Maxitours at wonderful Worsley

Worsley is a beautiful golfing oasis less than 4 miles from the centre of town and with one of the best layouts in Greater Manchester -it is always a very popular venue on the Maxitours rota.

The fairways and surrounding trees looked stunning in the glorious May sunshine. Thanks to all the green staff for presenting the course so well.

The food is always excellent at Worsley, the chef has a contract with Anchor as there is never a shortage of butter on his baps. I enjoyed my mid morning steak and stilton baguette so much I ordered another one for my evening meal. Bring it on.

Trevor Nicholson is a great bloke and last Sunday in the Knutsford Golf Club bar he told me in the strictest confidence that he used to be the lead singer in a popular Sheffield band ‘Jonny Lane and the Wanderers.’ I looked towards the 16th fairway late in the day and Trevor (aka Jonny) looked like he was back with his band and they were doing plenty of wandering around the Worsley rough searching for his ball.

Mike Lamb was delighted to collect his ‘money can’t buy’ ostrich skin Maxitours scorecard holder this morning. ‘It is made from real imitation Ostrich skin.’ I explained.
‘That suits me I can put my head in the sand if I am playing badly.’

Norman Humphries is a three handicap class golfer and he has a swing as smooth as chocolate. I told Dave Bentleys group to put down their bacon sandwiches and watch and learn as Norman hit a silky drive 250 yards down the first hole.
‘I’ve been told my practice swing is like that, but it changes when the ball is there!’ Admitted Nigel Uttley. Sure enough I was impressed with his relaxed practice swing as he went through his pre shot routine. Unfortunately when he did tee off his swing also reminded me of chocolate. A Crunchy.

Ryan Giggs lives in his mansion alongside the Worsley 6th hole and it is well set back amid some huge oak and beech trees so he rarely sees any golfers. That is until Mark Hunter hit his vicious hook. He had a quick chat with the United legend who was pruning his roses before sensibly chipping his ball back on the fairway.

Nigel Hallows and his Turton team took 3rd place with 84 points after picking up just two points on the final hole! They still had a great day.

As you know I am extremely proud of my players behaviour and conduct on the golf course each week. Once again lovely Shannon and Laura behind the Worsley golf Club bar repeatedly told me what a lovely group we were. Unfortunately there have been reports coming back this week from a 5 star hotel in Turkey about a certain player by the name of ‘Graham Jackson.’ He was seen leading the way in a conga style dance around The Cornelia Diamond hotel. The ‘dance’ ended up in a broom cupboard. To make matters worse he was wearing a Maxitours shirt at the time!
Graham finished in second place today after a solid performance and he celebrated with a couple of San Miguels. His team of JIm Kenyon(14), Neil Topping(8) and Darryl Parker(14) had to restrain him after they sensed another Conga coming on.

Wrexham’s Dave Cooper(16) Nigel Ashton(123) Ben Kinsey(5) and Mike Lowe(9) took first place with a superb 87 points on the tough Worsley course. Big hitting Ben Kinsey was the main man with five birdies as he found his putting touch on the Worsley greens. Even Nigel Ashton contributed with a valuable birdie on the risk reward 17th hole.

Well played chaps great golf. Thanks to all players for your 100% attendance. Incredible.
Tim

Nearest the Pin 16th in 2 shots Chris Smith Dozen AD333
Nearest the Pin 18th Richard Taylor Carr Dozen Ad333
Hole in one Chris Percy- 8th hole Dozen AD333s
2’s sweep £140 4 pro V1 or 9 srixons
Graham Jackson Adam Princep x2 Dave Rogerson Graham Pike (17th hole eagle) Martin France Brian Greenbank Chris Brown Paul Hammond

Romiley AM AM start sheet Tuesday 4th June
9.45 David Kelly x4
9.54 Simon Hemsley x4
10.03Colin Roberts x4
10.12 Jim Caldwell x4
10.21 Jim Clarke x4
10.30 Jack Coleman x4
10.39 Mick Mahon x4
10.45 Neale Laureent x4
10.54 Paul Evans x4
11.03 Brian Greenbank x4
11.12 Roger Percival x4
11.21 Ian Walters x4
11.30 Peter Maher x4
11.39 Mike George x4
11.48 Les Russon x4
11.57 Pete Dobson x4
12.06 Nigel Hallows x4
12.15 Simon Poucher x4
12.24 Ian Hellens x4
12.33 Sam Leach x4
12.42 Olivier Troalen x4
12.51
1.00 Jon Hudson x4
1.09 Neil Edwards x4
1.18 Neil Edwards x4
1.27 Dave Sully x4
1.36 Paul Fell x4
1.45 Pete Booth x4
1.54 Brian Hopkins x4
2.03
2.12Richard Blackwell x4
2.21 Joe Yates x4
2.30
2.39 Lee Tilley x4
2.48 Dave Goodwin x4
2.57

