Rules Quiz

In stroke play, when playing out of a bad lie, a player accidentally hits the ball a second time on their follow through. What is the ruling? a) The double hit counts as only one stroke and there is no penalty. b) The double hit counts as two strokes but there is no additional penalty. c) The double hit counts as one stroke but the player gets an additional one penalty stroke.

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Abergele – Thursday 3 September 2026

Next year’s Abergele Seniors Open will take place on Thursday 3 September 2026. Six tee times have been booked from 10.30 a.m. Please let the ever-smiling organiser Pete Broady know if you are interested in playing at this outstanding course. Pete’s contact details are on IG. No firm commitment is needed at this stage and there’s no need to send Pete the money you’ve set aside for Christmas. Pete will collect the funds early next year once the 24 players are known.

2026 Senior Section Calendar

Our esteemed Secretary Mr Craggs has collated the Seniors calendar for the coming year. Please click here or on the Senior Section Calendars link in the banner at the top of this newsletter to see what 2026 holds in store.

Lymm Seniors’ Strategy, Rules and Guidelines

The above document has also been updated and amended. Again, this document can be accessed either here or from the banner at the top of this newsletter. The protocol for arranging matches in our knockout competitions has been clarified. Here’s an extract from the new guidance: “It is the responsibility of the individual or pair whose name(s) appear(s) highest in the draw to contact their opponent(s), offer some possible dates for the match to be played, agree a date and then book the agreed tee time on IG“. Making one individual or pair responsible for making the initial contact should hopefully speed up the process of getting a date agreed and in the players’ diaries.

Round 9 of 10 Autumn League

Reporter: Paul Foster

The day started like a picture postcard, and ended like a Norse myth.

What began as a serene Friday morning on the course, quickly turned into a meteorological hostage situation. The round opened as a glorious winter’s day, I even removed my leggings to ease the overheating which, in hindsight, was as bold as declaring “what could possibly go wrong”. By the 4^th the breeze had picked up, “invigorating” we lied to each other. By the 7^th, the dark satanic clouds had gathered in a way that suggested they had been watching my putting stroke and were deeply offended. The heavy rain started, which gave us a chance to show mental fortitude. But by the 10^th, the heavens decided subtlety was overrated and switched directly to ‘angry hail machine gun mode’. Suddenly, every golfer on the course resembled a confused penguin, sprinting for shelter while shouting things like, “only 3 holes to go” or “where’s my umbrella gone?”. Golfers streamed off the course from all directions, whizzing past us as if they were participating in some budget action film. But like the committed athletes we are, we finished the round. My final putt crossed the hole, but at that point the ball was a frozen marble, and the rules of physics didn’t apply. (Editor’s note: the next part of this report contains information which some readers may find disturbing). Dave Craggs and I dragged our frozen sodden bodies to the changing room, to remove all our drenched clothing (Dave had a rather dapper pair of grey faux leather leggings under his golf trousers). These were replaced with dry, unworn waterproofs, so we could attend the Seniors’ committee meeting in some sort of comfort. In summary, scorecard ruined, morale questionable, story unforgettable.

Competitors on the day – a session low of 30, 13 from the 1^st division (wimps) and 17 from the 2^nd division (well hard). Three cards handed in by ‘golfers’ who sought refuge in the clubhouse after playing 6 holes.

Considering the atrocious weather conditions, eleven players commendably equalled or beat their handicap.

One 2 scored today, Ian Whitehead at the 9^th.

Only 1 player put the wrong handicap on their scorecard.

Pity I didn’t witness the duel between Russ Jones and Ian Whitehead. I’d have paid money to watch those two play today. Russ played the front nine in 32, finished gross 3 under par for the 13 holes, including a mind blowing seven 3s. Ian was 2 over par for the 13 holes. Their round showcased two skilled golfers bringing out the best in each other. An example of seniors’ golf played at a high level.

As we played 13 holes, all scores have been pro-rated up to 15 holes.

Results

Division 1

Division 2

With one round to go to complete the Autumn league the lead at the top of division 1 is now an impressive 11 points. Seems little anyone can do to stop Russ Jones from winning the prize. Mark Pickles just needs to step up and record at least 41 points to overhaul Russ.

In division 2 Paul Lennie and Ian Goodman go into the final round both in the hunt for glory.

Seniors’ handicaps

Leader Boards

Happy Mondays Report – 1 December

Reporter: Steve Bird

Firstly, my apologies for not turning up today. When I had a message from Mr Willson before it got light to say that, after Friday’s deluge, he was still drying out the decision was made for me. The kind of day which my Scots ancestors would call dreich and only folk with strong fortitude would dream of playing golf.

