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Luke's Medal

Luke Chadwick took Mytton Fold Golf Club’s August Medal competition played at the weekend. Played in rather damp conditions the course played long, making Luke’s 80-11=69 all the more creditable.

Biggest smile of the day was on Phil Ryan’s face when he chipped in at the first hole for the only two of the day.

All the President's Men (Women and Juniors!) 

The sun shone brightly for Mytton Fold Golf Club’s President, David Hargreaves, on his President’s Day competition. The event provided the closest possible of finishes, with playing partners Chris Chadwick and Keith Gill being separated by the narrowest of card playoffs, both having scored 39 points. Chris finally triumphed to take the win by sinking a 30 foot putt.

Phil Clegg took third spot, just one point behind the duelling partners. His prize fund was enhanced, however, when he birdied the first and shared the twos pot with namesake, and Club Secretary, Dave Clegg.

In the ladies section it was another win for Allison Nuttall with 37 points, some six points clear of second placed Carole Maher.

Shaun Aldred led the Junior section with 34 points with Kyle Furlong taking the runner-up slot. Both boys were the recipients of spot prizes as were Judith Kay and Matt Ainsworth.

As a result of his win, Chris Chadwick now leads the club’s Order of Merit with Wayne Ivinson, both players on 58 points, some 13 points ahead of third placed Tony Wilson.

Jan Van Boeckel took the Roger Osliffe Memorial Trophy with an excellent 80-13=67, some 2 shots clear of Baz Hargreaves (88-19=69). Peter Fox had set off like a train and was four under after the front nine, but slipped back on the homeward run to take third spot with a creditable 90-20=70.

Allison Nuttall (36 points) took the ladies section by a clear seven points ahead of Linda Clegg, and in the Juniors’ section it was Kyle Furlong’s turn to take the win ahead of Shaun Aldred.

Mytton Fold’s Invitation event was won by Danny Glover and Dan Turner with 46 points. The winning pairing was some eight points clear of a three-way fight for the minor placings. After cards second place was secured by Luke Chadwick/B. Harrison ahead of Chris Hughes/P. Fletcher and Dave Halsall/Dave Thornback.

Ladies ahead of their time!

Mytton Fold’s Ladies have, with the generous support of Humberstones the Jewellers, obtained a new starting clock for the club. To be sited by the first tee, 

Full Results

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Keith’s Captain’s Winner!

Club Captain John Berry hosted his Captain’s weekend, at Mytton Fold Golf Club. A large field turned out on both days to celebrate John’s year and the weather was kind throughout.

On Saturday, Tony Wilson, playing off 10, could do little wrong, going into the back nine with eight pars and a birdie already on his card. Four bogies in a row clouded the perfect card, but an outstanding 75-10-65 singled him out as the clear Day One winner.

Dave Bolton came in second, some three shots in arrears with an 80-12-68 beating Patrick Ashworth (94-26-68) into third after cards.

Five players shared the two’s pot, with John Whittaker, Steve Brooks and Ray Standring all birdying the first while Club President David Hargreaves and John Kwasniewski both birdied the ninth. Sunday’s second round saw Chris Chadwick take the win with an excellent 74-6-68, just heading Steve Korab (84-15-69) and Keith Gill (84-14-70).

With a fourth place finish on Saturday (83-14-69) Keith Gill (69+70=139) took the overall Captain’s Trophy by a whisker, beating Tony Wilson (65+74=139) on a card playoff after 36 holes. 

Chris Chadwick ((72+68=140) took third overall, with Captain John Berry (71+74=145) taking Division One and Nick Avino (72+76=148) taking Division Two. 

There were just two 2s on Sunday when junior Kyle Furlong birdied the first and Robert Atkinson birdied the ninth. 

In the Ladies’ section it was close at the top with Allison Nuttall (32 points) taking the win over second-placed Judith Kay following a card playoff. 

The Juniors’ section was headed by the consistent Shaun Aldred (72+73=145) with Kyle Furlong (66+84=150) taking second spot. 

Spot prizes for the ladies were taken by Lady Captain Jean Havard (nearest the pin) and Carole Maher (longest drive). For the men, Martin Holden took the nearest the pin prize, while Chris Chadwick launched the longest drive. 

John Walmsley took the top spot in the second round of the Kevin Shanley Charity competition. John’s 90-19-71 put him three shots ahead of the duelling Graham Slater (96-21-74) and Tony Wilson (84-10-74). Despite Tony scoring the lowest gross of the day, it was Graham who took second after a card playoff. 

Mick Mahon took fourth spot with a 98-23-75 and moved up to second in the overall competition standings with 77-75-152. This best-two-scores-from-three-round format still has Round One winner, Bernard Downes in the lead with 71-79-150. Dave Pennington lies one shot behind, with Round Two winner John Walmsley in fourth.

The third, and final, round is to be held on 4^th October, and all proceeds from the competition go to Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Full Results

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Charities are the Winners at Mytton Fold

Its been a great week for charity events at Mytton Fold Golf Club

Clitheroe Rotary Club teamed up with Mytton Fold’s Captain, John Berry, to support their respective charities of Crossroad Carers and North West Air Ambulance. With the theme of ‘a taste of Lancashire’, players were treated to a range of Lancashire food delicacies on the tees. These included tastings from the Real Lancashire Black Pudding Co. and Porters Butchers, washed down with Bowland beer. Other, very welcome, offerings included Heritage Preserves, Bowland milk, Lancashire tea, Leagrams’ cheese, Farm House biscuits, Dove Syke cider and finally Bashall Barn ice cream. 

The golf was followed by a dinner and auction, with representatives from Crossroad Carers and Air Ambulance giving a short talk about their respective charities. Appropriately it was Rotarian Howard Blackburn, a trustee for Crossroads, who was the captain of the winning team, the runners up being Club Captain John Berry’s team. 

The event, generously supported by Barclays, closed with an auction and a raffle, with many items provided by local individuals and companies. It is hoped that almost £5000 will have been raised for the two local worthy charities and we are very grateful to the sponsors who provided the samples for food tasting and those who donated raffle and auction items. 

The ladies of Mytton Fold Golf Club held a fun ‘Pink Day’ to help raise awareness for Lady Captain Jean Havard’s charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Fancy dress golf was the order of the day with Britney Spears, a sumo fairy and a pink panther. Winners of the ensuing texas scramble were the team of Sue Hughes, Linda Clegg and Hazel Sellars. 

Saturday saw the Air Ambulance Charity competition. Here Glynn Watson took the win with 37 points, and beating Matt Day into second place following a card playoff. A count back was also the order of the day to decide third spot. Last week’s winner Keith Gill (35 points) came out ahead over fourth placed, and Division One winner, Luke Chadwick. Patrick Ashworth, with 34 points, took Division Two. 

The following day the club held their ELGA qualifier, with three mixed pairings going forward to the finals at Burnley GC in September. Top team were the pairing of Lady Captain Jean Havard/Frank Hindle with a 73. Captain John Berry/Allison Nuttall took second with a nett 76, whist the final qualifying spot was taken by Garry and Jean Davies with a nett 77.

Full Results

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Chadwick and Gill go International!

On a very wet and windy Mytton Fold golf course Chris Chadwick and Keith Gill readied their passports when they swept all before them to win the club’s International Pairs qualifying competition. Helped with an eagle three from Chris on the thirteenth, their back nine score pushed Peter Main and Dave Halsall into second place despite racking up the same number (39) of stableford points.

Chadwick and Gill now go forward as Mytton Fold’s representatives to the regional final, to be played at Mottram Hall.

The fight for third spot was a five way battle with a quintet of pairings squabbling on 36 points. After cards Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg took the final podium position ahead of Gary Ashton/Tony Slater, Phil Hammond/Frank Tunstall, Martin Holden/John Parkinson, and Zac Ashworth/Luke Chadwick.

If it was tough for the men’s competition on Saturday, it was horrendous for the ladies the following day. Shrugging off the driving rain to take the first win of her golfing career was Tarja Wilson who took the July Stableford competition ahead of another new member, Katherine Hewitt. Both Tarja and Katherine are new to golf courtesy of Mytton Fold’s recent Ladies Golf Taster Sessions.

On Tuesday Lady Captain Jean Havard won the July 9-hole stableford ahead of Ann Almond and Tarja Wilson.

Mr Captain’s joint Charity Day with Clitheroe Rotary Club another great success – full report next week!

Full Results

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Korab’s Cavalier!  

Steve Korab shot an amazing 81-17-64 to win Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Cavalier Putter competition played on Saturday. Despite carding 75, the lowest gross of the day, Chris Chadwick, playing off a handicap of 6, could only come within five shots of the winner. 

Steve Brooks (77-8-69) completed the top three, losing out to Chadwick on a card playoff. Just a further shot in arrears came Sam Cowan (86-16-70) who took Division One, while Nick Avino (89-19-70) took Division Two. With seven players beating par in the excellent playing conditions handicap reductions were the order of the day as the top scores were entered onto the computer. 

Glynn Watson, with an 85-10-75, was some six shots behind the winner, yet had one of the biggest smiles of the day, having birdied the First to card the only two of the competition and scoop the pot. 

And what a difference a day makes, with Sunday’s torrential downpour closing the course and cancelling the Ladies’ July Monthly Medal competition.

