Fairhaven on Tuesday now FULL

Maxitours at wonderful Wilmslow

Wilmslow Golf Club is in tremendous condition at the moment as head green keeper Steve Oultram has hit top form this year. Wilmslow has been famous in golfing circles for many years as it is lucky enough to having the best teeing grounds in the country . Thanks to Steve the greens are now equally impressive . They were firm and smooth and were running incredibly fast for mid November. – Thank you.

Sam Fergusson actually hit his tricky downhill putt on the 17th further than he hit his tee shot on the 18th hole as he struggled to cope with the Augusta-like surfaces.

Simon and Karen in the Clubhouse were proudly awarded the honour of ‘Stewards of the year 2013’ and you could see why as they were great to deal with throughout the day. Maxitours regular Paul Dalby owns an excellent trophy shop in Northenden and his four ball recently voted Wilmslow GC ‘best bacon butty on the Maxitours circuit 2017’. Simon and Karen were delighted and amused to receive a small trophy off the Manchester man at the start of the day in recognition of their crispy bacon and fresh baps.

It is great to see players coming from all over Cheshire and the North of England to enjoy this great course. ‘Australian Dave’ also known by his English friend as ‘Skippy ‘ travelled over 2000 miles to play in Ben Davies’ team. Unfortunately ‘Skippy’ (named after the much loved kangaroo) lived up to his name and he spent most of his round in the Wilmslow bush.

Matthew Spence told me last week that he is trying to be more positive with his golf this Winter so I asked him how it was going when he checked in this morning:
‘My long game is still absolutely hopeless but I think it’s slowly getting better, once that improves I really need to practice my putting as I can three putt from anywhere. When I master the greens I can then focus on my chipping which is my real weakness ’.

In today’s event it was lovely to see Martin France(4) team up with his 20 year old son David(19) to take third place. Smooth swinging Ed Wilkinson (7)and Roger ‘possibly the 2nd best chipper(6) I have ever played within my life’ Percival completed the team. (Bernard Langer narrowly pips him if you were wondering)

Brian Greenbank from Hale surprised his family and friends with a great performance as the six handicapper completed his front nine in level par. Dave Wainwright(13) and Guy Levers (20) also contributed well but Mike Wainwright(18) should have stayed in bed. He failed to make a three pointer all day and then lost his wedding ring. Apart from that he had a lovely afternoon.

Taking the honours were the Didsbury men. These lads are lovely golfers who play in the true spirit of the game, they are also an excellent team. Phil Vokes(5) Paul Dalby (5) and Barney Ross(6) had 8 birdies between them and then 12 handicapper Chris Cyprus chipped in with his own birdie on the tough 2nd hole to get the juices flowing. Well played chaps great golf.

Thanks to everyone who played today- from the excellent feedback I am sure you had a great day.
Yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 9th Stuart Rickaby Dozen AD333
Nearest the pin 17th hole Chris Walley Dozen AD333

2’s £177.50 9 pro v1s or 21 srixons per 2 Trevor Foster Phil Mahers Sam Leach Chris Walley James Eaves Dave Wainwright

Maxitours at magnificent Mottram Hall

Another full field of Maxitours golfers enjoyed Mottram Hall in the first event of the Winter season.

The course is now one of the driest in Cheshire and everyone was raving about the quality of the greens . I really enjoyed working here in my younger days but things really improved at this venue when I left over ten years ago! Not only do they now have some great professional staff the course gets better and better and the bacon baps are right up there with the best on tour. Thanks to everyone at Mottram for your superb hospitality.

I don’t know where Nic Hercules has been playing his golf in the last two months but he optimistically turned up at Mottram Hall wearing a pair of crisp white pants, a bright white top and a pair of white patent leather footjoy shoes.
‘He looked like a scene out of CSI’ said playing partner Peter Bean. To be fair Nick still looked remarkably clean when he handed his card in after play.

The nights are drawing in but that’s the only drawing Martin Gavins team saw today as they sent three balls into the River Bollin off the 1st tee

Colin Lynch is cooler than the other side of the pillow and he looked like World Champion Lewis Hamilton as he raced into the Mottram Hall car park in his new ferrari California this morning. He spent plenty of time in the pits on the course however and limped his way back to Blackburn with just 69 points to his name.

