Still spaces for teams at rearranged Preston on Weds – AMAZING COURSE!

Maxitours at leafy Helsby

There was lots of excellent feedback from everyone who played at a blustery but superb Helsby golf course. Thanks to Kieran and everyone at this friendly Cheshire Club for hosting us so well. I believe the course was excellent.

Karen Gallagher and my long-suffering wife Suzy both did great jobs running the event today.

Suzy came back home buzzing remarking: ‘How ‘friendly and charming’ everyone was’.

She also added- ‘Who is the very loud one from Davyhulme -he is really funny.’

‘That’s Kev Hart. Stay well away from him,’ I replied quickly.

It was wonderful to see bad fisherman/bad golfer Sam Leach in the prizes. Sam is a great bloke and his Lymm team finished in 4th place. I thought Suzy had made a clerical error when I saw this team near the top of the leader board but after double checking the card I was surprised to see that the result stood.

Great scoring from Nigel Uttleys Heyrose team who finished in 3rd place also with 84 points.

Sandiways Gary Neiles, Keith Jackman and father and son Joe and Paul Yates took 2nd slot with 87 points.

Saddleworths dream team of Lee Tilley, Dave Rhodes, Dave Sarsfield and ex Wigan Rugby league Chairman Pete Norbury took first place. Well played chaps – they had a wonderful 49 points on the front nine!

I am slowly wading through my Winter entries. Please bear with me for a few days.

Tim

The last hole is perhaps the toughest closing hole in Cheshire and Martin Keates whipped his 4 iron to 18 inches to win nearest the pin and finish his day on a high.

2’s sweep £205 4 pro v1s or 10 srixon AD333

Dave Sarsfield

Brett Moore

Sam Leach

Ian McWilliams

Paul Wrigley

Steve Blakeway

James Shipstone

Mike Hill

Don Milligan

Bob King

Dave Rhodes

Martin Keates

Simon Raine

Bramhall Golf Club

Monday 27th September

9.00 David Kelly x4

9.09 Colin Roberts x4

9.18 Jim Caldwell x4

9.27 Ed Pysden x4

9.36 Dave Goodwin x4

9.45

9.54 Lewis Marland x4

10.03 Steve Aspinall x4

10.12 Jim Rymer x4

10.21 Mike George x4

10.30 Pete Fotheringham x4

10.39 Andrew Cox x4

10.48 Sam Leach x4

10.57 Christie Beakey x4

11.06 Neale Laurent x4

11.13 Barry Simpson x4

11.22 Gary Phillips x4

11.30 Mick Mahon x4

11.39 Paul Fell x4

11.48 Martin Humphries x4

11.57 Eugenio x4

12.06 Anton Johnson x4

12.15 Roy Ainsworth x4

12.23 Ian Hellens x4

12.32 Dave Sully x4 tbc

12.41 Les Russon x4

12.50 Jon Hudson x4

12.59 Lee Tilley x4

1.08 Dave Monk x4

1.17 Reuben Fielding x4

1.26 Rob Weston x4

1.35 Richard Blackwell x4

1.44 Andy Buckley x4

1.52 Gary Neiles x4

2.01 Kev Hart x4

2.10 Steve Marsh x4

2.19

Room at FANTASTIC Preston Weds 29th September and the Charity golf day at Prestbury on Thursday 21st October

Maxitours at lovely Leigh

Leigh Golf Club was incredibly good today. About ten years ago the greens here went from average to perhaps the best in the county and they have remained at that high standard ever since. I’m not sure how the greenkeeper did it but hats off to the man.

‘That’s the best course I’ve played in a long time.’ Praised intelligent low handicapper Mark Clewley.

General manager Derek runs a tight ship and new club professional Sean Blinkhorn was also very helpful throughout the day. Thanks guys. Bar manager Catherine and her partner in crime Shannon –( Leigh golf clubs famously attractive two blondes) also looked after us so well .

Chunky Graham Jackson was getting Hangry this morning. He thought there were no bacon butties available and was distraught. When I explained that the half way house was open and selling them he left a trial of dust in his wake. ‘I’m absolutely starving.’ He called back to me over his shoulder.