Full Results

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 Mr Captain Leads by Example!

Just a week after completing a four-rounds-in-one-day charity marathon, Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Captain, John Berry, swept all before him when he became this year’s Club Champion. 

The two day medal competition put John (76 and 78 gross) three shots clear of his nearest challenger Chris Chadwick. Chris was just one shot behind John at the end of the first day, but lost a further two on Sunday to card two excellent rounds totalling 157. 

Phil Hammond’s card showed that he had shot a consistent 81 on both days to take the final podium position. 

In the Juniors section it was a win for Kyle Furlong who shot an excellent 73 and 68 to take the win over Shaun Aldred (74 + 84) and Harry Crossley (82+78).

Blessed with beautiful weather for both rounds of this double header, Berry shot to the head of the nett leaderboard on Saturday to win with a 76-10-66, some five shots ahead of Dave Bolton (81-13-71). Tony Wilson took third spot following a card playoff with a steady 81-10-71. 

Some six players shared the twos pot with Dave Wilson, Mark Slater, John Berry, Carry Davies and Luke Chadwick all birdying the first, while Gordon Lucas popped his in at the final hole. 

Sunday saw reversed seeding with the leaders on the course later in the morning. The day’s nett score competition was won by Martin Holden with a handicap-altering 88-19-69. Two shots behind came Matt Ainsworth playing off his new handicap of 12 and Garry Davies completed the top three with an 84-12-72. 

Just two twos were carded on the day when both Matt Ainsworth and Frank Tunstall birdied the ninth hole. 

Full Results

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Frank Hargreaves Remembered.

Mytton Fold Golf Club held their Frank Hargreaves Trophy competition on Sunday in unseasonably sunny weather. On a drying course after the torrential rain of the previous days, it was Matt Ainsworth who took the win with 40 points, beating Frank Havard on a card playoff. While Matt swept to a balanced score of 20 points on both the front and back nine holes, Frank peaked early with 25 points on the front nine, only to fade away with three ‘blobs’ on the homeward run. 

With Frank Havard taking the Seniors’ award, it was left to Peter Kiddie to take the runner-up slot, some two points in arrears of the leaders. 

The fight for third spot was a fearsome affair, with no less than five players carding 37 points. After cards in the clubhouse it was left to Chris Chadwick to take third, followed by Mick Bryan, Dave Bolton, Tony Wilson and Phil Clegg. 

Allison Nuttall headed the Ladies home with 31 points after a card playoff with Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland. 

In the Juniors’ section it was a win for Harry Crossley, closely followed by Kyle Furlong and Shaud Aldred. 

There were fun and games when it came to the 2s competition. Tony Wilson took his share at the first hole, while Dave Griffith, Mick Bryan, Steve James and Captain John Berry all took theirs at the ninth hole.  Past Captain Frank Hindle missed out on his share of the 2s when his playing partner failed to hand in their scorecards at close of play!

Well Done Mr Captain!!!

A BIG well done to Captain John Berry and friends who completed their four rounds of Mytton Fold in one day. Full report of the grisly facts next week! It’s up to all John’s sponsors to pay up – see John or Lynette to add to John’s superhuman feet  feat.

Full Results

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Graham’s Famous!

Self-effacing Graham Plant was thrust into the limelight when he took the win in Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Hall of Fame competition on Saturday. Racing round to gather 38 points, Graham finished one point ahead of last week’s Algarve winner John Whittaker.

A four-way 36 points tie for the remaining podium place was resolved by a card playoff with Leigh Canipa finishing ahead of Frank Tunstall, Frank Hindle and John Walmsley.

John Whittaker added to his winning streak by taking the whole of the two’s pot when he birdied the ninth.

 In the Ladies Section Lady Captain Jean Havard won the June Medal competition with Pauline White runner-up.

Lady Captain Jean Havard broke the rain spell for this year’s Sip It and Flip It which provided two simultaneous nine-hole competitions where competitors enjoyed a sip (or two) on each of the tees before driving off.

This well-supported even raised nearly £400 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The ladies team of Viv Walsh, Kath Jump, Donna Hindle and Heather Deans from Whilpshire Golf Club sipped their way round to win the front nine competition, whilst the Mytton Fold team of Frank Hindle, Patrick Maher, Dave Holt and Paul Collier supped to a win on the back nine.

Full Results

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John's Passport to The Algarve

For once the weather was fine as Mytton Fold Golf Club members fought over the richest prize of the Club’s year – and all-expenses paid golfing trip to the Algarve, courtesy of Mytton Fold (Best Western) Hotel.

 A large field set out to win the second round of the Algarve competition, and to join first round winner Sam Cowan in Portugal. Early conditions were benign, but more draughty conditions faced those going out later in the day. John Whittaker, playing off a handicap of 14 kept a tidy round, with four pars and a late birdie on the seventeenth. With the only blemish on his scorecard being a double bogey on the fourteenth, he came home with a net 71 to win the contest.

In second place, but with no cigar, came Gary Aldred. Just one stroke behind Whittaker, Gary was ruing his triple bogey on the 14^th after a consistent round of golf.

In a very closely contested event it was tight at the top, with four players all carding net 73s. The best back nine scores came from Frank Hindle, followed by Steve Korab, Frank Tunstall and Peter Kiddie.

Frank Tunstall had his hand in the twos pot after his birdie at the first, with Ian Thomson and David Bolton taking their shares at the ninth hole.

Character-building hole of the day was the 525 yard 7^th, where poor Steve Rusyn carded 19 shots and Phil Hammond’s drive struck a marker post and ricocheted onto the 13^th fairway. Phil carded 10 shots here, yet still went on to score 83, sharing the lowest gross of the day. Oh what might have been!

Ladies' Open

Gillian Pinder and Doreen Hammond of Mytton Fold teamed up with Settle’s Barbara Read to win Mytton Fold’s foreshortened Ladies Open. Once again somewhat changeable weather conditions greeted competitors. Following a low-level flying display by a Tornado from Warton, the sun changed to wind and heavy rain, but it was the hailstones, thunder and lightning which brought an early suspension of play. 

In light of the continuing dangerous playing conditions, the event was resolved by using front nine scores only. Runners up were Jean Sanderson together with Whalley’s Margaret Harvey and Kath Thompson.    The Wilpshire GC team of Kath Jump, Viv Walsh and Heather Deans came in third. The best visiting team award went to the Charnock Richards GC team of Hilary Powell, Ruth Harrison and Carol Howorth. 

Course ‘Suggestion Box’. 

At the last Committee Meeting, Dennis Leaver indicated that there is now a ‘Suggestion Box’ in the shop for members to put forward their ideas or concerns that they may have about the golf course. This will save valuable time between issues arising and the Greens Chairman and the green keepers being aware of them.

 Suggestions should bear the name of the writer and a contact phone number/email address so that any queries can be followed up

Full Results

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Sam's Jubilee but Kyle's the One to Watch 

When Mytton Fold Golf Club held their Queen’s Jubilee competition on Sunday it was Junior player Kyle Furlong who stole the show. Playing off a weekly-reducing handicap, Kyle shot an outstanding 40 points in the testing wet and windy conditions facing the large field. 

A shotgun start, in pouring rain, did not bode well for an event which ends with a family barbeque! Thankfully the weather relented, allowing players to shed their waterproofs as the event progressed, but the draughty conditions punished wayward golf. 

In the clubhouse the results team declared Sam Cowan the winner with an excellent 39 points, just beating Mike Chatburn into second place by way of a card playoff. Just one point behind came Club President, David Hargreaves with Secretary Dave Clegg fourth with 37 points. 

In the Lady’s Section it was a win for Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland who came home with 36 points with Doreen Hammond close behind with 34 points. The Junior Trophy went to Kyle Furlong with his amazing 40 points. 

Five players split the pot for the 2s. David Hargreaves, John Hammond and Captain Elect Gordon Lucas all birdied the first hole, Chris Chadwick the ninth and Pauline White the eighteenth.

Full Results

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Madness at Mytton Fold

Mad as hatters! (From l) Captain John Berry, Garry Davies, Ladies’ winner Lady Captain Jean Havard, winner Ray Standring, Jean Davies, Dave Wilson, Steve Gordon and Dave Bolton. 

Who’d want to play golf in the rain and at 6.30 in the morning of a Bank Holiday? The daft golfers at Mytton Fold Golf Club, that’s who! Event organiser Gordon Lucas was inundated with entries for the clubs Midsummer Madness, played over his creatively-crafted ten holes with new tees, greens and winter greens all brought into play.

 This challenging course, including blind holes over green keeper’s garages, tracks and trees brought out the best (and the worst) of golfers plucked too early from their beds. 

Damp underfoot (and overhead), the event ended with an excellent hearty breakfast in the hotel where Ray Standring was declared the winner with a net score of 34.15. Just 0.55 behind came Steve Gordon, with Captain John Berry third a further 0.5 a shot on arrears. 

In the Ladies’ competition, it was a win for Lady Captain Jean Havard with Jean Davies taking the runner-up slot. 

The devious event organiser required that competitors nominated a joker hole where their gross score would be doubled. Poor Dave Bolton was scoring well, but the wheels came off his round when a troubled 10 became a disastrous 20! His ‘booby prize’ of a sleeve of balls went some way in replacing those lost on this one hole. 