When I looked at 8:30 there were only 5 of our merry band still on the booking sheet. So, if your name is Chisnall, Copeland, Craggs, Bramall or Bocquet I’m sure you have everyone’s utmost respect – or you just didn’t unbook yourselves.

If you DID play, congrats to the winners.!!

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 4 December

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 7 December

Rules Quiz answer

a) The double hit counts as only one stroke and there is no penalty. See Rule 10.1a.

Rules Quiz

When taking lateral relief for an unplayable ball, the two club-length relief area is measured from the nearest point of complete relief. True or False?

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Seniors Trophies – Engraving

It has been agreed that the cost of engraving will be borne by the Seniors’ funds going forward. All trophy holders are advised to get their trophies engraved with their name and submit the invoice to our Treasurer Mervyn Roberts.

Recommended engraver: Warrington Trophy World, 31 Irwell Road, Warrington WA4 6BA.

Round 8 Autumn League

Reporter: Paul Foster

Friday’s round was held in conditions best described as ‘polar’. It was a beautiful day, cold, harsh, and oddly magical, with the winter sun spreading its tentacles across the land. A version of the golf course where nature has pressed the ‘pause’ button…and golf balls behaved in ways no rulebook could ever prepare you for. With early temperatures low enough to make a penguin shiver and greens harder than a week-old Christmas pudding, our brave competitors marched onto the course armed with thermals, a varied selection of silly woollen hats and enough hand warmers to heat the halfway house cabin. From the very first tee, it was clear this would not be a day for textbook golf, drives flew in all directions upon landing on the concrete fairways, chips onto the greens bounced like super bouncers, no chance of repairing any pitch marks, and putts skidded across the icy greens as if auditioning for an ice-hockey match. Today showcased a resilience and enthusiasm that defines seniors’ golf. Once the battle was over, players retreated to the clubhouse for hot drinks, defrosting sessions, and to concede that the greens had definitely won the day. Not one player beat their handicap. Indeed, only Alan ‘of the Antarctic’ Copeland and Jeff ‘Robert Peary’ Ashurst managed to play to par.

Lowest gross of the day goes to Mike Pigott (again) at 3 over gross (again).

Two 2s scored today, George Clarke with a tremendous 2 at the 9^th, and Dave Craggs (again) with a chip in at the 13^th.

Competitors on the day – a low 38, 14 from the 1^st division (wimps) and 24 from the 2^nd division (well hard). As we played 13 holes, all scores have been pro-rated up to 15 holes.

Two players put the wrong handicap on their scorecard, both 2^nd division players this week. Thirteen handicaps have changed for the next round (all up), so carefully check yours please. Largest handicap increase of the year awarded to our new chairman Les Williams, who gained a gargantuan 3.5 shots!

Results

Division 1

Division 2

Only 2 rounds left to complete in the Autumn league. The leads at the top of both divisions are tighter than Paul Collins’ golf trousers after Christmas dinner. The competitors are separated by margins so small you’d need reading glasses to see them. The chasing packs are lurking, just a few points behind, ready to pounce if one of them benefits from a generous handicap adjustment (Editor’s note: “unlikely”) or should one of the leaders three putt (Editor’s note: “more likely”). All to play for, Russ Jones and Mark Pickles, Paul Lennie and Ian Goodman. Game on….

Seniors’ handicaps

Leader Boards

Happy Mondays Report – 24 November

Reporter: Steve Bird

Weatherwise, a typical late November morning, dull and dreary but much better than the forecast which had predicted drizzle and a fresh breeze. The course was recovering after being closed for the whole weekend and we were able to play 13 holes.

Four teams of three took part and the winners with an average score of a remarkable 29 were Steve Gosling, Colin Chisnall and Steve Bramall. All scored on or under net par with Mr Bramall the days leading scorer on 33.

Runners up were Alan Copeland, Ron Thornton and John Hayes with an average score of 24.3. The remaining teams scored 24 and 23 so pretty close for the trailing pack. 

I now have £22 in my piggy bank representing unclaimed winnings from this and previous weeks. It appears that the need to get home outweighs the need for cash !! 

For the record the outstanding recipients are:

• Colin Chisnall £9
• Phil Perry £5
• Steve Gosling £4
• Steve Bramall £4 

I shall be around every Monday and Friday if you would like to claim your coin. 

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 27 November

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 30 November

Rules Quiz answer

False – See rule 19.2.  The relief area is measured from the spot of the ball.

