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Thursday, 15-May-2008 22:11:40 BST |
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Apples nearly upsets the cart There were all the hard luck stories from those who finished on 69's in the Christy O'Connor Cup but Peter Hargreaves (9) and John Appleyard (15), who tied on 68, had the measure of them all. Pete the perfectionist finished 6, 5, 5 while Apples, who celebrates a 50-year-old membership of the club next year, took a SEVEN at the 17th. The play-off between Messrs Hargreaves and Appleyard finally took place in late September but Apples doesn't want to talk about it so it looks like Pete won!!!! You've got to hand it to Ron Ron Blyth was eagerly looking forward to his President's Day tee-off time...playing mixed golf for the first time he can remember when fate took a hand. Scotland's answer to Max Miller decided he would boil the kettle for a ‘wee drink of tea to settle the nerves'. Unfortunately the jitters got the better of him and he scalded his hand so badly that he had to call off leaving the President – his former business partner - with a rueful smile. News that will have Ron “steaming”...his fellow mixed foursome's enthusiasts John Bailey and Dave Ashbrook finished third and fourth in the greensomes comp won by the Gregorys (no surprise there) with 38 points after a card play-off with new lothario Anthony Milner and Hazel Tunnicliffe. Brian smoothes it over The sight of Brian Bradshaw, with holdall in hand, walking through Northenden village on the way to the club is a familiar one...just as when he's sitting in the bar area with permanent partner Peter Hinsley quaffing pints of “smooth” until the barrel runs out. Brian's had his moments on the golf course, too...but none better, I would think, than winning the Mersey Seniors' Open on his own patch with a magnificent 39 points in appalling weather. The course stood up brilliantly to the storms but the toast at the end of the day was BB...with a pint or two of smooth, no doubt. Seeing is believing...1 You see him most days at Styal Driving Range...a tall, handsome, athletic figure pounding ball after ball from the tee in search of perfection. No it's not Roger Newall (the Louis Jordan look-alike) but young Dave Horsey a rising star on the English amateur golf front. Doc ‘Golf' Newall usually practices in the bay next to the young protégée and admits ”he keeps looking over at me, probably to learn a few things. We haven't spoken yet but I think he knows I won the Founders Trophy in 1977 at Northenden and is just a bit shy” Disabled Roll-over keeps me at bay Profuse apologies to the owner of the Roller parked in the disabled bay. He scolded me mercilessly about my apparent lack of knowledge about cars. “Get it right...it's not a Classic Rolls Royce...it's a Vintage Rolls Royce – one of only 25 made!” Now about his De Luxe caddy cart...see next issue! Seeing is believing...2 Octogenarian Dennis Dawson having a lesson on non-shanking with pro James Curtis...Deeply Red Sandy Busby wearing a Manchester City tie...Anthony Milner disqualified two comps in a row for different breaches of rules...Candid Cameron booted out of the Founders Trophy and Scratch Gold Medal for having FIFTEEN clubs in his bag...Richard Singleton's in-laws heading back to Thailand at the end of July after his wedding in April...Brian Slipper fleeing the country for ever to get away from those obscure Council meetings...Dave Ashbrook appearing in a cameo role in his Friday Night Frolics debut...Monty Milner claiming a 340 yard drive at Wallasey...an ex-captain falling at the feet of the President in the gents' locker room...and he hadn't had a drink! The early bird winner Jonothan Borrill joined the young guns - Alistair Fisher and Joe York – on the dawn patrol for the Presidents' Putter and the early, early start proved a winning one for him. The 19 handicapper shot a 68 for victory and was rewarded by his handicap being dropped to 15.9. Second place on 69 went to new member Mike Holman (6) with Carl Harrison (6) third on 70 after a “steward's enquiry”. In form Anthony Milner shot a 69 but was unfortunately disqualified under rule 6.2b. Before you reach for the rule book...Anthony shot two bad rounds in the Cheshire Championship and thought his handicap should be six. But, as the Cheshire secretary hadn't forwarded his score to the club Anthony