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25th June Cup at Romiley GC
February 11th 2025
We celebrate the 25th June Cup this year with a visit to Romiley Golf Club in Cheshire.
The 6310 yard Par 70 course has a very good reputation, and is challenging but fair.
Although a little more expensive than we normally budget for, it was agreed by all that we should consider the course as a quality venue at which to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of our competition.
Further details will of course be provided by Quent presently, and in the meantime you can view the course at romileygolfclub.co.uk

Tenerife 2025 Update
February 11th 2025
All courses have now been booked for our 2025 Tenerife Tour.
Initially we had hoped to include Abama GC in our plans, however the extremely high cost of playing there has not made this possible, and we will now play the same five courses that we visited in 2024.
With just the Transport now to book, we are very much ahead of where we would normally be at this time of year, and can expect a full itinerary at some point well in advance of the trip. In the meantime all starting times and dates are available on the Competitions page of this site.

Scotland 2025 Itinerary
January 16th 2025
With all bookings in place, and consultation with attendees complete, Quent has now provided the suggested itinerary for the 2025 Scotland trip:
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Thursday 1st May
08:00 Meet at Toby Carvery for ‘all you can eat’ buffet breakfast
08:45 Depart for Castle Douglas in 3 cars
(QC, JE, KS), (AC, PA), (GW, DA, AV)
11:30 Arrive Market Inn, Castle Douglas, meet with DW
Check-In if rooms available (if not, check in after golf)
My suggestion for the rooms as follows, anybody not happy just shout:
7 Singles – QC, GW, DA, AV, JE, DW, KS 1 Twin – AC/PA,
12:30 Depart hotel for Kirkcudbright G.C.
12:15 Arrive Kirkcudbright G.C.
13:20 Tee off 3 x 3 balls with 6 buggies – Green fees £36 and buggies £30 per cart
19:30 Market Inn Hotel evening meal
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Friday 2nd May
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Depart for Colvend G.C.
10:50 Tee off 3 x 3 balls with 6 buggies – Green fees £35 and buggies £28 per cart
17:00 Return to Castle Douglas
19:30 Kings Arms Courtyard Restaurant evening meal
Saturday 3rd May
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Depart for Cally Palace G.C.
11:00 Tee off 3 x 3 balls with 6 buggies – Green fess £40 and buggies £30 per cart
17:00 Return to Castle Douglas
20:30 Olive Retreat Greek Restaurant evening meal
Sunday 4th May
09:00 Breakfast & Check Out
10:00 Return journeys

Tenerife 2025 Update
January 14th 2025
Flights are now booked for the 2025 Tenerife Tour. Accomodation has also been secured - once again we return to Tinerfe Gardens Apartments which we found to be ideal for us in 2024.
The only anticipated changes to last year's itinerary at the moment are that we will be looking to replace Golf Del Sur with Abama GC, and if possible we will also be bringing Tee-times forward to allow us more time in the evenings.
Any updates will appear here as they develop.

New Year Social Event - The first of 2025.
December 20th 2024
We celebrate the New Year with our traditional Christmas Curry Night - albeit a month later than usual due to the previous Greek Night being so close to Christmas.
In a Social Event that will also serve to celebrate Neil Butterworth's birthday, we again return to an Oldham venue - on this occasion K's Lounge in Springhead.
This Indian cuisine comes highly recommended by Brian Clarke, and we have an ideal meeting point for our pre-meal drinks across the road at Springhead Sports & Social Club.
This event will take place on Friday 24th January - Graham will shortly advise of meeting / eating times.

