Keeping you up to date .......

10th February '23 - Information regarding new memorial trophy:

Diary Dates for 2023

25th February - Presentation Dinner

8th March - AGM (re-arranged)

2nd April - Captain's Drive-In

18th June - Bootle Open (re-arranged)

30th July - Captain's Day (re-arranged)

10th September - Bootle Car & Commercial (re-arranged)

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16th October 2019 - Preferrend Lies

The notice board in the course shop contains details of the local rules in place regarding preferred lies.

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17th July 2019 - Municipal Championships

Please note the Municipal Championship date has been changed to 29th September.  All qualifying players should have been contacted by the committee to confirm availability.

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18th February 2019 -

Lost Ball and Out of Bounds

The new local rule concerning lost ball and out of bounds will not be used in Bootle Golf Club competitions.  If a ball is suspected of being lost or out of bounds, a provisional ball must be played and announced as such.  If a provisional ball is not played and the ball is lost or out of bounds, then the player must go back under penalty of stroke and distance and play another ball from where the previous shot took place.

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13th December 2018 -

The presentation dinner has now been rearranged and will take place on Saturday 16th February 2019. Tickets are priced at £25 for members.  Tickets for any members' guests that attend will be £20.

Please do your best to support the club (especially prize winners).

Notify any committee members of your intentions to attend.

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12th November -

**** The presentation dinner has been cancelled due to insufficient numbers attending. ****

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The Club Championship will now be the best 2 from 3 rounds due to the 3rd round being cancelled as the greens were flooded on the Sunday.

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The Bootle Open takes place on Sunday 10th June.  Entry forms are available in the shop.  Please get your forms in as soon as possible.

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The 2018 Captain's Drive-In to be held at Bootle Golf Course on Sunday 25th March at 09:00.

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Please note the 2018 AGM will be held at 8pm on 5th March at St Robert Bellarmine Social Club, Harris Drive, Bootle.

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Please note that 2018 membership fees are now due.

The joining fee for new members is only £20, not £30 as stated on the form.

If any member wants to pay their subs by bank transfer, then please contact Lee Deegan (07793 841398) who will provide the account details and a reference number to use on the payment.

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- The 2017 presentation night will be held on Saturday 18th November at St Robert Bellarmine's Club.

The Captain's Day competition results can be found here.

Congratulations to the following Bootle GC members for their performance in the Merseyside Municipal Championships held at Kirkby Valley on 4th June:

For the 3rd year running Bootle won the prestigious Team Gross competition:

M.O'Brien - 76  

K.Laffey - 75               

W.Salmon - 76

J.Olsen jnr - 75

J.Olsen jnr was also 3rd in the individual gross

B.Manktelow won the Captain's/Secretary's prize with a nett 71

Bootle also won the Team Best Nett competition:

P.Smith - 69

J.Morgan - 70

B.Manktelow - 71

N.Riley - 72

UPCOMING COMPETITIONS:

JUNE:

17th & 18th June Medal

24th & 25th CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2

JULY:

1st Gerry Moran Trophy

2nd OVER FIFTIES CUP

8th & 9th July Medal

15th TINY RIMMER TROPHY

16th CAPTAIN’S DAY

19th Larry Gane Trophy

22nd BRIAN CRUMMEY SHIELD

23rd ALF RUTHERFORD TROPHY

29th & 30th CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3

April 2016

Changing of the Guard at Bootle Golf Club

John Morgan has taken over as Bootle Golf Club Captain. Sunday 10th April 2016 saw the old faithful turning up to watch him tee off at 9.00 am in the company of his Vice-Captain Stevie O'Callaghan and Ladies Captain Bernadette Hallman. John has served previously as Captain and has currently clocked up 30 years as Club Secretary. Steviie O'Callghan is also no stranger to the Captain's jacket and was delighted to be nominated again. Bernadette teed off at the first and then handed over responsibility to two other ladies, Joyce Mawdsley and Eileen Quick.

The red jacket was handed ovver officially by the outgoing Captain during a ceremony held at the Bellarmines club on Sunday evening, and event that was attend by no less than 12 ex-Captains including Merseyside Municipal Association Captain of Captains, the venerable Jim McCaffery. Jim first joined the junior section at Bootle in 1875 and is looking remarkably well for his advanced years.