Scoring was tough as the course was playing longer than usual and 78 points was good enough for a prize.

Taking third place with 81 points was Steve Aspinall’s(9) Poulton Park team They started on the 4th hole and played great golf but were devastated to collect just 2 points on their final hole when Alan Drew(6) was the only player to score. Graham Wilkinson(8) and Colin Berry(12) completed the quartet of nice guys.

Mike Stuart drove down the M6 with his Lancaster Golf Club team this morning and just made their start time. They started slowly off the 10th tee with 39 points on their front ninebut the fireworks were flying on the back nine as they collected 44 points to take 2nd place. David Stone(4), Fred Green(7) and Ian Waite (17) were the other likeable team members.

Winning today was Mottram member Richard Blackwell(12) and his high quality team. Richard is a great bloke and has a successful wine brewing business. Unfortunately like his fine wine he hasn’t travelled well this year . Today he had a vintage performance and made the most of home advantage to uncork his first win in 2017. John Hilton(13), Dave Lomax(6)and high handicapper Dan Moore(26) made up the team. Well played chaps great golf!

Thanks to all who played today, your support is appreciated.
Yours in Golf, Tim
Nearest the pin 3rd Phil Major Doz AD333s
Nearest the Pin 11th Alison Shipstone Doz AD333s
2’s £152.50 6 pro V1s or 15 Srixon AD333s Darren Forrester Richard Palmer Paul Wilde Barney Ross Yash Turgot Paul Lea Alison Shipston

Start times at Wilmslow
Thursday 9th November
1st tee
9.45 Colin Roberts x4
9.54 Phil Vokes x4
10.03 Mick Mahon x4
10.12 Simon Hemsley x4
10.21 Pete Ledger x4
10.30 James Eaves x4
10.39 John Wallis x4
10.48 Martin Bramwell x4
10.57 Simon Taylor x4
11.06 Paul Gilbert x4
11.15 Roy Ainsworthx4
11.24 Paul Fell x4
11.33 Simon Ashton 4
11.42 Lee Tilley x4
10th tee
9.45 David Kelly x4
9.54 Ben Davies x4
10.03 Brian Greenbank x4
10.12 John Hunt x4
10.21 John Hilditch x4
10.30 Lewis Marland x4
10.39 Steve Heywood x4
10.48 Martin France x4
10.57 Les Russon x4
11.06 Dave Blood x4
11.15 Gerry John x4
11.24 Sam Leach x4
11.33 Richard Blackwell x4
11.42 Brian Hopkins x4

2 team Spaces at Mottram Hall – next Thursday- ‘The course is in excellent condition’

Maxitours at incredibly dry Dunham

Dunham Forest was once again in terrific condition for the latest Maxitours event.
The greens were like carpets and the huge ancient trees had soaked up any signs of recent rainfall to ensure a great day was had by all. Even Gary Holman who bought some shoes off me 11 months ago (and is desperate to make the most of his 12 month warranty like he did last year) couldn’t complain that his shoes were letting any water in as there wasn’t any to be seen on this great course.

The green keepers were out at 7.15am this morning preparing for us and they were still cutting grass at 6pm tonight – brilliant work. The high quality of the clubhouse staff and food make this a very popular venue for our players- thanks to all at the Club.

Cormack Henry made his debut today and although being an average golfer he is definitely the best ‘flautist’ ever to play on Maxitours. He plays his flute for the Liverpool Philarmonic Orchestra. His team mate -the very posh scouser Rob Farnham -reckons that the favourite instrument on Merseyside is the violin as most Liverpudlians he knows are on the fiddle from a very young age.

Old Frank Hardy has worked hard on his mind game with his coach and has decided to have a more positive mental approach to the game this Autumn. He was soon back to his old grumpy ways after two lost balls and a four putt in his first three holes. ‘The only new leaf he ‘s turned over was when he was looking for his ball under that big oak tree ‘ chuckled playing partner Bob Norman.

I have played with Dave Goodwin and I can report that he is not one of the better bunker players I have seen, in fact he is one of the worst. Dave shocked his team today when he was in the sand on the 8th and asked for the flag to be attended . ‘He’s been watching too much golf on sky sports’ Phil Robinson muttered . Dave then chipped in for a two to silence his many critics.