Maxitours at Brilliant Bramall Park

Bramall Park was the stunning venue for the latest Maxitours event.
Over the last four years we have visited this gem and every year the Golf Course and Clubhouse just keep getting better and better. This forward-thinking club has invested wisely and the members are really reaping the rewards.
‘It was like Augusta out there!’. Reported over-enthusiastic Dave Mason. ‘ I got my camera out and started taking pictures at one point.’
‘I just can’t fault it.’ Praised Richard Palmer
‘Top drawer!’ Tony Jennison.
Steve the new bar Manager is right on the money and the quality of food and service was excellent throughout the day. He kindly opened the half-way house to give us some special treatment. Bramall Park is really looking after it’s clients. Keep up the excellent work. As always a big thanks to their superb pro Craig Daggitt for his help.

Dave Westwood always has a medical excuse or some other very good reason for playing badly each week and he had a new one today. When he checked in I asked him if he had any ailments or problems to contend with this week?
He looked out of the window at the stunningly lush Bramall park course ‘I am allergic to the colour green.’

Keith Rigby is always honest about his golf and I asked him how he had played when he gave me the scorecard after his round.
‘Like a drone’ said the depressed Lancastrian.
I’m not sure what sort of drone he meant but looking at his card all three definitions in the Oxford dictionary described his performance:
‘Stingless animal, which performs no work and produces absolutely nothing ‘
‘A talentless idle person who lives off others.’
‘A Machine with no pilot on board. ‘

Four hour rounds were the order of the day once again for my players- brilliant. I think the new rules have helped speed of play a little but many thanks to everyone for their speedy golf which ensures a great day for all.

Even though the sun was shining there was a big black cloud following Mike Benson who shanked his way around the Bramall Park course today. A little rainbow appeared on the 15th hole when he finally found the centre of his clubface and popped his 5 iron to three inches to astound his team mates and win nearest the pin.

When Jonny Barton checked in, he looked through the huge patio windows at the stunning golf course. ‘I’ve not played here before so which hole is that one with the flag we can see? ‘
‘That is the 9th green.’
‘The way I’m playing at the moment you might see me waving that white flag after nine holes!’ Sure enough the team could only manage 36 points as they reached the turn in last place. Jonny was happily flapping the flag.

Well liked Lewis Marland hit the shot of the day to nearly eagle the same ninth hole and that really helped his team to take 6th place.

Rob Kenyons team had a great score but they hit the wall on the 17th hole when they could only pick up three points. He followed it up an hour later by hitting the patio doors in the Clubhouse as he walked straight into them carrying his third pint of Lager as he tried to drown his sorrows.
The team of Rob Kenyon(15) Dave Fidler(9) and Gav Spencer(16) had to settle for 3rd place.

The Prestbury Captain Steve Hall(17) and his team took 2nd place with 84 points. Chris Adams(12) Mike Clewley(16) and Paul Allen(9) know a well presented course when they see one and they really rated Bramall Park today.
Bramall member Ian Fensom(16), Swinton Park legend Pete O’Neill (2), Kev Hart(10) and Paul Yearsley (10) took 1st place today. Pete O’Neill last won eight years ago and he didn’t fancy his chances much with today’s team either. A great team performance saw them secure the win. Even Kev Hart came in with a net birdie at the last. Well played chaps great performance!

Thanks for your support and integrity
Tim
2’s £155 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon AD333 Pete O,Neill Chris Adams Phil Dickens Adam Princep Bob Sutton(yes this is not a miss print) Bob Chesters Andy Taylor Barney Ross Dean Jagger Olivier Troalen

Nearest the Pin 4th hole Gary Neiles Dozen AD333
Nearest the pin 15th hole Mike Benson Dozen AD333