New Social Event - It's Greek Again!
October 21st 2024
The next social gathering of THUGS will take place on Friday 29th November - this time to celebrate Adie's birthday.
Once again a Greek restaurant has been chosen - this time because it is a new and promising venture situated on the doorstep of many of us.
Apollo's restaurant at 57 High St in Lees, Oldham officially opens on 8th November, and we've been patiently waiting for the opening to be announced before making the booking - hence the fact it will be almost two months later than Adie's actual birthday.
The meal is booked for 8.15pm, and we will be meeting from 6.30 in the newly reopened Angel Inn just a few yards round the corner.
As this event will be so close to Christmas, it has been suggested that we move the date of our traditional Thugs Christmas curry on this occasion, and organise a New Year curry instead.
Further details if required can be obtained from Adie for this one. Graham will no doubt soon be in touch with everyone regarding the rescheduled curry night.

Tenerife 2024 - The Magnificent Seven Return With A Verdict!
October 1st 2024
After 26 years of Mallorca trips the decision to move our tour to Tenerife was not taken lightly - after all we have built up a love for the Balearic Island over the years, and probably have a greater knowledge of its courses, restaurants and bars than most, if not all other golf societies. However the demise of the popular resorts around the South West of the island has prompted us to question whether a more suitable venue might be found, and 2024 saw us heading off to the Canary Island of Tenerife in search of such an alternative.
Our arrival in Costa Adeje on the Sunday evening began with a few beers a few hundred yards from our hotel, followed by a very inexpensive and delicious kebab, before taking in a few more drinks and retiring to bed in anticipation of our first golf day of the week.
Costa Adeje Championship course proved to be a superb test of golf on a very well maintained track, with a wide range of scores recorded - the best of which belonged to Adie Cartwright who earned himself a comfortable Pink Jacket lead on the first day, amassing 34 points and an 6 point gap over runner up Neil Butterworth. Adie also took two Nearest The Pin prizes, whilst the only other minor honour of the day belonged to Dave Whittingham for his Longest Drive.
​​​The Embassy restaurant close to our Tinerfe Apartments hotel was chosen for Monday evening's meal. Fairly priced and offering delicious food, we had no complaints at all here, and rounded off the evening with another different bar crawl.
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Tuesday's golf was hosted by Amarilla GC, which again we found to be in good condition, and offering a variety of different holes. This time it was Graham Wilson's turn to shine, with a 30 point win, and two point advantage over second placed Andy Vickers. Adie Cartwright won his third Nearest The Pin, with Quent Cartwright also bagging a further NTP plus the Longest Drive award.
Carlos restaurant is already a favourite amongst a number of our members, and though a little more expensive, appeared to impress most of our group on the Tuesday evening. After dining, we again we took to the bars in another area of CA - this time around the bay - to finish our evening.
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Probably the biggest surprise in terms of golf courses was the lovely Los Lagos course on Wednesday. Despite being considered a 'Beginners' course and only having nine holes, we found it to be picturesque, well manicured and full of features which differed completely when replaying the nine the next time round.
Andy Vickers triumphed on this occasion with 39 points - just edging Dave Whittingham out by a single point. In doing so, Andy also gained a NTP prize, with Quent claiming a further two NTP's.
Birdies were recorded on the day, by Adie and Dave, with Adie also taking the Longest Drive honour.
​​A five minute taxi into the hills on Wednesday evening took us to the Calma Balkan Cuisine, where excellent views, an extensive menu and very generous helpings of fine food were to be found. Again, a tour of previously unvisited bars brought the night to a close, giving us the feeling that we had visited several different resorts rather than simply finding a new area of CA each night.
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As always, Thursday provides us with a day off from golf. A bit of shopping, a stroll into Las Americas, or a couple of hours round the pool were some of the choices made by our group, before the majority headed to Moonlight Bar to watch the afternoon entertainment followed by some food and drink in the Torviscas 'Alley'. A few further bar visits and a little shopping or sunbathing finished the afternoon before we took a short taxi ride to Bombay Babu Indian restaurant at the Duke Centre. The meal was as good as we have had elsewhere on our travels, and was followed by yet another fairly civilised drink around more unfrequented bars.
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Friday's golf was played out at Las Americas GC. Again, a testing course in good condition with varying levels of interest. Dave had by now got into his stride, and produced a very commendable 37 points to comfortably beat runner up Quent by a seven point margin. Dave's pretty impressive round was aided by Birdies on both the first and the last holes.
Quent had to console himself with the first NTP with Second Shot prize of the week, whilst Neil was the recipient of the Longest Drive honour. Neil also bagged himself a NTP, with Adie adding the same to his tally.
​​​Harley's Diner provided the entertainment and food in the evening, with the excellent Soundchaser playing a great rock set to accompany our impressive food.
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The week of golf seemed to fly by, and our final round was contested at Golf Del Sur GC. - another fine course, with some unique holes in great condition. By far the longest round of the week however, it would appear that the eight minute gap between tee times should probably be extended as there was a considerable amount of waiting to be done.
The wait was clearly no distraction to Andy, has he carded 31 points to record his second win of the week, with Quent once again taking the runner up spot five points further back.
Another NTP each were won by Adie and Dave - who also Birdied the first hole yet again, and the winners pot was boosted by Andy's Longest Drive and NTP2 claims.
Despite Andy's two daily wins during the week, consistency kept him away from the overall Pink Jacket victory, and it was Dave's steady scoring across the week that helped him retain the Claret Jug and Pink Jacket for another year with a 5 point buffer over second placed Adie.
​​​Our final evening on the Island took us to SlowBoat Chinese restaurant where once a few hiccups with the orders were resolved, a lovely meal was had. A few drinks in Scallywags followed before we headed to the Cerveceria at Ocean Park to end the evening.
With a late flight home on Sunday evening, we had chance for some final shopping, sunbathing and snacks by the pool before heading to the airport to end a fabulous and refreshingly different THUGS week.
There are a number of things that should not go unmentioned at this point;
Thanks should go to Quent and Jim for their efforts in organising the trip.
Congratulations are in order for Dave - our Pink Jacket winner.
We also massively appreciate Pete Ashworth's assistance on all the courses - even though injury stopped him playing.
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So. The verdict?
Well the only negatives were the bar being closed at Las Americas GC after the round, Slow Boat overcharging us by 80 Euros, a few too many cockroaches and a simply terrible Freddie Mercury impersonator at Scallywags.
On the positives side the weather was fantastic, the food was excellent, the prices were far cheaper than Mallorca, the golf courses were superb, the transfers were absolutely brilliant, the apartments were perfect, and the bars were much, much more abundant.
There's no doubt we have found a new home.

