Captains Blog 2010
Coming Events
Christmas Quiz night - Wed 15th December - £5/Team
Club Carol Service - Sat 11th December - at Mossley Church 7.00pm
Followed by Rode Hall silver band in the club house from 8.00pm
(£5.00 with mince pie & muled wine, £10.00 with Food)
Monday 30th November
Sunday's Turkey trot was postponed due to the arctic weather, we will now attempt to play a week on Sunday
(12th December), A new entry list will be posted in the mens locker room tomorrow.
The presentation evening was a great success, a packed club house enjoyed the presentation of the trophy's. Player of the year for the Men's section was Phil Green after his successful season, he narrowly piped Mel Dutton and James Daniel to this years title which was eventually decided by Phil's win in the last Major of the season the Rigeway cup. Last Saturday the clubs annual dinner was held in the club house. Over 60 members attended the black tie event. Many thanks go to all the entertainments committee for all their hard work to make the evening such a great success. With Christmas now fast approaching the club carol service is only a couple of weeks away (7pm Mossley Church 11/12) this is followed by Rode Hall silver band playing carol's in the club house, a few pints and a bit of a sing song gets everyone into the Christmas spirit, It was a great event last year, there is a list on the entertainments board for the band but the carol service is just turn up on the night.
Friday 12th November
Club Presentation evening on Saturday night its a 7.30pm start so please try and arrive nice and early. As in the last couple of years we are mixing up the evening so it will medal winers first, followed by majors, knockouts the player of the years at the end. Food is available after the presentation (Pie & pies or Chicken curry for £5.00). Sunday is Gents invite ladies wich is always a great social afternoon. This year its a shotgun start at 12 midday. The Draw for the winter knockout is going to be made early next week so this weekend is your last chance to enter.
Saturday 6th November
Its officialy winter golf as we are now off Fairway mats as from Friday. This year there is the option of droping your ball in the rough rather than playing of the mats. Winter stableford on Sunday (7th) followed by Presentation night the following Saturday (13th). Congratulations to Brian and Peter Hopkins for winning the Greensomes Trophy for the third year running with a fantastic net 60. another father and son combination was Phil and Matt Swift who were runners up after a card play off on nett 65.
Friday 29th October
A busy few weeks, on the golfing front the last few majors of the year have been settled Phil Swift took the Ridgeway Cup after beating Ken Russell in a six hole playoff. The Macclesfield Cup was won By Mel Dutton with Jon Imroth runner up. Last Weekend the season ending Captain V President match was played. The event was reduced to a 12 hole match after the start was delayed for an hour due to the heavy frost. Congratulations to all 'My' Players as the captains team were overwealming winners 5 1/2 - 1 1/2 it gave me great pleasure handing the wooden spoon trophy back to the President. This weekend sees the Greensome Trophy on Saturday 12.45pm start. Lists are on the notice board for both the November Stableford and also the winter Knockout.
Past captain's dinner 2010, an excellent night, (thanks to Joe Brough for taking the photo and Mike Scotts for his Photo editing skills) Golf competitions were won by Phil Matthews and Hugh Adam.
Monday 10th October
After the heavy rain of the last few weeks it was great to play the final medal of the year in dry, sunny and warm conditions (if only we could of had that in August) The Course was not playing easy with extream gusts of wind causing problems to most players. Phil Swift had the best score of the day with an excelent 63 to win division 1 Xxx wining division 2 with a net 65. On Friday night a group of memebers and myself and the President attanded the Cheshire County union annual dinner at Mere golf and country club. A good evening enjoyed by all.
Monday 27th September
The annual "Ryder cup" match V Astbury was fought out over the weekend at Astbury. This year both days had a combination of 2 Foursome 2 Better Ball and 8 single matches. The team chosen half by order of merit places and half by Captains picks looked pretty good on paper dispite a few "regulars" being on a golfing holiday in Spain. On Saturday, although the weather was sunny the result was not the best with Congleton losing the first nine matches, There was a small fightback with wins in the last 3 games to be trailing by six points overnight. Sunday was a much closer affair winning on the day but six points was asking alot to make up. The Final score ending Astbury 14 1/2 Congleton 9 1/2. Well done to all the Congleton players as all the games were played in the right spirt and for such a good display on Sunday.