Paul Fell told me he was struggling for form at the moment. I asked him if the problem was his short game or a swing fault or even psychological.

‘No. I have got toothache.’ He explained.

It was great to see Maxitours regulars Sam Leach and Jonny Barton back from their fishing trip last week. You may remember team mate Chris Walley told me they were even worse at fishing than at playing golf. Sam caught one fish in five days and Jonny caught two tiddlers. They finished 3rd from bottom today.

Scoring was tough on the well-designed Leigh track.

Third place went to the Heyrose team of Chris Chidley, Duncan Cameron Paul Salt and George Kerr who were surprised to finish so highly with just 83 points.

Paul Fell shrugged off his toothache and helped his team into 2nd. Mike Lowe, Colin Bryan and Retired headmaster Nigel Ashton all chipped in well.

Taking the honours were Sandiways Gary Neiles, Joe Yates, Paul Yates and Joe Longworth. Neiles is a tough competitor but without a win all season. The team were getting understandably nervous over the closing holes and thought they had blown it with just 1 point on the 17th hole. However, 87 was good enough for top spot. Well played chaps.

Nearest the Pin 7th hole John Jones Doz Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 12th hole Dave Rhodes Doz Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £190 10 Ad333 per 2 or 4 pro V1s

George Kerr x2 Paul Salt Chris Chidley Bob Pickthall Paul Wrigley Brett Sutcliffe x2 Dave Westwood John Jones Dave Sully Adam Thomas Dave Rhodes Nick Cook

Helsby start sheet Thursday 23rd Sept – room for 1 team

9.00 Simon Hemsley x4

9.09 Jim Caldwell x4

9.18 Colin Roberts x4

9.27 Chris Adams x4

9.36 Jack Coleman x4

9.45Kev Hart x4

9.54 Jim Clarke x4

10.03 Lewis Marland x4

10.12 Paul Evans x4

10.20 Roy Ainsworth x4

10.29 Neale Laurent x4

10.38 Nigel Hall x4

10.47 Mick Mahon x4

10.56 Paul Fell x4

11.05 Martin Quinn x4

11.14 Dave Monk x4

11.23 Dean Jagger x4

11.32 Roger Percival x4

11.41 Sam Leach x4

11.49 Simon Ashton x4

11.58 Ian Hellens x4

12.07 Paul Wrigley x4

12.16 Les Russon x4

12.25 Nigel Uttley x4

12.34 John Newton x4

12.43 Simon Ashton x4

12.52 Jon Hudson x4

1.00 John Hunt x4

1.09 Barry Jackson x4

1.18 Barry Jackson x4 tbc

1.27 Pete Cotton x4

1.36 Dave Griffiths x4

1.45 Rob Harris x4

1.54 Gary Neiles x4

2.02

2.11 Steve Marsh x4

2.20 Lee Tilley x4

2.28 Tom Williams x4

*PLEASE CHECK YOUR TIME FOR NEXT WEEK AT LEIGH – TIMES EARLIER THAN ADVERTISED

Great upcoming Maxitours events this September

Leigh 14th -3 spaces

Helsby 23rd -2 spaces

Bramhall 27th -1 space

Preston 29th -spaces – filling fast

Maxitours at really great Hazel Gove

Hazel Grove is a truly beautiful Cheshire course with great views of the Peak district. It is always incredibly well maintained and loaded with friendly staff and members -this is a must play venue.

Three older members kindly spent 5 hours welcoming my players to their Club and parking our cars so there was room for everyone. They got a free bacon bap for their efforts. The buttys are a bit special and worth the hard work I am sure, thanks very much guys – I really appreciate your time and efforts.

‘That is a great test of golf.’ Announced well-travelled Mike George ‘We all failed the test but we enjoyed taking the exam.’ He chuckled.

Sam Leach and Jonny Barton are two big characters and they are loved by all who know them but there was no sign of these two regulars today. I asked their team mate Chris Walley where they were.

‘They are fishing in Scotland this week. They are hopeless at that as well.’

