Newsletter – 14 January 2026

Featured

Rules Quiz

On the putting green, a player marks their ball. They do not remove the marker before hitting their putt. What is the ruling? a) There is no penalty. b) The player gets one penalty stroke. c) The player loses the hole

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Shot of the Week

Played by Phil ‘ the Power’ Perry last Friday on the 9th hole. Phil unleashed a ground-shaking strike and saw half of his Titleist ProV1 (pictured) following the intended course whilst the other half sailed straight out of bounds. After some discussion with his playing partners the correct ruling was applied, and Phil replayed the shot with no penalty. (Editor’s note: my thanks to Steve Gosling for bringing this golfing incident to my attention. If anyone plays or witness any other “special” shots, can you please let me know and I will include them in the newsletter).

Congratulations Mervyn

Author: The Editor

I am sure that you will have read Keith Melia’s recent email concerning our very own Mervyn Roberts. Mervyn, who is now the Seniors’ Treasurer and Membership Secretary, has accepted his nomination to become President of Lymm Golf Club for 2026/27. This is a fitting reward for all the hard work that Mervyn has done at our club, particularly in his recent role as the club’s Honorary Treasurer. Well done Mervyn, all of the Lymm Seniors Section are proud of you and wish you well in your new role.

Find the Fact – Peter Willson

How well do you know your fellow seniors? Only one of the following statements about Peter is factual. Two are untrue.

  1. Peter is a distant relative of the late motoring journalist Quentin Willson who sadly passed away last year
  2. Peter represented the UK at archery in the 1980 Olympic games held in Moscow
  3. In a restaurant in Tokyo Peter was once served a fish so fresh that it was still twitching when it was served

Answer at the end of this newsletter

Winter League – Round 1

Reporter: Paul Foster

The first seniors’ round of the new year, and the start of the winter league, got underway with a lucky break from the weather. Storm Goretti skirted past the course, but the cold certainly didn’t, with temperatures staying bitingly cold all day. Winter greens were in full effect, a patchwork of problems, mottled and inconsistent, with bare patches and soft areas interrupting any sense of a consistent bounce, or true roll, putts wobbled and wandered, pulled off line by subtle dips and unexpected ridges. In contrast, the fairways echoed with well struck shots and the constant rustle of waterproofs, as everyone was layered up like mountaineers heading for base camp. Not pretty golf at times, (Colin Hughes ran out of trees to hit on the 8th) but gritty, determined, and a curiously satisfying way to start the year.

Competitors on the day – 28, 14 from the 1st division and 14 from the 2nd division.

Two 2s scored today, both from Paddy, at the second and the ninth.

Round of the day goes to Mike Pigott, who finished level par. (Uneven, sloping, mud-riddled, tiny winter greens don’t faze Mike)

Results

Division 1

WinnerSteve Gosling27 points (CPO)
Runner upKoos Alders27 points (CPO)
3rd placeGrahame Brickell27 Points (CPO)

Division 2

WinnerJeff Ashurst28 points
Runner upAlan Copeland27 points
3rd placeBarrie Smith26 points

Seniors’ handicaps

Leader Boards

Happy Mondays Report – 12 January

Reporters: Peter Willson, Steve Bird (from Lanzarote) and the Editor

An overcast grey day with little wind and even less sun. The ground conditions were damp and little to no run on the ball, the greens were fluffy but still in good condition for the time of year considering the recent weather.

It has been difficult to piece this week’s results together as some teams went out early and their cards seem to have been ‘misplaced’. Most players also scarpered without handing over their hard-earned coin, so there doesn’t seem to be a prize fund to share out this week.

Our best efforts to agree an order of merit seem to indicate that the winners were Steve Gosling and Paul Foster. In second place was the team of Tony Lambert, Peter Willson and Barrie Simpson. In bronze medal position (and to be brutally honest, last place) were Messrs Broady, Bramall and Hill.

It would be vulgar to publish the contributions made by individuals to these team results (even if we knew what they were).

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 15 January

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 18 January

Rules Quiz answer

b) The player gets one penalty stroke. See Rule 14.1a. If a player makes a stroke with the ball-marker left in place they get one penalty stroke.

Find the Fact answer

Statement 3 is correct. The fish was netted, prepared and served in under 2 minutes. At the moment that it was supposed to be eaten its nervous system was still operational!

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter supplement – 7 January 2026

Featured

Handicaps for the Winter League

Author: Paul Foster

All members are to continue using their existing seniors’ handicaps into the coming Winter 2026 league. This includes members in both divisions 1 and 2.

