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What an interesting few weeks we have had. Following Captain’s weekends Hazel Grove entertained Maxitours on the 28th June. We received really positive praise for the way our course was presented in tip top condition. We pulled out all the stops to do this and it is a credit to Mike, James and his team, and the ladies who opened up the hut and served cakes and refreshments. The fact that they raised loads of money (over £200) for the chosen charity does not go unnoticed. On behalf of Tim Maxell take a bow everyone!

“El Scorchio” really does reflect how much our fairways and greens have changed over the last few weeks. Yes they are bone dry, and conditions means the odd bounce or two, but they are very playable with a little ‘links imagination’. They remain a good test of golf for club and county players alike. Indeed, we hosted Cheshire versus Cumbria last Saturday, 7th July. Cumbria eventually capitulated to the home county, but not without a dogged fight. Cheshire Union sent us a fantastic letter of thanks, with the promise of seeing us again for a life members day in September AND the possibility of hosting another county fixture in the near future. We really are moving in the right direction if we can grab that particular carrot in the offering. Cumbria were equally complimentary towards everyone involved in the arrangements for the match, with Phil Harley being singled out for a job well done!

So to last weekend, or rather the Sunday’s competitions. Still coming to terms with the pin positions that were set for the county match we got to grips with a Men’s Subsidiary competition, a ladies one and one of the highlights on the sporting calendar: the Club Championship. I used to think I was good enough to compete in this, but now I just make up the numbers. I had a great 36 holes in the company of Keith Caddick (who won the play-off for the Ian Sandels Mackenzie Bowl recently) and Pete – still as smooth as silk – Hadfield. We were bit players on the day, but I should point out I turned around a 17 shot swing between morning and afternoon rounds. I finished with a 77 which equaled the best gross of the afternoon and would have won a nett prize by 5 shots if one was given. However, not to be outdone matching Fraser’s score in Round 2 he shot marginally better in the morning to win the best golfer of the year award at Hazel Grove for the third year running. I think he was a bit embarrassed by it all, if you ask me.

On Wednesday night most eyes were tearfully glued to Gogglebox. A few however took to the course to take on the might of Wychwood Park in the Dunham. A dream start by Keith Caddick was followed up with wins by the Captain and Matt Bonner. However, hearts were crushed with our opponents featuring strong in the remaining 4 matches. There is little compensation in losing, but pride in doing your best comes close. Southgate says thanks for a great campaign.

And so to the weekend and we have the Charity Pro Am on Friday followed by a return to a medal/stableford on Saturday. We are promised rain so perhaps this will give us a small respite from Sahara conditions? ?

And? finally... I am opening out my Captain's away day to Lindrick on 24 August to invited guests, as well as club members. Let's see if we can get it up to the full 44.

Enjoy your golf!

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