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

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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

Maxitours at Classy Caldy

Caldy Golf Club was the premier setting for todays Maxitours event.
The course is a superb layout and is one of the most enjoyable courses to play in the country. Caldy has everything from rolling parkland to classic links holes and tests every shot in the book. The course was looking nice and green after last nights thunderstorm.
Colin Roberts was impressed.
‘There have been some terrific improvements to pathways and the course looks really tidy’.
Nigel Ashton reported that this was his favourite Maxitours venue ‘It’s a real treat to play here !’ He declared.

The catering at Caldy is perhaps the best on the circuit. My players know how good the food is and well over 100 fantastic meals were served to us throughout the day. Thanks to all players for supporting the caterers so well once again.

Sam Leach is trying to forget about the several putts he missed from inside two feet. If anyone sees him in the next few days please don’t remind him about them.

I’m not sure which golf course Paul Evans was playing today but he told me that every hole he played was into the wind.

Slazenger stopped making their sub standard golf balls nearly ten years ago but Paul Fell found a scruffy mis-shapen old one in the semi rough next to the 12th fairway. He absently tossed it into the nearby stream. Wealthy retired policeman Ian Appleton then appeared around the corner after he hit a vicious hook off the 13th tee.
‘Has anyone seen my ball? He enquired. ‘It’s a Slazenger four, its my lucky ball.’

John Linsky won a Cutter and Buck waterproof top and he picked it up off me today. He forgot to take the clothing pins out and was nearly stabbed to death when he tried to put it on in a hurry during a sudden hailstorm when he was playing the 12th hole.

Third place went to Lymm’s Roger Percival(5) Ed Wilkinson(6) Josh Brand(4) and Pete Atherton(12) (or the incredible Bulk as he is fondly known as by Maxitours players. ) Percival is the best chipper of the ball I have ever seen and he made some great up and downs today. Atherton also loves chips and he celebrated with a large portion in the Clubhouse after his round.

Stockport veteran and all round top man Ian Gemmell(5) who looks well into his sixties, shot four under gross on the tough Caldy back nine to help his team into 2nd spot. Joe Kirwan(6) Bob Coley(11) and David Hall(11) watched on in awe. Good friend Bob Coley had never seen his pal play such magical golf. Well played Ian- superb play from someone so old.

The very likeable quartet on John Hilditch(12) Iain Bartholomew(3) John Owen(11) and Martin Keats(2) were delighted to score 86 points for their first win of the year. They only picked up 5 points in total after two holes but then the putts really started to fall. Well played chaps great golf.

In the overall two day competition Nigel Ashtons team beat Steve Aspinalls team by a single stroke after two great days of stunning links golf. Congratulations to both teams on fine performances!

The final Stuburt Order of Merit will be sent out tomorrow!

2’s £197.50 7 pro v1s or 16 srixon AD333s John Hilditch Iain Bartholomew Martin Keats David Hall Jimmy Booth Tony Preston Paul Evans Andy Stapley Grant Benson

N pin 10th John Atkin Doz AD333
N pin 17th Grant Benson Doz AD333

9.00-11.50 1.30-3
9.00 Colin Roberts x4
9.09 Simon Hemsley x4
9.18 Brian Greenbank x4
9.27 Jim Clarke x4
9.36 Chris Adams x4
9.45 Paul Browne x4
9.54 Jack Coleman x4
10.03 Lewis Marland x4
10.12 Mick Mahon x4
10.21 Jim Lindsay x4
10.30Peter Maher x4
10.39Peter Dobson x4
10.48 Dave Goodwin x4
10.57 Roger Percival x4
11.06 John Hilditch x4
11.10
11.15 Nigel Hallows x4
11.23 Dave Sully x4
11.31 Les Russon x4
11.40 Sam Leach x4
11.48 Simon Poucher x4
11.56 Dave Bentley x4
1.30 Ian Hellens x4
1.39 Simon Maxwell x4
1.48 Brian Hopkins x4
1.57 Paul Fell x4
2.06 M Gibson x4 early
2.15 John Dickenson x4
2.24
2.33 Neil Edwards x4
2.42Neil Edwards x4
2.51 Dave Tonge x4
3.00 Olivier Troalen x4
3.09 Dave Griffiths x4
3.18 Lee Tilley x4
3.27

Maxitours players enjoyed a real treat today as we visited the stunning Lancashire links course of Fairhaven. This event was previously cancelled twice due to poor weather this Winter but all players agreed that it was well worth the wait. Thanks to top Manager Lindzi Stones for being so accommodating.

The course and greens were superb considering the very dry conditions and Fairhaven looks like it will be in terrific condition to host the qualifying for the Senior British Open this summer,
The report is slightly shorter than usual as I am trying to get home to watch United lose the Manchester derby.

Koos Alders and his team looked confident and full of energy when they arrived until I asked their new signing if he was going in the twos sweep.
‘No thanks, I am playing like a dog.’ Mood hoover Rick Shaw replied depressingly. The team finished last.

Thunder storms were forecast but fortunately they stayed away for us however the weather was extremely warm and very muggy. Paul Stones looked absolutely exhausted as he entered the bar after his game. He had played wearing two pairs of socks and full thermal underwear.
‘By eck I’m hot!’ Groaned the Lancastrian. ‘I thought it is supposed to be cool and windy by the coast?’
Whilst his team were putting sun cream on their arms keep the hot sun at bay Paul was pouring it down his thermal pants to prevent his rump becoming too chapped.