had to play off five and not six as he marked on his scorecard. Thus the disqualification for putting the wrong handicap down. A Gordon for everyone Past and present members flooded into Northenden for the Gordon Partington Memorial Day organised by his son Scott. Among them were Lee and Fred Donnelly, former assistant Martin Lake, Keith Jones, Neil Andrew, Chris Moore, Lee Roy Turner and injured Gary Mitchell. The day was a great success with glowing references from everyone on the course while the better ball competition was won by Neil and Glyn Traynor. Syd gets one over Monty Syd Gordon has a wicked sense of humour so Monty Milner didn't believe it when he told him he only had a net 68 (off 21) in the Sixth Summer Medal. Monty the Mouse had just come in with a 70(15) on a difficult day for scoring and thought he must be the Second Division winner. It took a bit of convincing...but let the record show that scintillating Sydney really did take the honours. Paul Wilson (4) took the First Division with a splendid net 68. Great Scott...it's Bernard Members regularly get the Scotts mixed up. There's B.G., J.B..and G.R....but it was easy separating them in the New Course Trophy. B.G...(that's Bernard) fired a 68 (15) for victory...J.B. (that's Brendan) had a no return and G.R. (that's Gordon) finished with a 77 (18). A plethora of talent finished on 69 with lovable Les Howard (10) heading Chris Harrison (5), Dave Clark (15), Jim Smellie (13), Joe York (5) and John Foster (20) in a card play-off. No fun at the Festival The Festival Week at Northenden was a bright idea...but, unfortunately, the weather put a dampener on the occasion. A few hardy souls braved the barbeque and bouncy castle on the Sunday when the weather wasn't kind. The Tuesday Open had to be cancelled due to lack of interest but the Gents' Invitation attracted a medium-sized field - in wet conditions - which was won by the Fire-fighters Graham Culpan and his guest Steve Kepts with 44 points. The sun shone gloriously on Thursday for the Golden Girls' Invitation and Graham's partner Anne Croasdale made it a family affair when she teamed up with guest Shirley Anders to take first prize with 42 points. Back came the bad weather on Friday for the Open day and the rain-mates Dave Ashbrook, Joe York, Dave Hough and John Bailey splashed their way round for victory with 88 points. Blake's a model golfer Sven Goran Eriksson's summer signings for Manchester City didn't include promising footballer Blake Norton which left him time to concentrate on his golfing prowess. And Barry's boy, resplendent in an outfit straight from Norton Barry's front window, showed that he was as good with a golf ball as a football by scorching round in 67 (5) to win the First Division of the Fifth Summer Medal..Last man out Dave Booth (15) took the Second Division with a 69. Honours even for Graham and Dave The course played long, the rough was tough and the pin positions must have been decided by a satellite navigation team for the Founders Trophy and Scratch Gold Medal competitions. Thus there were inevitable play-offs...Graham Acton (3), Jeff Slaney (15) and Ian Gardner (6) tied on 143 in the Founders while Graham Acton and Dave Nelson finished level on 149 in the Scratch. Graham finished a winner of the Founders in the while Dave won the Scratch after play-offs. Ian keeps his own counsel Chairman of Handicaps Ian Hynes quickly followed Chairman of House Brian Slipper out of Council due to “responsibilities associated with the position have become untenable” That's a pity for Ian was doing a great job. Fortunately Ian adds that “if I've not ‘burnt my boats' perhaps it will be possible to pick up the cudgel in the future when I can devote the requisite time to the challenge!” Haste ye back, bonnie lad! Jolly good teamwork, lads The Northenden teams put up brave performances to finish runners up to Chorlton in the Mersey League this season. So full marks to new-boy organisers Russ Tyler and Alister Fisher for the way they managed to get good strong teams out every week. Keeping up appearances Roy Dixon asked me to say something nice about him in Candid Cameron. Well Roy, apart from being the greatest goalkeeper never to play for Manchester City's first team, what a brilliant recovery from a serious back operation. His recovery has been so good, the dashing, debonair 70-year-old blond bombshell returned