timepieces are becoming a serious choice for both amateur and professional golfers alike. Gary is also offering to any Maxitour player an ‘on the day’ promotion where you can order one of his watches and get your competition entry fee refunded. To see his latest collections visit ETIQUS.co.uk

Results
Nearest the Pin in 2 on 8th hole Stuart Pearson Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin on 18th hole Jon Farrell Dozen AD333s
2’s £127.50 3 Pro v1s or 8 srixons per 2 John Royle Paul Dalby Jim Hodges John Berry Francis Murray Jon Farrell Geoff Fryer x2 Frank Stapleton Stuart Pearson x2

Nine holes prizes courtesy of Sandiway Golf Club and Maxitours Golf
1st Geoff Underhill & Mike Hazeldine 21 Maxitours sweater each
2nd Mike Spencer & Darren Whittaker 18 Dozen Wilson Soft feel each
3rd James Eadie & Bill Rotherer 17 6 Wilson soft feel each
4th Christine Kelsall & Andrew Richardson 6 Wilson Soft feel each
5th Bob Sinclair and Dave Marchant 16 3 Wilson soft feel each
6th Eddie Ellis & Safari Dave 16 3 Wilson soft feel each
7th Mick Mahon & Frank Hindle 16 3 Wilson Soft feel each
8th Steve Aspinall & ptnr 16 3 Wilson soft feel each
9th John Kelsall & Roger Dent 16 3 Wilson Soft feel each
10th Ian Ainsworth & Alan Clough 15 3 Wilson Soft feel each
11th Geoff Haynes & Terry Davison 15 3 Wilson soft feel each
12th Roy Macgregor & Andy Young 14 3 Srixons each
13th Ian King & Ashley Elliott 14 3 Wilson soft feel each
14th Richard Palmer & John Farnworth 13 3 Wilson soft feel each
15th Kristain Oakes & Paul Woodbine 13 3 Wilson soft feel each
16th Gary Whittaker & Joe Shelley 13 3 Wilson soft feel each
17th Dave Goodwin & Richard Williamson 11 3 Wilson soft feel each

Maxitours Etiqus Pairs at Dunham Forest
11am start Thursday 3rd December

1a Jim Caldwell x2 Richard Blackwell x2
1b Steve Parle x4
2 Geoff Underhill x4
3 Ian King x4
4a Lewis Marland x2 John Hilditch x2
4b Brian Greenbank x4
5a Mick Mahon x4
5b John Stubbsx4
6a Colin Baxendale x4
6b Roger Percival x4
7 Dave Blood x4
8 Peter Cross x2 Trevor Foster x2
9a Nigel Clowes x2 Mark Jones x2
9b Jason Henderson x4
10 Phil Vokes x4
11a David Kelly x4
11a Colin Roberts x4
12 Frank Stapleton x4
12b Anthony Jennison x4
13 Tom Jarvis x4
14a Ian Cairns x4
14b Ian Cairns x2 Anthony Grimley x2
15 Simon Poucher x4
16 Paul Wrigley x4
17 Roy Ainsworth x4
17b Pete Norbury x4
18 Ian Ainsworth x4
18b Brian Hopkins x4

Maxitours at Mottram Hall

Maxitours players enjoyed playing at my old stomping ground- Mottram Hall in today’s event. Golf Manager Jonny Chaisty and his staff were marvellous throughout the day. The greens were also really excellent considering the heavy rain we have experienced recently. Many thanks.

It has been great to see the impressive upgrades to both the Clubhouse and Golf course which have taken place over the past ten years. Many people remarked that the biggest improvement was when I left Mottram in 2007 to join Knutsford Golf Club and they then decided to employ a decent professional.

The club is becoming famous for its thieving crows which are stealing balls on and around the 15th hole. They must have taken a special fondness to Nigel Comsty as he lost a few balls on the course today. Bernard McDonald doesn’t hit many fairways and he was also nearly in tears when his brand new srixon disappeared from the short grass after his one good drive of the day.

Phil Vokes(4) quickly waltzed out of the Clubhouse after his round in order to catch a train to London. He is having a dancing lesson alongside his wife from the strictly come dancing star Anton Dubec tomorrow!

Today his team finished 4th after picking up SEVEN! on his closing hole. Paul Dalby (4) Tony Taylor (4) and Jeff Brothwell(5) completed the team.
Ex Liverpool Philarmonic Trumpet star Brothwell now plays his instrument all over the world. He has just returned to Manchester after being paid vast sums of moneyto happily toot away for nine months on a cruise liner. The only problem is that he is unable to practice his swing as hitting golf balls into the sea is now classed as environmentally unfriendly. Despite some dodgy long shots caused by some swaying he did hit some stunning putts from inside 6 feet – about the length of his cabin.

Gaz Smith(9) from Brookdale is usually very environmentally unfriendly. He has polluted plenty of water hazards with his errant shots over the years. Today was different for the ex PE teacher as he guided his team to second place with some great shots. Seventy year old Team mate Alan Jones (8) was on the seniors tour for eight consecutive seasons and he showed his class to hold the team together over the closing holes. Gary Conroy(8) and Paul Kinder(10) completed the likeable quartet.

Maxitours legends and nice guys Colin Roberts(18) and John Rigby(14) teamed up with Jeff Andrews(22) and Tony Adams(20) and they secured their best finish of the season as they took third place with 82 points.

Winning today was the in-form Clitheroe team of Mark Birtwistle(8), Mark Jones(13), Paul Nightingale (7)and Paul Corrigan(17) .They were surprised and delighted to narrowly take first place with 84 points. Jones and Nightingale are also overjoyed move to the top of the Abacus order of merit after five events . Well played chaps!