Worsley start times – THIS THURSDAY 23rd May

10.00 Si Hemsley x4
10.09 Colin Roberts x4
10.18 Jim Clarke x4
10.27 Bob Eastwood x4
10.36 Paul Gilbert x4
10.45 Paul Evans x4
10.54 Mick Mahon x4
11.03 Bev Crute x4
11.12 Dave Stanhope x4
11.20 Paul Fell x4
11.30 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.39 Ian Walters x4
11.48 Brian Greenbank x4
11.57 Ian Hellens x4
12.06 Roger Percival x4
12.15 Simon Poucher x4
12.24 Peter Maher x4
12.33
12.42 Adrian Waring x4
12.51 John Farrell x4
1.00 John Dickenson x2 2 PLAYERS REQUIRED
1.18 Dave Bentley x4
1.27 Brian Hopkins x4
1.36 Les Russon x4
1.45 Dave Blease x4
1.54 Martin Byatt x4
2.03 Darren Booth x4
2.21
2.30
2.39 Barry Jackson x4.

Maxitours at ‘pure class’ Pleasington

Pleasington was in absolutely terrific condition for today’s Maxitours event
Clear blue skies and a refreshing summer breeze graced this terrific Lancashire course.
‘It was beautiful out there.’ Stated Nathan Pugh
‘Those greens are wonderful!’ Beamed Dave Greenwood

Thanks to everyone at this Club for their tremendous hospitality- especially Barney the catering manager who was terrific all day.

Paul Fell thought retired headmaster Nigel Ashton was having one of his funny turns again.
‘Look over there dear!’ Paul heard him say to him. It took Fell a few seconds to realise Nigel wasn’t having a friendly moment but he had spotted two beautiful wild muntjack deer roaming across the 17th fairway.

The breeze picked up as the day progressed and the wind swirled through the trees lined fairways. The excellent greens were rolling very true but very fast!
The course was playing so tough it would have given an aspirin a headache.

John Hilditch is a top estate agent and he explained to me before he went out why he has such excellent selling success: ‘The housewives of Cheshire are like putty in my hands.’
His golf club certainly looked like putty in his hands today as I watched him trying to make a vital two putt on the last. The ball somehow dribbled in the front edge after a very nervy stroke. He managed to secure the team a vital par and a 5th place finish.

Bramall nice guys Charles Beadle(16), Russell Humphries(13), Tom Hollis(12) and Martin Higgins(11) were delighted with their best finish for a few years as they took third place with 80 points.

Brian Greenbank’s(5) Hale team are regular players and they have been overachieving recently. Today they were surprised and delighted to take 2nd with just 80 points.
Paul Simpson is a fellow Hale member who plays in a rival fourball and he just can’t believe how well his pals have played. Here was his explanation: ‘If you put enough monkeys in a room, eventually, they will come up with Shakespeare.’
Ian Ponter(15), Dave Wainwright(10) and Knutsford Golf Clubs very popular scouser Nigel Jenkins(19) completed the team.

Taking the honours was the Hale ‘c’ team. These guys normally just turn up for the bacon butty before play. Today they were on fire and even Andy Veitch(19) played well. Chris Brown(6) Peter Veitch(10) and Ian Goulty(9) all contributed well. Two well-earned pars by the Veitch brothers on the tricky 15th hole gave them a vital boost late in the round.
Well played chaps excellent golf!!
Thanks to all players for your support!
Tim

Nearest the pin 16th Ian Ponter Dozen AD333
Neartest the pin 18th Dave Greenwood Dozen AD333
2’s £145 10 pro v1s or 22 srixon AD333
Peter Veitch Ian Ponter Andrew Mansfield Rory Graham Ste Aspinall

Bramall Park start sheet Tuesday 21st May
10.00 David Kelly x4
10.09 Simon Hemsley x4
10.18 Colin Roberts x4
10.27 Jim Clarke x4
10.36 Jack Coleman x4
10.45 Mick Mahon x4
10.54 Dave Stanhope x4
11.03 Lewis Marland x4
11.12 Brian Greenbank x4
11.21 Simon Taylor x4
11.30 Chris Adams x4
11.39 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.48 Roger Percival x4
11.57 Dave Sully x4
12.06 Sam Leach x4
12.15 Tony Grinnell x4
12.24 Kev Hart x4
12.33 Nigel Hallows x4
12.42 John Dickenson x4
12.51 Keith Workman x4
1.00
1.09 Les Russon x4
1.18 Paul Fell x4
1.27 Paul Rudkin x4
1.36 Paul Bayley x4
1.45 richard Blackwell x4
1.54 Steve Lamont x4
2.05 Andrew Hill x4
2.13
2.22 Andy Strickley x4
2.31 Dean Jagger x4
2.40 Olivier Troalen x4
2.49 Joe Yates x4
2..58