Tuesday 21st September
Busy week again, The monthly quiz was once again well attended, its alway a great night if you have not entered a team before give it a go, max numbers in a team is 4, but be ready for some difficult questions.
On Saturday we attempted to win our first 9 hole club trophy. This event is played over 2 rounds each year between Dartmouth, Stafford castle, Stone and ourselves. The format is a team of 12 with the best individual 10 stableford scores to count towards the team score. We took a 15 point lead into the second round at Stafford Castle but unf
ortunatly we came second by only 8 points to the home club with a final score of 674. Well done everyone who played as this is the closest we have come to winning this trophy. It was also Ian's Presidents weekend, The Ladies played on Saturday with Carol Dooley Winning, the men in near monsoon conditions waded round on Sunday Dave Miller last weekend finals day bridesmaid took revenge as he piped the two men who beat him Paul Fagan and Nigel Moxon on a card playoff after the 3 all shot fantastic 63's. this weekend we take on Astbury in the annual Ryder cup challange. This year we are playing 2 foursome's 2 fourballs and 8 single matches each day as we attempt to be the first away winners of this trophy. Half the team qualifies from the order of merit the other half from Captain's picks. Good luck everyone and lets hope the sun is shining.
Monday 13th September
Well what a great finals weekend, loads of really close games, some very good golf and a great few hours in the clubhouse after the presentation. Well done to all the winners, commiserations to the runners up and to everyone who did not make the finals there is always next year.
Friday 10th September
Rachel and I have just returned from a very nice 10 day break in Croatia and am now looking forward to this weekends Finals, on Saturday I am ref for the morning of the Scratch cup and Sunday I am overseeing the Bromley Final. Congratulations to everyone who has reached a final (or two) this year and also good luck to you all, play well and if possible enjoy the experiance. I know at least half of you will.
Thursday 26th August
Last weekend's Captains away trip was great fun, the weather was breezey with a few showers 
scattered around, although the Sun came out for a few hours on Friday evening as we sat enjoying some apres golf on Belton Woods terrace overlooking the 18th Green. The format of the weekend was a 36hole stableford over the Lakes and Woodside courses. Both courses were in great condition with probably the best greens I have played on in the last 2-3 years. Neil Adams (Leek Birchall) won the event with a great second round 41pts from Kevin Burt the overnight leader. Phil Matthews took third place.
Sunday marked the end of the Centenary week
with some excellent winners during the week. Mens Winner Rob Jennings having a fantastic day with 69 - 13 - 56 nett to win by some margin, congratulations also go to Sue Hyland for the Ladies and Mixed together with Mike Negus, Tony Lloyd (Seniors winner) and Jack Wilson (Juniors winner). finnaly anyone wishing to go to the cheshire county dinner in October, a list with all the details is on the notice board by the gents and ladies locker rooms
Saturday 14th August
Where do the weeks go? The last 2 weeks at the club have seen a successful Captains Charity Team open, won by a team from Burslem with 97pts (2 from 4 Counting). I am not too surprised as when they arrived I met one of their players who played against myself and Will Doobar in the mens team match a few weeks ago and had 7 straight 3's against us ! Nick Worralls team was second with a very respectable score of 88 points. Last Sunday's All Members event was great fun, 16 teams played, many nursing the effects of the previous nights summer ball. The winners were Chris & Jack Wilson and Guy Thomas by quite a margin with 85 points, second were the Hylands and Joe Rhodes with 81 points, third was the Matthews 'Dream Team' with 80 points. The Summer Ball was as always a great night. Over 230 people attended, the room 
looked fantastic, the service was excellent and the drinks flowed all night. A couple of super acts kept everyone entertained and the dance floor was packed all night. Well done to Carol Dooley's commitee for this event you did us all proud again!!! Next Friday is the Captains away weekend to Belton Woods which, I am of course, looking forward to.