There was something in the air today. Johnny Eccles drove to the course and with his telephone on his car roof. Luckily he drives like Miss Daisy so the phone was still there despite an eight mile journey and speed bumps on the golf club drive. Simon Ashton remembered his phone but was wearing a pair of slippers.

‘I thought my new golf shoes were very comfy.’ He remarked.

Eighty-one year old wealthy farmer Anthony Bloor recorded his first hole in one for 20 years after his Drive disappeared into the cup on the 9th hole. It couldn’t happen to a nicer man. Well done Anthony.

Conditions were perfect with Mediterranean temperatures and fast running fairways but the sloping Hazel Grove greens got the better of a few teams.

Jim Caldwell(8) won last week at Davyhulme and he was nearly at it again. Team mate James Cash(scr) is a class act and he finished his round with an impressive four gross birdies to move his team into 5th place. Peter Griggs(8) and Prestburys Lee Charnley(5) completed the team.

Retired Ex-Copper Neale Laurent(12) has not played great golf recently as he is back doing some part time policing. Nobody knows why he is back at work as he will never spend his generous police pension. He had a day off duty today and celebrated with a win. Ninety percent of teams scored much better on the 1st nine but Laurents team had two points of guinesss at the half way house and they can home in a super 46 points. Paul Butler(8) Adam Thomas (6) and Paul McDermott all played their part.

Lee Tilley(9) Pete Norbury(17) Dave Rhodes(16) and Ian Sutton(8) also had a tremendous 46 points on their closing nine but a strong finish saw the Saddleworth gentlemen take 2nd place.

Late in the day the Hazel Grove members team blew the field away with a superb 91 points. Retired Last years’ Club Captain Solicitor Simon Ashton(10) led the way Joe Shelley(10) Mike Booth (14) and Bob Dawson(9) all made the most of their local knowledge to secure the win.

Thanks to all for your support.

For your information there are lots of spaces at the rearranged Preston fixture on Weds 29th September. This is a great course if you have never played it!

Tim

Nearest the pin 13th Lee Tilley Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 15th Tony Jennison (2) Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £210  4 pro v1 or 10 srixon ad333

Anthony Bloor hole in one x2 Pete Fotheringham Brad Grime Lee Townley Simon Poucher Brian Greenbank John Fitzsimmons Paul Fell Tony Jennison Andy Oakes Ian Sutton

Leigh Start times Tuesday 14th Sept

9.00 Simon Hemsley x4

9.09

9.18 Jim Clarke x4

9.27 Martin Bramwell

9.36 Jack Coleman

9.54

10.03 Ian Hellens x4

10.12 Bob Pickthall x4

10.21 Lewis Marland x4

10.30 Steve Aspinall x4

10.39

10.48 Gary Phillips x4

10.57 Neale Laurent x4

11.06 Mick Mahon x4

11.15 Paul Fell x4

11.24 Martin Humphries x4

11.33 Bob Eastwood x4

11.42 Paul Browne x4

11.51 Roger Percival x4

12.00 Sam Leach x4

12.09 Dave Goodwin x4

12.18

12.27 Dave Sully x4

12.36 Les Russon x4

12.45

12.54 Jim Rymer x4

1.03 Lee Tilley x4

1.12 Simon Ashton

1.21 Richard Blackwell x4

1.30 Dave Monk x4

1.39 Gary Neiles x4

1.48 Kev Hart x4

1.57 Steve Marsh x4

2.06 Andy Buckley x4

2.15 Bernard Wood x

2.24 David Smith x4

2.33 Bill Melia x4

2.42 Bernard Wood x4

*Can regular players please check if you are down for rearranged Preston 29th Sept –(there is also an event at Bramhall on Mon 27th that week) – let me know asap if you can’t play so I can release times for others

Maxitours at delightful Davyhulme

Davyhulme is a brilliant members club. The course is a very easy walk, the greens are superb thanks to their experienced Nick Marner and the hospitality in the Clubhouse is second to none.

I had well over a dozen players telling me to book again for next year- Thanks Davyhulme!!

Harry Turner is struggling with the new Handicap system.

‘Do you know what Tim. My handicap changes everywhere I go!’