Thanks to all players for your 100% attendance today.

2’s sweep £132.50 6 pro v1s or 14 Srixon AD333s Paul Baxter Martin France Paul Dalby Bob Weir Alan Smith Steve Smith
Nearest the Pin 3rd Paul Kinder Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 11th Steve ChapmanDozen AD333s

Sandiway Pairs start sheet
Tuesday 24th November 11AM shotgun

1a Mick Mahon x4
1b Roger Percival x4
2a John Farrell x2 Trevor Webb x2
2b John Stubbs x2 John Hilditch x1
3 Dave Blood x4
4 Phil Vokes x4
4b
5a Eddie Ellis x4
5b Sam Leach x4
6a Steve Johnson x4
7a Gail Heggarty x4
7b Ian Cairns x4
8 Geoff Underhill x4
9a Colin Roberts x4
9b Ian King x4
10a R Blackwell x2 Mark Jones x2
10b Brian Greenbank x4
11 Roy Macgregor x2 Steve Aspinall x2
12a Carl Bolus x4
12b Barry Simpson x4
13 John Berry x2 Peter Cross x2
14 John Kelsall x4
15a Frank Stapleton x4
15b Bob Mottershead x4 tbc
16 Richard Williamson x4
17a David Kelly x4
17b Steve Parle x4
18 Ian Ainsworth x4

Dear Maxitours player,
the Mottram Hall event this Thursday is very much ON!
I have just spoken to the golf coordinator and the course is remarkably dry and the greens are very good. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday for the 11am shotgun start. Thanks Tim Sent from my iPhone

Maxitours at Wonderful but Windy Wilmslow Golf Club

A wet and windy day greeted Maxitours golfers at Wilmslow today. Many thanks to all who battled the elements and played on this great course.

Ged Heaslip, the new Club General Manager is a top man. He is so dedicated to his job he was busy for most of the morning ‘squeegying’ the greens to keep the course open for us- legend. Many thanks to head green keeper Steve Oultram and all his staff who were also brilliant and worked like trojans for us.

Everyone got a good drenching . Even I got a little bit wet when I accidentally splashed some worcestershire sauce on my shirt as I was tucking into the second slice of my welsh rarebit in the comfort of the warm Wilmslow Clubhouse.

As the rain persisted the and the greens started to become unplayable the decision to reduce the event to nine holes was taken . Thanks to all players and Wilmslow golf club for your terrific cooperation on this tricky day. There were no complaints at all so many thanks for your positive attitude!

Peter Cross(10) is a lovely bloke and a very competitive golfer. He always likes to count how many times he is on the card to ensure that he has contributed his fair share. Today his partner Trevor Foster(scr) was on the card nine times which sounds like a great team effort. Unfortunately for Pete it was a nine hole competition. The first time he appeared on the card was when he signed it in the clubhouse after play. He was delighted to finish in 6th place.

Brendon Leighton(16) and Greg Brown(9) from Macclesfield enjoyed the testing weather and they finished 5th, Neil Higgins and Steve Murray were 4th all scoring 19 points.

Third place went to the North Manchester Pairing of John Farrell(9) and Mick Philbin(16), who also won nearest the pin on the 17th after a superb tee shot.

Second place went to Didsbury’s Andy Lawman(5) and Andy Burns(6). Lawman is a top window fitter and he had a smashing three birdies on the run from the 4th hole. They both reflected on the two one pointers early in their round which cost them a maiden victory.

First place went to Denton’s Jim Cox(3) and Dave Blood(10) with 20 points over the front nine.
Blood is a retired firearms policeman and he has a scar on his hand where he accidentally shot himself. In a strange coincidence when he plays golf he regularly shoots himself in the foot. Today he was firing on all cylinders and dropped just one shot on the opening six holes to earn his first win of the year, Well played chaps!

There was a first for wealthy retired doctor Dave Arthur when he was mistaken for a golf professional after hitting his approach to six inches on the par three 9th hole. ‘Where is that old pro from?’ asked a Wilmslow member who thought Maxitours was a tour for local golf professionals. I explained that it is an amateur golf tour and when a delighted Dave walked past the large Clubhouse window on the way to the 10th tee the Wilmslow member added ‘Oh yes, he looks a bit too scruffy to be a pro.’

Many thanks for your superb attendance today, yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the Pin 9th Dave Arthur Dozen AD333s
Nearest the Pin 17th Mick Philbin Dozen AD333s

2’s £67.50 6 pro V1s or 15 Srixon AD333s Andy Lawman Trevor Foster Richard Scanlon

Mottram Hall AM AM
Thursday 19th November 11am shotgun start
1a Ian Ainsworth x4
1b Brian Hopkins x4
2a Lewis Marland x4
2b John Hilditch x4
3 Gaz Smith x4
4a Simon Poucher x4
4bRichard Blackwell x4
5 John Dickenson x4
5b Roy Ainsworth x4
6 Barry Jackson x4
7 Ian King x4
8a Mick Mahon x4
8b Colin Baxendale x4
9a Roger Percival x4
10a Dave Blood x4
10b Anthony Grimley x4
11 Phil Vokes x4
12a Colin Roberts x4
12b John Stubbs x4
13 Ken Ogden x4
14 Nigel Compsty x4
14 Chris Adams x4
15a Mark Birtwistle x4
15b Keith Judkins x4
16 Pete Hamlett x4
17 Steve Wilson x4
18a Graham Littler x4
18b Alan Forber x4
res Trevor Foster x4