Summer Ball (the end of a long night)
Monday 2nd August
Again another very busy weekend, Saturday was the Mixed Open. an excellent afternoon turnout rewarded all the hard work put in by Sue Hyland (with a contribution from Ken as well). Scoring was good as the soft conditions made the winning score 48pts by Gill & Derek Riley, runners up with 46pts were Martin Garside and Pauline Seaman. Sunday was the Chronicle Cup (36 hole scratch medal) and although Astbury members came 1st (Glynn Davies) and 2nd (Steve Kelem) we can be very proud of Tom Johnsons stunning 64 (-4) gross in the afternoon to take 3rd place overall and so nearly making the play off. This week we have the Captain's Charity Team open on Thursday afternoon (5th), the course will be closed from 1pm to approx 5pm. Hopefully it will be a great event and raise some more funds for our charity this year Macmillan Cancer Support. Next Saturday is one of the highlights of the year as we all get our Dinner suite's out for the Summer Ball. If you are coming and have not put your wine orders in with Max, please do asap to help the day run smothly.
Tuesday 20th July
An excellent weekend just passed, we had a great time at the 3 club comp and BBQ on Saturday evening. over 40 people played and there were around 75 at the BB
Q. More than we were expecting but it was a great atmosphere in the club house and lot of fun. Sunday was the mens invitation and despite a generally wet day there was a close to full field the speed of play was excellent (just under 4 hours) and everyone went out on time. The winners with a fantastic score of 49 points were Nick Worral and Mike Griffiths. upcoming competitions are;
Sun 25th Mens Medal & Scratch Cup
Wen 28th Mens Midweek Medal
Sat 31st Mixed open
Sun 1st Chronicle Cup (Congleton pm)
Saturday 17th July
All Members entry list is now on the notice board by the locker rooms. Teams of 3 stableford
best 2 scores count on each hole. The idea of this competition is to have an event where all playing members of the club can take part and play together. details of the event on both the men's and ladies notice board.
Thursday 8th July
Tickets go on sale tonight for the Captains charity 'Open championship' sweepstake. £3 a player of 2 for £5. 50 names available including a wildcard for a nobody comming from the field ala Ben Curtis or Todd Hamilton. See Max behind the bar for tickets
Monday 5th July
Well Captains day has come and gone, It was very hetic at times and a long,long weekend starting with the Juniors on the Saturday morning, the main event started at 7.30am in the morning on a very hot summers sunday. Lots of thanks need to go out, Max, Joanne and Andy for all your help on the day and the build up. To Rachel for running around like an idiot all day maning the beer tent, baking loads of cakes and basicaly making the day run so smothly. I am sure I would of forgotten most things if it was left to me. To all the members for playing in the event and your good wishes, cards and gifts all made the day one I will remember for the rest of my life thank you all very much. James Daniel won the day with a fantastic 43 pts beating Nigel Moxon on a card playoff with Paul Bennett 3rd on 41 pts. Nearest the Pin was Won by Darren Morris with little brother and imediate past captain Phil Matthews wining the longest drive at the 13th (all players using my old persimmon headed driver). Ladies Captain Day also went very well the weather defied the forcast and stayed dry although very windy. The clubhouse and prize table looked fantastic and nearly 60 members and Guests attended the meal and presentation in the evening. Well done Chris and thank you very much for the invitation.
Photos taken by Kevin Warburton
Saturday 19th June
Captins day is looming rather quickly, I think everythink is pretty well in place for the day, the only two things I can't control is the Weather and if England will be playing on the day. both eventualities have been planed for (I go inside and wave at everyone if its raining). I am looking forward to playing some g
olf at Congleton this weekend. Two away league games at Alsager and Wolstanton (both 4 - 8 defeats but still good away performances) and last weekend in Wales (Thank you to Aberdover & Boorth Golf clubs for their kind hospitality) means I last played at home in the middle of May. The First team play Gorsty Hill this afternoon while the second team have the long journey to play St Thomas Priory at Rugeley. Congratulation go to James Daniel for winning the Roldane Cup and Ken Shuttleworth for the Jubilee Trophy. Round of the Year must be Tom Johnsons Gross 61 in the Midweek medal, coming back in a trully fantastic 28. Final well done is to the Dosky Cup Team who had a great win away on thursday night to progress in to the next round.