I couldn’t be bothered to even start to try and explain.

Stuart Hibbert from Alsager brings his Abacus to most events to speed up the check in process. It is always a close battle between Stuart and Bob Sutton as to who gets the most shots with the new handicap system. They are having a terrific tussle to become the worst Maxitours player ever. Stuart is the strong favourite. I saw Bob hit a couple of crackers today.

In todays event Jim Caldwell’s Wilmslow team were 3rd out and took the early lead with 88 points. Student James Cash (scr) Lancastrian Peter Griggs(12) and Mere’s artificial turf expert Martin Longshaw(22) completed the talented team. I thought scoring would be high due to the excellent conditions but this score led the way throughout the day.

Four teams challenged with 86 points. Paul Wrigleys team finished 5th losing the card play off, and millionaire Jim Clarkes team took 4th.

The team of Simon Raine(4), Pete Dobson(10), Mark Millhouse(+1) and David Thornhill(4) finished 3rd. Dobson is famous for having a fifteen year old son who is miles better than him at golf but he played well himself for a change today.

Ex School headteacher Nigel Ashton(11) is a lovely bloke. He helped his team to a homeward 45 points which was good enough to take 2nd place. Mike Lowe(8) Colin Bryant(8) and Steve Parry(8) all did as they were told and chipped in nicely.

At the end of the day Jim Caldwells team held on for a cherished win. Very well played chaps!

Thanks to everyone for playing today. Great golf course , weather and friends. If you didn’t have a top day today you never will. Thanks for your support, Tim.

Nearest the Pin 14th Richard Taylor-Carr Dozen Wilson Duo

Nearest the pin 17th Gary Neiles Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s lots of them today!

£200 2 pro v1s or 6 srixon AD333 Per two

Paul Wrigley Ian McWiliams Andy Faulkner Steve Schofield x2 Sam Leach Pete Newey Pete Maher Dave Kelly David Wilkinson Stuart Blake Richard Taylor- Carr Alison Shipstone Gary Neiles Paul Bailey Dave Pearson Ken Booth Simon Raine Mark Millhouse Pete Ledger Colin Dixon Andy Corner Derek Fortune Barry Jackson Paul Yearsley Ian Sutton Tim Jones

Hazel Grove start sheet

Monday 6th Sept

10.00 Simon Hemsley x4

10.09 Colin Roberts x4

10.18 Jim Caldwell x4

10.27 Ed Pysden x4

10.36 Jim Clarke x4

10.45 Lewis Marland x4

10.54 Steve Aspinall x4

11.03 Dave Buckley x4

11.12 Gary Phillips x4

11.21 Neale Laurent x4

11.30 Mick Mahon x4

11.39 Paul Fell x4

11.48 Martin Humphries x4

11.57 Simon Poucher x4

12.06 Dean Jagger x4

12.15 Mike George x4

12.24 Sam Leach x4

12.33 Ian Hellens x4

12.42

12.51 John Wallis x4

1.00 Dave Sully x4

1.09 Dave Goodwin x4

1.18 Martin Bramwell x4

1.27 Pete Fotheringham x4

1.36 Jack Coleman x4

1.45 Richard Blackwell x4

1.54 Chris Adams x4

2.03 Chris Adams x4

2.12 Jim Rymer x4

2.21 Simon Ashton x4

2.33 Gary Neiles x4

2.41 Kev Hart x4

2.50 Steve Marsh x4

2.58Lee Tilley x4

*Room for 2 teams at Davyhulme on Thurdsay and 1 team at Hazel Grove next Monday.
Maxitours at Classy Clitheroe

The journey ‘up North’ was well worth it for Maxitours players today. The Clitheroe Golf Course was excellent and everyone enjoyed trying not to three-putt their famously hard to read greens.

The Clubhouse and course are improving each year and this venue is a real treat.

Mark Hagarty echoed the thoughts of all my players: ‘What a brilliant course that was -so enjoyable to play. The greens are incredible!’
The small greens got the better of many players. As we all know it is so important to change your wedges with your professional every year in order to get maximum spin. If your budget can’t stretch to a new wedge then grooves should be meticulously cleaned after each shot. Dave Boardman is a farmer and his sheep could graze off the grass and mud accumulated on his clubface over the past thirty years. He hasn’t seen a groove for years. He just couldn’t understand why his approach shots kept hurtling through the back of the firm Clitheroe greens.