Worsley Start sheet Thursday 23rd May

10.00 Si Hemsley x4
10.09 Colin Roberts x4
10.18 Jim Clarke x4
10.27 Bob Eastwood x4
10.36 Paul Gilbert x4
10.45 Paul Evans x4
10.54
11.03 Mick Mahon x4
11.08 Bev Crute x4
11.12 Dave Stanhope x4
11.20 John Hilditch x4
11.30 Roy Ainsworth x4
11.39 Ian Walters x4
11.48 Brian Greenbank x4
11.57 Ian Hellens x4
12.06 Roger Percival x4
12.15 Simon Poucher x4
12.24 Peter Maher x4
12.33 Paul Fell x4
12.42 Adrian Waring x4
12.51
1.00 John Dickenson x4
1.09 Nigel Hallows x4
1.18 Dave Bentley x4
1.27 Brian Hopkins x4
1.36 Les Russon x4
1.45 Dave Blease x4
1.54 Martin Byatt x4
2.03 Darren Booth x4
2.21
2.30
2.39 Barry Jackson x4

Spaces in Knutsford ‘East Cheshire Hospice’ Charity Golf Day Thursday 13th June please contact Letty Whitehead if you wish to play in this fine event for a great cause 07989 748995

Maxitours at Superb Vale Royal

Maxitours visited stunning Vale Royal in the heart of Cheshire for today’s event.

The course is a firm favourite with my players and once again Vale Royal didn’t disappoint. A superb Clubhouse and beautifully presented course greeted the competitors.

It was also great to see the Captain of Vale Royal down at the Club welcoming our players – he is a class act- Thank you.

The report is shorter than usual as I promised to watch my son in a cup match tonight!

There was a huge localised hail storm at twelve o’clock which flooded the ninth and tenth greens. Incredibly Simon Pouchers group on the far side of the course only got a gentle dusting of small hails stones when the holes near the clubhouse were underwater for twenty minutes. Fortunately the weather was glorious before and after the downpour and the day was still a huge success.

Simon Hemsley checked in and announced he had a new player with him, Simon Allport. The name rang a bell with me ‘Is he a plumber from Macclesfield? I asked. ‘I actually need a plumber at the moment.’
‘No he’s a hugely successful multimillionaire strategic financial planner ’ Replied SIimon.
‘Oh right, do you know if he is any good with a plunger?’

Knutsfords Dave Stanhope is focussing well on his target at the moment when he plays his shots rather than choosing one of 57 different methods to take the Club away. This is producing some fine golf from this lovely man. Despite having Phil Smeathers, Giles Terry and Tom Jarvis in his team he managed to finish in 6th position.

Rob Kenyons’ Bramall team were 5th and Rob Platt from Silkstone always come over the hills to play the gem that is Vale Royal and his Barnsley men were delighted to take 4th spot.

Andy Buckley and Craig Schietaert played in their first Maxitours today and I teamed them up with regular players Dave Cooper and Dave Okell. The quartet debutised with an excellent 86 points and third place.

The Hale team of Brian Greenbank, Dave and Mike Wainwright and Guy Levers play most weeks and for the last three years they have been hopeless. Something clicked a month ago and they have had three podium finishes. Today they took 2nd place and for Liverpool fan Greenbank this topped one of the best weeks of his life. Unfortunately, it is all going to go pear shaped when Liverpool lose the title on Sunday.

Taking the honours was Paul Fells(6) Carden Park team who between them recorded five two’s. Colin Bryan(10)Ian Venables(13) and Carl James(10) all contributed well, Congratulations chaps very well played!

Thanks to all players for your support and speedy golf, brilliant.

Tim

Nearest the Pin 10th Hole Mike Webb Doz AD333
Nearest the Pin 16th Hole Colin Berry Doz AD333
(Tornado pilot Dave Sully recorded two twos as did Ian Gillot, Paul Fell and Colin Bryan which was excellent considering there are only three short holes at vale royal.)

