Welcome back and a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you all.

Make 2015 the year to reach those goals, do you want to break 100, 90, 80 or even 70? Then come and see us, we are here to help you achieve those goals. Please remember we DO endeavour to price match reputable golf sites and shops, just give us the chance, you do of course have the added value of expert advice from our trained professional and friendly staff.

Can I please encourage you all to read on down in the newsletter as it contains information from Glenn the course manager, Ladies news, Captain's news and forthcoming events. Quite often we print important information concerning the course and clubhouse which may concern you all.

January SALE

Our January Sale is now in full swing with huge reductions across the shop, too many to mention so please come and take a look.

 

Chris's Tip

As it is the start of the New Year I thought I would cover some of the basic fundamentals in golf. This week I am starting with the grip. I would love to hear your thoughts on this area, so next time you are at the club please pop in for a chat, or click here to get in touch.

Get a grip for the year

A good swing starts with a good grip. A bad swing starts with a bad grip, because most amateurs fail to put their hands on the club properly, they'll never be able to play as well as they should.

I use the Vardon overlapping grip. I feel it unifies the hands and promotes better wrist hinging. My left hand goes on first, and I turn it to see two knuckles (right). My left thumb rests just right of centre on the shaft.

I like those moulded practice grips for learning how to hold the club. The grooves will put your hands in the correct positions. Even though it makes the club head feel too light, I suggest you get one and hit balls with it to improve your grip.

The mistake I see most is a grip that's too weak. People put their thumbs straight down the shaft, and the result is usually an open clubface at impact--and a shot that peels off to the right.

A grip that's too strong, where you see too many knuckles, will likely cause the clubface to be closed at impact. It's a power grip, especially if you're a slicer. Still, I'd rather see your grip too strong than too weak.

Frost/Frozen Greens

The Christmas period has presented some interesting weather, we have gone from overnight temperatures of 9 degrees to sustained periods of -3 degrees (although my car told me -6!) then suddenly lifting to 11 degrees. So how has this affected turf and our policy of opening greens?

During a white frost

The leaf tissue is getting damaged - this can be seen by footprinting around the pin and is highlighted on the 1st hole where people kindly keep their trolleys to the rough during these conditions. I'm happy to let play continue in these conditions - the damage done is in my opinion insignificant and coupled with good management practices recoverable.

When the ground is frozen solid very little damage is done - the frozen moisture in the ground is holding everything still and as long as the same hole positions aren't being played too then minimal damage is occurring.

When ground frost comes out

This is the danger period - visually everything looks fine and golfers generally perceive the temperature raising as a good sign but the soft surface sat on top of solid frozen soil can be a major issue. Imagine it being like a loose piece of carpet over the top of concrete - every time it's walked on the roots at the transitional point are highly likely to sheer. This can leave you with areas of greens with no roots, going into a period of low temperatures, low sunlight and short days - not a good combination to aid recovery.

During this Christmas period - we have had all of these issues and why all greens were on temporaries on New Year's Day and the 2nd, 5th and putting green on still closed on 2nd January. These greens are all somewhat shaded from sun and are slower to thaw.

We try really hard to get the course to a position where it will sustain year round golf on all surfaces and I hope you all understand when we have to make the occasional decision to utilise some temporaries to preserve the long term health of our greens.

Glenn Kirby - Golf Course Manager

Over the Christmas period Robin and I have played 6 Capt/Pro matches, winning 5 and only losing 1. This loss was to Pete Crowe and Damian Cain. Robin and I actually played our best golf so far and were comprehensively beaten 4 and 3, that's golf!!

We did win 2 of the matches on the 19th and this now accumulates to 5 wins on the 19th, out of the 14 games played. Our record so far is played 14, won 11 and lost 3, so we have 12 games left to play, which I am sure will be played in the same spirit as the first 14.

There are still tables available for the Ladies Bridge drive on Thursday, 15 January at 1.45pm. The cost per table is £34 to include a delicious afternoon tea. This must be booked and paid for in advance, please e-mail the admin office to book. admin@hockleygolfclub.com

John Simpson 3rd Card - Fri 9th, Sat 10th and Sun 11th Jan a stableford played from the yellow tees, please enter in the Pro Shop on the day.

Capt/Pro Sat 3rd Jan tee closed 11.55am - 12.05pm

Burns Night Supper

Friday 23rd January enjoy a 4 course meal along with the playing in of the Haggis by Malcolm Mackenzie. Please keep an eye out for the posters coming soon with more information or contact Dan or Tina in the Bar.

The PGA in Hampshire Dinner

The PGA in Hampshire's 64th Annual Dinner & Golf Tournament will take place at Rowlands Castle Golf Club on Friday, 20 February 2015. Tickets for Golf & Dinner cost £55.00. Tickets for the Dinner only are £40.00 to include guest speakers.

Please contact me or a member of my team if you would like to attend. Full details are on the notice board in the foyer.