On Saturday the club held its May Stableford competition. In seasonable weather (rain, wind, rain and more rain!) a large field set about the course with a vengeance. When all the numbers were added up at the end of the day, it was Club Treasurer Frank Tunstall who profited most with 39 points. HMRC may be taking an interest in Frank’s performance as, in addition, he was the only player to score a ‘2’ and scooped the whole pot! 

Just one point behind came Captain Elect Gordon Lucas (cursing a four-putt on the 11^th), closely followed by Club President David Hargreaves, a further point in arrears and just beating Bob Devine (another four-putter on the 11^th) on a card playoff.

Full Results

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Mixed Weather for Mixed Open!

Tumbled dried! Mytton Fold’s winners fresh from the event. (L to r) Captain John Berry, second-placed Jean Sanderson and Brian Bradshaw, winners Patricia Leyland and Frank Havard, third-placed Angela and Stephen Frankland, Lady Captain Jean Havard.

 Golfers who entered Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Mixed Open on Sunday were certainly put through the weather mill, as they experienced sunny periods, heavy showers, strong blustery winds and a hailstorm throughout the foursomes competition. 

The extremes of weather failed to dampen the efforts of winners Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland and Frank Havard as they took the win with an excellent net 76, 1.5 shots ahead of Jean Sanderson and Brian Bradshaw, the latter couple also scooping the twos pot with a birdie on the ninth hole. 

Third spot was taken by the father and daughter team of Angela and Stephen Frankland from Marsden Park Golf Club with a net score of 78.5. The day was something of a family success, with Margaret and Andrew Frankland also winning the best Visitors Team prize. 

On the previous day, again in blustery conditions, Mytton Fold held their Inaugural Captain’s Day competition. Steve Brooks made the most of his early start to shoot a 77-8-69, the lowest gross of the day, and take the lead in the clubhouse. 

As scorecards dropped into the results box no one was to better his score, and he held on for the win. Best of the rest was John Whittaker (84-14-70), just one stroke behind, closely followed by Dave Pennington ((91-20-71). 

Glynn Watson (82-10-72) came in fourth, just pipping Competitions and Handicaps Chairman Peter Main (91-19-72) on a card playoff. 

It was a profitable day for Dennis Leaver and David Halsall when they split the Twos Pot. Dennis started well by birdying the first, whilst David waited until the ninth before striking gold.

Full Results

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Rain Fails to Dampen Lady Captain's Day 

Winners all. Lady Captain Jean Havard (centre) with prize winners (l to r) Shaun Aldred , Kyle Furlong, Harry Crossley, Linda Clegg, Allison Nuttall, Doreen Hammond, Phil Hammond, Steve Worrell, Stephen Rusyn and Abbie Clegg.

Mytton Fold Golf Club’s lower handicap golfers came to the fore to take the top spots in Sunday’s Lady Captain’s Day Competition. On a day plagued by heavy and persistent rain, Phil Hammond, playing off 6, took the win, and a new trophy, when he came home with an outstanding 40 points. Just two points behind, and also playing off a handicap of 6, came Wayne Ivinson. Both now move up to Category One status due to the resulting handicap reductions. 

Stephen Rusyn finished in the final podium position when he carded 37 points, just ahead of Division One winner Steve Worrell after a card playoff. Peter Kiddie took fifth and the Division Two win with 36 points. 

In the Ladies’ section Linda Clegg took top spot, and the trophy, with 36 points. Allison Nuttall came in runner up with 33 points and Abbie Clegg took third just one point behind. 

The Juniors’ Section was won by Harry Crossley who carded a very creditable 35 points in the appalling weather conditions. Kyle Furlong was just two points behind in second, while Shaun Aldred came in third with 29 points. 

In the Twos competition, it was a four-way split, with Matt Walsh and Barry Hargreaves birdying the first, while Sam Cowan and (Jnr) Harry Crossley did likewise at the ninth. 

Several spot prizes were on offer, with second-placed Wayne Ivinson taking the longest drive on the 14^th, while Ray Standring was closest to the pin in two at the fifth hole. 

For the ladies, Doreen Hammond was nearest the pin at the first, and Abbie Clegg was nearest the pin in two at the 269 yard 11^th hole. 

At the well-supported presentation, Lady Captain Jean Havard thanked all those who had contributed making the day so successful despite the best efforts of the weather gods. 

Mixed Open Competition – Sunday 22^nd May. 

Entries are rolling in for this event. Grab yourself a partner and book a tee time! 

Sip It and Flip It – Wednesday 15^th June. 

Team entries are made using the forms pinned to the notice board and in the shop.

Helpers (who receive a free supper and sample tee refreshments) are needed for each of the eighteen tees. If you can help on this popular and fun event, please forward your details to Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland.

Full Results

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Mick Masters Mytton! 

Mick Bryan mastered the Mytton Fold golf course with an outstanding 79-13-66 to win the English Golf Union medal event at the weekend. 

He did not have it all his own way, however, as he was pushed all the way by John Kwasniewski (81-15-66) who only lost out on a card playoff. 

In a low-scoring game, in which the first eleven golfers came in under net-par, there were three players who carded 69s and who had to be separated via count back. Tony Wilson, playing off 10, took third spot ahead of Division Two winner Peter Fox (20) and Division One winner Dave Bolton (13). 

Again the excellent golf was reflected in the number of claimants for the Twos Pot. Steve Worrall, Frank Tunstall, Phil Hammond and Richard Greaves all birdied the first, while Denis Leaver and winner Mick Bryan were one-under at the ninth. 

Lady Captain’s Day. 

Don’t forget to sign up for Lady Captain’s Day on Sunday (and a thank you to all those who have already done so). There will be a new trophy for the men to win this year.

A reminder, too, that, following the presentation of prizes at 7.30pm, there is a 3 course meal available at a very reasonable £11.95. Please book your meals with hotel Reception.

Full Results

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Patrick Blows away the Opposition

Club Captain John Berry (l) presents the men’s Pharman Cup to Patrick Ashworth, and Lady Captain Jean Havard (r) presents the ladies’ cup to Linda Clegg.

Mytton Fold Golf Club held their two-day Pharman Cup over the weekend. Strong easterly winds made conditions very challenging for the most experienced of golfers, so it came as a great surprise that 28-handicapper Patrick Ashworth finished third, with a net 73, at the end of the first day. 

On the second day, in more blustery conditions, Patrick went even better, scoring a net 68 to take both the Sunday win and the overall two-day Pharman Cup. 

Wayne Ivinson, playing off a handicap of six, finished day one in fourteenth place, but followed this with the lowest gross of the second round (78) to come through to take second place overall, with a combined net score of 149. Wayne’s result increases his lead in the Club’s Order of Merit. 

Steve Worrall was the leader at the end of Saturday with an 89-18-71, but Sunday’s 97-18-79 resulted in his securing third place overall. 

Dave Griffiths was runner up on Day 1, but fell away in Sunday’s competition, while Mick Walsh took fourth spot overall, and Division Two, as a result of an excellent 94-21-73 on his second day. Garry Davies took the Division One award after securing fourth place on Day 1 (net 73) and a net 80 the following day. 

The Ladies Pharman Cup was played on Sunday using a Stableford format. Linda Clegg, playing off 22, made the best of the very trying conditions to take the win with 33 points. Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland came in just one point behind, with Jean Sanderson (29 points) taking third after a card playoff with Jean Davies. 

Lady Captain’s Day – Sunday 15^th May. 

A week on Sunday sees this year’s Lady Captain’s Day. L.C. Jean Havard hopes that as many members will join her on this event. In addition to the normal Ladies’ trophy, there will be a new men’s trophy for all you guys to fight over! 

In addition there will be a meal in the evening, following the presentation of prizes at 7.30pm. Price for the three course meal is a very reasonable £11.95 (book at hotel reception), and Jean hopes that as many members will come along to round off her day. 

Sip it and Flip it! Wednesday 15^th June. 

Advance warning of this highly popular Mytton Fold event, our annual Sip it and Flip it. For those who have not been before, this 9-hole event, with shotgun start at 6.30pm, features a drink and snack served on every tee. By popular demand, the wine is 14% by volume, so book a taxi. or have a nominated driver for the trip home!

Teams of four at a cost of £60 per team. 

Bring along a team of friends, family or work colleagues. The entry list is filling fast, so don’t delay. Entry forms are on the notice board, or email Jeanhavard@aol.com for an entry sheet by return.

Full Results

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Sam is Algarve Bound

Mytton Fold’s Managing Director, Carole Maher, checks Sam’s passport.

Held in Mediterranean-like weather, Mytton Fold Golf Club’s fantastic Algarve competition produced a new winner on Saturday. Sam Cowan finished first with an excellent 85-19-66 to take the prize of a fully-funded golfing holiday in the Algarve, courtesy of Mytton Fold Great Western Hotel and Golf Complex. Sam, who will be taking a fellow Mytton Fold member as his guest was overwhelmed at his success. 

Second, but with no cigar, was Martin Holden who had drawn Sam as his playing partner for the day. Martin’s 87-20-67 was just one shot behind the winner. With so much to play for it must have been a tense as they played the final holes. 

Leigh Canipa (93-25-68) came in third with Glynn Watson (79-10-69) carding the lowest gross for the day in fourth spot. 

There were just two 2s, with Gary Keogh and Ray Standring both birdying the first. 