Tenerife 2024 Itinerary
August 7th 2024
With just 45 days to go before our much anticipated inaugural Tenerife trip, all arrangements are now in place, and the usual full itinerary has been reproduced below:
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SUNDAY 22/9
11:15 MEET AT 13, WILTSHIRE ROAD, CHADDERTON, OL9 7RY
FOR THE USUAL TRIP COMMENCEMENT
12:00 TAXI DEPARTS FOR MANCHESTER AIRPORT (TERMINAL 1)
12:45 CHECK IN FOR EASYJET FLIGHT No.EZY2009 TO TENERIFE
* Baggage rules this year: EASYJET have an allowance of 23kg for your hold baggage and one smaller cabin bag allowed (40cm H x 20 cm D x 25cm W) that has to fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed 10kg. The allowance for golf bags is 20kg.
13:15 TRANSFER TO VIP LOUNGE FOR PRE FLIGHT DRINKS & SNACKS,
PINK JACKET TOTE BETTING AND DISCUSS EVENING & DAY OFF &
PLAN FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
15:55 OUTBOUND FLIGHT No. EZY2009 TO TENERIFE SOUTH
20:35 ARRIVE TENERIFE AIRPORT, LOCAL TIME
TRANSFER TO APART'S TINERFE GARDEN
*ROOM #1 (2 bedroom, 6 beds) - AC, PA, QC, NB
*ROOM 2 (1 bedroom, 4 beds) GW, AV, DW
ASAP SHOWER, CHANGE AND MEET FOR BEERS & LOCAL KEBAB
MONDAY 23/9
9:00 BREAKFAST
11:00 DEPART FOR GOLF
12:18 - 12:26 TEE-OFF - COSTA ADEJE GC
RETURN TO TINERFE GARDEN
21:00 RESTAURANT - EMBASSY
TUESDAY 24/9
9:00 BREAKFAST
10:45 DEPART FOR GOLF
12:04/12:12 TEE-OFF - AMARILLA GC
RETURN TO TINERFE GARDEN
21:00 RESTAURANT - CARLOS
WEDNESDAY 25/9
9:00 BREAKFAST
11:00 DEPART FOR GOLF
12:02/12:10 TEE-OFF - LOS LAGOS
RETURN TO TINERFE GARDEN
21:00 RESTAURANT - CALMA BALKAN CUISINE
THURSDAY 26/9
9:30 BREAKFAST
DAY OFF GOLF
MOONLIGHT BAR
20:00 RESTAURANT - BOMBAY BABU INDIAN
FRIDAY 27/9
9:00 BREAKFAST
12:00 DEPART FOR GOLF
15:00/15:10 TEE-OFF - LAS AMERICAS
RETURN TO TINERFE GARDEN
22:30 RESTAURANT - TINERFE GARDEN
SATURDAY 28/9
9:00 BREAKFAST
10:30 DEPART FOR GOLF
12:02/12:10 TEE-OFF - GOLF DEL SUR (Links/Nord)
RETURN TO TINERFE GARDEN
21:00 RESTAURANT - SLOWBOAT CHINESE
SUNDAY 29/9
9:00 BREAKFAST
10:00 DAVE TO AIRPORT
18:30 CHECK OUT OF TINERFE GARDEN
21:20 INBOUND EASYJET FLIGHT No. EZY2010 TO MANCHESTER
1:45 ARRIVE MANCHESTER AIRPORT, LOCAL TIME (TERMINAL 1)
Dave Whittingham will be making his own arrangements from Gatwick and will meet us in Tenerife,