Friday 4th June
Scotland was only partially sunny and pretty cold and wet for much of the time, too much Glenmorangie effected my game especially by the 3rd and 4th days but I did enjoy the weekend, thank you to all the clubs who granted me courtesy of the course, it made the bad golf slightly more acceptable. Whilst I was away congratulations go Ken Shuttleworth with a great win in the Jubilee Trophy (42pts) & commiserations to the Ladies team v Bolton old links, narrowly going down 3-4. The Mens First team take on Alsager away on Saturday looking to gain their first points away from home this season with some new pairings being tried as Squad rotation comes into play due to the half term holidays. Finally Captain Day's (June 27th) entry list is now on the board in the mens locker room.
Tuesday 25th May
I am off to sunny Scotland (forever the optimist) tomorrow for four days golf, so am missing out on the Jubilee Trophy this weekend. I hope the weather will be as good as it was last week where the sun shone with a vengeance. A bit hot for many, I thought it was great. I made the mistake of playing in the league match at Barlaston in shorts on Saturday but forgot I am unable to play when I can see my knees, (I don't know why its one of those mental blocks) apologies to Dave Miller my league partner it won't happen again. Team score on the day! lets just say we came second. The 2nd Team had more success at home to Blyth Bridge on Saturday winning
9-3. Sunday was the Biggs Trophy the clubs Foursome Medal, Phil and I won this back in 1987, I don't remember much about that round, only the rounds in the bar afterwards, happy days. We played extremley well on Sunday (Long trousers being worn) until we three putted the last two greens to finish for a Tie for second place. Winners were Brian & Peter Hopkins with a net 65
runners up Malcolm Smith & Tony Hodgkinson after a card playoff from Jim Bostok & Joe Rhodes and Phil Matthews and yours truly all with 67. Good Luck to the ladies team on Thursday afternoon as they take on Bolton old links at home in the Bell Cup
Tuesday 18th May
A funny week just gone, I spent most of last week at the golf club but never seemed to get out onto the golf course untill the weekend. four meetings in a week is probably as busy as it gets but they are important as the club can not run by itself without all the hard work behind the scenes. golfing wise saw the Mens first team play two matches. On Friday night they beat Brookfield Golf club 4-1 in the NSDL Scratch knockout, and on Saturday they won again beating Alsager 8-4 at home well done boy's. Sunday Ladies invited the Gentlemen with around 40 members taking part, it was a great turnout (and very well organised by Nicky Goode). Winners were Liz Yates & John Shenton (40pts), with Will Doorbar & Lucy Suchland, and Martin Garside & Pauline Seaman tied on 38pts for 2nd and 3rd prizes . Nearest the pin was Margaret Shenton who won 2 tickets for this weeks PGA championships at Wentworth (kindly donated by our PGA Pro Andrew Preston.) Lady Captain and I played a steady game, as we honed a game plan to maximise our strengths, good in theory but not quite in practice 34pts and in the middle of the pack but just wait till next time! Two more Hole in one's to mention, Congratulations to Bill Hunter and Margaret Shenton who both hit the ultimate shot representing the club in matches at Congleton over the past few weeks.
Monday 10th May
Another busy week, (they all seem to be) Wednesday I played the first ro
und of the Bromley Davenport Bowl against Phil, playing your brother and foursomes partner in the first round means one of us is going to be disappointed. Happily for me I came out as winner on the night 4&3 with a surprisingly good performance (normal service was restored on Sunday) Thursday was the Snooker Final night, a great turnout in the clubhouse saw Jonathan Foster beat Graham Edge 2-0 in the best of 3 frame finale. some good potting was displayed by both finalist and the game was a lot closer than the score suggests with the second frame going down to the black ball . Sunday was the Bogey cup, and as the sun returned to the golf course so did some excellent score. Phil Swift eventually won from James Daniel after a six hole play off, both being tied on 4 up after 18 holes, Joe Brough picked up third place on 3 up.