Seniors Christmas Lunch – Friday 12 December

Author: Ian Goodman

A further reminder to get your name added to the list on the Seniors’ noticeboard for our Christmas lunch. As previously advised, the cost will be just £20 which includes subsidised entry to the free raffle. There’s no need to make any payment if you are joining in the festive revelry, the £20 will be debited from your bar account on Wednesday the 10th of December. That’s when the guest list will be finalised, so no refunds after that date.

Round 7 Autumn League

Reporter: Paul Foster

The eagerly awaited round 7 of the Autumn league was officially cancelled, not by the green staff, but by Mother Nature, who apparently decided to enter the competition herself – by turning the entire course into a small chain of lakes. During the early morning inspection, several fairways had disappeared, replaced by water hazards that were not on the course map, balls floated, ducks applauded, and the bunker on the 5^th was last seen attempting to merge with the Manchester Ship Canal. Trollies would be at risk of becoming submarines and buggies required life jackets. With the course officially more suitable for canoeing than driving (in either sense) the green staff reluctantly confirmed the cancellation of round 7.

But wait, an error from your ‘axeman’!

In last week’s newsletter, John White was declared the 1^st division winner, even though John is in division 2!

Don’t ask….the issue came to light when it was realised that the scoring system had apparently entered its rebellious teenage phase and produced the 1^st division results based on…well, nothing that resembled what it should have been. In a full investigation (featuring calculators, chin scratching and strong coffee) it was discovered a mathematical error had slipped into the spreadsheet. This error enthusiastically multiplied things it was supposed to add, added things it was supposed to subtract and generally behaved like a seniors member hacker with a new set of Ping clubs. As a result, the initial results for division 1 were about as accurate as a blindfold putt in a hurricane.

The corrected 1^st division results are published below, and the rightful winner (Koos) can relax knowing his glory is now known. Meanwhile, John White, who briefly believed he’d secured lifelong bragging rights, is encouraged to cherish the memory – it was lovely while it lasted eh John?

I apologise for the confusion and congratulate the actual winner.

Conclusion: I’m getting old, I shouldn’t had finished off that bottle of Colheita Port I opened the previous night whilst rushing the results through, and Excel is not a suggestion-based program. Actually, all of the above is rubbish, I just cocked up!

Results for round 6

Division 1

The 2nd division results were surprisingly correct!

Handicaps and league tables were not affected by the alcohol induced error.

Seniors’ handicaps

Leader Boards

Happy Mondays Report – 17 November

Reporter: Steve Bird

A bright, sunny, albeit chilly, morning welcomed 16 players spread over five teams. Whilst the weather was welcoming, particularly after the weekends storm, conditions did not lend themselves to low scoring with fairways boggy on the lower land, masses of fallen leaves and a low November sun making following the ball difficult. I suspect quite a few balls were lost – they certainly were in my group.!

The winning team was Colin Chisnall, Mike Pigott and Dave Craggs who averaged 25 points per head over the 13 playable holes. Dave was top scorer for the day with 31 points. 

Runners up with an average of 23.25 points per head were Mark Pickles, Paul Foster, John White and Ken Pearce. 

The remaining three teams scored 21.6, 21.5 and 21.5 pp which, if nothing else shows consistency.!

If the winners would like to catch up with me, I shall distribute the coins.

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 20 November

Author: Mike Kendal

With sunrise now getting later in the morning, there are limitations in being able to meet all the preferred playing times for the early risers that like to be out early doors. I will do my utmost to try and get those who have asked for an early tee time out in the first half of the field.

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 23 November

Prostate Cancer Support raffle

Author: Ian Goodman

As you know Lymm Golf Club supports the Prostate Cancer Support Charity. Phil Ormesher has made us aware of the following raffle which he hopes will raise further funds for this fantastic cause. No excuse for the City fans in particular not to buy a ticket.

Vale of Llangollen Seniors Open – Thursday 4 June 2026

Author: Grahame Brickell

24 attendees this year who had an enjoyable day out despite the odd heavy shower. We have some reserved tee times from 11.10 already for 2026. Please message Grahame Brickell via IG to book your place. Those who went last year are already pencilled in. Cost for the golf is £35, an absolute bargain!

Hawkstone Park – 21 & 22 July 2026 – Last chance!

Author: Les Williams

It’s your last chance to get your name down for the above trip. Not to be missed! £225 per person and includes 2 rounds of golf, bed, breakfast and evening meal. £45 secures your place with the balance due by the end of June 2026. Please contact chairman Les by this Friday to sign up.