Members on 19 or below will be in the 1st division. Members above this will be in the 2nd division. This ensures that (as in the Autumn League) no 1st division member has 2 shots on any hole. It also means that we should have a fairly equal number of active members competing in each division.

Your Seniors’ handicap is also used in the Happy Mondays competitions.

Should you wish to discuss the history / background to this decision made by the committee, then please feel free to have a word with our Handicap Secretary Paul Foster.

Please find a link to the latest Seniors’ handicaps here.

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 7 January 2026

Featured

Rules Quiz

A player’s ball lies just off the putting green. There is sand on the putting green between the ball and the hole that the player wishes to remove. What is the ruling? a) As the ball is not on the green the player must not remove the sand. b) Sand is not a loose impediment and cannot be removed. c) The sand on the green may be removed by any means.

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Exchange Day with Hazel Grove Golf Club – Friday 28 August 2026

Author: Ian Smith

Following several approaches in recent months from other local clubs we have decided to arrange an ‘exchange day’ on Friday 28th August 2026 with the Seniors’ Section at Hazel Grove Golf Club.

In short, this involves a group of seniors from Lymm Golf Club going to play a ‘free’ round of golf at Hazel Grove and a group of seniors from Hazel Grove playing on the same basis at Lymm on the same day.

The arrangements will provide for refreshments on arrival and lunch afterwards which will be paid for individually by each participant. At this stage the cost per head for food and drink is yet to be agreed, but every effort will be made to keep these at a reasonable level.

Hazel Grove already organise a couple of these events each year with other clubs, whereas for our seniors’ section this is a new venture. They expect to bring 40 or so golfers to Lymm and it would be good if we could generate enough support to match them.

Friday morning golf will still be available at Lymm for those seniors who choose not to participate in the exchange day, but obviously for planning purposes (particularly around tee booking) it would be helpful to have an indication from those who are interested in taking part in the exchange.

A competitive format will be agreed for the day nearer the time.

Please register your interest (no obligation) with me – Ian Smith – via email at ianpaulsmith@hotmail.com, message on IG or by text message to 07816 517062 giving your name so that I can start to get a feel for likely numbers. There will also be a sign-up sheet posted on the seniors’ noticeboard.

For anyone who wants a little more information about Hazel Grove Golf Club (which is located 20 miles from Lymm Golf Club) details can be found on their website which can be accessed from this link.

The Cheshire course has been described by golf journalists as one of Cheshire’s “hidden gems” and is recognised by members and visiting parties as a challenging but enjoyable place to play golf.”

Hopefully a good number of you will fancy the idea of ‘playing without paying’ at another Cheshire golf course and will lend your support by registering to take part.

Happy Mondays Report – Monday 5 January

Sole entrant and winner of Monday’s comp. Seen here after celebrating by getting legless in the clubhouse.

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 8 January

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 11 January

The term “golf” comes from the Dutch word “kolf”, meaning “club” – brought to Scotland through trade.

source: unknown (possibly koos alders)

Rules Quiz answer

C is correct. See Rule 13.1c. Sand and loose soil on the putting green may be removed without penalty.

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 31 December 2025

Featured

Rules Quiz

In a match, a player’s ball is stuck in a bush. The bush itself is growing from an area of ground under repair, but the ball is hanging outside of the ground under repair. The player takes free relief using the spot on the ground directly under where the ball lies to measure out the relief area. The player drops the ball in the right way and plays their next stroke. What is the ruling? a) The player loses the hole for playing from the wrong place. b) There is no penalty. c) The player gets one penalty stroke for taking relief for an unplayable ball.

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Looking back

Just a little reminder as we look forward to the New Year that this is also a good time to look back. For those of you who haven’t had chance, I would enthusiastically recommend that you take a little time to look at the excellent article created by Dave Craggs and Rob Taylor documenting the history of our Seniors’ Section. There is a link to the document in the banner on our homepage, or you can access it by clicking here.

Seniors’ Section newsletter in 2026

Author: The Editor

Thank you to those members of the Seniors who have made kind comments and offered words of encouragement since I took over the newsletter from the redoubtable Mr Pickles. It would be helpful to hear your comments on what you would like to see here as we move into the New Year. Please button-hole me in the clubhouse, send me a message on IG, or email me at ianrgoodman@outlook.com with your ideas on how the newsletter could be improved.

Happy Mondays Report – 29 December 2025

Reporter: Steve Bird

Excellent conditions for winter golf greeted us for the last Monday of 2025. No wind, no rain, not too cold and the course finally drying out following a few days of minimal rain.