June Cup 2024 A Roaring Success!
July 4th 2024
Once again the weather gods looked down favourably on us for our annual June Cup, with constant sunshine to compliment a fantastic Ellesmere course adding up to a perfect day's golfing for all.
Excellent bacon sandwiches and coffee were enjoyed by the twelve participants before engaging in battle for the coveted trophy. Ellesmere's long but fair holes made the competition a lower scoring event than would normally be expected, but there were no complaints about the quality of the course, and all thoroughly enjoyed the test.
In the end, Leo Stuchbury's 29 points was enough to take the accolade of June Cup 24 Victor - narrowly beating Quent Cartwright by a single stableford point.
In taking the honours, Leo carded two birdies, whilst Neil Butterworth and Mike Wood also managed a birdie apiece.
Neil added to his prize tally by winning the Nearest The Pin challenge, and Graham Wilson recorded the Longest Drive.
A very substantial post round meal was provided by our hosts, which was followed as usual by a few drinks and much laughter and banter.
We have much to thank Ellesmere GC for - The welcome and attention we were given, the friendliness of its members, the quality of the course, and the fantastic food all added to a memorable day out for our members.
Congratulations go to all prize winners - and particularly to Leo who had played very little golf recently, but still had the confidence to jest that he would be taking the trophy home with him - and duly did!

Scotland 2024 - The perfect break.
April 17th 2024
Like a good local whisky - The Scotland trip seems to improve with age. A fabulous break was enjoyed by all, with fantastic weather, great food, a few pints consumed, and a lot of belly-aching laughter.
The Market Inn Hotel in Castle Douglas really looked after us, and once again provided the perfect base for our trip.
On the courses, Kirkcudbright was in great condition, and suited Quent Cartwright the most as he triumphed on the day, with the added bonus of a Nearest The Pin victory thrown in. Jimmy Elliott took the Longest Drive honour.
Colvend was stunning as always, with hospitality second to none. Adie Cartwright carded the best round here, but it was the cream scones that won the day!
Cally Palace is a long round to finish the trip on, but was in good condition considering the previous week's rainfall, and produced some decent scores - of which Adie's proved highest.
The format for this event is simple - Keep it friendly and uncompetitive, and go out there and have fun on and off the course. This we most certainly did, and although some more than others found themselves the butt of the jokes and pranks, everyone had a tremendous time together, and will be counting the days until we're back in D&G.