Padeswood & Buckley GC Senior Open – 7 July 2026

Author: John Hayes

Preliminary notice 😄 for next Summer – the Padeswood and Buckley GC Senior Open will be held on the above date. We now have tee times reserved from 10 30 a.m. every 10 minutes for a total of 6 slots, 24 golfers in all. Put the date in your calendar! I shall take bookings and payment next March. At this stage you could let me know your interest without firm commitment if you wish.

Round 6 Autumn League

Reporter: Paul Foster

Another calm day brings in some HOT scores.

It was one of those perfect Autumn days on the course, calm air, soft light, and fairways painted in gold and rust. The lack of breeze made for ideal playing conditions and it showed on the scorecards, with 24 from 45 playing to or beating their handicap. Many members posted their best rounds of the season, taking full advantage of the still weather, shortened holes and receptive greens. The sun started to slip away alarmingly early for the tailenders, I’m sure the light started to fade at 1.30pm, a sure sign that winter is on its way. But for one peaceful afternoon, golf was at its Autumn best, quiet, steady and full of fine scoring.

Competitors on the day – 45, 18 from the 1^st division and 27 from the 2^nd division.

Three 2s scored again today, Ian Goodman, Mike Pigott and Dave Craggs

Down to two players who put the wrong handicap on their scorecard, both 1^st division players!! Fifteen handicaps have changed for round 7, (mostly down) so carefully check your handicap please.

Lowest gross of the day goes to Mike Pigott at 3 over gross.

Largest handicap chop of the year awarded to Stuart Baird, who lost a jumbo 4.5 shots!!!!

With Remembrance Day not far off, it was a pity we didn’t play the 14^th so we could stop and spare a minute to remember our departed seniors, whose names grace the memorial bench.

As we played 13 holes, all scores have been pro-rated up 15 holes.

Results

Division 1

Division 2

Seniors’ handicaps

Leader Boards

Happy Mondays – 10 November

Reporter: Steve Bird

A bright sunny morning with no wind albeit wet under foot. However by close of play, it had clouded over and drizzle was in the air.

Fifteen players took part split over five teams. The winners were Steve Bramall, Phil Perry and Barrie Simpson with an average score of 32 over the 15 holes played. Steve top scored overall with 39 points which included 4 points on each of the opening 3 holes. 

Runners up were Colin Chisnall and Steve Rowley with average scores of 29.

The winners all departed the clubhouse without collecting their winnings so if you would like to catch up with me next time, I have 5 of the King’s pounds for each of you!

There was some discussion around which handicaps we were supposed to be using on Mondays. It was agreed that it would be inappropriate to use WHS handicaps when a) the course is not WHS compliant (with the use of some tee off mats and individual mats being used other than on greens) b) there is no way to record WHS scores on IG and c) Seniors handicaps reflect current form (it is acknowledged that Monday’s individual scores do not get logged for handicap purposes but Fridays do).

So, to summarise, please use your up-to-date full handicap (not 95%) taken from the spreadsheet on the Seniors Web page for Happy Mondays competitions. Thanks.

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow (Thursday 13 November)

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 16 November

Out with the old and in with the old

Reporter: Ian Goodman

Your new committee: a much better-looking line-up this year, I’m sure we can all agree.

Firstly though, a massive thank you to our departing committee members: John Armstrong, Mark Pickles, Steve Gosling and Peter Willlllson for all their hard work, patience and creativity during their terms of office. A very hard act to follow!

Left to right in the photograph above:

• Grahame Brickell (old boy) – Inter Club Competitions Officer
• Dave Craggs (old boy) – Secretary
• Paul (the axeman) Foster (old boy) – Handicap Secretary
• Les Williams (new boy) – Chairman
• Mike Kendal (old boy) – Friday Booking Secretary
• Ian Goodman (new boy) – Communications Officer
• Mervyn Roberts (new boy) – Treasurer & Membership Secretary
• Ian Smith (new boy) – Competitions Secretary
• Steve Bird (old boy) – Monday Booking Secretary (Editor’s note: Steve was away on holiday when the photograph above was taken. See Happy Mondays report below for a mugshot))
• Maintenance Managers – Grahame Brickell (rockery) and Dave Craggs (memorial bench)

Please feel free to buttonhole any of the above with your suggestions on how we can make our Seniors Section even stronger and better than it already is. Contact details for all your committee are in the directory on the club website.