Fifteen players took part, 3 teams of 4 plus one of 3. The winners with a below par average of 27 were Messrs Gosling, Lawless, Kendal and Bocquet. Tommy was also top scorer for the day with 31 points off his 10 handicap. Well done Mr Lawless.

Runners up with a score of 25.5 was the team of Foster, Rowley, Bennett and Lambert with Steve contributing 29.

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 1 January

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 4 January

Seniors’ handicaps

Golf is an exercise in Scottish pointlessness for people who are no longer able to throw telephone poles at each other.

FLORENCE kING

Rules Quiz answer

b) is correct. There is no penalty. See Clarification Ground Under Repair/2

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 24 December 2025

Featured

Rules Quiz

In stroke play, a player bends some long grass out of the way to get a clear view of their ball in the rough. They then play their next stroke. What is the ruling? a) there is no penalty b) The player gets one penalty stroke c) the player gets two penalty strokes.

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Friday 19 December – Bottle of Wine

Reporter: Paul Foster

The final Bottle of Wine competition of the year was played under clear blue skies on a fine winter’s day, providing perfect conditions to close out the year. With little wind and crisp air, the course presented beautifully, its summer greens running true and mats on fairways provided a firm lie. A strong field turned out, with members keen to finish on a high note. Scoring reflected the favourable conditions with exactly half of the field playing to plus or minus 2 shots of their handicap. The standout performance came from the eventual winner Steve Bramall who has now seen his handicap reduced six shots in two weeks by the axeman! Despite the competitive edge, the day was marked by good spirits and camaraderie, fitting for the final event of the calendar. As the last putts dropped and clubs were packed away, players gathered in the clubhouse to reflect on a successful year of golf and look ahead with anticipation to the Winter League.

Competitors on the day – 30. One 2 scored today, Paul Lennie at the 9th. As we played 13 holes, all scores have been pro-rated up 15 holes.

RESULT

POSITIONNAMEPOINTSPRIZE
First placeSteve Bramall36 (inc 2 blobs)A bottle of châteaux de Goodman
Second placeJeff Ashurst35The satisfaction of a job well done

Seven handicaps have been amended based on the day’s efforts. Please click on the link below for the details:

Seniors’ handicaps

Happy Mondays Report – 22 December

Reporter: Steve Bird

On the day following the year’s shortest day it was barely light when my group teed off at 08:33, however, as they say in these parts, it “turned out nice’ and by 10 o’clock the sun had broken through and it was relatively warm with no rain, albeit boggy underfoot on the lower land.

A total of 14 players made up four teams – 2 x 4 players and 2 x 3. The winning team comprised Paul Foster, Mike Kendal and Tony Lambert with an average score of 25.66. Runners up were late starters Messrs Broady, Bramall, Dixon and Thornton with a score of 25.

On a point of admin, many of our merry bunch will be taking in the winter sun in foreign parts (me included) and it would help me when drawing up rotas if you could message me and Mike Kendal (Friday Rota) as to when you are away. This will save us clogging up tee times with members who are not around to play. Thanks.

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow 25 December!

(Health and safety warning: Tee bookers should take extra care when using computer equipment whilst under the affluence of incohol imbibed on Christmas day.)

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 28 December

A leading difficulty with the average player is that he totally misunderstands what is meant by concentration. He may think he is concentrating hard when he is merely worrying.

bobby jones

Rules Quiz answer

C is correct. Rule 8.1a. By moving the grass the player improved their lie and the area of the intended swing.

With a very Merry Christmas to all the members of Lymm Golf Club Seniors Section and your families

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 17 December 2025

Featured

Rules Quiz

Player B’s ball was lying badly in deep rough. Player A said to player B: “You have no shot at all. If I were you, I would declare the ball unplayable”. What is the ruling? a) A gets two penalty strokes for giving advice. If player B follows that advice they also get two penalty strokes. b) Player A gave player B information on the Rules, so no penalty. c) As player A’s advice could have influenced player B in determining his play, A gets two penalty strokes. Player B is not penalised

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Seniors. Christmas Lunch

Reporter: Ian Goodman

No golf before our Christmas do! The course was closed for the day to avoid the possibility of contracting trench foot on a waterlogged track. As we didn’t have to chop our way through the mud all our energy could be diverted to carousing in the clubhouse. Top marks to Paul Foster for keeping his party hat on well into the evening. I’m sure that everyone who attended will agree that it was a first-class event. Great food, wonderful companionship and a chance to get to know each other better. It’s far easier to communicate with your fellow seniors when you’re sat next to each other, rather than having to shout across an unused fairway from your side of the rough. I’ve put a few photographs of some of the more photogenic attendees below.