2’s £230 4 prov1 or 9 srixon Ad333 per two
Jim Caldwell Ian Gillot x2 Graeme Grieve John Pratt Richard Palmer Dave Sully x2 Paul Fell x2 Colin Bryan x2 Carl James Ian Walters Chris Heyes Graham Pike David Okell Barry Jackson

33rd John Atkin team 72pts
34th Bob Coley team 72 points
35th Jim Caldwell 71 pts
36th Pete Entwistle 70pts
37th Jack Coleman 65 pts

Maxitours at brilliant Bolton Old Links

Bolton Old Links’ Head green keeper Steve Hemsley and his class team were up at 5 o’clock this morning ready for their 6.30am start to get the course prepared for Maxitours. You can see why he enjoys getting out of bed so early- the golf course was fantastic!
‘There was not a blemish on those putting surfaces!’ Declared Paul Woodbine.
‘That was mint!’ reported the usually hard to please Mark Norton.
‘The greens are beautiful and fairways are in great nick also.’ Beamed Phil Robinson.

Thanks to everyone at this great Club. PGA professional Sean Owen is also one of the best in the business and Liz and her catering staff were also first class.

Dunscar’s Mike Holmes checked in and asked ‘What tees are we off today?’
‘Blue tees.’ I replied
‘Which ones are they?’
‘They are the ones which are more blue in colour than the white and yellow tees.’

Graham Jackson was thinking about food rather than his golf once again today. He had a sausage roll in the car park before he teed off and then couldn’t resist a pork pie from behind the Bolton Old Links bar after his round.
‘ I’m playing in Turkey next week -I don’t know how I am going to survive.’ Said the portly Heyrose man.

There are some great nick names for players on Maxitours but my personal favourite was playing today when ‘Painless Pete’ Moss checked his team in this morning. He is the local dentist. He struggled into 17th place on the tricky course’
‘It was like pulling teeth out there!’ he complained.

Chris Morgan registered with me this morning. I might be wrong but I don’t think he is the sharpest tool in the box. I asked him for the names and handicaps of all the players in his team. He gave me three names but was really struggling to remember his 4th player. After racking his brain for about twenty seconds it came to him in a flash – ‘Oh it’s me!’

There was a hole in one for wealthy Phil Singh from Prestbury on the 17th hole– congratulations Phil. It was his first ace and he celebrated by kindly buying a drink for everyone in the Clubhouse. Top man.

Shrigley Halls Brian Hopkins (5) Darren Whittaker (15) Gary Bresnahan (14) and Neil Worthington (12) took third place with a solid 83 points.
Ashton in Makerfields Jason Atherton(9), Adie Price(13), Grany Benson(9) and Jimmy McEwan(7) took second place after scoring an impressive 46 points on the easier back nine.

Hale’s Mike Wainwright(16) is the man on form at the moment and he had three birdies in his round to really help his team win the first event of the Summer series. Guy Levers(18) Brian Greenbank (7) and Frazer Gunning (10) completed the quartet. Well played chaps great golf!

Thanks to all players I hope you had a great day out there!
Tim

Nearest the Pin 14th hole Simon Hemsley Dozen Srixon Ad333
Nearest the pin 17th hole Phil Singh ‘HOLE IN ONE’ Dozen Srixon AD333
2’s £205 8 pro vs or 18 srixon ad333s per two
Phil Singh x2 Paul Lord Geoff Ratcliffe Neil Edwards John Moorfield Lewis Troalen Craig Barker

‘

Vale Royal start sheet Friday 10th May
8.28 David Kelly x4
8.36 Simon Hemsley x4
8.44 Colin Roberts x4
8.52 Jim Caldwell x4
9.00 Ed Pysden x4
9.08 Rob Platt x4
9.16 Jim Clarke x4
9.24 Eugenio Fernadez x4
10.30 Jack Coleman x4
10.39 Barrie Wilson x4
10.48 Brian Greenbank x4
10.57 Mick Mahon x4
11.06 Dave Stanhope x4
11.15 Ged Keary x4
11.24 Simon Walton x4
11.33 Peter Maher x4
11.42 Roger Percival x4
11.51 Simon Poucher x4
12.00 Dave Sully x4
12.09 Pete Entwistle x4
12.18 Les Russon x4
12.27 Paul Fell x4
12.36 Frank Massey x4
12.45Jerry Salmon x4
12.54 Bri Hopkins x4
1.03 Ian Walters x4
1.12 Mike George x4
1.15 Richard Williamson x4
1.21 Graham Pike x4
1.30 Mike Upton x4
1.39 John Safill x4
1.48 Tim Bessant x4
1.57 Richard Blackwell x4
2.06 Pete Birtwistle x4
2.15
2.24 Dave Greenwood x4
2.33 Simon Ashton x4
2.42
2.50 Barry Jackson x4
2.59 Joe Yates x4