What a weekend of golf! Although we hate to say it, but congratulations must go to the American team who, quite simply, played the better golf, sunk more putts and deserved to win. The match between Garcia and Mickelson was golf at its best, as was the game between McIlroy and Reed. The way that Pieters took to the Ryder Cup like a duck to water and was amazing to see.

It's probably good for the competition that America won to keep up their interest - they really put everything into regaining the cup. Roll on France in 2 years.


 

Next week we will be renovating greens. We will have two processes going on during the week, firstly deep tine aeration in low lying and wetter areas such as the back of the 7th green and the front of the 16th green. These deep large hole will be back filled with lots of sand to ensure we can keep these areas playable during the wetter winter months. We will then use a smaller tine to create lots of tightly spaced holes which will also be backfilled with sand. These will be shallow and should recover quickly. 

This has two objectives, firstly to create many small seed pockets to aid our quest to establish bent into our greens, and secondly the sand brushed into these shallow holes will help dilute the organic matter produced this year. 

Whilst undertaking these works we will use the holes cut in the approaches to enable us to work safely and efficiently.

Whilst this is happening we will also be scarifying fairways, this is a large task that will be time consuming and could take up to two weeks. Whilst undertaking these works, the hole we are working on will be closed and we'll ask you to use 18th a as an alternative. 

Glenn Kirby 
Golf Course Manager


 

An amazing £320 was raised last Friday in the MacMillan coffee morning. Many thanks to all those that made cakes for the event and especially to those that ate them! 

Special thanks to Ryan, Stephen and all the bar staff for keeping the coffee flowing on such a busy day.


 

I have been asked to remind you of a simple rule when 'Putting' if you have a caddie or are part of a team. Your playing partners are NOT permitted to stand behind you whilst putting. 

14-2b. Positioning of Caddie or Partner Behind Ball 

A player must not make a stroke with his caddie, his partner or his partners caddie positioned on or close to an extension of the line of play or line of putt behind the ball. 

Penalty for breach of rule 14-2: 
Matchplay - Loss of hole
Stroke play - two strokes


 

How do you fancy your very own parking space for a year? 

Well for only a £1 it's well worth a go, all you need to do is guess the combined drives of all four incoming captains, Nick Goater, Wendy Evans, Tony Crawford and Laurie Tennant. 

The entry sheet is on the bar. 

The draw will take place after the 'Drive In' and all proceeds are going to the new captain's charity, Naomi House and Jack's Place, local to Winchester and a very worthy cause. 


 

New in this week, is the ProQuip range of waterproofs, to compliment the range we have consisting of Mittens, Beanie hats, umbrellas and waterproof hats. 

The hat has an adjustable chin strap draw-cord and toggle ensures the hat stays on in wet and windy weather and is adjustable to all head sizes. The wide brimmed hat offers complete protection from rain for the head and neckline.

Click here to find out more about our ProQuip waterproof range.

   

Book Sale

I am selling a few sports Autobiographies in the shop and all proceeds will go to the current Captain's charity the Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance. 

Your donations can help them reach their final target of £8,000.


 

Chris is getting the hang of these acting roles now and has produced a video tip for you this week on chipping and how to set up correctly.

Click here to view this week's video.

If you are struggling with any aspect of your game, click here to get in touch or come and have a chat with us in the pro shop.


 

Last Of The Summer Wine - as your Senior Captain thoroughly enjoyed a round at our twin Club Etretat (pictured with Dave Jago) towards the end of a busy year in office. The 10th hole was indeed as majestic and daunting as promised. If you've never played Etretat, go there; it's a "must"!

Our first away "Summer Friendly" against Barton-on-Sea Vets in March seems a long time ago as we play our last; the return at Hockley on 5th October. 

My last official occasion following the past Senior Captains match will be the Seniors Annual Meeting on 14th October. 

Geoff Charnley 
Seniors Captain


 

Despite a sterling effort our junior section were unable to wring a win out of the Triangular event this season. Going into the final of six matches we were only eight points behind Royal Winchester. 

Great golf from both Luke Evans and Tom Chalk who scored 40 and 39 points respectively, was still not enough to overcome some outstanding golf from Royal, who eventually ran out winners by a mere 4 points. 

The team have played extremely well all season, the games have been played in a friendly and competitive nature and we are now looking forward to getting our hands on that trophy next year. 

Well done all. 

Colin Field
Junior organiser

A date for your diary - The Roger Gaines trophy is to be played on Friday, 28 October, please keep an eye on the notice board for more information.


 

On Tuesday, 27 September we had a gathering of 'past its' or 'dead queens' as they have been called, namely past ladies captains. Eight took part in a non-qualifying stableford, won by Kay Walshe (in a purple patch) with 36 points. Close behind were Nicky Stilwell and Sue Poulter with 35 points. This was followed by an excellent lunch (thank you Steve) where we were joined by six more retired captains.

On Friday, Hockley hosted the final of the Stoneham Cup Semi-finals in the morning, RWGC v Romsey and North Hants v Lee on Solent. Romsey and North Hants battled it out in an exciting final in the afternoon, with many supporters cheering them on. Romsey proved to be the delighted winners - champagne corks popping in the clubhouse after.

Just the autumn meeting to go, one more mixed friendly and Basingstoke ladies friendly before I hand over to Wendy at our AEM. Think I need a rest! 

Jean White 
Ladies Captain


 

Due to the awful weather on Saturday the Short Course stableford and Ladies medal were cancelled. However, Sunday was a totally different day, chilly start then brilliant sunshine! Perfect for the Hockley Ryder Cup, unfortunately only supported by 30 members, but all had an enjoyable round finished off by a great roast from Stephen.

All players that won their matches then played matchplay against each other, the final was between Nick Goater and Brad Barber who were all square on the 18th. With great sportsmanship they decided to share their winnings.

On his way to the final Nick beat his regular playing partner Jason Cattle 6&4, a proud moment for Nick! My thanks to our General Manager Paul for his assistance and for a great game with Nick Goater and Damian Cain.


 

Autumn Texas Scramble - Saturday, 8 October - Details have now been posted and entry is on the sheet posted on the notice board and not on BRS.

Men v Ladies - Sunday, 9 October - Entry information has now been posted on the notice board in the foyer. More players needed please.

Men's Short Course stableford

The AGM - Friday, 21 October - 7pm in the clubhouse.

Captains Drive In competition - Saturday, 22 October - Details have now been posted, sign up in teams of four and your starting tee will be allocated nearer the date of the event. Join the new Captains for drinks and nibbles after the Drive In.

The Winter League - information has now been posted and entries can be made on the PSI in both changing rooms.

Hockley Winter Foursomes - The popular Foursomes is now open for entry. We are very lucky at Hockley in being a free draining course, resulting in us not having a single course closure last winter despite it being one of the worst for many years. So in entering the Hockley Winter Foursomes we offer you the opportunity for some excellent winter competitive golf! This is an 'Open' event so please tell your friends. Full details are on the club website or in the foyer.