a magnificent net 66 (10) to win the First Division of the Seventh Summer Medal. Stealing a little bit of his thunder, though, was Richard Leese (13) with a staggering net 62 to win the Second Division (and top prize in the pro's draw) while wily old veteran Peter Jones (14) was runner-up with a great 67. In-form Mike Holman (5) had the lowest gross score with a 72. Upon my soul...it's Bryn again Bryn Atherton had been a bit of a golfing lost soul for four weeks while his buddy Pete Hargreaves was holidaying in Portugal. But the two of them were back in tandem for the Veteran's Trophy and, Bryn, despite taking a second ball off the first tee, kept his cool and went on to win with a net 70 (19). Hard on his heels came Peter Hinsley (10) and Ken Jones (13) on 70 while Vinny Walsh (15) with a 69 won the subsidiary competition. Dave has a Red letter day...then the Blues It was quite a week-end for Dave Booth and Jim Kerrigan. First of all True Blue Jim played with brick Red Dave as usual on Captain's Day...and brought battling Booth in with a 68 (16) for victory. A smiling Jim got his revenge the next day, though, when Manchester City annihilated Manchester United 1-0. Runner-up was former winner Paul Wilson with a 70 (4) while another Red Ian Brougham (5) won the subsidiary comp with a 70 but wasn't too happy with the derby day scoreline. Pam's winning dozen Pam Wilson thought any chance of winning went out the window when she ran up a TWELVE at the sixth hole on Lady Captain's Day. But she battled back brilliantly to finish with a 72 (24) and - to her astonishment - found herself to be the winner! Steve's luck turns at last Steve Jones (17) couldn't get his card in quick enough after his round in the Kennedy Riverslawn Trophy...and you couldn't blame him! His 66 proved the winning round of the day. “I was fed up with my handicap creeping up every week but I guess I got lucky this time”. Vinnie Walsh (15) and Immediate Past Captain David Muirhead (7) Both finished on 67. John finds himself bowled over Cricket fanatic John Gallagher was looking forward so eagerly to the one day test the next day at Old Trafford between England and India his mind was elsewhere when he teed off in the August mid-week-medal. But it paid off with a sizzling 68 ( 20) to win the Second Division. “I forgot it was a medal and thought I was playing in one of our usual bounce games,” admitted John who was delighted with his win – and that of England the next day! Jack Frost, who spends most of his retiral flitting between Bramhall and Spain these days, showed no signs of jet-lag or dehydration as he took the First Division with a 67 (11). Kit plays his hand the right way Kit Parkington found himself on the golfing sidelines for most of last season after a hand operation and had to spend most of his spare time at his local social club crying into his beer. But the rejuvenated personal car driver to the public burst back into winning ways when he took the last August Saturday Medal with a winning 68 (7) to win the First Division. New member Simon Heath (18) took the Second Division in style with a 65...and had the temerity to drive the ball further than his playing partner, singles finalist Russ Tyler!!!! Never mind the weather... It wasn't the best of afternoons when Anthony Milner (5) and his guest Warren Cliffe (14) set out in the Gents' Sunday Invitation....and the weather got even worse! But Anthony, who has been in outstanding form this season, and Warren splashed through the rain to come out on top with 42 points...and Mr Milner managed to put in a scorecard that didn't cost him disqualification for a change!!! Support your local pro The James Curtis Classic was played in glorious sunny weather with the course in great condition. Unfortunately, James didn't get the support he deserves with only eight 4-man teams taking part. “It was a little disappointing,” admitted James. “But three members have now come forward to help me drum up more interest for next year's event.” James puts on a great day with super prizes plus nearest the hole and longest drive chances and a beat-the-pro competition. Winners on the day were a team who only decided to enter two days before....Captain John Collins, Vice Captain David Ashbrook, Past Captain Peter Jones and Barry Underwood with 82 points. Peter was so deliriously happy about their victory he bought fellow competitor Monty