Hello golfers,

Justin Thomas’ victory at the US PGA sees the last of the year’s Majors, just where has the time gone? From 2019 the USA PGA will move to May; this will be the first time that the order of the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open and the PGA Championship will have been altered since 1971. There was a lot of ‘chat’ on social media about the BBC’s coverage of the US PGA and I must admit I thought it was a little dull, what did you think?

I hope you all find time to enjoy another edition of our weekly newsletter bringing you up-to-date with all the latest news and offers from Hockley Golf Club.

Success...

A couple of successes last week, on Thursday Tony Taylor-Still and I finished second in the HPGA Short Course Champs team event at Ampfield Golf Club, shooting nine under for 36 holes, one behind the winners.

Then on Friday Sean Dolphin, Indie Bilkhoo and Danny Francis joined me in the Blacknest Pro-Am, where we finished second on 12-under. Many thanks to them all for supporting me on the HPGA circuit. Onto the last few events now, I think I'm fifth in the OOM at the moment so will need a strong finish in the next few months.

No-chunk Chipping - Stand closer to simplify your swing...

Chipping isn't complicated, but a lot of golfers make it so. One issue I see is that they stand too far from the ball, like they're hitting an iron shot. From there, the club swings around the body on a circular arc, good for the full swing, but bad for chipping. That bigger motion makes you slow the club down before impact for fear of hitting the ball too far, you wind up chunking it.

To simplify things, get closer to the ball with the shaft more vertical, feel like the clubhead is up on its toe. This sets up a straighter swing path, with the clubface always looking down the line you want to hit the ball, not rotating open and closed. Plus, the swing will be shorter, so less can go wrong.

If you are still struggling with your short game and would like to book a lesson with one of our team, please click here to get in touch.

Lee on the Solent Men’s Match

On Sunday, 13 August, 14 Hockley golfing gladiators set off on the short trip to Lee on the Solent Golf Club for the second encounter of the “Jim’s Round Trophy."  Following the first match played in April, Hockley took an impressive seven point lead into the game having won 10.5 to 3.5. With great weather, a course in fantastic condition and with a drop of Brandy or two downed, Hockley set about the morning greensomes trying to put further daylight between the teams. However, Lee on the Solent are made of stern stuff winning 5.5 to 1.5 following the morning matches. Our overall lead was now down to three points.

Sandwiches and chips at lunchtime served as a welcome break and we were now ready for the afternoon fourball betterball matches. For Hockley, these matches started well winning the first two games setting the tone for the others and in the end Hockley won 4.5 - 2.5. Our fitness paid off in the end.

The day was finished off with a lovely two course meal and drinks followed by the presentations. Our congratulations went to Lee on the Solent for winning the day 8 – 6, but to Hockley for retaining the trophy with an aggregate score of 16.5 points to 11.5 points.

I would like to thank our Danny Francis for organising this fixture as well as our Hockley players who participated in the match. My thanks also to Lee on the Solent Golf Club for their hospitality throughout the day. We look forward to welcoming them back in the spring next year.

Nick Goater,
Club Captain.

Junior Championships

The Junior Championships will now be held on Sunday, 17 September and will be an 18 hole stableford, please enter on the psi. More information has been posted on the main and junior noticeboards.

Seniors' Open

A reminder to enter the Seniors' Open on Wednesday, 6 September. Entry forms can be found on the club website or in the clubhouse lobby. As usual the seniors will be holding a raffle on the day with all proceeds going to the Captain's Charity Naomi House and Jacks Place, if you are able to donate prizes please leave them in the office or with pro shop team.

Tony Crawford.

Competition Results

There were only five entrants into the Ladies Mid-week Medal and the winner, with a nett 78, was Jose Kellenberger. Congratulations to Gill Quick on winning the Ladies Southgate Knockout Final, runner-up was June Glasspell.

Notice...

The Men’s Vice Captain needs you, for the Winchester Triangular on Saturday, 26 August as more ladies are required, please support this event and sign-up in the foyer.

Saturday's Long Course Stableford Results

Division One's Winner was Peter Rooney with 40 points beating Murray Ellis and Gareth Mead on a countback. Division Two was won by Andrew Bulcock on 36 points.

Knockout Competitions

A reminder that the Semi-finals of the College Plate are to be played by Sunday, 20 August and there will be no extensions. If your match has been played, please ensure the result has been recorded on both the draw sheet and the PSI. If the winners are not posted by the round completion date the game could be assumed not to have been played and therefore both players could be subject to elimination. Winners - Please check that the win has been posted.

Upcoming Events

• Thursday, 17 August - Men’s Long Course Stableford.
  
• Saturday, 19 August - The James Braid Medal and a Ladies Stableford.
• Sunday, 20 August - Men’s Medal, The Bowker Salver and Ladies Hornsey Cup, please note the tee is reserved from 8:30am – 9:30am and 1:30pm – 2:30pm for the men and from 10:45am - 12.15pm for the ladies.
• Wednesday, 23 August - The BIGGA Golf Day, please note this is a two tee start so the course will be closed until 12:30pm.
  
• Saturday, 26 August - Winchester Triangular - Information has now been posted, more ladies and men needed, please support this event.
• Sunday, 10 September - The Sonny Sharpe Trophy is now open for entry on the psi. This is a 36-hole event, 18 holes of medal in the morning and 18 holes of stableford in the afternoon. The stableford points are deducted from the net medal score – lowest score wins, £15 per person. This event is also open to five day members upon payment of a £10 green fee, the event is limited to 66 players and if oversubscribed the entries will be balloted by handicap.