We are sure John and Bernadette will serve their term with distinction and we wish them all the best for the year ahead.

Hole in One

For the second month in a row Bootle Golf Club saw one of its members achieve a hole-in-one. Congratulations to JOE SNELLGROVE who only needed his tee shot on the 1st while taking part in the Wilson Matchplay Qualifier on the 27th March. Joe's great start helped as he went on to win the day's competition with a nett score of 68.

BOOTLE GOLF CLUB CLOTHING FOR SALE

Many thanks to our Treasure, Lee Deegan who has managed to secure a deal on a selection of Bootle Golf Club branded clothing ready for this summer on the course. With the municipal championships coming up in June, there isn't a better time to get kitted out and simultaneously support and advertise your club. Or perhaps buy one for a friend at home and abroad.

The photos below show a selection of the items for sale and include polo shirts, sleeveless and full sweaters in a variety of colours and sizes. All garments have an embroidered Bottle Golf Club logo on the left breast and sleeved garments have an additional logo on the left sleeve.

Available colours are White, Navy, Maroon, Black, Green, Yellow and Pink in sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL and 3XL at the following prices:

Russel  Polo Shirt £14.00

Russel Sleeveless Sweater £17.50

Russel Sweater £22.50

To order your Bootle Golf Club branded clothing please contact Lee by phone or text on 07793 841 398. Order forms will also be available in the shop and the below items can be viewed at the Captain's Jacket hand-over function at Bellarmine's on Sunday 10th April. Thanks in advance for your support.

Last But One

The penultimate "Dream Team" game of the season saw a stiff challenge from Paul Bennet and Jeff Fraser. The Vice Captain got the dream team off to a terrific start by hitting his tee shot at the first to within six feet after calculating the exact angle to bounce his ball off the left hand bank. The game then ebbed and flowed and was very much affected by the cold, biting wind and heavy rain showers. The dream team made the turn two up but lost the 10th thanks to a brilliant approach shot from "Dabba". The Vice Captain then won both the 11th and 12th to go 3 up. This was fortunate as the wind and rain returned with a vengance and although the challengers made a fight of it teh handshakes were made on the 17th green with the dream team winning 2 and 1.

Special mention must be made of "Dabba" who despite suffering from the recent bout of 'Liverpool Lurgy' still turned out for the game in appalling conditions. 

March 2016

Annual General Meeting

The 2016 annual general meeting was held at the Sir Robert Bellarmines club on Monday 7th March 2016. While only 18 members were present there was some very useful dialogue that took place and some good ideas put forward for the year ahead and particularly with reference to Bootle G.C. hosting the Municipal Championship in June.

As you are all probably aware John Morgan has been elected Captain of the golf club for the year 2016 - 2017 and he will be ably assisted by another evergreen ex-captain, Stevie O'Callaghan. John has performed as club secretary for the last 30 years and it is entirely fitting that he occupies the Captain's chair at the "Munies" as a tribute to his long and dedicated service to the club.

Jim McCaffery has also been elected as 'Captain of Captains' for the Municipal Association so it is a fantastic 1 - 2 for Bootle G.C. who will not have the opportunity to host the "Munies" until 2030, by which time many of us will not be hitting the ball so far.

Thanks were conveyed to Lee Deegan and George Halliday for their continued service to the club.

The minutes of the 2015 AGM and the Secretary's report for last year are shown below.

Hole in One

Very hearty congratulations to PAT KING who aced the 5th hole in the February Medal competition. Pat celebrated his achievement in traditional fashion by passing round a bottle and some wine at the club's AGM, Well done Pat and hopefully 2016 will see more members join the hole-in-one club.

February 2016

Competition Results

All the results for December's efforts have now been posted in the competition results section. Very pleasing to see the name of TOMMY O'SULLIVAN in lights after winnning the last competition of the year. Hopefully we will see his name appearing a few more times in 2016.

Bootle Golf Club A.G.M.

Just a gentle reminder that the Annual General Meeting of Bootle Golf Club will be held at 8.00 pm on Monday 7th March 2016 at the Bellarmines Club. It would be appreciated if everyone attending could be seated five minutes before the start time. Thanks in advance for your co-operation.