On Sunday the club made the most of the great weather when it ran a Texas Scramble. Matt Ainsworth, Mick Walsh and Mike Mahon (71-11.52-59.48) won with a near 2 point gap to second placed President David Hargreaves, Tony Cross and Peter Kiddie (71-9.62-61.38). Just missing out on the runners up spot were Captain John Berry, David Clegg and Jan Van Boeckel, who were just five hundredths of a point in arrears. 

The Ladies competitions for April have been completed, with Doreen Hammond winning the 9-hole Stableford competition, one point ahead of Linda Clegg, Marian Gradwell and Gillian Pinder. Lady Captain Jean Havard won the 18-hole Stableford competition following a card playoff with Judith Kay and Pauline White. 

Mytton Fold’s Seniors held their Spring Away Days at the Hill Valley golf complex in Shropshire. Organiser Bill Whalley attracted a field of 32 of Mytton’s finest to compete for a long list of trophies. 

An orange ball accompanied each group on the first day and it was the leading group of Captain John Berry, President David Hargreaves, Harold Foster and Frank Havard who not only returned the ball at the end, but also amassed 27 points to win the competition. Several groups tried to replicate this feat, but lost the intimidating ball in the pond in front of the final green. 

A secret draw selected the constituents of the winning team on the second day, with Eddie Bootle, Dave Jackson, Baz Hargreaves and Garry Davies receiving the plaudits and liquid rewards. 

The Spring Shield was a two-day affair with combined scores deciding the winner. In a very close-run contest it finally went to a card playoff with Frank Hindle the winner and the photogenic Mick Walsh runner up. 

The Frank Hargreaves Memorial Trophy is always a hard-fought competition. Barry Hargreaves scored an impressive 36 points to take Division One, whilst it was Mick Walsh to step in front of the cameras once again when he secured Division Two with his 35 points. 

Dave Bolton took nearest the pin on the first day. David Hargreaves was the first on the score sheet, and tried to ensure victory by breaking the tape measure in the process. Frank Hindle was the victor in this prize category on the second day. 

The presentation ceremony could not have been complete without the awarding of the most highly sought-after trophies for Senior players. Awarded for the most amusing golfing-related gaffs in the previous six months, it was left to Peter Leyland to secure the Clown Trophy. Following a golfing shopping expedition Peter thoughtfully filled his wife’s car with petrol before returning home. Only problem was that it has a diesel engine ... 

The Pig Trophy was won, once again, by Kevin Shanley, who thought that his forgetting his swimming trunks should not be a barrier to his using the hotel’s swimming pool.

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Inaugural Win for Ian

Inaugural Lady Captain Pauline White (centre) with (l to r) runner up Mick Walsh, winning Lady Linda Clegg, overall winner Ian Hopcraft and Club Captain John Berry.

>Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Inaugural Lady Captain, Pauline White, chose perfect weather for her day in the club’s competition calendar. In beautiful golfing conditions Ian Hopcraft won his first Board competition in fine style with an outstanding 90-22-68, two shots clear of runner-up Micky Walsh.

Walsh took his second spot just ahead of Wayne Ivinson who carded a gross 77, the lowest gross on the day, but lost out on a card playoff. In Division One, Tony Cross (85-11-74) took top spot, whilst in Division Two it was a win for the irrepressible Baz Hargreaves with a 91-20-71, and fourth position overall.

In the Ladies’ section it was a hat trick of wins in this competition for Linda Clegg (98-22-76) who headed the field by two clear shots. Judith Kay (104-26-78) took second, with Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland (114-31-83) third.

There were just three 2s on the day, with Captain John Berry birdying the first, Garry Davies the ninth and Jan Van Boeckel the eighteenth. Wayne Ivinson was closest to the 17^th pin in two, while Captain John Berry was closest to the pin on the 18^th green.

For the Ladies, Judith Kay had the straightest drive off the sixteenth tee, and, fittingly, Inaugural Lady Captain Pauline White won her own prize for the ‘nearest to the pin in two’ on the final hole.

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Double win Duo!!

What a weekend for Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Captain John Berry and Club Secretary Dave Clegg! Not content with winning Saturday’s Irish Doubles competition, they went on to win the first round of the Daily Mail Foursomes against Pleasington the following day.

With positively balmy weather greeting Mytton Fold’s golfers over the weekend, a strong turnout was assured for the Irish Doubles greensome format event. In the excellent playing conditions it was a surprise that only one pairing broke par, with Captain John Berry and Secretary David Clegg coming in with a net 71.

Just one stroke behind came John Whittaker and playing partner Ian Thomson fresh (?) from his successful running of the Los Angeles marathon. Ian, running for the Parkinson’s Disease Charity, successfully completed a very challenging race which was held in appallingly wet and windy conditions, with over 200 competitors suffering from hypothermia.

The battle for third had to be decided in the clubhouse when John Welch /Phil Ryan and Frank Tunstall/Phil Hammond tied with net 73s. The resulting card playoff awarded the former pairing with the final podium position.

With just one ‘two’ on the day, it was the pairing of Dave Halsall and Peter Main who made off the whole pot when they birdied the first.

To cap their successful weekend, John Berry and Dave Clegg played their first round match of the Daily Mail Foursomes against Pleasington on Sunday, winning on the final hole.

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Season Starters!!

It’s official; the new season is underway! 

Saturday at Mytton Fold Golf Club saw Mr. Captain’s Drive In, followed on Sunday by Lady Captain’s Drive In, both competitions headed by runaway winners. 

Captain John Berry and Lady Captain Jean Havard were supported by golf club members to celebrate the start of the season. Special guest was Buddy, the North West Air Ambulance’s mascot, who came along in support of Mr Captain’s chosen charity. 

Once Buddy had flown, John Berry teed off. Watched by a full gallery who had previously placed bets on where his drive landed, John was relieved when he made the green! A shotgun start followed and the season was underway. 

Runaway winners of the four ball, better ball competition were Jan Van Boeckel and Jim Tierney with 44 points, some four points clear of a tie between three pairings. Competitions Chairman Peter Main was called upon to resolve the card playoff, the runners-up spot going to Luke Chadwick and Steve Worrell, with Dave Halsall/Tim Fagan in third and Tony Wilson/Bob Devine in fourth. 

The 2s pot was split five ways in a competitive day’s golf. Matthew Ainsworth, Dave Bolton and Tony Wilson all birdied the first, Kevin Shanley the ninth and Chris Hughes the final hole.

Sunday brought the Lady Captain’s Drive In. Heavy overnight rain and early morning showers slowed the course, but the sun came out as Jean Havard drove off to start the ladies’ season in support of her chosen charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Again the competition was won by a runaway winner. Allison Nuttall, fresh from her hole-in-one last week, stormed the field to win with 31 points. Five points behind came a group of three ladies, all with 26 points, a card playoff revealing Judith Kay as runner-up. Jean Sanderson took third, with Lady Captain taking fourth spot

With just one ‘2’ on the day, Pauline White took the whole pot with her birdie at the ninth hole. Doreen Hammond took the longest drive on the seventh, Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland the straightest drive on the sixteenth and Roxana Clark was nearest the pin on the first.

‘Reserved’ Frank Eccles.

In the draw for the ‘Reserved’ car parking spot on the car park, Frank Eccles’ ticket was the successful one. All proceeds from this draw are shared between the Captain’s and Lady Captain’s charities. Thanks to all who took part (especially Ann for organising it!). 

Spot the Ball!

There were just two members who successfully predicted where the Captain’s drive would end up. Pauline White and President David Hargreaves split the pot! For the Lady Captain’s drive, just one winner: Past Captain Frank Hindle!

Mail on Sunday Classic

After their success in defeating Preston Golf Club in the previous round of the Mail on Sunday Classic, the men’s team have drawn Breightmet Golf Club (away) in the next round. Good luck, fellas!

3 Marathons, 3 Months, 3 Countries, 1 Idiot!

A message from Past Captain Ian Thomson

 I start in Los Angeles in 2 weeks time (gulp!), followed by London in April and then Edinburgh in May and I'm trying to raise £3000 for Parkinson's Disease. I was wondering if you could mention it in your newsletter in the hope that it may attract a little bit of sponsorship. I've also got a few good raffle prizes from suppliers at work so will be holding a raffle over the next few weeks as well.

Thanks in anticipation!

Ian Thomson

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Ace Golf at Mytton Fold!

Mytton Fold Golf Club held a mixed Texas Scramble on Sunday, and the winning team scooped all the prizes!. Not only did the winning team of Allison Nuttall, Brian Sellars, Eddie Scott and Wayne Ivinson win outright, but the star of the show was Allison who shot a hole-in-one at the par-3 ninth hole.

 Runners-up were the team of Frank Tunstall, Jean Sanderson and John Welch. 

Played in beautiful weather, club members turned out in force for this, the first social golfing event of the season. A shotgun start resulted in a busy and celebratory finale, with everyone enjoying Allison’s success (and bar tab!). 

Allison used a three wood to ace the 148 yard hole and was cheered on by her team mates.

Allison was a double winner with the hole-in-one. Lady Captain, Jean Havard, had bought an eagle headcover back from a recent holiday in Canada. This was destined for the first lady golfer to achieve an eagle in a competition during her year of office. Little did she know that it would be won in the first competition! Allison will use the headcover for the ace-winning 3-wood.