Thursday 29th April
Bank holiday weekend approaching and as can be expected the weather has taken a turn for the worst. Its strange thing to say the course need some rain in April but it will help the growth as well as washing in the top dressing applied on Monday. The first major of the year the Moore cup, was played for last Sunday. The weather at times was dreadfull but despite this some excellent scores were still retuned. The winner was Phil Swift with a nett 27, Second on his return to competitve golf was John Booth with 27.5. Taking third place and the last prize on a card playoff from Gary Kirkbrite was Dave Bailey with nett 28. This weekends comp on Sunday is the May Medal as well the second Team Kick off their season on Saturday. Any Real Ale fans in the club should sample the Beartown St Georges Brew. Very nice but the 4.7% can creep up on you as I can testify after my hangover last Sunday following an excellent St Georges day bash. Anyone who missed out on the night missed an excellent and very funny show from comedy magician Nick Barns, very good fun, he even made Rachel quiet for a few minutes while she was assisting, now thats magic.
Monday 19th April
You have to remember its only the middle of April after another weekend of great weather, winter seems quite a long time ago but the course was under snow a little over 6 weeks ago. The Mens first team played their first game of the season and were a bit disapointed with a 6-6 draw against Lakeside golf Club (Ruggley) at home on Saturday. Another notable mention on Saturday was my good lady wifes first hole in one at the 3rd hole during the Ladies Medal, Well done Rachel, she very kindly rang me to tell me the news and to also bring my cheque book down to the club to buy the drinks. Sunday was the Mens April Medal some good scores obviously benifitting from the improvement in the greens with The President wining division one with a excellent 64 nett. Ken Asken won division two with a superb nett 63. This weeks sees the the Quiz on Wenesday and St Georges night on Saturday, lists are still open and its bound to be a great night,
Sunday 11th April
A very busy weekends golf has just finished. Saturday was our home fixture in the '9 Hole Club' Challenge verses Stone, Stafford Castle and Dartmouth golf clubs. On a fantastic warm and sunny afternoon the best came out of the Congleton team with a fantastic score of 353 stableford points (best 10 scores) beating Stafford Castle by 17 points into second place. That's a great lead to take into the second round in September at Stafford. Craig Andrews won the best individual prize with an amazing 45 points, well done Craig. Today was the real start to the golf season with the Captain v President match. Unfortunately the President won the match 4 wins to 3 with 3 halved matches. I look forward to giving Holly back the wooden spoon later on in the year.
Thur 1st April
April already where is the year going to! Last Saturday was "Derby Day" as the first team took on the second team which may well turn out to be one of the closest games at Congleton this season. The first team gaining a very narrow 7-5 win but it certainly went to the wire. We also had the unveiling of the new men's team strips, a big thank you to all the sponsors this year, we have now got slightly more logos on the shirt than your average formul
a 1 team but they do look the business. The match was followed with a bit of a do to celebrate the achievements of the team last year, in good Congleton tradition a good time was had by all, especially the cocktail drinkers and Max & Shirley were also introduced to "Checky Vimto" by a certain table, something I am sure they never came across at Wilmslow. Sunday was the first medal of the year, the general opinion of the members I have talked to is that the course is in better condition than it was this time last year and it was nice to get off the mats and to be playing "proper" golf. Congratulations to Alec Walker in Division 1 with an excellent 75 gross net 64. Division 2 was won by Gary Fitzgerald with a net 65. Other good scores were in Division 1 Andy Perry 66 (New member off 6 h/c) and Dave Millar 66 and in Division 2 Graham Edge and Kevin Warburton both also with 66's. This weekend looks a bit like a return to winter so you hardy folk enjoy the golf, I will most likely be in the bar where its warm.
Thur 25th March
I finally ventured out onto the Golf Course on Sunday, on what was a fantastic spring afternoon although I did lose to Kev Warburton and Rachel, I was partnering Phil (immediate past captain) and we were the victims of a hustle as Rachel and Kev both chipping in on the front 9. I am now looking forward to the March medal on Sunday. Hopefully the weather will be similar to last Sunday but unfortunatley the weatherman say's different! On Monday night we had the juniors meet the Captains evening in the club house, Andy Preston created some fun indoor golf games and we all enjoyed a couple of hours of good fun and a lot of banter. Saturday afternoon see's the First team take on the new second team in a "friendly" match followed in the evening with the team get together to celebrate last years success. The evening is open to everyone and is £10 a head.