Bugs & Gremlins

To all members who visit this site please accept my apologies for what has appeared to be a lack of information on the news page. For reasons beyond my control (or understanding) articles and photographs previously posted in this section have gone missing. I will try to recover this but in the meantime have attached the Council minutes for the last three months in order to keep everyone informed.

If anyone would like any articles or photographs posted on this site I am happy to do so their behalf. You can send them to raymondames@hotmail.com or contact me on 07969 145 645. 

Dream Team Defeated

It shouldn't really have come as a shock but it still did. Firstly, Tommy Swift had more shots than the film 'Saving Private Ryan'. Then his partner, Anton "No Ankles" Riley turned up in a pair of shorts last seen on "It ain't half hot Mum". They couldn't have picked a better time to take on the dream team, who had not played for two weeks; with the Vice/Secretary on holiday and the young Captain carrying out missionary work in Egypt. Indeed the Captain returned with more than just his suitcase and suffice to say that local toilet roll sellers did a roaring trade.

So it was against this background that the dream team struggled to cope. Anton's short game and putting were excellent and he was a joy to watch. Highlight of Tommy's round was the joke he told about the scouse woman who had 14 children (can't be repeated on here). When all was said and done the handshake came on the 17th green as the dream team suffered a 'swift' kick up the pants. Well done to Anton and Tommy on their victory.

September 2015

Bootle Golfer Snatched?

August 2015

Honours even at Bootle

In what was always billed as their toughest game of the season the dream team found themselves playing against Mark Bayliss and Gary Hughes in the Hickory two man team event at Bootle. Against all the odds the dream team got off to a fabulous start with the evergreen Captain shooting three pars and a birdie in the first four holes. Of course 'moaning Mark' blamed everything he could think of for their poor fortunes; the Captain's handicap, slow greens, criptosporidium in the water supply. Eventually the favourites reeled the dream team in and even led themselves for a period. But in what proved to be a topsy turvy game, the group shook hands on the 18th with honours even. Thanks guys for a hard fought game. 

Don't tell the Tax Man

The Captain & Secretary formally ended their summer tour over the rolling hills at Beacon Park on Saturday 22nd August.It brought the curtain down on a fabulous summer of golf where many new aquaintances were made. Despite the lack of proper clubhouse facilities, Bootle Golf Club are very well placed amongst the municipal fraternity and are the envy of many. Our efforts did not go unrewarded either as the final haul from all the games included some golf balls, a case of John Smiths', a bottle of mens cologne and a pair of socks. Hopefully the tax man won't find out.

Nightmare for the Dream Team

Although they were desperately tired from representing Bootle at Park Golf Club the day before, the dream team soldiered on but found themselves up against Kevin Laffey, who played some great golf, and Larry Riley, who watched Kevin play some great golf.

To be fair, the dream team gave a good account of themselves and it was only a couple of forty foot 'tap ins' from Kevin that made the difference. Although the dream team were never in front, the game went right to the seventeenth green. All's well that ends well though, as the dream team took the offer of double or quits on the last hole which the Vice Captain won magnificently.

Even though we lost it was a great day's golf with very enjoyable company. Thanks a lot guys.

July 2015

The Juggernaut Rolls On

It takes more than constant rain, a driving wind and two determined opponents to put the dream team of their game. The young Captain and his evergreen Vice made a triumphant return to Bootle following their endeavours at the St. Helens Open competition last week. The latest challenge came from Kirkby Open winner Steve Cunningham and his partner Mick Sheridan.

After going one up at the first, the challengers hit back with some great golf. On the fourth hole Stevie knocked it close with an excellent shot off the path while his partner "tapped in" a 25 footer on the same hole. However, the dream team steadily stamped their authority on the game with the highlight of the round being the Captain's two on the fourteenth.

Despite their opponents resistance, the experience of so many victories saw the Captain and Vice ease to another win and the handshakes took place on the sixteenth green. Thanks for your company guys, it was very enjoyable despite the weather. 

Congratulations to Graham Porter after winning our match play game today in beautiful sunny conditions. Good to see so many people out on the course too.We're definitely on the up!

