We had a busy weekend of sport with the rugby world cup commencing, the Solheim Cup and the BMW Championship in which Jason Day won and has now become the World Number 1.
In the Solheim Cup the USA produced a stunning display in the singles to beat Europe 14½-13½ and win in Germany. Juli Inkster's team trailed 10-6 after the morning fourballs, but won eight and a half points from 12 singles to regain the title they last won in 2009. However, the contest was marred by controversy over the issue over the non-concession of a short American putt in the fourballs. I believe this just 'fired' the USA team up, Hockley members Louise Spruce and Sue Gardiner went to the event so I suspect we can hear all about it very soon.
Come and enjoy a coffee and cake this Thursday, 24 and Friday, 25 September and make a donation to the Macmillan Charity.
Your donations of a cake or cakes would also be much appreciated.
Please note from the 1st October the bar and clubhouse will close 30 minutes after dusk.
The next Sunday roast is on 4th of October and bookings can now be made in the bar.
I am sure you will all join me in wishing Megan Good Luck this weekend in the Rainbow run in aid of Naomi House and Jacksplace in Winchester. Thank you for the donations received, over £200 has been donated so far and there is still the chance to donate by clicking here.
On Monday and Tuesday the PGA in Hampshire are holding their matchplay championship at Hockley.
Please note the tee is closed from 7.30am-9.30am and 1.30pm-2.30pm on Monday, 28 September and from 7.30 - 8.30am and 12.45 - 1.15pm on Tuesday, 29 September. I have been drawn against a good friend of mine in the first round - Alistair Briggs from Test Valley GC. Spectators are very welcome as I am sure you will witness some spectacular golf!
New in this week, Stromberg's brand new Wintra - Winter Tech Golf Trouser features 3 Ply Technology. This revolutionary new fabric features 3 different layers ideal for winter golf, the outer layer gives that stylish appearance with a water resistant finish. The middle layer acts as a breathable Waterproof membrane preventing water getting through the fabric. The inside layer acts as a thermal layer keeping you warm in the winter months. Essentially this trouser has been designed to be an alternative to waterproof over trousers - allowing you to go "From the course to Clubhouse".
Available in Black, Grey or Navy.
Click here to view the Stromberg trousers we have on offer for you.
Also new in, is the ProQuip range of waterproofs as detailed in my special mail last Friday.
To compliment the range we have Mittens, Beanie hats, umbrellas and waterproof hats.
As you can see the hat has an adjustable chin strap draw-cord and toggle ensures the hat stays on in wet and windy weather and is adjustable to all head sizes. The wide brimmed hat offers complete protection from rain for the head and neckline.
What's my best side? I think I know the answer to that one!
Click here to find out more about the excellent ProQuip line up for winter in 2015
I have just read the forecast for the weekend and apparently we are set for an 'Indian Summer' over the next few weeks, but best to be prepared you can never tell with the 'British' weather.
What Is Gear Effect?
Gear effect is the term used to explain how and why hitting the ball off-centre changes the ball flight.
When the ball contacts the face somewhere other than the Centre of Gravity (CoG), it causes the face to change its orientation and affects the spin. This is because during impact, the ball and face are enmeshed like two gears (hence the name). The further apart the CoG of the ball and the club are, the more gear effect there is. Translation: there's lots of gear effect with a driver, but little or none with wedges.
Practical Applications
Technical definitions are great and all, but I promised practical knowledge. Here it is in four simple bullet points: 
When you hit the ball high on the face, it will launch higher and spin less. This is optimal for your driver…assuming you want to hit it far.
When you hit the ball low on the face, it will launch lower and spin more. This is very bad for your driver.
When you hit the ball on the toe, the ball will launch towards the right but draw/hook to the left.
When you hit the ball on the heel, the ball will launch towards the left but cut/slice to the right.
What You Should Do
The next time you're on the range, come and see us as we use impact tape and keep track of where on the face you're hitting the ball.
Hit 10 or 15 shots and note your tendencies. If you're consistently low on the face, you're robbing yourself of distance.
Once you have had a go come in and show us we can advise you on what is happening at impact.
Our ladies' North Hants Trophy team were just beaten in the semi-finals of the North Hants Trophy at the Army Golf Club last week. They put up a feisty fight playing scratch matches against a team from Stoneham with lower handicaps than us.
Chris played magnificently beating Sarah Bradshaw with a string of pars and birdies. Beth went four down against the very experienced Louise Caplen, but fought back tenaciously, just losing on the 18th. Jo scrambled against Adrian Mylrea. Sixteen year old Adrian won the long holes and Jo won the short ones. Sadly the 20th hole was a long one so Adrian won and Stoneham went through, winning the final against Basingstoke very easily. Thank you to our squad (Chris, Helen B, Beth, Janet C, Judie, Jo, Sue P and Kay Walshe) for participating in a very enjoyable competition. Let's get practising for next year!
Jo Russell
The winner of the Habin Cup was Sue Poulter.
A win away at Royal Winchester concludes the mixed match series of 2015. President Bob Stilwell with Sylvia Peach led the way, Helen Vidal-Allen with new boy mixer Ken Shaw had a great win to help beat our neighbours 4.5- 2.5.
We would like to thank all 47 Hockley members who played in the matches for supporting the mixed events, especially Bob and his wife Nicky.
A very good series.
Carole Cullen
Gales Hockley Final
A very successful final between Meon Valley and Brokenhurst took place on Saturday with Meon Valley (pictured left) being the triumphant winners on the 20th hole.
Many compliments were received about the great condition of the course and the excellent meal afterwards.
An enormous thank you must go to Harry Spooner, Derek Sheppard and Doug Peacock for the smooth running and organisation of the event as always.
And here are the 3 handsome 'stooges'...
The Grandfathers Trophy was won by Gordon Dewis with 38 points.
Saturday's Men's Medal which included the Ladies Captains Cup was won by Matthew Wetton with a nett 70.
Knockout Finals
Last Sunday saw the culmination of the summer knock out competitions. Congratulations go to the winners: Louise Spruce (Toogood Cup), Pat Lawson & Alan Carpenter (Candlesticks), Nick Goater & Jason Cattle (Tutt Bowl), George Gover (Junior knock out), John Taylor & Mike Moore (Jack Everard), Dave Lawrence (College Plate & Scratch Salver), Nick & Bethany Goater (Pinsent) and Dan Kelly (Heriot).
Special thanks go to
Robin Webb, Carole Cullen, Graham Light, Paul Mantell, Mike Eames and
Tony Cullen for giving up their time to referee the matches.
Adrian Nicol
Aggregate Results
Seniors Aggregate Cup winner was Mike Kelly with 116 points.
The Jim Preston Cup awarded to the highest single points in a stableford for the over 60's
The winner was Richard Arrowsmith with 41 points.
Chairman's Cup winner was Shane Rose with 365
Runner Up previous winner Mike Andrew with 375
The Aggregate Cup winner was Simon Orr with 344
Runner Up Jeevon Benning 348
The Hockley Mug awarded to The Most Improved golfer with a handicap still over 18
The winner was junior member Oliver Newcombe who started the year with a 30 handicap and is now down to 21.5.
Saturday, 26 September - Men's Stableford played from the white tees and enter on the day in the Pro shop.
Sunday, 27 September - The Champion of Champions event - Please note the course is closed until 12 noon as this is a shot gun start.
Click here to view the start sheet.
Texas Scramble
The Autumn Texas scramble on Saturday, 10 October is now full, please record your name below the entry sheet if you wish to be a reserve should we have any 'drop outs'.
Hockley Winter Foursomes
The popular Hockley Winter Foursomes is now open for entry.
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.
