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Woolton GC, 23rd August 2026
Opening weekend in the Premier League found the Blues claiming a Champions League spot, 3 points ahead of the other crowd who were yet to score a single point, and us lot at sun-baked Woolton GC. The course was suffering a bit from the recent bouts of drought, but it remained playable for us mortal floggers, and it was the same for one and all.
And what a turnout by the way, with 27 Golfers in flesh exposed attire in attendance, on a gorgeous, sunny Summer's day, all swishing practice swings on the first tee like an alternative energy windfarm.
Yes, it all started so well, however, it must be said that the extremely slow play (of Groups in front of us) plus the 'offer you cannot refuse' to gradually allow a 2 Ball comp through all of our 7 Groups, contributed to a record round approaching 6 hours long!! Our Buggy battery was almost at zero on the 18th. Guinness have been informed for their Records. Woolton, you need to manage your Tee Times and Timetables a little better...
Nevertheless, on to the widespread scores, announced by VC Batey, with 3rd place going to the new look slim and trim Mark Mac on 34 points, in 2nd place was equally slim and trim Fitzy Snr on 36 points, but on 38 points, tipping the scales in his favour, was Weight Watcher of the Week, old Yellow Balls himself, Ian Stevo! A popular Winner all round, well in Stevo!!
The day's NTPs were won by John Chappo who converted his 2 as well, and the baby faced assassin, Dylan Wylie with two NTPs, he's going to need to advise HMRC of all of his winnings before the Season’s out! The final NTP was missed by all, but the Skipper's Prize for the best 'Easy 6' holes score with 15 points, was guest golfer, Jon Rutland.
And finally, we welcomed another new Member to the Goosey, Goosey Gander Club, as Paul Griffiths was presented with our Gertie for the first time, thanks to his stirling return of 19 points!
For the full album of Woolton photos, including quite a few First Tee Training videos click here
Antrobus GC (26.07.26)
What another cracking turnout for the society as we descended on the beautiful Antrobus Golf Club for another day of golfing glory … and misery.
With John absent on his annual pilgrimage to Ireland, no doubt perched somewhere sipping Irish malt whiskey and telling anyone who'd listen that he "could've birdied that," Vice-Captain Peter took the reins for the day. Stepping in alongside him was Mark McNally to lend a helping hand ... although, as you'll soon discover, perhaps he should've been concentrating a little more on his own golf! (I vote Mark stands in every week!)
Antrobus was presented in fantastic condition, with enough water, gullies and strategically placed ditches to make even the best golfers question why they play the sport. Add in the resident geese keeping a watchful eye over proceedings and some classic sideways July rain, it certainly was a challenge!
One of the moments of the day came courtesy of our acting skipper. As Peter parked his trolley, a rogue gust of wind had other ideas and the trolley gathered pace before launching itself into one of the deep side gullies, disappearing into a jungle of nettles, weeds and whatever other forgotten hazards lurked below. Rumour has it nobody has ever seen Peter's legs move so quickly. Thankfully, both golfer and golf bag escaped with only minor bruises to their pride.
Right, onto the prizes!
The NTPs saw some excellent golf on display. Callum (ex member and esteemed guest) claimed the honour on the 2nd, while the 4th remained untouched by the entire society. Jeff, otherwise known as "The Little Fella," claimed the 8th, holing it for a superb two in the process, before deciding one NTP wasn't enough and added the 12th to his collection. Jason rounded things off nicely by taking the honours on the 14th.
The leaderboard was incredibly tight, with third place shared by Chappo and Callum on 32 points, both finishing with 17 points on the back nine. Second place went to the ever-smiling Little Fella himself, Jeff, who also carded 32 points but edged ahead courtesy of a stronger back nine with 19 points. But standing proudly at the top of the leaderboard, after what feels like an eternity waiting for another victory, was yours truly. A steady 35 points was enough to finally get over the line and remind everyone that even a broken clock is right twice a day. Whether this is the start of a glorious return to form or simply a statistical anomaly remains to be seen.
And finally ... Gertie the Goose.
It has to be said, Gertie looked absolutely delighted to be released from the clutches of Chappo after spending the last four weeks hanging by the neck! Phil posted 23 points, with James Oliver and Les both managing 22. However, Mark McNally arrived at the 18th knowing he needed something special to avoid taking home our feathered friend. Unfortunately, even the 4 points scored was only a glimmer of hope and nothing more. With a grand total of 20 points, Mark earned the not-so-coveted honour of taking Gertie home.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made it another brilliant day. We now look ahead to the next society outing at Woolton GC on 23rd August.