Captain's Day Golf

Saturday 18th July saw the annual Captain's Day competition played in beautiful conditions and on a course that had been prepared magnificently Rob, Dave and the rest of the Landscape Group staff. Almost 100 golfers, including three ladies, turned out for the day. At the Captain's request many golfers joined in the spirit of things and turned up in bright golf outfits hoping to win the sponsored prize for the best outfit - which eventually went to John Morgan. Prizegiving and buffet was held at the Bellarmines club afterwards where Bev and her staff made sure everyone was fed and watered. First prize on the day went to Joe Snellgrove who walked off with a Garmin golf watch. My personal thanks to everyone who made the day one to remember.

Kirkby Open

Bootle Golf Club members gave a great account of themselves at the Kirkby Open held on Sunday 12th July. Not only did we have numerous prize winners on the short holes with nearest the pins and "two's". But there was also a raid on the Kirkby silverware as Steve Cunningham shot the best nett score (66) and walked off with the trophy. Well done Steve, lets hope you can replicate this form on Captain's Day.

June Winners

Winners of all the June competitions have now be posted in the results page.

June 2015

The 'Colourful' Captain's Day - Saturday 18th July

Captain's Day 2015 is scheduled for Saturday 18th July with prize-giving and a buffet to be held at our de-facto club house at approximately 6.00pm. Notices have been posted in the course shop. To brighten things up I have asked that participants wear something colourful for the day. Of course you don't have to but what's the harm? So for one day only, lets turn Bootle Golf Course into a kaleidiscope of colour. 

The Bootle Open

Sunday 14th June saw the Bootle Open being held in dry, but windy conditions and it was great to see such a big turnout of golfers on the course, and attendees at the prize-giving and buffet later that evening. R.Garner Jnr (West Lancs) and J.King (Hurlston Hall) ran out winners on the day with the best gross and nett scores respectfully. Although some of the greens were "a bit slow" there was agreement that the golf course had been well prepared for the event. A selection of photographs of the prizegiving has been posted in the photo gallery.

May Winners

Billy Salmon was certainly in the pink with two victories during the course of the month. Results for May have now been posted and apologies for the delay in getting them to you. The club is looking at a computerised scoring system and I will provide more details when available.

May 2015

Good week-end for the dream team

In the absence of the Vice Captain, new member Peter Bruffell joined the Captain as they pitted themselves against club legends Kevin Laffey and Ritchie Humphreys. The game progressed in the sunshine with Kevin playing some great golf but having no luck with his putter. Ritchie was telling some great stories but not having much joy with any of his clubs. In the end the legends were narrowly beaten thanks in no small measure to the variance in handicaps. There's no doubt Peter will soon be in the prizes if he continues to play regularly.

On Sunday the 'Summer' Cup was played for in much worse weather than the day before. This time the gauntlet was thrown down by Father and son duo, Joe and Sam Reason. The pair struggled to make inroads against opponents who were dovetailing beautifully and found themselves four down at the turn. Their brief comeback on the back nine was halted when the Captain skilfully plotted a course through the trees on the 12th to make a par. JR looked like a broken man and it wasn't long afterwards when the handshakes came on the 15th green. Quip of the day came from the Vice Captain who wanted to know how much the Bootle sweep cost these days as it was so long since he has had to pay for it.

So, who needs a putter?

Not Stevie O'Callaghan anyway. Having just returned from laundering some money on the Costa Del Crime, Steve turned up late at the Amalgamated Merseyside Municipal Captains competition at Childwall. Stevie was in such a rush that he forgot to put his putter in his bag. Nevertheless, in true Royal Bootle style, Stevie left the field of 110 golfers in his wake and carried off the top prize for which he won a magnificent trophy. Stevie also won the prize for the best front nine for which he won a magnificent steam iron!

Anyone who would like to know how to putt with a three iron, or anyone who needs a few shirts ironed, contact SOC at Bootle Golf Club.

So, who needs a clubhouse?

With most of the old bandits sunning themselves on the Costa Del Sol, I had the pleasure of playing for the President's Putter with Sam Reason and Ronnie Walsh. Sam, a former Bootle junior, is just returning to golf following the completion of his university degree. Ronnie needs no introduction and the fact that he continues to play and support our club speaks volumes about him.

As the sevens, eights, nines and tens started to mount up it became obvious that it wasn't to be our day but that didn't detract from the laughter and the enjoyment. Ronnie played two shots trying to get his ball out of the ditch on the 15th before he picked it up and dropped, only to duff his next shot back into the ditch. In fact he spent so much time in the ditch that Sam and I thought he had met someone.