Milner a drink! Don't miss out then on the 2008 James Curtis Classic. All interested parties should contact James to book a team in for a great day's golf. The Pride of our Ally Ally McNab had the usual yearly worry...will the 28 members turn up for the return match at Selby on Sunday morning. To forget about it he concentrated on his own golf and promptly won the First Division mid-week stableford with 39 points after a card play-off with Mr. Consistency Carl Harrison. That delightful junior member Modo Abu won the Second Division with a staggering 46 points and had his handicap promptly cut from 23 to 18. PS. Ally was smiling on Sunday morning when everyone turned up...but not so happy when the team went down 13-9 to Selby in their Centenary Year. Ally says he's giving up running the annual Selby event (as is his Yorkshire sparring partner Jack Garbutt) and is looking for a volunteer to take over. Any offers? Tim's a real champion The very nice man - and super golfer - was playing with a 20-handicapper and one off 12 who both hadn't qualified for the Handicap Medals. But as he's done far all the years he's been at Northenden it didn't matter to Tim Christie who had to produce a great round to win the Scratch Golfer of the Year title. And that's what terrific Tim did. He played round with a smile on his face and took time to help his less talented partners to search the rough for their golf balls....and still came up with a gross 69 to win the scratch award with a total of 430.for the season AND the Handicap Final with a net 68 (1). Joe York (5) slipped up with a 77 to let Paul Wilson ‘s 72 (4) catch him to tie on 420 for the Nett Golfer of the Year title. Ernie Power (13), the fastest milk powder salesman in Ireland, won the subsidiary comp with a 68. Richard the First...bar none! Richard Singleton (10) took time out from his kitchen and bar duties to steward round his partner Sandy Norgrove (29) to win the Ladies-to-Gents Greensome Stableford with 43 points while the team of Dave Muirhead (6), Roy Williams (16), Joy Linden (17) and Hilary Harrop (26) won the last Mixed Foursomes Stableford of the season with 77 points. The perfect organisers Pat and Brian Branagh stepped into the breach to run the Friday Night Frolics when Steve and Helen Wood were unable to supervise because of Steve's hip operation - not his commitment to the White Hart in Cheadle. And the Branaghs' organising skills proved so successful they ran out winners over fifteen evenings with 160 points....fifteen ahead of Kay and Tom Cunningham with Ivor and Judith Snell five points adrift in third place. Carl's double whammy Carl Harrison's switch of clubs from Romiley to Northenden has proved a very successful one. Apart from being Mr. Consistency throughout the season the five-handicapper pulled off the match-play double. First he beat Russ Tyler in the singles knock-out final at the final hole then teamed up with Gary Hartley(18) to beat Joe York (6) and Andy Richardson (4) in the four-ball final by 5 and 3. Gerry's the pacemaker The much-travelled Gerry McMenemin (16) who holds the land speed record from Southport to Manchester and definitely the best one-handed pitcher in Northenden, took the Second Division of the Mid-Week Stableford with 40 points. Lesley J. Howard (9) won the First Division with 39 points. Palmer wins...James, not Arnie James Palmer (6) thought he had blown his chances in the Assistant's Benefit when he missed a six-foot birdie putt on the last hole. But his total of 43 points wasn't beaten ....although Lee Roy Turner's terrific 42 points off a three handicap ran him close at the end. Grant would like to thank everyone who made such a great monetary contribution to the day. Keep taking the tablets, Tom Tom Cunningham had a big problem...his feet were giving him jip every time he played golf...and he couldn't find a cure a friendly member, though, with the same problem, slipped him a couple of the pills he was taking for relief. Result! The big man took the Irish Association meeting by storm. Not only did he have a hole-in-one (at the eighth), he won the longest drive, nearest the pin AND first prize in the competition. And as next year's Captain of the Society he had to buy all the couples a drink at the evening meal AFTER putting two bottles of whisky on the bar for his ace. Results of his dope test have not been made available to this