The superb and receptive greens, firm fairways, shortened course and calm conditions led to the best scoring of the year, even Garry Dowdles’ team nearly got 80 points.

Steve Woods and Paul Woods played on the same team but they are eager to confirm that they are not related. They are both good ball strikers but struggle to stay in the fairway. It is rumoured that the phrase ‘can’t see the Woods for the trees ‘ originated from one of their team mates during a recent monthly medal. They weren’t in the trees today however and were delighted to finish in 7th place with Nigel Edwards and Jason Atherton on 85 points.

Leigh Golf Club handicaps travel well and Graham Littler (17)Jim Doran(11) Pete Daniels(19) and Chris Doran (15) took 4th place with 89 points. Chris is a teacher and making the most of his two week half term holidays, he will soon be off for a month at Christmas to work on his skiiing.

The Hale ‘A’ team as they like to call themselves took 3rd place on the card play off with 89 points. Brian Greenbank(6), John Kennedy(12) and the famous Wainwright brothers Mike(18) and David(13) all played excellent golf . Greenbank shot his best round of the year shooting a level par 72.

Runners up spot went to Wychwood Parks s Tom Butler(11) Darren Sumner(9) Gary Nixon(8) and Sean O’Connor. The par 5’s were reachable for the bigger hitters and Tom’s team picked up 7 shots on the two par fives on the back nine.

Winning their first ever Maxitours event after several years of bad golf was Leigh golf Clubs Tom Wallis(19), Dave Tongue(10), Mark Pasqual (11)and Tony Green(15). Mark Pasqual has a big recruitment business and he selected his team well today! -Congratulations on your excellent performance.
Thanks to everyone for your support , I hope you had a great round.

The Maxitours Order of Merit was won by Prestbury Golf Clubs Chris Adams who wins a limited edition Taylor Made Porsche designed putter. Ever present Martin France finished in 2nd and his good pal Pete Atherton finished in 3rd spot. Congratulations to all three on some great golf this Summer.

The Stubart Sponsored Winter Order of Merit starts at Mottram Hall next week and will run until April. The top ten in the Order of Merit will shootout for great prizes at Knutsford in the end of season event.

Nearest the Pin 8th Richard Williamson Doz AD333
Nearest the pin in 2 18th Ian King Doz AD333

Message from Paul Dennis – Dunham Head Professional ‘We offer a winter membership from November 1st to March 31st which allows unlimited golf for only £400. When you consider the standard of the course and how easily it copes with wintery conditions this represents great value.
As of today there are just 11 places available. If you are interested please email paul

2’s £212.50 4 pro v1s or 10 Srixons per 2.
Paul Woods James Shipston Steve Sutton Brian Greenbank Mike Wainwright Billy Rawsthore Pete Roche Graham Jackson Andy Oakes Richard Williamson Dave Goodwin Tony Jennison James Wilson Charles Beadle

Mottram Hall AM AM Thursday 2nd November
11am shotgun start
1a Mick Mahon x4
1b Les Russon x4
2a Simon Hemsley x4
2b Phil Vokes x4
3 Steve Heywood x4
4a Greth Bradley x4
4b
5 Barry Jackson x4
6 Dave Blood x4
7a Brian Greenbank x4
8 Jim Rymer x4
8b Lee Tilley x4
9 Chris Adamsx4
9b Lewis Marland x4
10a Brian Hopkins x4
10b Mike Stewart x4
12a Richard Blackwell x4
12b Rob Hands x4
13 Jim Caldwell x4
14 Paul Evans x4
15 Nic Hercules x4
16 Paul Fell x4
17
18a Dave Crowther x4
18b John Hunt x4

Still 3 Spaces in 4 man team at Mottram Hall on Thursday 2nd November
Please check your time for next week below- some have been moved by 10 mins!

Maxitours at sumptuous Stockport

Stockport was looking great this morning for the penultimate Maxitours fixture of the Summer season. This class golf course is getting right back to its very best despite an incredibly wet couple of months. Thanks to highly respected Adam and his hard working greens team for all their efforts.