Membership of the club is on the increase and the course is in great shape. We might have third class facilities at the moment, but we have first class members. Long may it continue. 

April Winners

Prizewinners for April have been posted in the competition results section. Congratulations to everyone and its especially pleasing to see Tommy Swift's name on the list.

Saturday Golf

Many thanks to Mike, Phil & Bobby for letting me join their Saturday group last week-end. Very enjoyable golf and a close match that lasted until the 17th green. The 'Saturday' guys have a nice set up and visit the "Nethy" afterwards to discuss the days golf and distribute the winnings. Thoroughly recommended.

Quote of the Day

"That would have been a five if I hadn't been playing seven off the tee". (the Captain on the 15th green after hitting three consecutive tee shots out of bounds). Believe it or not, this would make perfect sense in Ireland.

Custer's Last Stand

Alec Greslow's decision to grow a white beard and wear a navy blue cap made him look a bit like General Custer. And so, to keep to the story line, 'Custer' and his partner Steve O'Callaghan were duly scalped on the 16th green as the Captain and Vice won the game 3 and 1. Extending their unbeaten run the dream team were never behind in a great match that ebbed and flowed throughout the day. Big hitting SOC could be forgiven for complaining about sore shoulders as he carried his partner around for most of the match. The Vice Captain played some great shots during the match and looks in good shape for next weeks texas scramble.

Sefton Councillors Need Your Help

Its election time at Sefton Council and as usual we will all experience home visits and promotional flyers from those hoping to win or retain a seat on the council. Many promises are made regarding what they will do for you IF elected. So isn't it a great time to ask them what their plans are for Bootle Golf Course? What would they do to improve things IF they were elected?

We are not so naive as to think that there are funds to build a new clubhouse or even to restore the old one. But does that mean that they can't do anything to improve the facilities? Last year Sefton Council were awarded a grant of £250,000 by Sport England to promote healthy activities among adults.

Susan Bradshaw is the current councillor for the Netherton and Orrell ward and is currently seeking re-election. Why not ask Susan what her viewpoint is on upgrading the facilities at Bootle Golf Course if she was re-elected? Susan can be contacted by emailing susan.bradshaw@councillors.sefton.gov.uk (just click on this link). Or send a text to 07516 274 287. The names of the other candidates for this ward can be found on the Sefton council web site.

What's In A Name?

As a passing four ball acknowledged the Captain with the traditional greeting of "Good Morning, Captain", the tongue in cheek response was "Good Morning, Peasants". One wag then suggested that if this was the case, then the Vice Captain should be known as 'Baldrick'. Let's hope that name doesn't stick ........ :)

Membership Figures On The Increase

Pleasing to see that the club has signed up some new members, and re-signed some ex-members in recent weeks. There are also enquires being received via our twitter page @bootlegolfclub. Please keep spreading the word.

Dream Team Shine In The Sun

There wasn't much respect shown for Bootle's own "Royal" family as Stevie King and his "Queen" George Palin were systematically taken apart by the baby faced Captain and his new partner-in-crime, John Morgan.

The generous amount of shots awarded to the Royals made them firm favvourites but a mixture of bad luck, poor course management and an appaling lack of dress sense ended up in a comfortable 4 and 3 win for the new dream team. The win was sealed on the 15th when both Royals hit their second shots into the ditch.

Thanks to Stevie and George for the spirit the game was played in (... and the money of course!) and we look forward to much of the same as the summer unfolds.

Captains "Slummy" Charity Jar 2015

I have placed a 'tastefully' decorated green bottle in the shop in an effort to raise some money for charity this year. Instead of having the 'Captain's bunker' or 'ball in the pond' as reasons to contribute, I am asking everyone to contribute the small change or 'slummy' in their pockets when they are in the shop. 

Not sure how much we can collect in this way but its worth a go.Please feel free to impose a slummy 'fine' on members of your group for any reason on or off the course. There is plenty of time to decide which charity will benefit from our efforts and if you have any thoughts on this please speak to me or e.mail me at raymondames@hotmail.com Thanks for your co-operation.

Frodsham 1. Gorillas in the Mist?

20 Bootle golfers travelled to Frodsham on Good Friday. Although the weather could have been kinder, a good day was had by all with plenty to eat and drink. James Olsen ran out the overall winner while Alec, Bob & Graz collected the nearest the pin money . Graz might be the first person to receive a letter this season. His jibe that Gary & Taffy looked like gorillas in the mist, while possibly true, was a bit cruel.

Frodsham 2. You couldn't make it up!

As the fog reduced visibility to less than 100 yards Alec and Graz had a brain wave. They would drive down the fairway in two buggys, park one in the middle to give us a line off the tee, and then drive back in the other buggy. Genius? But not if you park the 'marker' buggy so far away you can't see it from the tee box! They must have Irish blood in them somewhere.

Bootle Golf Club on Twitter - Something to crow about?

The use of technology and the whole social media phenomenon continues to grow and even our Secretary/Vice Captain has dug his short arms into his deep pockets and bought himself a 'smart' phone.

Determined not to be left behind I have created a twitter account and you can get to it by simply clicking on the little icon above. To be perfectly honest I am still learning the basics myself, but if it is another way of putting our club 'on the map' or keeping our members informed, then it should be worth the effort. Use your computer or smart phone to access the twitter home page and type @bootlegolfclub (no spaces) into the "search twitter" box at the top of the page. Watch this space.

Captain's Drive-In

The cold, wet and windy weather was bad enough but add to that the clocks 'going forward' and everyone missing an extra hour in bed. I think we all could have been forgiven for not turning up. However, and despite everything going against us, the numbers who turned out were a terrific advertisement for the comradeship in this club. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who braved the cold.

​The evening buffet and prize giving again had an impressive turn-out when approximatley 60 people attended. The Captain's jacket was officially handed over by our outgoing Captain, now Chairman, Bob Manktelow. It was great to see our lady members (at both events). Photographs of those golfers who were awarded medals and trophies have been posted in the photo gallery section and congratulations to all of them.

Early Competition Winners

Dream Team News

On Sunday 8th March the "dream team" of Captain Bob Manktelow and his evergreen vice captain lined up for their latest challenge against Steve O'Callaghan and Alec Greslow. They won.

Captain's Drive In

The Captain's Drive-n will take place at 9.00am on Sunday 29th March 2015 with the official jacket presentation taking place at Bellarmines where food will be provided. The change of date (from 1st week of January) has been made to hopefully generate a better attendance as the weather should be kinder and the financial strains of Christmas become a thing of the past. It would be great to see as many faces as possible, even the scary ones, either at the tee, at the club or preferably both.

Bootle Golf Club Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting of Bootle Golf Club was held on Monday 2nd March at the Sir Robert Bellarmines club with approximately 30 members in attendance. Office bearers and committee members for the coming year were announced and confirmed and full details will be displayed in the clubouse. While delivering his report the Secretary informed the meeting of the recent passing of Peter Quick and offered his condolences to Elaine and family on behalf of the club.

Gorillas in the mist ..........??

Resplendent in a pink outfit, the young Vice Captain stood out like a beacon of hope through the mist that descended on Bootle golf course last Sunday. The conditions obviously suited big hitters John Burton and Phil Gughrill who decided the time was right to throw down the gauntlet and challenge the Dream Team's unbeaten record.

As big John struggled to find his form in the early holes the young Vice steered his team to a lead of 2 up at the turn. This lead see- sawed during the back nine and despite a birdie at the 12th the match was brought back to level by the 18th tee. A mixture of bad luck and outrageous fortune on the last hole saw Phil put his drive out of bounds while John B's chip to the green saw his ball hit the flag at 40 miles per hour before stopping by the hole. The match ended all square and this was probably the right result. Our thanks to John and Phil for a very enjoyable day in less than ideal conditions.

Winners

Congratulations to Alec Greslow who has won the 2014 winter league competition. Alec has recorded a total of 5 wins in all competitions since this web site started. However this was pipped by Joe Anderson who has notched up a total of six victories during the same period.

Winning Ways ???

You probably have a fair idea anyway but as you start to adjust your sights for the season ahead, here are some of the targets you should be aiming at if you want to be a winner;

Saturday Voucher Comp (39 Points)

Sunday Voucher Comp (42 Points)

Saturday Winter League (37 Points)

Sunday Winter League (41 Points)

Average Stableford winning score (40 Points)

Average Medal winning score (nett 70)

Annual Prize Giving

A complaint has been lodged with Barbacoa regarding the standard of food and service at our annual prize giving dinner. We anticipate moving to a different venue next year.