On last point, a HUGE congratulations to Mike Herzog, who announced he is going to become a Daddy for a second time! Say goodbye to that low handicap, Mike!
For the full album of Antrobus photos, including a significant number of Mark receiving our beloved Goose for some strange reason click here
Ashton In Makerfield GC, 21st June 2026
Eyes of the political world were focused on Ashton In Makerfield on Thursday of this past week, but the sporting world was more interested in the World Cup, or the US Open or the Tennis at Queen's, or holding their breath for the outcome of our latest Society knock at their wonderful Golf Club!
It was a shorts and Ambre Solaire day for the 16 sun worshipping Members who managed to attend on Father's Day, with the mercury hitting 25 degrees, zero wind, and the course being in absolutely brilliant nick as usual.
Scoring was spread across 13 points from the Andy Burnham winner to the Count Binface Goose candidate.
And so, Returning Officer, Captain Sir John Roche MBE, OBE, DSO and always found at the Bar, announced the final scores, in the absence of Vice Captain, Lord Peter Batey, who was otherwise engaged getting totally blotto on a significanth Birthday binge.
In shared 3rd place were the inseparable Daz & Fitzy the Elder on 33 points, in 2nd place was the ever consistent (and Paddy Powers tip for the title this year), Mark Mac with 35 points, but, elected to Parliament to represent the people of Ashton...sorry, bit carried away there, in first place for the first time with the Society (and definitely not the last!) with a perfect Handicap score of 36 points was our Babyfaced Assassin, Dylan Wylie! Well done Dylan!!
The day's NTPs were won by Ginormous Jeff Burgess and Grandad Colin Newall, with the third being missed by all, but proceeds will get thrown into the Captain's Prize Fund, so everyone wins, and claiming the Skipper's Prize for the best Front 9 score with 19 points, was J Squared, Jason Jones.
And finally, in a momentous moment in the Society's long, long history, Gorgeous Gertie was presented to Mr John Chapman for the first time ever, to the loudest cheer ever, for his magnificent return of 23 points!
For the full album of Ashton photos, including quite a few of John Chappo unsurprisingly click here
Oswestry GC, 31st May 2026
What a fantastic event and turnout for our second swing of the season at the Oswestry GC.
With Al, our trusty scribe, unable to attend this one, I (Col) have stepped into his unmatchable golf shoes to bring you this week's tales, traumas and triumphs.
The course was in immaculate condition, tree-lined to perfection for those who like a hook and a slice, challenging uphill par 3s that tested both club selection and cardiovascular fitness, and with greens as pure as a freshly poured pint! The weather was also kind, providing enough cloud cover to protect those of a follicly-challenged nature, while still allowing enough sunshine to expose the robustness of yours truly's exceptionally white legs. What a pleasure it was to play.
Similar to our opening knock at Chester, the scoring was remarkably competitive. A huge thanks to everyone for taking care with the cards (no errors) - my wife was slightly disappointed that I was done so quickly!
So, onto the results from the day, presented by our Vice Captain, Peter Batey, alongside our skipper, John Roche.
Taking third place was Daz White with an excellent 36 points. Second place went to Dylan Wylie, also with 36 points, but he edged ahead on countback thanks to a superb 22 points on the back nine. However, standing proudly atop the leaderboard was our very own man in red, Vice Captain Peter Batey. A magnificent 38 points, despite including three scrubs along the way, was enough to claim top spot and the winner's honours.
The NTP’s produced some fine golf throughout the day. Daz claimed the 4th, and not content with that, promptly holed it for a two as well, earning himself a lovely shiny set of balls. The 9th was won courtesy of Gary Chappo’s silky 6-iron, while Chris Sullivan claimed bragging rights on the 17th. The 12th, however, remained untouched by the entire society. I'm sure Stevo will be celebrating this outcome with immense pleasure as he gets the honour of returning the £25 back into the kitty at the next event. The Captain's Pick was the Easy Six, which Daz apparently found extremely easy, racking up 14 points and comfortably bagging even more prize money.
And finally, Gertie, our beloved Goose. As if it wasn't entertaining enough at Chester, Steve Hudson and Alex Stewart fancied another Goose-off. There was a brief moment of panic from Karl Taylor, who carded 23 points but thankfully for Karl, and fortunately for Steve, the countback calculator confirmed that Alex was the rightful owner of Gertie with 22 points.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it another cracking day. We now look ahead to Ashton in three weeks' time. Hopefully we'll see as many of you there as possible. Your stand-in scribe, Col.
For the full album of Oswestry photos click here
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