Call forwarding / Redirection Scams

John Armstrong has asked that I put an item in this week’s newsletter about ‘call forwarding / redirection scams’. This are where a scammer manages to get a number into your phone settings and your inbound calls are then diverted to a number owned by the scammer. They then use this to obtain personal information about you. John says that a number of seniors have advised him that an unknown number has appeared in the call forwarding settings of their android phones. Your own voicemail has its own number, so don’t delete that from your mobile or your voicemail won’t work. If you want more information about how these scams operate and how to check your own mobile, please click on this link.

Autumn League winners

Author: Dave Craggs

Congratulations to all the winners from this year’s Autumn League:

DIVISION 1

Winner – Fred Johnson Rose Bowl Autumn SessionRuss Jones£50
Runner-upMark Pickles£25
Weekly winners (2 wins)Mike Pigott, Russ Jones£20
Weekly winners (1 win)Paul Foster, Arthur Nuttall, Mark Pickles, Koos Alders, Steve Gosling£10

DIVISION 2

Winner – Fred Johnson Rose Bowl Autumn SessionIan Goodman£50
Runner-upPaul Lennie£25
Weekly winners (2 wins)Ian Goodman£20
Weekly winners (1 win)Dave Craggs, Alan Ranscombe, Alastair Cook, Paul Lennie, Stuart Baird, Alan Copeland, Bob Ellison£10

The above amounts should be in your pro-shop accounts in the near future.

Happy Mondays Report – 15 December

Resident poet: The Editor

Unhappy Mondays for a change
There was no golf at all
Our glorious course was waterlogged
No chance to whack a ball

We had to stay inside at home
And do as we were bid
But looking on the bright side...
At least we saved a quid

Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 18 December

As advised in last week’s newsletter, there is no booking schedule for a Friday game on 2 January. Please make your own arrangements and book on IG as normal if you do want to play.

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule Sunday 21 December

The people who gave us golf and called it a game are the same people who gave us bagpipes and called it music.

Anon

Rules Quiz answer

C is correct. See Rule 10.2a and Clarification Advice/1. Such a comment is advice because it could have influenced the player in deciding how to play the hole.

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 10 December 2025

Featured

Rules Quiz

In stroke play, instead of recording his usual signature on his score card, a player records his initials. What is the ruling? a) The player is disqualified. b) The penalty is disqualification but this may be waived by the Committee. c) There is no penalty.

Answer is at the end of this newsletter

Seniors Chairman Vacancy

You may be aware that due to a resignation the Seniors is currently without a Chairman. If you would like to “put a bit back” and join the Seniors’ Committee in this role then please let any member of the committee know. The job is not too onerous, and you will of course have the full support of an established committee behind you. The responsibilities of the role are set out on page 3 of our Strategy, Rules and Guidelines document. Should you want to have a word before you step forward, then please feel free to speak to any member of the Seniors’ Committee.

Christmas meal – Friday 12 December

For those of you signed up for our Christmas meal this Friday please do your best to arrive at 2.00 p.m. You should be in your seat, Christmas party hat in place, ready to receive your festive fare at 2.30 p.m. As things stand, the Fun Game on Friday morning will be over 12 holes. If you have an early tee time you can of course play as many holes as you wish, with the first 12 counting towards the bottle of wine prize. The £20 cost for the meal and free raffle should already have been debited to your bar account by the time you receive this newsletter.

Final Round Autumn League

Reporter: Paul Foster

On Friday, I was unable to participate in the final round of the Autumn League due to physical and cognitive impairment resulting from excessive alcohol consumption the previous night, which exceeded my normal tolerance. Upon waking, I experienced symptoms including dizziness, dehydration, fatigue and reduced coordination. After several failed attempts to stand upright, locate my clubs, or even remember how to get to Lymm, I concluded that I should not participate in the days event to avoid potential injury, not only to myself, but my fellow golfers, nearby trees and anyone standing within a 30-meter radius. I acknowledge responsibility for this incident and will take steps to ensure it does not happen again (Editor’s note: well, we’ll see about that won’t we Paul?). The root cause was identified as saying “one for the road” approximately six times too often.

Therefore, a truncated report this week:

Competitors on the day – 38, 16 from the 1st division and 22 from the 2nd division.

One 2 scored today, Duncan Clarke at the 9th.

Round of the day goes to Mark Pickles, who finished gross 2 over par, even with an OOB on the 10th.

