Another reminder regarding subscriptions which are due by the 31st March, these can be paid by cheque, cash or debit card and given to the office staff, bar staff or Pro team. Bank transfer is another option and should you require the bank details please contact Jane in the office.

There are a number of tee closures on Sunday, 22 March, can we please encourage you to check the calendar BEFORE you play.

Congratulations to Keith Eames who had his first Hole in One on Saturday on the 5th using a 6 iron, this followed a shot from Tony Cullen that went to a foot. All witnessed by my good friend and mentor, Wing Commander Gleadow.

The countdown is now on until the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, only 22 days to go, who are you tipping to win? It's easy to go for Rory McIlroy, so my money is on Adam Scott, if you're not sure then why not enter our Masters sweepstake. Only £5 per ticket for your chance to win the 1st prize of £150 to spend in the Pro shop, this would certainly knock a dent in the new driver or trolley you may be considering purchasing. We will also be running daily prizes of £10 each for the best and worst scores, and the main prizes will go to 5th place.

My Pro Am list is now up in the foyer for those who wish to play somewhere new this year, and I look forward to playing with some new faces this year, oh of course and some of the old ones!

Breaking 90

The short game is so important and below is my tip on how to get out of the dreaded bunker!!

Basic Technique: Start Left and Stay Left

A good bunker swing generates a lot of clubhead speed. Many high-handicappers lean away from the target on the downswing, trying to help the ball out of the sand (above, left). Of course, they don't get much swing speed falling back like that.

Here's how to get the speed you need. Play the ball just forward of center, with your stance slightly open and your sternum more over your left foot. Add a little flex to your left knee, and bend more toward the ball from your hips.

Maintain these positions as you make what feels like an arms-only swing (Your body will automatically turn). Staying on your left side, accelerate the club through the sand (above, right). Swing to a full finish, and check it by seeing if you can lower the shaft and rest it on your left shoulder.

Chris and I will be running two more short game clinic's this week, these are very popular so get your name down soon to avoid disappointment. To book please call us in the professional shop, or click here to get in touch. The Friday session is now fully booked, but spaces are still available on Saturday, 21 March.

Short Game Masterclass - Friday, 20 March 11.00am - 12.30pm - Only £10 Full

Short Game Masterclass - Saturday, 21 March 2.00pm - 3.30pm Only £10

Our Ladies won their second round of the Mail on Sunday against Corhampton 3-2 last Thursday.

This match was a tough proposition away at Corhampton on slick greens, but the team of Chris Quinn, Sue Poulter, Julie Finn, Jill Hoarton & Polly Church were up to the task despite all giving shots. Notably Chris giving 11 shots & making an eagle 2 on the 8th hole stroke index 1, holing a 4 iron. Chris went down fighting, eventually losing on the 16th & Sue holing a 10 foot birdie putt on the 18th par 5 to win her match 1 up. They now have a home draw against South Winchester in the third round.

The first 3 junior triangle dates are as follows:

Wednesday, 8 April - Royal Winchester 12 noon
Saturday, 11 April - South Winchester 1pm
Monday, 13 April - Hockley 2pm

Please contact your junior captain George Hoarton if you are available to play on any of these dates.

More mid-week competitions have been added to the calendar this year, please check the on line calendar as the printed diary will not be up to date.

The Family Foursomes start sheet is now available in the foyer, on the Hockley website or click here to read it.

A good entry into the mid week stableford which was won by:

Division 1 - Nicholas Bell with 37 points
Division 2 - Colin Showel with 36 points

Saturday's stableford was won by:

Division 1 - Trevor Sidaway with 39 points
Division 2 - Geoff Roberts with 38 points

Sunday's Stableford was processed as one division due to the low entry and the winner yet again was Mike Andrew with 38 points.

Sunday saw the final of the Winter League, and in very chilly conditions the winners were new members Marc Eades and Chris Stephens beating Ed Manger and Lee Phillips. I am sure Marc's colourful outfit may have put the opponents off a little! Marc will now be able to spend his winnings in the shop where we have a wide choice of colourful outfits for him.

   

Many thanks to Adrian Nicol and Tracy for co-ordinating the event, also to Jack and Chris for keeping the results up to date through the winter.

Please remember to enter the summer knockouts by Sunday, 29 March.

Saturday, 21 March - Short Course Stableford.

Sunday, 22 March - The Family Foursomes and start sheet is now available in the foyer, on the Hockley website or click here to find out more.

Sunday, 22 March - Ladies Stableford

As I mentioned earlier there are a number of tee closures on Sunday and full details can be found on the Hockley website under the 'Club Diary' tab or on the tee reservations boards.

Titleist fitting day on Tuesday, 31 March, between 11am AND 3pm, no appointment necessary.

Click here to find out more about the latest Titleist hardware ranges.

The Texas Scramble on Easter Monday, 6 April is now open for entry on the psi in the respective changing rooms. £20 per team.

A few forward dates for your diary

Come and try the latest equipment from Cobra at our fitting day on Friday, 8 May from 11am -3pm. Book your time with any member of my team.

The Delhi Cup on Saturday, 16 May is a 36 hole scratch open event for those with handicaps of 9 and under, Hockley members are eligible to play, please complete an entry form available on the website or in the foyer and hand in to the office.

Click here to find out more

The Hockley Pro Am on Friday, 29 May, we would love to see more members playing in this event and supporting our club and Captain. Why not invite some of your friends to play and make up a team of 3. Your chance to play with a Hampshire Professional and your entry fee includes coffee & bacon roll on arrival, a 2 course meal and prizes.

Click here to find out more.