Steve Aspinall finished 2nd and 3rd today . It was the Birchwood Steve(9) and his team who finished runners up. The eight points they picked up on the 15th hole with birdies by Aspinall and Colin Berry(12) made all the difference. Graham Wilkinson(9) and Alan Hoy(11) completed the team.

Lovely man Mike Tarrant (11) and his team with the less talented Steve Aspinall rued picking up just two points on the 17th hole as they finished in 3rd spot.

City fan Nigel Ashton(12) is currently enjoying a beer in the Fairhaven bar with his unused match ticket for tonight tucked in his back pocket as he is too nervous to go to the game. His team thought he had stayed at home on the golf course today after a pointless start but he played great golf later in his round. Mike Lowe(9) Paul Fell(4) and Colin Bryan(10) were delighted and surprised to win with just 85 points – Congratulations!

Tomorrow sees the final event of the Stuburt Winter Order of Merit with Joe Yates and Gary Neiles leading the way. The top 10 in the Order of Merit will receive Stuburt product.

Huge Thanks to Lancashire golfing legend John Gallagher who has kindly sponsored the last two events (Galvin Green Classic at Helsby and today). The new Wilson ball, bag and club range is well worth a look. Wilson have just signed US tour star Gary Woodland as the brand continues to flourish.

Thanks for your terrific support today, everyone was around in less than four hours also which is wonderful.
Yours in Golf,
Tim

Nearest the Pin 10th Barney Ross Doz Wilson soft feel balls
Nearest the pin 17th Ken Hardy Doz Wilson soft feel balls
2,s sweep £167.50 4 pro v1s or 10 Wilson soft feel balls

Colin Berry Mark Hudson Barney Ross Hugh Anthony Martin Bramwell Duncan Challen Ken Hardy Koos Alders Paul Fell x2 Rick Sym Graham Pike Ian Mosss

**Prizes will be allocated after the event at Caldy tomorrow as teams can only win 1 prize and a few teams are in the two day event (top 5 will definitely pick up!)

Maxitours at lovely Helsby

Helsby in deepest Cheshire was the lovely venue for today’s Maxitours event. Playing off lovely parkland turf amid mature oak trees was a pleasure for all. Many thanks to all the green staff.

Cheshire golfing legend Gareth Bradley has had more than a few bacon butties in his time but he rated the Helsby baps as the best on the Maxitours circuit. The catering and service really was first class. Barman Rob was incredibly friendly and their stewardess Julie never sat still or stopped smiling all day – brilliant.

Everyone was around in less than four hours – thanks guys that’s excellent.
Big Man City fan Joe Kirwan made the ten minute journey from his golf club to his house in Bramhall last night to watch his favourite team and missed four goals. He didn’t miss many putts today though as he helped his team into a solid 82 points.

Barry Wilson chipped in for a two in front of the Clubhouse which overlooks the green. None of his team witnessed it as they were busily raking bunkers or searching in the scrub. Barry came in the clubhouse which happened to be nearly empty.
‘Did anyone see my two?!’
No.

Graham Jackson looks like he enjoys a pie and he arrived an hour earlier than normal for his tee time today. I asked him why he was so early.
‘I called in at the famous local bakery on the way I wanted to make sure they didn’t sell out.’ After his round he told me that he had actually bought me a pie but got peckish on the back nine and ate it himself. Thanks Graham.

Congratulations to Stephen White who had a hole in one on the 11th to win nearest the pin. I don’t like talking about myself as most of you know but I also had an ace on Monday in a tournament. Maxitours players Roger Percival and Roy Ainsworth kept congratulating me which I thought was very nice of them until I realised, they were only after a free drink in the bar. No chance.

Hazel Groves Ian Walters is a good man. He kindly supported his home Club who were buying some course furniture last year. There is a lovely large bin on the 15th tee at Hazel Grove which announces ‘sponsored by Ian Walters -because I am rubbish.’ He was less trash than usual today and finished 6th with 83 points.

Preston based nice guy John Dickenson(20) and his team took 5th place with 83 points, Roger Percival’s(6) Lymm team took 4th place with 84 points and Gary Neiles(6) Sandiway men took 3rd with 85 points.

Wilmslow’s Jim Caldwell(11) teamed up with John Hume(14), Andrewe Aherne(18) and Manchester City in house football commentator Liam Pilkington(12). Pilkington looked in despair this morning after last nights events but his mood improved with a spirited performance on the course.

Shrigley Hall’s Darren Whittaker(15) has played Maxitours for twelve years but has been without a win for the last five. His dreams came true with a terrific team performance today, team Captain Brian Hopkins(4) shot level par and Neil Worthington(18) and Charles Herbert(14) also chipped in well. Great golf chaps well played!
Thanks to everyone for your support today, Tim

Nearest the pin 11th Stevephen Whire (hole in one) Dozen Ad333
Nearest the pin 18th Dave Stewardson Dozen AD333

2’s sweep £195 6 pro v1s or 14 srixon Ad333s per two
Andy Wright Geoff Dykens Barry Wilson Pete Bpoth Stephen White hole in 1 (2 x2s) James Shipstone Peter Maher Janet Heywood Paul Higgs Dave Lowe