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

Results

Division 1

WinnerSteve Gosling31 pts (CPO)
Runner upAlan Burton31 pts (CPO)
3rd placeKoos Alders31 pts (CPO)

Division 2

WinnerIan Goodman35 pts
Runner upJohn White31 pts (CPO)
3rd placeMike Bennett31 pts

As predicted, Russell Jones held a large enough lead to retain top position in the first division. Even the round of the day for Mark Pickles was not enough to catch him.

A tremendous final round from Ian Goodman saw him overhaul the two point lead Paul Lennie had enjoyed, securing Ian first place in the second division

Winners of the Autumn League

Division 1

WinnerRussell Jones169 pts
Runner upMark Pickles159 pts
3rd placePaul Foster156 pts

Division 2

WinnerIan Goodman160 pts
Runner upPaul Lennie154 pts
3rd placeSteven Bird152 pts

Seniors’ handicaps

Leader Boards

Happy Mondays Report – 8 December

Reporter: Steve Bird

A lovely calm early December morning greeted 12 players who made up four teams of three.

The winning team was Alan Copeland, Kevin Bocquet and Mike Bennett who averaged a creditable par score of 26 per head.

We had three runners up teams who spookily all scored 74 points and therefore averaged 24.66 points per head.

Two points of admin:

The winners of prize money referred to in the weekly newsletter of 26 November have had their winnings credited to their bar accounts.

It appears that the club have blocked out our early tee times when we usually start at 8:06, presumably in view of the darker mornings. I acknowledge that last Sunday’s tee booking was a bit chaotic and the attached booking schedule starts at 8:33 in line with the requirements of IG. I will monitor available booking times for future dates until we can revert to our usual 8:06 start. 

Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 14 December

Golf – Boxing Day Friday 26 December and Friday 2 January 2026

For those of you who are keen to try out your Christmas golfing gifts (or just desperate to escape from your families), your fellow Seniors will be taking to the course on the above dates. Please note there will be no booking schedules issued for these dates, you will need to make arrangements between yourselves for a social game and book on IG as normal. Boxing Day may well be busy, so “book early”. The good news is that you are almost guaranteed to shoot your best score of the year so far on the second date above.

Correction and apology

Author: Ian Goodman

In last week’s newsletter I mistakenly included the following phrase: “Our esteemed Chairman Mr Craggs“. In response to the significant number of you who were extremely keen to point this out to me, neither the second nor the third words in the phrase are applicable. Mr Craggs is of course our Secretary. Please accept my apologies for this error which was immediately corrected.

Rules Quiz answer

c) is correct. See Clarification 3.3b/2. There is no penalty if initials were used to certify, rather than the full name.

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 3 December 2025

Featured

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.

Christmas drinkipoos

Author: Paul Foster

Following on from the success of last year’s gathering, all seniors are invited to a Christmas get-together. The venue is the Sadlers Arms pub in Lymm from 8pm on Wednesday 10th December. A great chance to gather at the fireside amongst friends, help each other to stay hydrated and reflect on your 2025 golfing highlights. See you there hopefully!

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 4th the breeze had picked up, “invigorating” we lied to each other. By the 7th, 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 10th, 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 1st division (wimps) and 17 from the 2nd 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 9th.

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

WinnerRuss Jones38 pts
Runner upIan Whitehead36 pts
3rd placePaul Foster35 pts

Division 2

WinnerBob Ellison36 pts
Runner upJoe Priestner33 pts
3rd placeSteve Bird32 pts (CPO)

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

I learned one thing from jumping motorcycles that was of great value on the golf course, the putting green especially. Whatever you do, don’t come up short.

Evel knievel

Rules Quiz answer

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

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 26 November 2025

Featured

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 9th, and Dave Craggs (again) with a chip in at the 13th.

Competitors on the day – a low 38, 14 from the 1st division (wimps) and 24 from the 2nd 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 2nd 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

WinnerMike Pigott29 Pts
Runner upMark Pickles28 Pts
3rd placePaul Foster27 Pts

Division 2

WinnerAlan Copeland30 Pts (CPO)
Runner upJeff Ashurst30 Pts
3rd placeSteve Bird29 Pts (CPO with 5 others)

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

A “gimme” can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers, neither of whom can putt very well.

Anon

Rules Quiz answer

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

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman

Newsletter – 19 November 2025

Featured

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 5th 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 1st 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 1st 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 1st 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

WinnerKoos Alders32 pts (CPO)
Runner upRichard Smyllie32 pts
3rd placeMark Lyons31 pts

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

The devoted golfer is an anguished soul who has learned a lot about putting, just as an avalanche victim has learned a lot about snow.

Dan Jenkins

Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman