Firstly, I must start with an apology as two pieces of wrong information were issued last week:
The Clubhouse lounge and dining area will now be closed ALL DAY on Monday 31st March for the carpet and floor coverings to be fitted, and as you will have noticed, the Pro Shop fitting did not take place on Tuesday 25th as handover day was slightly delayed, but I hope as you read this newsletter the shop fitters are hard at work.
Secondly, the 'Yard of string' event on Sunday 30th March has been cancelled for the time being, it will be re-scheduled when the dining room has been decorated and carpeted.
A good start was made to this year's Millennium League and let's be honest, due in no small measure to the fantastic state of the course which our opponents were bowled over with (and by). The team comprising: Shane Andrews, Andy Gradidge, Stuart Hopkins, David Hough, Steve Pullen, Kevin Stansfield, Barry Woolgar and Jeff Ashford beat Stoneham.
The result was 4 wins, 2 losses and 2 halved matches so giving Hockley 7 points to Stoneham's 3. A lovely afternoon!
Subscriptions 2014 / 2015
A polite reminder - please ensure your subscription payment is made by Tuesday, 1st April. This can be done by electronic bank transfer, debit card or by cheque. Payment can be made by debit card through the Pro-Shop or Bar.
You will hopefully have seen already the launch of the Drive Out Slow Play initiative and the pending 1st tee management system.
Both are designed to improve members enjoyment and as a result of member feedback. Another issue that attracts a lot of debate is the playing of competitions in fourballs. The argument against allowing this is that it is very slow. To see if this is actually true fourballs will be permitted for the Stablefords on 6 and 27 April.
A course Marshall will carefully monitor the pace of play on both occasions but it would be appreciated if participants could pick up when no longer able to score and observe the Drive Out Slow Play initiative.
The St Patrick's Day winner was Nigel Bray with 38 points, winning on a countback from Kevin McArdle.
With only one more event to be played, the St George's day stableford on 23rd April, the Aggregate leader is Peter Eagles leading by 10 points from Merrick Denton -Thompson
The Family Foursomes winners on a bright, yet chilly day were Chris Champion and his father John, with a fantastic 40 points, that's great scoring in the blustery conditions. Chris and John won £50 each to spend in the Pro Shop. Runners up were Malcolm and Callum Mackenzie with 37 points, beating Wendy and Andy Evans on a countback. Fourth place went to Harry and Stephen Weston. Sorry no picture this week, the prize giving was over before I knew it.
Sadly, Jackie Bell will be leaving us on Friday. Jackie has been with us for 6 years and has been popular with both members and staff. We wish her all the best for the future and a collection is being made over the bar should you wish to contribute.
We welcome a new member to the green keeping team, Ollie Davenport has joined as a trainee greenkeeper. Please introduce yourselves to him if you meet him out on the course.
A good response has been received for the new 10 week Junior Passport lessons which begin on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of March from 9.30 - 10.30 am, the cost is just £8 per session for juniors aged 6 - 16. They will run for 10 consecutive weeks with the exception of Easter weekend. There are still spaces remaining, so for more information please contact one of the Pro team on 01962 713165, or click here to get in touch.
The first major of the season, The Masters is only a few weeks away, and I am running a sweepstake in the shop. For only £5 per player you have the chance to win £150 to spend in our new shop. Prizes go down to 5th place, and there will be additional daily prizes of £10 each for the worst and best scores.
Jack and his team are having a great time in Orlando, they won the practice day, where jack shot 4 under and the team 19 under. On the first day at Eagle Creek, the team shot 22 under, and Jack's individual score of 6 under included 9 birdies and 3 bogeys.
The second round at The Celebration GC they continued their good form with a team score of 9 under and Jack 4 under, the team lead by 5, and Jack has a 5 shot lead in the individual event with a 2 round total of 10 under par. Paul Mantell and Ade Nicol playing with Richard Adams (South Winchester GC) are currently 6th. The third and fourth rounds are played on Thursday and Friday at Orange County National on the Crooked Cat and Panther courses.
Paul Mantell sent us this picture of how the General Manager of the Orange County National PGA Golf Club dresses for work, very casual and no complaints from the members!!! Let's hope the temperature here soon reaches the current 82 deg of Orlando, so Marc can trial the workwear!
Ladies medal winner's salver Saturday 29th March
Please remember to put your clocks FORWARD an hour on Saturday night, and although you lose an hour, think how much more golf you will soon be able to play.