Tue 16th March
After a week in the sun I think its about time the clubs are dusted off and I venture onto the golf course. There is a definite feel of spring in the air today, what the week end will bring may be another matter? This week we have the monthly quiz on Wednesday and the St Patrick's Evening on Friday so a good start to the weekend will be had by all if last years event is anything to go by. As the golf season (proper) fast approaches keep an eye on the mens notice board for upcoming comp's and Summer Knockout entry lists.
Sat 6th March
The first competition of the year for the mens section was played last 
weekend the February Stableford. Congratulations go to John Mort & Gary Fitzgerald who won division 1 & 2 respectivly with 40+ points on a 3/4 handicap allowance which is good scoring. Tonight is our first official function outside the club at Astbury's Club Dinner. Its an early start and most likley a late finish but I am sure it will be an enjoyable night. Sunday Rachel and I fly off to Dubai for a weeks holiday before my captain's year gets too busy. Good luck to everyone playing in this weekends pairs stableford event, remember the cards can count for the winter league as well.
Fri 26th Feb
Another good week although I have to admit I am slightly tired as this week comes to a close. last Friday's League dinner was a cracker, the smiles in the picture below say it all and I think everyone can't wait for next season to start. Yesterday Adrian our resident quiz master hosted a mixed Pub games night at the club which went down extremely well. Mike Negus and My good lady? Rachel were the winners defeating Ken and Sue Hyland in a very amusing final. If Nicky Goode can work out how to email me some of the photo's off her iphone we will be very happy to share them with all the members, something not to be missed. Sunday sees the first Mens comp of the year with the February Stableford, good luck to everyone and I hope you all don't get to wet and cold. The Swindle is a possibility on Saturday but as I have only played 9 holes this year (that was only to make sure I could still hit the ball before drive in) it is slightly early in the season for a full card. I will however be in the bar for the results.
Fri 19th Feb
Last Weeks Captains Welcome was a resounding success, A big thank from Chris and myself to Mike Negus and the rest of the entertainment's committee who organised such a great night and of course the 70 odd members and friends who attended the event.
Today is the North Staffs and District Golf league dinner and presentation evening at the North Stafford Hotel in Stoke, and 5 months after winning our first league title we finally get our hands on our trophy, its bound to be a great night although their could be a few hangovers being nursed in Saturdays swindle. Entry List for the February stableford (Sunday 28th) is on the notice board in the Men's Locker room, closing date for entries is Thursday 25th.
Fri 12th Feb
A quietish week at congleton golf club for myself, only three nights at the club this week with the final touches on the Fixture lists for next year and the Golf committee attempting to get to grips with the new handicap system. We had to resort to reading the online manual which suprisingly not only told us how to do the things we wanted but also helped us get to grips with the new software (A big thank you to John Shenton & Pete Hopkins for doing all the work) . Hopefully we will be up and running for the February Stableford at the end of the month and you can all try the new system. My list for my Captains Away weekend has gone up in the Mens locker room (20th & 21st of August) at Belton Woods in Grantham 36 holes over two days with dinner bed and breakfast and prizes for the golf. I wanted everyone to have plenty of notice with it being in the summer holidays.
This Saturday night sees the Captains Welcome at the Golf club (7.00 for a 7.30 start) last orders at 12.30am should be a great night with Live entertainment and a three course meal (photos of the event next week).
Sat 6th Feb
A week into being captain and I have to admit I am quite enjoying the job although I must learn not to ignore people when they say 'hello Mr Captain' I keep looking around for someone else. Last weeks drive in was a great day. To say I was delighted with the length of the drive is an understatement but a big thank you goes out to Tim Rowland who eventually found my ball in the hedge by the church yard (173m) after around 20mins of looking, Chris and Ben also hit good drives albeit a bit straighter than mine. It was great to see a great turnout in the clubhouse for our first speaches to the membership. Next weeks Captins welcolme social event is filling up fast so if you have not put your name on the list please do soon.
Sat 31st Jan
After the sucess of Rachel lady captain page last year I thought it would only be right to carry on this year. We had over 5,000 visits to this page last year, mostly from members but also from people from over 50 different countries around the world. Many people commented on the page so I will endevour to keep it upto last years high standard.