Earlier in the week Mytton Fold’s Ladies and Seniors combined to enjoy a charity Texas Scramble. Winners here were the team of Captain Elect Gordon Lucas, Marian Gradwell and Brian Sellars, ahead of Ann Almond, Mickey Walsh and Frank Havard in second.

Tony Wilson took longest drive on the uphill sixth, Lady Captain Jean Havard the longest ladies drive on the seventh and Dave Pennington was ‘nearest the hole’ on the first.

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Walsh Wins to Take Title!

Mickey ‘Tee Peg’ Walsh surged through the field to take the win in the final round of Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Winter Series, and with it the overall Winter Singles Championship.  

Four players were in with a chance of the overall Winter Series win going into the last round. At the start of play, and with ten points up for grabs, Frank Hindle held a slender three point lead over Mick Walsh with Mick Kelbie a further three back. The final player, with an outside chance of taking the series win, was Luke Chadwick, a challenging nine points behind the leader.

Hindle started with a horror, hitting a tree at the first. Kelbie, too, was struggling in the extremely draughty conditions. With these two out of the reckoning, Chadwick, playing off a winter handicap of five, was first in the clubhouse with an excellent 29 points over the shortened 16-hole winter course. Neither Hindle nor Kelbie would trouble the winners, both netting 21 points. Walsh was the last potential championship winner home, and his 30 points was enough to win both on the day, and the Winter Championship. Frank Hindle, despite his no-score on the final day held on to the runner-up spot. Luke Chadwick came through to take third, with Mick Kelbie taking fourth. 

In the day’s competition, four players came home with 29 points, with count-backs awarding Eddie Scott second place, Garry Davies third, Luke Chadwick fourth and Jim Bridge sixth spot.

Winter Pairs.

The Winter Pairs final was also resolved on Saturday, with the top four pairs in the Winter League involved in a final day shoot-out. Season-long leaders Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg carded 34 points over 16 holes in their match with Captain Elect Gordon Lucas/Martin Holden (28 points).  In the other match Wayne Ivinson and John Welch came home with 30 points, but it was the pairing of Peter Main and

Dave Halsall who came through once again to pip the leaders at the post with a massive 37 points and take the title.

Bunny Hop.

The Ladies of Mytton Fold held their spring ‘Bunny Hop’, an event to replace the Chicken Run which had to be cancelled in January due to bad weather. Five new lady members and three junior girls swelled the entry list and joined in the fun. 

Jean Sanderson won the nine-hole event, scoring 18 points, beating Linda Clegg on a card playoff. Carole Maher came in third, just one point in arrears. 

Team win Mail on Sunday Classic Round.

On Sunday Mytton Fold’s team of John Berry, Dave Clegg, Tony Wilson, Phil Hammond and Jan Van Boeckel defeated Preston Golf Club 3½ to 1½ in their second round of the Mail on Sunday Classic competition. 

Garry gets Ian all keyed up!

 Ian Hopcraft was left somewhat bemused when his car/house/work keys went missing following Saturday’s competition. Having locked his car and had refreshments in the bar, the absence of his keys (and access to everything in his life!) was of some obvious concern. Having contacted playing and drinking partners Garry Davies and Glynn Watson without success, a major search of Mytton Fold’s environs was well underway when, some time later, in walked Garry Davies jangling the offending items!

 
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Fifteen golf clubs from across East Lancashire were represented when Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Lady Captain, Jean Havard, invited clubs across the area to attend her ‘At Home’.

From Bacup and Nelson in the east, to Longridge and Pleasington in the west, Lady Captains and Lady Captain Elects across the region visited the recently extended Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex, now part of the Best Western hotel group.

The pre-season get-together provided newly-elected officers to meet and share experiences prior to the start of the new golfing season. The ladies enjoyed a buffet provided by the host hotel and contributed to a raffle in aid Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Lady Captain Jean Havard’s charity for 2011.

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Hindle Makes Hay as Walsh Wilts!

Changeable conditions faced Mytton Fold’s golfers as they approached the final run-in to the final weekend of both the Winter Singles and the Winter Pairs competitions.

 Dave Bolton came through the field to double his previous season’s best with a win, and ten league points, when he shot a 69-12-57 over the shortened 16-hole winter course. Also grossing 69 were second-placed Mark Slater (69-11-58) and Frank Hindle (69-9-60) in third. 

Frank’s third place was highly commendable as he had been seen celebrating with some gusto at the previous night’s Pre-Season Get Together and Quiz 

Both Luke Chadwick and Steve Korab had also shot net 60s, but a card playoff relegated them to fourth and fifth spots respectively. Luke had cause to celebrate, however, as his birdie at the first was the only 2 of the day, netting him a tidy pot 

Long-time leader of the Singles league, Mike Walsh, failed to fire on all cylinders and, while third placed Mick Kelbie added just one point to his score with tenth place on the day, it was Frank Hindle who leapt to the top spot. With just one more round to play Frank Hindle leads Walsh by three points with a further three back to Kelbie. 

In the Winter Pairs, Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg cemented their position at the head of the table with an excellent 41 points. With the best nine scores to count, Wayne Ivinson and John Welch netted 39 points to shoot themselves into third spot in the league.  

The top four pairings go head to head in a final weekend shoot out on Saturday. Joining Berry/Clegg and Ivinson/Welch are Dave Halsall/Peter Main and Martin Holden/Captain Elect Gordon Lucas. Despite scoring 39 points in their final round, Nick Avino and Chris Czyzyk failed to make the final by just two points. 

Sunday saw the final of the Mixed Doubles Knockout series. A hard and closely fought match was resolved on the 17^th green, when Garry and Jean Davies conceded victory to Chris and Sue Hughes. 

The Pre-Season Get Together and Quiz night was a great success. Thanks go, once again, to Tony Wilson for his mind-bending quiz. Winners, for the third year in a row were Team Hammo. Captained by John Hammond, he brought along Phil, together with Charlotte, and Joshua who travelled back from university especially for the occasion. 

The real winners on the night were the Captain’s and Lady Captain’s charities (Lancashire Air Ambulance and Breakthrough Breast Cancer respectively) who will receive substantial contributions from the evening’s entry fees and proceeds from the raffle.

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Leaders Stumble on the Run-in

The leaders of both the Winter Singles league and the Winter Pairs stumbled as they approached the finishing tapes at the weekend.

In the Pro’s Winter League, leader Mick Walsh and second-placed Frank Hindle both failed to add to their scores, with third placed Mick Kelbie racing in on the rails with his fifth place finish.

In blustery conditions Chris Chadwick, playing off a winter handicap of 3, managed to shoot an excellent 35 points over the shortened 16-hole winter course. Just three points behind came a resurgent Eddie Scott heading Luke Chadwick by just one point. Luke’s third spot was a close run thing, beating both Chris Hughes and Mick Kelbie by way of a card playoff.

Chris Chadwick added to his prize winnings with a birdie at the first. Mike Mahon was also one-under at the first while Luke Chadwick took his bite of the 2s pot on the eleventh hole.

In the league table Luke Chadwick (8 points) and Mick Kelbie (5 points) were the only players in the top ten to add to their scores. With just two weekends to go in the singles winter series, it’s still all to play for, with the top six players all in with a chance to take the title.

Current Winter Pairs leaders Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg failed to add to their tally of points when they were washed off the course on the rain-swept course on Sunday. The previous day, Peter Main and David Halsall had top-scored with 41 points to move into second place in the league. Wayne Ivinson and John Welch were second-highest scorers, just one point in arrears. On a difficult weekend for golf, no other team could live with the top two pairings.

With just one weekend to go before the top-four shootout final, all but two of the pairings have to drop scores. Just out of the qualifiers are brothers Tony and Dave Wilson who are biting at the heels of fourth-placed Nick Avino and Chris Czyzyk.

This Friday sees the Club’s Get Together and Quiz Night. Starting at 7.30 pm, the fun quiz, set by Tony Wilson, is for teams of four and has a £10 team entry fee. There will be a raffle and all proceeds go towards both Captain’s and Lady Captain’s charities (Lancashire Air Ambulance and Breakthrough Breast Cancer respectively). Please come along to have a great evening and support these worthy causes.
 

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Life-Saving Ladies
 

Mytton Fold Ladies have had a busy week, with the Past Lady Captain’s meal held at the Hotel last Friday.

On Monday, following the monthly Ladies’ Meeting, the group enjoyed an instructive and potentially life-saving Heartstart training session lead by Diane Lloyd and Gordon Fishlock from the Whalley and District Community First Responders Group.

The lady members were told how golf clubs were potential ‘hot spots’ for heart attacks, and, through a series of videos, demonstrations and practical ‘hands-on’ activities, learnt how to place a patient in the recovery position, perform CPR, recognise symptoms of heart attacks, deal with choking and with severe bleeding.

The men, despite horrendous weather conditions over the weekend, enjoyed a 3½-1½ win over Stonyhurst Golf Club. Unfortunately the Stonyhurst course was closed due to torrential rain, but as Mytton Fold was still open, it was agreed to play the first round Daily Mail qualifier at the ‘away’ course.

Even more challenging were the golfers who decided to play in the Winter Pairs and Singles competitions. Only Garry Davies and Glynn Watson were brave (?) enough to play in the Pairs, adding 29 points to their best nine scores.