publication. From last...to first Peter and Gaynor Coppard scraped into last place in the Serendipity Cup qualifiers with 29 points...then swept through a tough draw in the match-play stages to win the final against Eileen Saxon and Phil Adlem by one hole with the last putt of the match. Robert has a capital time Robert Dickson was looking forward to a no-fuss 60th birthday followed by playing in the Fred Dawson Day and the mid-week stableford competition. But his partner Sally and his three daughters had other ideas. After a covert operation Sally woke Robert on the Sunday morning to tell him “get your bag packed – we're off to Paris in an hour and a half for four days to celebrate”. Not only did Robert have a great time he was on hand to join in the fun as Scotland beat France 1-0 in the European Cup qualifier in the French capital. Heads. It's Harry this time Carl Harrison (5) was at it again in the midweek stableford completion. Northenden's Mr. Consistency took the First Division with 39 points after his winning week-end success at his former club Romiley's Invitation Day. Harry Rice (18) showed he had fully recovered from the nasty bang on the head he got on the first tee two weeks earlier by taking the Second Division with 38 points. Watch the birdies They looked the part as they strode purposefully down the first fairway in the Four-man Team event...and so it came to pass! Dave Muirhead (7), Kit Partington (8), Anthony Milner (5) and Paul Wilson (4) combined brilliantly to take first prize with 119 points with Anthony and Paul rattling in five birdies apiece. A double for the Reds Forty eight members turned out for the popular annual Manchester United-Manchester City match followed by United's match with Chelsea at Old Trafford. There was just as much action at Northenden as Old Trafford...though there were no disputed penalties and no controversial sendings off. The result, sadly, was victories for both Reds' teams. Alan Wardle led the golfers' to a 7-5 win over a plucky City squad while Sir Alex's men were victorious 2-0. Larry's eagle has landed Have you heard the one about the Irish golfer who had an eagle three at the 13th hole at Northenden. Well, the shy, retiring Larry MacDonald is prepared to bore you for hours about how he did it on the McGoff-McGuiness Day...if you can sit and listen to him and keep up with drinking copious amounts of his favourite red wine. If you can't here's how he did it in his own words: “I flighted a beautiful looking drive with a little touch of a draw right down the middle of the fairway, then I took a five wood and struck it like only I can. It left me a pitching wedge to the green but I was careful to take the spin out of it and it glided into the hole.” Now, if you want to hear about Larry's hole-in-one at Bantry Bay tune in to Radio Ga Ga. Or his CD is available at Woolworth's – price £3.99p. The early birds catch the turkeys James Palmer (6) likes his afternoon golf but the lure of the World Cup Rugby match between England and Australia made him seek a morning tee-off time with legendary early birds Cliff Brown (18) and Andy Johnson (13) in the three-man team for the First Xmas Comp. And it proved a winning move. The likely lads amassed 88 points to beat the near scratch team of LeeRoy Turner (3), Gary Mitchell(1) and Dave Nelson (1) into second place with 85 points and pick up a turkey and bottle of brandy each. And James' day finished perfectly with England stuffing the Aussies. Like father...like son Barry Menzies (10), son of the sweet-singing, guitar-playing, cigarette- smoking and Guinness-drinking Rick, introduced himself to the membership of the club by winning the First Division of the First Winter Stableford with 42 points. But all he could talk about over the compulsory pint of lager was how he had a blob on the 14th. and only one point at a stroke hole! Albert R.N. Baker (13), confined to the balcony these days for smoking purposes, took the Second Division with 38 points after a card play-off with Paul Connor (13). Steady Eddie sets the course alight Eddie ‘the eagle' Hickling (10), the amiable fire-eating firefighter, burned off the opposition to win the First Division of Second Winter Stableford with 43 points while happy-as-Larry McDonald (13) kept up his run of fine form by taking the Second Division with 38 points. |
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