A very Happy 2015 to all our members and visitors. I'm sure that the ongoing improvements to the course by the Landscape Group will attract visitors in even greater numbers in 2015 and hopefully many of them will take the decision to join our club.

Larry Riley

It's been said that our Captain throws money about like a Scotsman with no arms. But even Grumpy Bob happily parted with his not so hard earned cash as Larry won Sunday's sweep with a magnificent score of 39 points. Its the best sign yet that Larry's recovery from injury is ongoing and long may it continue.

I'm happy to report that suggestions that Larry should be tested for "drugs" were met with "stiff" resistance. 

Tsunami Golf

It seemed like a tsunami hit the course last Sunday as two more Bootle stalwarts were swept away by the tidal force of golf produced by the "dream team". The Captain and his baby faced Vice inflicted another defeat on Secretary John Morgan and Tommy O'Sullivan. As he realised his golf was not going to be good enough John tried his hand at a spot of fishing on the 14th to try and take his mind off it. Highlight of the round was Tommy "rolling" a putt into the hole from 10 yards off the temporary green on the 6th.

Fixture List 2015

A provisional competition list for 2015 has been posted in the fixtures section. Other dates wll be included as soon as possible and, as usual, there may be some slight changes as we move through the season. Any changes will be communicated to you at the eraliest possible opportunity. I have also made mention of the final day of 'other' majors being played next year to help you plan your golf if necessary.

Red Indians in Bootle?

We all know there are a few bandits knocking about the course but it seems like the red indians have been here too. The dream team of the Club Captain and his youthful Vice took two huge scalps last Sunday as they continued their long unbeaten run. It was like Custer's Last Stand as evergreen Albie Greslow and partner Peter Upton eventually succumbed to the inevitable. "Circling the wagons" at 2 Up the pair thought the battle was over but a solid second nine by the office bearers saw the better team win the match 3 and 2. A most enjoyable game with great company throughout - thanks guys.

Annual Prize Giving

Bootle Golf Club's annual dinner and prize giving was held last Saturday at the Barbacoa restaurant in Waterloo. Secretary John Morgan, assisted by Alec Greslow succesfully allocated all the silverware to the deserving winners. Among the guests were the lovely ladies from our defacto clubhouse at the St. Robert Bellarmines club who once again showed their support. Congratulations to all the prize winners. There are a selection of pics in the photo gallery.

Can You Believe It ...........

It's easy to lose something at the golf course. I mean who hasn't lost a tee, a ball, a hole, a match? Some people have even lost the odd club - but an entire builder's van!

Now that's not easy.

Golf Lessons for the Over 50's

I have been contacted by Darren Carr from Active Sefton to help with the promotion of a joint initiative between Sefton Council and Bootle golf professional Alan Bradshaw to introduce golf to the over 50's.

A series of 6 sessions are planned and at a total cost of £5 this works out at about 83 pence per session. This represents unbelieveable value for money. Hopefully this venture will enjoy the success it thoroughly deserves and maybe particpants will consider membership of BGC once they have been bitten by the bug.

Further information is available from the shop at Bootle Golf Course and Darren can be contacted on 07970 743 486 or0151 288 6282 and at www.active-sefton.co.uk.

Visitor Numbers Up at Bootle

It's very pleasing to see more and more golfers turning out at Bootle. Although the unusually warm weather may have a lot do with it I believe the excellent playing conditions is a major reason why more golfers are visiting. Please take the time to say hello to our visitors. With a new membership year just around the corner wouldn't be great to see a host of new faces in 2015.

No Respect For The Elderly

On an almost daily basis we read in the newspapers how our aging population are not treated with dignity and respect. I am happy to report that the Captain and I carried on this tradition by battering the club's oldest married couple, Larry Riley and Jimmy Murphy.

From the outset the "pensioners" instigated a cunning plan. Firstly Larry tried to upset the immaculately dressed Vice Captain by turning up in a shocking mixture of black and white pringle and a purple baseball cap. When they could see this wasn't working they switched Plan B which seen the Smurf singing songs so out of tune I thought he must be in considerable pain.