In the Winter Singles, driving instructor Bob Devine followed his own professional advice to steer his way to a win with a 79-20-59 beating Micky Walsh, playing off 18, by five slippery shots. Bob’s win rockets him into the league’s top ten, in seventh place.

Steve Korab (79-14-65) took third by way of a card playoff, beating Mick Kelbie (78-13-65) into fourth place. With Frank Hindle (75-9-66) finishing in fifth place, Mick Walsh extends his lead at the top of the table to five points over former Captain Frank Hindle and a closing Mick Kelbie.

There were just two 2s in the inclement conditions; with Frank Hindle and Matt Walsh both birdying the first.
 

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Frank’s First in the Frost!

The heavy frost on Saturday caused the postponement of the Daily Mail Inter-Club match with Stoneyhurst, but served to boost the singles entry with a disappointed quintet returning to Mytton Fold Golf Club for some 'cool' golf in the icy conditions.
 
It was a freezing Frank Eccles who led the field home with 37 points, beating Tony Wilson on a card playoff. The leading duo ended a clear three shots clear of Steve Worrell in third place.

Captain John Berry (33 points) took fourth place, heading Bob Devine again on a card playoff. John Parkinson, Mick Walsh and Frank Hindle all played net par golf over the 16-hole winter course to finish in the minor placings.

The family ‘Walsh’ divided up the 2s fund with father Mick birdying the first hole, while son Matt was one under par on the eleventh hole.

The Merit Table is still headed by Mick Walsh who slightly increased his lead over Frank Hindle. The big mover was Steve Worrell whose eight points lifts him into the top ten overall.

In the Winter Pairs competition, the top two pairs headed the field once again with Captain John Berry/Secretary Dave Clegg and Captain Elect Gordon Lucas/Martin Holden both netting very creditable 43 points over 16 holes.

David Halsall/Peter Main were just 2 points behind, with Mick Kelbie/Matt Walsh a further point in arrears.

With the leading two pairings now having to drop their lowest scores, the three pairings of Nick Avino/Chris Czyzyk, Dave and Tony Wilson and Frank Hindle/Mick Mahon have now closed the gap at the top of the table.

The Ladies Winter competitions are drawing to a close, with winner Lady Captain Elect Patricia Leyland beating Judith Kay in the Singles final. Judith did, however enjoy success in the Doubles Winter Series, which she won with partner Lady Captain Jean Havard.
 

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Hopcraft at the Double

Ian Hopcraft made it a second win in consecutive weeks when he led the field home again at Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Winter Singles match on Saturday. Played in very frosty conditions over the shortened 16-hole winter course, he hit an amazing 72-20-52 to finish one shot clear of Mick Kelbie (67-14-53).

In third place, Bob Devine (75-21-54) led home a four-way fight with Baz Hargreaves (73-19-54), Mick Walsh (72-18-54) and Richard Greaves (75-21-54), all requiring the attention of the Competitions Chairman to rank them via a card playoff.

With Frank Hindle failing to get on this week’s leader board, Mike Walsh shot back to head the league table, with Mick Kelbie climbing to third overall. Hopcraft’s two wins now take him up to eighth place overall.

Just two players split the Twos Pot, with both Frank Tunstall and Kevin Shanley birdying the first hole.

In the Pairs Winter League, Frank Hindle, with playing partner Mick Mahon were top scorers with 41 points over the 16 holes. League leaders Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg were just one point behind, as were the pairings of Wayne Ivinson/John Welch and Mick Kelbie/Matt Walsh.

With ten rounds of the Pairs competition now having been played, and players’ best nine scores counting, the leading pairings of Berry/Clegg and Captain Elect Gordon Lucas/Martin Holden will have to start dropping their lowest scores. With several pairings still to add to their league tally, and in touching distance with the leaders, the competition is far from over.

Mick Takes the Trophy

Bernard Downes (r) presents Mick Walsh (centre) with the Tuesday Trophy, with runner-up Harold Foster (l

Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Seniors finally played their weather-delayed Tuesday Trophy, with man-in-form Mick Walsh taking another outstanding win. Played over eleven holes, and back on the summer greens, Mick used his infamous Slippery Frog chipper to win with 26 points, just one ahead of runner-up Harold Foster. Peter Tuck came in a close third, just losing out on a card playoff.

In the Winter Singles, it was a clear win for Ian Hopcraft. Playing off 22, Ian scored an outstanding net 44 on the shortened 16-hole winter course, some seven shots clear of runner-up Luke Chadwick (60-9-51). Also with a net 51, and playing off 12, was Mark Slater, beaten into third spot via a card playoff.

   
Still leading the Singles League is Matt Walsh (32 points), two points ahead of his ather, Mick Walsh. Both failed to add to their overall score, finishing in 22nd and 14th places respectively. Frank Hindle, with 4 points for 7th place, closes in, just two points further back.

The 2s pot was a four-way split with Luke Chadwick carding one under par at the first Three players, Eddie Scott, Steve Korab and Richard Greaves all birdied the final hole. 

In the Winter Pairs, current league leaders Club Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg led the field home with a very respectable 40 points. Just 3 points behind came Wayne Ivinson playing on his own and without his playing partner John Welch who was on holiday in Egypt. After his round Wayne texted his absentee partner and suggested that he remain on holiday for the next round too! 

In third place came Captain Elect Gordon Lucas with Martin Holden, a further point behind the singleton Ivinson. Another ‘lonesome’ player was Chris Czyzyk who, despite the absence of his partner, Nick Avino, held on to their fourth place in the league.

Jim Bridge drives off the Fourth (Tuesday [Three Man] Trophy.

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The Eagles have landed!

Mytton Fold golfers made a welcome return to their course last weekend, and Steve Korab made the most of the conditions to post an outstanding 41 points on the shortened 16-hole winter course. Steve was a clear four points clear of second placed Matt Walsh whose result pushed his father, Micky Walsh, off the top of the Pro’s Winter Singles League. 

Club Treasurer Frank Tunstall took third spot, a further two shots in arrears. Matt Walsh rubbed salt into the family wounds, dipping into the twos pot twice, birdying the first, and then eagling the 270 yards third. Past Captain Richard Greaves was the only other twos winner, eagling the mere 170 yard second hole. 

Mick Walsh lost his overall lead in the Winter League to son Matt by just one point, while Gary Aldred and Mick Kelbie lie in third and fourth places respectively. Just four points cover the top four places. 

In the Winter Pairs competition the scorecard and handicaps were thrown out of the window, with Peter Main and David Halsall carding an astronomical 47 points, again over the 16-hole winter course. As Peter is Chairman of the Handicaps and Competitions Committee, his performance hasn’t gone unnoticed! 

Nick Avino and Chris Czyzyk must have thought that their 45 points were enough to win the day, while Club Captain John Berry and Secretary Dave Clegg could only claim third place with a very creditable 44 points. Third spot was good enough to keep John and David at the top of the league, with Ian Thomson and John Whittaker in second and Avino and Czyzyk in third spot. 

Mytton Fold’s Seniors will be playing the Tuesday (‘Three Man’) Trophy next Tuesday – 21st December. Please sign up on the notice board.

Battle of the Captains … 

Mytton Fold Golf Club’s autumn programme is now underway. Captain Elect John Berry, playing off 9, led the way by winning the first round of the Stableford competition with an outstanding 41 points. 

Jim Bridge (23) and Chris Chadwick (5) fought to the wire, both carding 37 points, but the runner-up slot went to the former by way of a card playoff. There was only one player to score a 2, with Michael Kelbie birdying the first and scooping the pot. 

In Round Two it was a win for former Club Captain Richard Greaves who beat current Captain Frank Hindle in a card playoff after both players had nett scores of 55 over the shortened winter course. Peter Main took third spot, just one shot in arrears. 

The Winter Pairs played their first round with Nick Avino and Chris Czyzyk heading the day, and the league, with 35 points. Close on their heels was the pairing of Ian Thomson and John Whittaker, just one point behind. Brothers David and Tony Wilson trailed in third, some four points in arrears. 

Round Two saw Thomson and Whittaker taking advantage of Avino and Czyzyk’s absence to surge into the series lead, bagging 32 points on the day, but it was Martin Holden and Gordon Lucas who topped the day’s leader board, with an outstanding 40 points. 

On a cold but bright Sunday the ladies took part in a qualifying competition for the 2011 Daily Mail Foursomes Competition. Linda Clegg and Pauline White were the overall winners and will represent the club, with Judith Kay and Jean Sanderson coming in second and Allison Nuttall and Jean Havard third.

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And to Capp it All

Thirty of Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Seniors enjoyed 3 days of golfing at Portal Golf Club, Tarporley, Cheshire, playing on both the Championship (twice) and Premier courses. With competitions held over each of the days there was something for everybody.

Day one saw the first round of the Autumn Shield. Here Seniors’ ‘virgin’ Malcolm Heyworth showed the way with a round with 36 points on the 6500 yard Championship course. Frank Havard and John Walmsley squabbled over second place, both two points in arrears, and it was the former who took the runners up slot on a card playoff. Harmony was restored when the two were drawn together to take the Secret Partners Team Award. Garry Davies took the nearest the pin on the 14^th par 3 hole, finishing just 1’ 10’’ from the hole (the Seniors don’t go in for this metric stuff)! 

Day two saw the second round of the Autumn Shield and Malcolm Heyworth held on to take the overall win. Micky ‘Tee Peg’ Walsh stormed through to take the runner up position. Garry Davies, Mick Walsh and Dave Jackson took the team award and Heyworth was in the winner’s circle again, being closest to the pin on the 14^th. 

Day two also saw a close-fought Frank Hargreaves Memorial Trophy competition. Mick Walsh’s excellent score of 35 points took him to the top of Division Two, while Club Captain Frank Hindle took Division One. 

Day three saw the group play on the nearby Portal Premier Course. Fiendish handicapping by the human calculator, Tony Wilson, saw players receive plus points to their final scores, the size of their bonus dependent upon their (golfing) performance, or lack of it, over the previous two days. The final event was, appropriately, the Andy Capp Handicap, and players dressed accordingly. 

Overall winner was Norman Richardson (41 points), making the most of a generous 14 bonus points. Just one point behind came Ted Bamborough who, with only 6 bonus points, couldn’t catch Stormin’ Norman. Barry Hargreaves took the nearest-the-pin on the 7thand the secret draw team prize went to Dave Wilson, Barry Hargreaves and Gordon Watts with 105 points. The front 9 team prize went to Norman Richardson and Dave Wilson, whilst Ray Standring and Gordon Watts cleaned up on the back 9. 

Most closely fought-over competitions of the trip were the Pig and the Clown awards.

Jim Bridge won The Pig by a convincing margin, having punched out his car’s windscreen when trying to squash in a 12 foot drainpipe into an 11 feet 9inches long hatchback space!

The Clown was more closely fought over. Kevin Shanley was in the running, but lost out at the last minute when Bill Whalley and Gordon Watts decided to play the golf course in a different order to everyone else. This, just hours before the presentation – priceless! 

Many thanks to Bill Whalley and his team for another excellent event!

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Duffer David beats the Champs

When Mytton Fold Golf Club held their end of season Champion of Champions and Duffers Cup, it was ‘Duffer’ David Halsall who headed the field with an outstanding 82-15-67 to beat top ‘Champion’ Dave Pennington (90-19-71) by four clear shots. 

Despite carding the day’s lowest gross score of 76 strokes, Chris Chadwick (playing off 5) lost out to Pennington in the Champion’s section by way of a card playoff. Luke Chadwick took the final Champion’s podium position some 5 strokes in arrears with an 87-11-76. 

In order to qualify for the ‘Champion of Champions’ Cup, players had to have won a club board competition within the current golfing season; however it was the ‘duffers’ who dominated Saturday’s event, taking seven of the top ten places. Playing conditions were not easy, with the course best described as ‘damp under foot’. 

Club Secretary Dave Clegg came in as runner up Duffer to Halsall with an 85-12-73 with Kevin Shanley (90-16-74) just one stroke behind to take third place. 

Just two players shared the 2s prize fund, with Ray Standring birdying the ninth and Mick Bryan the eighteenth.

Bill Almond Memorial Trophy

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August Stabelford

President's Day

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Roger Osliffe Memorial

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August Monthly Medal

Captains Weekend

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International Pairs

 Mytton Fold Ladies Open

Mytton Fold Golf Club held its summer Ladies Open last week, with the team of Judith Kay, Chris Spark and Pauline White taking overall honours.

Saturday saw the Club host its' Cavalier Putter competition. The conditions for the day appeared to be split, with more favourable conditions for the morning contingent and strong gusting winds for the not so fortunate competitors in the afternoon, which reflected heavily in the scoring.

From a strong field of 62, 20 competitors returned scores of par or better, but nobody could compete with the outright winner. Glynn Watson recorded a magnificent 73 - 11 - 62 to take the top prize. In second place, and only two shots back, was Nick Avino, with an impressive 85 - 21 - 64, and in third place with an outstanding round was Sam Cowan with 91 - 25 - 66.

Division One went to the ever consistent Chris Chadwick 74 - 5 - 69, and Division Two was captured by Bernard Kay, with an equally impressive 94 -28 - 66, just missing out on 3rd place on a card play off.

The two's competition saw four 2s returned, but special mention should go to David Halsall for his efforts in recording two of them, one at the 1st and one at the 9th. Peter Main got in on the action with an impressive 2 at the 18th, and David Clegg, the Club Secretary recorded a two at the first.

 Full Results

Club Championship Weekend

 Full Results

Algarve Bound

First round Algarve winner, Dave Griffith (left) congratulates Luke Chadwick on his win.

The second round of Mytton Fold Golf Club’s premier event, The Algarve, was held on Saturday, with Luke Chadwick taking a runaway win. Chadwick’s score of 74-12-62 was clearly good enough to win an all expenses paid golfing trip to the Algarve, courtesy of the Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex.

The second round of the event – Dave Griffith took the first round win in April – was a fiercely fought, winner-takes-all contest which resulted in 15 players returning scores under scratch. Helped by excellent playing weather and the course in superb condition, a large field set out with one thing in mind – to exercise their passports and golf equipment and to share in the generosity of Club President David Hargreaves.

Past Captain Ian Thomson was runner up with a great score of 74-15-67 which, on a normal day, would have netted a win, but with Chadwick on song, there was no cigar.

Third place was a four-way tie, with Steve James (91-23-68) taking the spot ahead of Steve Worrall (87-19-68), Gary Keogh (91-23-68) and Neil Osliffe (76-8-68). The competitive edge was again in evidence as five players scored 2s, with birdies at the First for Nigel Fairhurst and at the Ninth for Captain Frank Hindle, Luke Chadwick, Kevin Shanley and Neil Osliffe.

The winners of the two Algarve rounds can each take a guest with them to Portugal in November. First round winner Dave Griffith placed the five names of his usual Saturday match partners in a hat, and Chris Chadwick (no relation) celebrated the luck of the draw. Similarly Luke Chadwick had a reciprocal agreement with his regular playing partner, Zak Ashworth, over the two rounds, to complete the Algarve line-up.

 Full Results

Flash Gordon Goes Ace

Gordon Lucas scores a hole-in-one at the first and goes on to beat the reigning singles champion, Nick Avino. Not a bad day’s work, Gordon!                       

Mytton Fold’s Gordon Lucas was on fire on Saturday when he holed in one at the first and then went on to beat the golf club’s reigning champion, Nick Avino.

While Gordon was blessed with hot and sunny weather, Sunday dawned damp and cloudy for the Queen’s Jubilee Trophy. A shotgun start saw a full field tee off at 11am and the event close with a presentation and family barbeque.

If it was Lucas’ day on Saturday, it was Dave Pennington’s day on Sunday with an outstanding 46 points (including a ‘blob’) to take a clear win two points ahead of James Scriven. Wayne Ivinson took the final podium position, a further three points in arrears.

Garry Davies headed Division One with 40 points following a card playoff, and John Kwasneiwski (39 points) took Division Two. Having started his round on the 11^th tee, Tony Wilson thought he might have had the 2s prize fund all to himself, when he birdied the 18^th, only for his playing partner, Garry Davies, drop a 30 foot birdie putt on the very next hole! Tony was speechless – a rare event!

Doreen Hammond sewed up the Ladies section with an excellent 41 points to take the win, 5 points clear of second placed Alison Nuttall. In the Juniors, it was a win for Peter Walmsley (41 points), two points clear of Kayle Furlong.

Tony Cross was absent from the presentation and the barbeque following an optimistic attempt to avoid a penalty in a hazard. At the 10^th hole, Tony’s drive managed, he thought, to land on the island in the centre of a pond. A running leap saw him fall a little short, with the obvious consequences. To his chagrin the ball was not his, and now he didn’t have enough room to take a run before leaping to the bank. ‘Up to his neck in it’ was one description of the outcome.

Midsummer Madness

Midsummer madness came early to Mytton Fold Golf Club early on Bank Holiday Monday when members teed off at 6am! Gordon Lucas and Peter Main set a wicked 10-hole, par-3 course playing cross-country within the bounds of the beautiful Ribble Valley course.

Players were treated to a beautiful early morning with the low, rising sun being a welcome hazard.

^th tee to the 13^th green, saving himself 3.5 shots and securing a winning margin of one shot ahead of runner up Garry Davies.

Birdies also secured prizes for John Whittaker, Dave Wilson, Glyn Watson and Dave Bolton. Prizes were presented over a full English breakfast in the Hotel before some competitors went home for a lie down.

On Saturday the club held its Golfability day in support of Leonard Cheshire Disability. At the end of a rather wet day it was Steve Brooks, with 41 points, who won the three free rounds of golf for four people at Antequera Golf Club in Spain.

^th hole.

A sweep to predict the winner went unclaimed, with even Steve not betting on himself, so the prizefund was added to the charity contribution.

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Cherrys on the Top Pick of the bunch. Lady Captain, Marian Gradwell (foreground) with (l to r) runners up Tony Wilson and Doreen Hammond, winners John and Angela Cherry, and third placed Judith and Bernard Kay John and Angela Cherry were the pick of the field when Mytton Fold Golf Club held their Mixed Open competition on Sunday. The Lancaster couple were clear winners, some 3 shots ahead of the field with a net 67, ahead of local runners up, Tony Wilson and Doreen Hammond.