Scotland 2024 Itinerary
April 20th 2024
Our itinerary is now available for the upcoming Scotland trip, with all arrangements and bookings now in place:
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Thursday 2nd May
08:00 Meet (exc. Neil) at Toby Carvery for ‘all you can eat’ buffet breakfast
08:45 Depart for Castle Douglas in 3 cars
(QC, JE, AV), (AC, PA), (GW, DA)
09:15 Meet up with Neil at Rivington Services M61, AV to join Neil
11:30 Arrive Market Inn, Castle Douglas, meet with DW
Check-In if rooms available (if not, check in after golf)
Rooms as follows:
7 x Singles – QC, GW, DA, AV, JE, NB, DW
1 x Twin – AC / PA
12:00 Depart hotel for Kirkcudbright G.C.
12:15 Arrive Kirkcudbright G.C.
13:00 Tee off 2 x 4 balls with 4 buggies
18:30 Shower, change and meet for drinks
19:30 Table reservation at Market Inn for evening meal
Friday 3rd May
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Depart for Colvend G.C.
11:00 Tee off 2 x 4 balls with 4 buggies
17:00 Return to Castle Douglas
19:00 Meet for drinks
20:30 Jewel In The Crown Indian Restaurant
Saturday 4th May
08:45 Breakfast
10:00 Depart for Cally Palace G.C.
11:00 Tee off 2 x 4 balls with 4 buggies
17:00 Return to Castle Douglas
19:00 Meet for drinks
20:30 Niko’s Greek Restaurant
Sunday 5th May
09:00 Breakfast & Check Out
10:00 Return journeys
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Any questions should be addressed to Quent on this one.

Tenerife addition!
April 17th 2024
Once again, Neil Butterworth has surprised us all (Or may be simply attention seeking!) in arranging to join us for the THUGS Tenerife Tour 2024. Having had some plans change in his diary, he is now available for the trip in September.
Flights and accommodation are organised, and we are delighted that a well seasoned Tour member will be able to make what is anticipated as being the best trip for many years.

2024 June Cup News
April 11th 2024
Ellesmere Golf Club has been chosen as the venue for the 2024 June Cup.
A new venue is sought every year, with the criteria being that it isn't too difficult, is within easy reach of the majority of players, and offers good value - Ellesmere appears to fit the bill perfectly on all fronts, and Quent's endeavours to find a suitable venue appear to have been fruitful.
Within easy access of the A580 East Lancashire Road at Worsley, the 6000 yard par 70 (Yellow Tees) course appears to have many wide fairways, with a handful of tricky approaches, and is reasonably flat.
Our £49 package will include bacon rolls and coffee on arrival, with a two course meal following the golf.
More details will shortly be available from Quent. In the meantime you can view the course at www.ellesmeregolfclub.co.uk/
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Ellesmere Golf Club
The Clubhouse, Old Clough Lane, Worsley, UK, M28 7HZ

Birthday celebrations at Old School BBQ Bus!
February 8th 2024
With a number of birthday celebrations to undertake these coming months, Quent has organised the next one for the 8th March at The Old School BBQ Bus in Hollinwood, Oldham. It's been a while since we were last there, but great food is always guaranteed.
Meeting at the Railway Inn, we will be dining at 9pm and are planning to continue with drinks locally after the meal.
Full details available from QC.

2024 Socials get underway!
February 8th 2024
A busy year of social events taking in a number of milestone birthday celebrations begins on 23rd February with a curry night at Khau Galli in Oldham for Dave Whittingham. Graham Wilson provides all the detail for this one, as Dave makes the long trip up from Dorset.
Khau Galli has a very good reputation locally, and should prove a popular choice.