‘The course was immaculate’ announced John Atkin.
‘Those fairways are beautiful’ reported Paul Browne.
‘The greens are brilliant!’ said Roy Ainsworth ‘mind you I putted like Ben Crenshaw’ said the modest Antrobus man.

The catering is also superb thanks to Sue and Paul. Head Professional Gary Norcott also serves his members extremely well with one of the finest pro shops in the area. Thanks to everyone at this lovely Club.

Gary Hodkinson hit his best shot of the day in to two feet on the 15th hole. Unfortunately he 3 putted for a bogey. ‘I was unlucky’ was his only excuse. Even though he let his team down badly on the course he was first to the bar ‘Even though he was hopeless out there if he buys the drinks we’re definitely inviting him again’ said team mate Frank Hindle

Lancashire farmer Richard Palmer returned to Maxitours action after taking last week off to buy some sheep. He spent over £6000 on 4 pedigree ‘Blue Faced Leicesters ‘ and the ram alone cost him £1900 . He was a’ red faced golfer’ himself after scoring a best of the day 46 points on the front nine followed by a very embarrassing 37 on the easier back nine.

‘We call Graham Jones ‘the anchorman’ of our team’ said Dave Parker before his round.
‘ Is that because he steadies the ship for you?’ I asked
‘No -he just drags us down to his level each week’ replied Dave.

In today’s event the scoring was slightly better for the morning players who enjoyed rain free conditions.
Rob Hands and Simon Hemsleys team scored 84 points to take the early lead before the Lewis Marland and John Hilditch teams scored 85 points.

Taking the honours however were Didsburys Paul Dalby(5) , Phil Vokes(5), Barney Ross(5) and Chris Cyprus(12) who recorded their first win for nearly a year with a very impressive 88 points. ‘We had a great day out there’ reported likeable Phil.

Late in the day they were nearly pipped by the Manchester United duo of Frank Stapleton(14) and Stuart Pearson(6) who teamed up with Kevan Hawkins(6) and Dave Wilson(8) to take 2nd place with a solid 87.
Richard Blackwell(12), Daniel Moore(26), Tony Jennison(6) and John Hilton(12) also played well in the afternoon rain and they scored 86 in the very damp conditions to take 3rd place.

Thanks to everyone for your support and integrity -there was a terrific 100% attendance which was incredible considering the forecast, thank you very much indeed.
Yours in Golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 16th Charles W-Kelly Dozen AD333
Nearest the Pin 18th Ian King Dozen AD333

2’s sweep £190 3 Pro v1s or 8 srixons

Simon Burgess Stuart Pearson x2 Paul Robinson Phil Howsley Rob Platt Andy Strickley Pete Booth James Newton Barney Ross Chris Cyprus David Kelly Jim Clarke Ben Davis Brian Greenbank Richard Palmer Roy Ainsworth Steve Barber Andy Jackson

Dunham Forest AM AM times Thursday 26th Oct
7.58 David Kelly x4
8.08 Pete Monaghan x4
8.18 John Hunt x4
8.27 Garry Dowdle x4
8.36 Ian King x4
8.45 Neil Edwards x4
8.56 Paul Evans x4
9.05 Brian Greenbank x4
9.13 Martin Bramwell x4
9.22 Ian Gemmill x4
9.31 Roy Ainsworth x4
9.40 Ray Tennant x4
9.50 Jack Coleman x4
9.58 Rob Weston x4
10.06 John Hilditch x4
10.15 Lewis Marland x4
10.24 Mick Mahon x4
10.33 Jim Rymer x4
10.42 Chris Adamsx4
10.51 David thomas x4
11.00 Mike Gray x4
11.09John Stubbs x4
11.18Graham Littler x4
11.27 peter maher x4
11.36 Ian Hellens x4
11.45 Sam Leach x4
11.54 Steve Johnson x4
12.03John Wallis x4
12.12 James Wilson x4
12.21 Richard Williamson x4
12.30 Richard Blackwell x4
12.39 Tom Butler x4
12.48 Brian Hopkins
12.57 Pete Hamlett x4

Dear Maxitours player

The Stockport course is open and in good condition for tomorrow’s event

however there is some drainage work taking place so worst case scenario is the 15th and 18th holes will play as par threes

Just a heads up

You may want to let your team know

Thanks Tim