Ricky Howard took the wrong Club on the 17th and he was relieved to see his ball hit the little wooden bridge over the stream which guards this classic hole. His ball bounced 50 feet in the air before landing on the green and rolling into the hole for an Ace! Well done, Ricky.

Andy Oakes hit a great shot into the par three 8th and declared to his team that he wasn’t sharing his balls. He missed the putt and by the end of the round he was the only member of his team not to record a 2, much to their amusement.

By 2.30pm nearly all the cards had been administered so I thought I would treat myself and ordered steak pie, rich onion gravy and crispy chips from Rachel the superb catering manager. I then popped into the pro shop for a chat with the new friendly Clitheroe professional Sam Punchard. On my return to the Clubhouse Kev Hart was caught red handed dipping one of my chips into the gravy. I don’t think Kevin knows the gravity of this particular infringement. It is going to be a very long winter for him and his team when the shotguns start.

The greens got the better of many players today. Clitheroe is set in the beautiful Ribble valley but after watching Stuart Roach and his team leaving their putts short on the 18th it should be called Dribble valley.

Three teams tied 3rd with 85 points but it was Mick Mahon(19) Richard Palmer (8)John Farnsworth (18)and Dave Westwood(17) who won the card play off after their superior fitness paid dividends on the back nine. Yeah right.
Second place went to Darren Booth(7) Martin Lang (5) Mike Wilson (11) and Mark Timperley (10). These guys were rocking after dropping three shots on the 16th and 17th but seven points on the last hauled them into 2nd place with 86 points.

Winning today were Denton’s Gary Owen(10), Alistair Holloway(17), Alan Gayle(22) and Tony Grinnell(12). They were out first thing and made the most of the receptive greens and calm conditions to set the clubhouse lead. Scores gradually deteriorated throughout the day as a breeze picked up and the quartet were delighted with their win.

Thanks to everyone for your support. Yours in golf, Tim

Nearest the pin 5th Barry Shaw Allen Dozen Wilson Duo
Nearest the pin 17th Ric Howard Dozen Wilson Duo

2’s sweep £185 3 pro V1 bor 8 srixon AD333 Andy Buckley Dave Carter Ricky Howard hole in one x2 Josh Street Jim Caldwell Steve Hornby Dave Parry Martin Humphries Steve Hornby Chris Adams Gary Butler Martin Prescott Kenny Stevens Neil Macloed Gary Owen Alistair Holloway Steve Martin Paul Yearsley Neale Laurent

9.00 David Kelly x4
9.09 Simon Hemsley x4
9.18 Colin Roberts x4
9.27 Jim Caldwell x4
9.36 Jim Rymer x4
9.45 Dave Monk x4
9.54 Ian Snape x4
10.03 Bob Pickthall x4
10.12 Garry Kirkwood x4
10.21 Paul Evans x4
10.30
10.36 Jim Clarke x4
10.45 Lewis Marland x4
10.54 Steve Aspinall x4
11.03 John Hunt x4
11.12 Dave Buckley x4
11.21 Gary Phillips x4
11.30 Neale Laurent x4
11.39 Mick Mahon x4
11.48 Paul Fell x4
11.57 Martin Humphries x4
12.06 Doug Craig x4
12.15 Steve Hall x4
12.24 Roy Ainsworth x4
12.31 Dean Jagger x4
12.39 Sam Leach x4
12.47 Ian Hellens x4
12.56
1.04 Dave Blease x4
1.12
1.21 John Hudson x4
1.30 Garry Kirkwood x4
1.38 Simon Raine x4
1.47 Tom Williams x4
1.56 Mike George x4
2.05
2.13 John Wallis x4
2.22 Barry Jackson x4
2.33 Pete Fotheringham x4
2.41 Kev Hart x4
2.50 Steve Marsh x4
2.58Lee Tilley x4