The Cherry’s playing partners, Bernard and Judith Kay, took third spot just one stroke further back, whilst Gordon Lucas and Maureen Board came in fourth with a net 72.

On Saturday the club held its Founder Captain’s Day. Again played in glorious weather, the course conditions were excellent and made for a low scoring competition. Master of the field was Ray Standring who, despite an 8 on the third hole, shot an excellent 74-9=65, beating Chris Czyzyk (87-21=66) by just one shot. Philip Hammond took the third spot, again a shot in arrears with 75-8=67.

John Whittaker took Division Two, both players shooting net 69s.Ted Bamborough^th.

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Lady Captain’s Day at Mytton Fold

(from left) with prizewinners (l to r) Doreen Hammond, Simon Barker, Judith Kay, Garry Davies, President David Hargreaves, Graham Plant and Chris Chadwick.^th

Mytton Fold Golf Club’s Marian Gradwell rounded off her Lady Captain’s Day on Sunday by presenting the winning trophy to David Hargreaves, the club President.

On a blustery day the golf produced close finishes all round, with the top three men all closing with 38 points, the result being decided by card playoff on the last 6, and then the last 3 holes.

But out on top came David Hargreaves, just pipping Graham Plant and Chris Chadwick for the number one spot.

In the Ladies section it was a win, and the trophy, for Judith Kay with 36 points, just ahead of Doreen Hammond, the ladies too being separated by a card playoff.

^th, while Maureen Board was closest to the pin on the 18^th. The men’s spot prizes were taken by Garry Davies (nearest the pin on the 1^st) and Simon Barker’s mammoth longest drive on the 16^th.The Juniors followed the lead of the other sections, with the winner again decided by card playoff. Here Harry Crossley took the win with 37 points ahead of George Matthews.^st and the 9^th respectively.

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Mr Consistency Takes the Trophy

Smiles all round, as Patricia Leyland (second right) takes the Ladies section winner’s prize from Lady Captain, Marian Gradwell. Runner-up Sue Hughes shares the champagne and Captain Frank Hindle shares the moment!Mytton Fold Golf Club held their two-day Pharman Cup competition over the holiday weekend. Outright winner, Wayne Ivinson came away with the spoils, returning a consistent 79-8-71 on both days of the competition. His first day’s score was only good enough for ninth position, but was an outright winner over the two days, securing an overall win and the Pharman Cup.

Philip Hammond (77-9-68) was the star of the show on Saturday leading Chris Chadwick (74-5-69) by one stroke, while Mick Kelbie was again just one stroke back with 87-17-70. There were three 2s, with Malcolm Hayworth, John Parkinson and Neil Osliffe all birdying the First.

Sunday dawned a little cooler and windier, especially for the later, seeded starters. Day one winner Hammond was unable to play and capitalise on his lead and Chris Chadwick had a nightmare and NR’d. Glynn Watson charged through the field with an 81-13-68 to take the Day Two win, beating Garry Davies with identical scoring, on a card playoff. Gordon Lucas (89-20-69), running in a new set of Pings, came in third. There were just two 2s, John Welch on the first, and Steve Worrall on the final hole.

Overall, and winning the Pharman Cup, was that man Ivinson, with a nett 142. Champing at his heels were John Kwasneiwski and Ray Standring, both on 143, with John taking the runners-up slot on a card playoff. Captain Elect John Berry took the Division One prize, whilst Don Mashiter took Division Two.

In the Ladies Section it was a win for Patricia Leyland (35 points) with Sue Hughes taking the runners-up slot, 3 points in arrears.

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Easter ELGA

The ELGA qualifier at Mytton Fold Golf Club on Saturday 3rd of April 2010, was a closely fought contest. It was a refreshing change to find weather conditions more favourable to golf and this was reflected in the subsequent scoring. Sunshine and minimal wind, although wet under foot assisted the competitors in producing some exceptional scores.

Phil Hammond lead the way with another superb round of 77 - 10 - 67, to take first place and also record his second win of the season. Hot on his heels in second place was Steve Brooks, with a solid 77 - 9 - 68 to secure second place from Mytton Fold's very own Captain Elect, John Berry, who carded 78 - 9 - 69 for third place.

The three will represent Mytton Fold Golf Club along with Mat Garner who came 4th, at Bacup Golf Club on 08.05.10 in the ELGA Handicap Trophy.

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Ladies Team V Nelson Ladies 31 March 2010

Mytton Fold Ladies Team played host to Nelson Ladies on a very cold Wednesday in the Daily Mail Ladies Team Competition.  Our ladies were successful beating the travelling team 3-2. Pictured below are both teams.

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Busy Weekend at Mytton Fold

Last weekend was a busy one for all at Mytton Fold Golf Club. Saturday saw the club holding their Virgin Atlantic PGA qualifier, with Chris Chadwick taking the winner’s spot with a tight 76-5-71 in breezy conditions. Close on his heels came Chris Hughes (89-17-72) and Phil Clegg (85-13-72) with Chris taking second courtesy of a card playoff.

On a very competitive day there were five players with twos. Dave Griffiths, Phil Clegg and Chris Hughes shot theirs at the first, whilst Chris Chadwick and Tony Cross secured their shares of the pot with birdies at the ninth.

Sunday dawned sunny, but the wind strengthened throughout the day, making good scores hard to come by. Inaugural Lady Captain Pauline White drove off to start this well-supported event, the ladies section being won by Linda Clegg (97-23-74) from Judith Kay (107-31-76).

There was just one ‘two’, Patricia Leyland scooping the pot on the first. Nearest the pin-in-two was secured by Jean Sanderson whilst Lady Captain Marian Gradwell had the straightest drive on the 15^th.

In the men’s section it was a win for Captain Frank Hindle (82-12-70) with Chris Chadwick, fresh from his previous day’s win, coming in a close second with a 76-5-71. Third placed Graham Plant (91-19-72) was just one stroke in arrears in third place.

There were two 2s, with Kevin Shanley and John Hammond both scoring birdies at the opening hole. The spot prize for nearest the pin on the first was taken by Steve Worrell, and Phil Hammond hit the longest drive on the 16^th.

Following the evening presentation of prizes, many members joined Inaugural Lady Captain Pauline White for a celebration meal in the hotel restaurant.

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Scramble to Success

Mytton Fold’s golfers spent a very enjoyable Sunday engaged in a Texas Scramble in beautiful spring weather conditions. The variable wind made for challenging golfing conditions, but the warm temperatures brought out the best in the large field, with the team of John Whittaker, Ian Thomson and John Kwasneiwski taking overall honours shooting a very creditable net 59.

Close on their heels came Mick Kelbie, Steve Korab and Malcolm Hayworth, just one stroke in arrears. The final podium position was taken by the team of Mike Chatburn, Ian Hopcraft and Gordon Lucas with a net score of 62.2.

Some players were briefly distracted by the squeals from a team of our lady members, whose golf balls were briefly hijacked by a couple of sheep on the 15^th fairway. Keep a lookout on the notice board for some revealing photos of our brave green keeping staff and their novel ways of taming these wild animals prior to their return to their rightful owner.

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Hammond’s No Euro Sceptic.

Philip Hammond once again headed the field at Mytton Fold Golf Club with a win in the Eurotrophy competition at the weekend. Continuing in the Hammond family’s recent rich vein of success, Philip scored a magnificent 42 points, a clear four ahead of second placed Tony Cross. Tony, fresh out of winter hibernation, managed to push Steve James into third spot following a card playoff.

The par 3 first hole was the scene of the duel for the 2s prize fund, with club secretary Dave Clegg and Peter Fox splitting the booty.

Mytton Fold’s ladies are sharing in the winning limelight too. The team of Linda Clegg, Pauline White, Jean Sanderson, Maureen Board and Judith Kay won their home tie with Stonyhurst in the second round of The Mail on Sunday Classic.

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Season Starters

Mytton Fold Golf Club started their season with a bang when it held its Captain’s Drive In on Saturday followed by the Lady Captain’s Drive In on the following day.

The slight cloud cover made for a warmer start for the men on the summer course. Captain Frank Hindle started his day with a big cheer from the watching crowd as his slightly wayward tee shot landed just in bounds.

Members celebrated the return to the summer course with some excellent golf. Showing the way, although last to finish, were John Welch and Peter Foxwho scored an impressive 44 pts. Also shaking off the cobwebs were Wayne Ivinson and Dave Pennington who only lost out on the win courtesy of a card playoff. Gordon Lucas and Neil Osliffe were hot on the heels of the leading pairings with 43 points.

The par 3 first was the scene of the 2s competition with Garry Ashton, Dave Halsall and Wayne Ivinson all birdying the hole.

Sunday dawned bright and cold, the overnight frost dictating that the ladies were to use the shorter winter course. The exception to this was the first hole, where Lady Captain Marian Gradwell opened the summer season’s golf. The beautiful conditions brought out the best in the competitors and the Lady Captain’s Drive In resulted in a three way tie which had to be resolved by a card playoff. Winner Joanne Carter led home Maureen Board and Doreen Hammond, all with 39 points.Patricia Leyland came home in fourth, just one point behind, and she was followed by four ladies, Linda Clegg, Jean Davies, Jean Havard and Pauline White, all on 37 points.Linda Clegg also won the front nine competition with Allison Nuttall taking both the back nine prize and the 2s competition.

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