Hawkstone Park – 21 &22 July 2026

Reporter: Les Williams

For the past five years we have run a trip to Hawkstone park, consisting of one round of golf on the Hawkstone course, playing in pairs for the Hawkstone Trophy. Day two is a four man team event on the championship course. The cost is £225 per person and includes golf, bed, breakfast and evening meal. We have two vacancies for next year, anyone interested please contact Les Williams. £45 secures your place with the balance due by the end of June 2026

Seniors Christmas Lunch – Friday 12 December

A quick reminder that our Christmas lunch will be held on the above date. Further details to follow. The cost will be a scrooge-pleasing £20 which includes subsidised entry to the free raffle. A list will go up on the Seniors noticeboard shortly for all those who wish to attend. An occasion not to be missed!

Round 5 Autumn League

Reporter: Paul Foster

Members were treated to a truly delightful Autumn day on the Royal Lymm Golf Course, with relatively warm air, a shroud of grey clouds keeping the sun at bay, and the trees showing off their finest seasonal colours. The benign conditions and shortened course brought out some equally fine golf. Many players found their rhythm, with accurate drives, sharp iron play and confident putting, leading to many excellent scores, thirteen players equalling or beating their handicap. The friendly spirit of competition was matched only by the good humour and camaraderie both on the course and in the clubhouse, that makes our seniors section so enjoyable.

Competitors on the day – 40, 16 from the 1^st division and 24 from the 2^nd division.

Three players put the wrong handicap on their scorecard, this is slowly reducing, hope to achieve all correct hcaps by round 10.

Eleven handicaps have changed for round 6, so carefully check your handicap please.

Lowest gross of the day goes to Mark ‘the spurk mat specialist’ Pickles at 2 over gross, and Mark kept a 6 off his card. Russ Jones had a poor start to the round scoring 5 points in the first 5 holes, then treated his playing partners to some scintillating golf, playing the last 12 holes in 1 under par gross, scoring 28 points!! Andrew Ransom scored the only 5 pointer of the day, scoring 12 points on holes 9 to 11.

Three 2s scored today, Michael John, Tony Dixon and a tremendous 2 from Andrew Ransom.

Results:

• Division 1 winner: Mark Pickles with 34pts
• R/up: Russ Jones with 33pts on a CPO
• 3^rd: Michael John with 33pts

• Division 2 winner: Ian Goodman with 36pts
• R/up: Dave Craggs with 35pts
• 3^rd: Phil Ormesher with 33pts

Leader boards

Happy Mondays – 3 November

Reporter: Steve Bird

Severe overnight rain and continuing showers left the ground very heavy with standing water on some greens. Many players withdrew leaving a mere three teams starting and only two completing the full 15 holes. The winning team of Alan Copeland, Steve Bird and Dave Craggs (pictured) scored a commendable 94 points averaging 31.3 pp. Dave scored 34 points, but the top scorer of the day was Steve Bramall with 36 points. Full marks to Steve and the rest of his team, Messrs Broady, Hill and White for turning out and completing the full 15 on such a soggy day.

Autumn Rules – clarification

Author: Paul Foster

This is a really Important Notice about the temporary Senior’s rule
The seemingly never-ending recent fall of leaves coupled with the soggy conditions means that balls are being lost in the fairways with horrendous regularity, which is slowing play to a painful pace. The pace only hurt a bit before the leaves started falling – now it’s really painful.

The committee has ruled that if you and your playing partners all agree that the ball finished “somewhere on the fairway, round about here” but it looks hopeless – leaves abound, and you are sinking into the mud and somebody has probably stood on the missing ball already. Throw down your trusty mat, place a fresh ball on it, and play on – NO PENALTY. If however, you hit your ball into any trees area and can’t be found in leaves, then, if no provisional ball has been played, no score. Simples…!

If you bang one out of bounds or into the rough where tigers live – then take your medicine like a man – when in doubt, playing a provisional ball should always be the order of the day. The leaves don’t care where they land, fairway or in the bush. Your chances of finding your family heirloom in the rough are somewhat limited. Take out provisional insurance – you know you should. Don’t forget, we should make an extra effort to track each other’s shots, particularly off the tee.

The Autumn league competition is scored over 15 holes only. The designated course is the first 15 holes open on the day (i.e. if hole 13 is closed but all others are open, the competition is played over 1-12, 14-16 for that day). For rounds where there are less than 15 holes open the scores achieved on the day will be pro-rated up to 15 holes (for consistency of recording the player’s league positions in that session).

On the bright side – even on temporary greens, “2”s still count!

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow (Thursday 6 November)

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 9 November