As far as the golf was concerned the difference in class was as wide as the age gap. Playing the 16th the 'youngster's were three up and this was the opportunity to hammer the final nail into the coffin. The young Vice Captain first hit his 160 yard approach to within 3 feet of the hole for a guaranteed birdie. This was topped by the Captain who sank a 50 foot putt for his birdie. I don't usually like to see grown men cry but this was the exception.

(Seriously) My thanks to the Pensioners for the spirit in which the game was played. It's great to see Larry back in the swing and back on the course as he continues to recover from a nasty injury.

Past (It) Captains Annual Golf Day

Saturday 25th October saw the Past Captain's annual golf day played out in glorious winter sunshine. A total of ten players, including three ladies battled it out on a course which is still in fantastic condition given the time of year. Albie Greslow ran out the winner when he returned  a nett 64. Congratulations.

.... and a quick reminder that the Annual Dinner & Prize Giving will be held on 22nd November (details below).

80 Years Ago

At the official function to mark the opening of Bootle golf course in 1934, Alderman Mahon said "You have read in the Bootle Times that there is talk of the formation of a club here. I hope there will be not only a club, but a 'nineteenth' hole. So long as it remains a place where we can bring the ladies and know they will spend a pleasant day, I think we should welcome it".

SOC (Stevie O'Callaghan)

On Saturday 13th September SOC generously hosted a function at the St. Robert Bellarmines club to mark his retirement from the world of work.The function was well attended by SOC's work colleagues and club members and, as usual, there was enough food to feed a small country. Entertainment was in plentiful supply and I will never forget (although I am trying hard) the sight of George Palin performing "Gangnam Style". Stevie's final rendition of "My Way" supported by his boy band at the end of the evening was a fitting tribute was tremendous and finished the evening off in style. On behalf of all club members I would like to take this opportunity to thank SOC for the invitation and wish him a very long and a very happy retirement.

I have placed a few photographs in the gallery section.

English Landscapes

The Secretary has reported that English Landscapes has been awarded a six year lease to maintain and improve the course by Sefton Council. Many favourable comments have been received from visiting clubs and individuals regarding the course and I'm sure everyone will agree with me that Rob and his team are making great strides in this regard. Please assist the greenkeeping staff by playing your part on the course; replace divots, repair pitch marks and avoid running trolleys over bare patches where possible. A course that is in top condition benefits us all so it is only right that we all take responsibility for keeping it that way.

John Morgan

Some of you may have noticed that our Secretary returned to the 'battlefield' at the annual Car & Commercial competition. Claiming that "they had never been beaten", the Secretary and sponsor Lee Deegan were shown no mercy by the Captain and Vice Captain who battered them without an ounce of sympathy. It's good to see John back in the ring following his recent mishap and out of respect I won't even mention his failing eyesight when it comes to identifying golf balls. 

Bootle Car & Commercial

While on the subject, many thanks to Lee Deegan who has once again hosted our golf club's premier competition. The popularity of this event was borne out by the large turnout on the course and again at our 'clubhouse' in Harris Drive for the prize giving. Lee even managed top get the weather right! Many thanks also to Vinnie, George, Bev and all the staff at St. Robert Bellarmine who all contributed and congratulations to ALL the prize winners.

Bootle Golf Club Web Site

Many thanks for taking the time to visit this site. The success of any club web site is always linked to the level of participation from its members. I hope that YOU will play a part in contributing news, views, gossip, jokes and tales from the course. Until we get our own clubhouse, lets make this a virtual one.

I am new to the world of web sites and am hoping to establish some additional facilities such as members log-in, comments section etc so if anyone is in a position to help I would be extremely grateful. In the meantime, should you have anything to contribute or suggest (including photographs) please send them to raymondames@hotmail.com and I will be pleased to publish them on your behalf.

Council Meetings

Club council meetings take place at 8.00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the St. Robert Bellarmine Club, Harris Drive, Bootle.

Captain's Day

Captain Bob Manktelow hosted a very successful Captain's Day competition on Saturday 26th July. An evening prize giving and meal was hosted at Bellarmine's. Thanks too to Bev and her staff for their support.

Bootle Car & Commercial

This competition has been moved to Sunday 7th September 2014.

Annual Dinner & Prize Giving

Following the success of last year's event, this function will once again be held at BARBACOA, 47 Mersey View, Waterloo on Saturday 22nd November 2014.