I had a number of applications for Joe's position and held several interviews and I am pleased to announce that Chris Kilgannon will be joining us on Tuesday, 23 September. Some of you will already know Chris from Royal Winchester Golf Club where he has been the teaching professional for some years. I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Chris to Hockley, and please come in and introduce yourselves to him. His first week will be spent 'shadowing' our current team.
It was Jack's turn this time to win, he won the Tidworth Pro Am on Friday with a 4 under par 66, and then went onto beat me 3 and 2 in the HPGA Match-play quarter finals. Jack now plays in the semi-final at Royal Winchester on Monday, 29 September.
Thank you to those of you that have completed my online survey this will help with my 2015 purchasing and help us provide the best service possible.
We really would love as many of you as possible to complete this, so if you have a few minutes free, please click here to enter the survey.
As a little incentive for you to complete the survey, all those who enter will be in with a chance to win a dozen Srixon AD333 balls.
Nike HyperAdapt Waterproof Suit
If you're thinking of purchasing a new waterproof suit this winter, then why not try the New Nike HyperAdapt waterproof suit. We have 4 sizes of jackets available for you to trial before you buy.
Combining flexibility and waterproof protection, the HyperAdapt is the only golf performance rain jacket of its kind. With sweater-like stretch and an impenetrable outer layer, this jacket combines the benefits of both without sacrificing performance.
With no-sew technology throughout the inner layer, designers minimised chaffing and added a new stretch component to the garment.
A four-way stretch system added to the shoulders and arms maximises range of motion and eliminates restrictions during the swing. This woven, stretch knit laminate combination provides a quiet garment during the swing and a sweater-like feel for comfort and protection at every angle.
Along with a comfortable fit and increased breathability, the HyperAdapt jacket is seam sealed for 100% waterproof protection. Adjustable cuffs and hems offer a custom fit for increased protection and even less distraction giving athletes an advantage with every detail.
Scratch Team Grateful for Sponsorship
With a few events remaining in the Scratch and low handicap calendar, it seemed an appropriate time for us to register our warm thanks to Mike Ellis and his company Aviation Management Partnership Ltd for putting up sponsorship this year. The Club teams play in the Beckford Bowl, Brokenhurst Stag and the Bowker Cup and Salver as scratch teams, as well as having scratch matches against the Hampshire Schools and the Hampshire Ladies.
Still to go this season are the Addison Bowl at Hayling GC (3-man team), the Winchester Bowl (2 x pairs of scratch foursomes) and the High Post Foursomes (3 x pairs off scratch).
It is a full season of events and, while we have not met with huge success in recent years, a number of low handicap players have joined the club during the year and the future is looking much brighter for Hockley in these events. I would personally like to also thank Howard Barton for his energy and skill in keeping the low handicap players in touch and ensuring we get the best squads out based on availability.
So, a huge 'thank you' to Mike Ellis and AMP for helping the teams going into these prestigious events. With a following wind and more practice, Hockley will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
Stephen Moore - Club Captain
Seniors Open
72 players took part in this event held on 2nd September, the winner of the Hockley members prize was Martin Mitchell with 39 points on countback from Mike Eames and Steve Pullen.
The Overall winner of the Open for visitors only was
Ian Caldwell from Burhill GC with 38 points.
We were blessed with great weather with the course condition and hospitality to match. Many thanks to all those who helped Stuart make this so enjoyable. We raised through the generosity of those taking part £550 for our Captains Charity.
Match News
Our home match against Barton on Sea has been rescheduled due to the course maintenance week commencing on the 23rd September, the match will now be on Tuesday 30th, so please adjust your diaries, the team selection sheet will be put up in good time.
Seniors AGM
Items for Agenda are to be sent to The Seniors Captain for inclusion no later than Wednesday, 24 September, thank you
The England senior ladies' team beat France last weekend to be crowned champions of Europe for the first time.
They triumphed by winning 3½-1½ in the final of the European senior ladies' team championship at Gut Altentann Golf Club in Austria.
"The team stuck to their game plans and played their hearts out to win the gold medal," said team captain Pat Wrightson.
Fittingly, Chris Quinn (Hockley) helped to deliver the winning point, securing it with a tremendous fight back in the foursomes in partnership with Lulu Housman.
England has been represented in this championship in eight of the nine years it has taken place - and Chris has played in every team. During that time she's amassed three silver medals and two bronzes, but the gold has eluded her until now.
However, at one stage, a foursomes win looked extremely unlikely. The pair were five down after nine holes - but in an amazing turnaround they won the next seven holes, before clinching their win with a par on the 17th. Well done Chris and the team.
The winner of the Mens Medal and the Lady Captains trophy on Saturday with a nett 66 was Reza Sotoudeh.
Saturday, 13 September - Ladies Chilbolton Cup enter on the day in the Pro Shop
Sunday, 14 September - The Sonny Sharpe Trophy, please note this is a 36 hole event with a two tee start so the course will be closed until 5.30pm. Please click here to view the attached start sheet.
Hockley Winter Foursomes
Last year saw the return of the popular Hockley Winter Foursomes. 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 click here for an entry form and more details.
Macmillan Charity Day
Put the date in your diary -
Come and enjoy a coffee and cake on Thursday, 25 September and make a donation to the Macmillan Charity. Your donations of a cake or cakes would also be much appreciated, please contact Emma in the bar for more information.
New Event - Champion of Champions Competition on Sunday September 28th
I mentioned this new event in the newsletter last week and the 'winners' list has now been produced and is available to view in the Pro Shop, in the foyer and in the Ladies changing room. Your support for this new event would be very much appreciated and is open to all Men, Ladies, Seniors and Juniors who have won a Monthly Medal or Stableford, Cup, or a knockout winner Competition" entry is via the PSI machine in either changing room.
A shotgun at 8:45am will start a Stableford for both Ladies and Men, these will be separate competitions.
A lunch at 1:30pm will follow play during which a prize giving ceremony will be conducted for all Championship, Knock Outs and Major Trophies. Of course you will be able to stay and watch the final day of the Ryder Cup as well. The cost all inclusive will be £6.
