The club has a fascinating history, it was founded on Twyford Down in 1914, on land that had previously been used to graze sheep and as gallops for horses. The course was created from a design drawn by the landowner, Horace Trimmer and it was built for his wife Bessie, as a silver wedding gift, because she was a very keen golfer. Not many could compete with that level of devotion.

It was constructed by a professional club maker, named Jock Woodson, who had been at Magdalen Hill golf course, which had closed, he was offered employment to work on the layout of a nine hole course. He remained as professional until 1950, a term, of 35 years. A few years later the course was eventually stretched to eighteen holes thanks to the military. The new holes on the south side, were constructed by soldiers who were billeted locally, and were on punishment fatigues.

When they were completed, the two nines were combined. The Tank Corp Battalion had played at The Hockley, and by way of thanks, donated two silver Challenge Cups to the club. The first real clubhouse was not until 1920, when an old army hut was purchased. That original hut was developed into the clubhouse which remained in use until 1993, when it became the professionals shop and a brand new clubhouse was built on the present site.

1920 was a time of crisis for the club, for the landowner Horace Trimmer died, and the decision of the executors was to sell the estate, which included the golf course. The members showed little or no interest, and as they had two years to make the sale, the executors decided to re-align the course. James Braid of Walton Heath was retained for the sum of £ 25, to work with Jock Woodson and design the course. Prior to his arrival Jock had cut eighteen long and eighteen short sticks to mark the tees and greens. On the day, they walked and laid out the course between 10 o?clock in the morning and four in the afternoon. The layout was much as it appears today.

Finally two Winchester College dons, both members at Hockley, bought the club to stave off developers. As a result Winchester College boys are allowed to play the course in perpetuity. When the two batchelors got on in years, they gifted the estate to Winchester College.

Golf continued during the Second World war, in common with many other clubs post war, it was a financial struggle and the club benefited from the support of J Arthur Rank (later Lord Rank).

The last major changes came into being in 1993, when the construction of the M3 necessitated changes to the course. Banished was the bottleneck of the dreaded traffic lights on the Winchester bypass, welcome was the new motorway, slicing it?s way through the hillside.

Three now holes came into being, the first, the 17th and the 18th, three amendments that enhanced the course. The new clubhouse opened in the spring of the next year, the Opening Ceremony was performed by famed golfer, course designer and broadcaster, Peter Allis.

The professionals at Hockley seem to serve a long sentence, the first Jock Woodson was in situ for 38 years, he was succeeded by George Matthews (of whom many tales are told) who held office for 26 years, Terry Lane followed with 24 years, a total of 88 years service by just three dedicated men, who contributed much to the life of the club.

The latest occupant of the office, Gary Stubbinton has some hard acts to follow, but he is certainly up to the task. He has a wealth of experience as a playing professional and as a club professional, both of which will serve him well as he enjoys the role which is so important in the life of a club..

With such a rich history, and as famed a designer as James Braid, it is not surprising that the course enjoys such esteem throughout the County and beyond. Built on wonderful rolling chalk downland, the course meanders up the valley from the first tee.

The first four holes climbing steadily to the high point on the fifth green and the sixth tee. They are excellent par 4?s, particularly the second hole, from an elevated tee it doglegs left to a ridged landing area, then a narrow green awaits. The first par 3 is the 5th, with a green like the 10th, a Dew Pond. Named after the inventor of the idea. Mr Dew, who at the time of George the Third constructed clay and straw based ponds to collect rainwater, especially on the dry high downs, for the sheep to obtain water.

The seventh hole is my pick of the front nine, a superb bunkered par 4, with an undulating green waiting for the long approach shot. A straight ahead par 3 follows, then a good par four, with a truly amazing green. It has a myriad of slopes, hollows and humps, because a Roman Villa is buried beneath the green. The front nine has several holes which prove without any doubt, that they do not have to ridiculously long to provide a challenge. Miss the fairways, which are reasonably wide and you are into jungle country, with the price to pay.

Time to look around will be well rewarded with wondferful panaoramic views of Winchester and the Itchen Valley.

The tenth is a short iron after a drive where position is more important than length, and the Dew Pond green. As you trun to go East again, a par five beckons, easy to be to the right and drop a shot, but here good hits for the average member will see him home. The 12th is my favourite short hole, all carry to a green protected from the front by a deep bunker, and two clubs more if the pin is at the back. The 13th has a double green shared with the 6th hole, best be below the hole on this green, or three putts are very likely.

After the long 14th, it is a run back home, two good par 4?s seperated by the 16th, a short hole with a very narrow target, bunkered right and trouble left. The finishing hole has a great view to the south, the viaduct and the ribbon of the motorway winding into the distance. A downhill par 5 which is flattering but the green is well protected from the running approach by a line of bunkers, be satisfied with a par here unless you are very long from the tee.

If you have completed the round to your handicap, give yourself a pat on the back and a reward in the 19th hole.

Good courses often go hand in hand with quality competitions, Hockley can boast two of the best. The Winter Foursomes and the Delhi Cup.

The Winter Foursomes began in 1958, and has been popular throughout the region since the inception. The Delhi Cup has a strange story, it was originally a polo trophy called the King Emperors Cup Polo Tournament, because it was played being watch by George the Fifth, the the Emperor of India. The actual cup was presented to the club by Lt Col Roger Nixon, it had been won by his father.

The modern clubhouse is welcoming and comfortable, and the club gives a real welcome to visitors. There are a few vacancies for members at the present time, an unusual situation for such a premier club.

The club is keen to attract Societies and Corporate clients, and offer a wide range of packages to suit the particular requirement, whether for 18, 28 ( the turn is at the 10th) or 36 holes. Bookings can be made for any Thursday or Friday.

A visit to the club website site, www.hockleygolfclub.com will provide all the up to date information and offers.

The offers for the winter packages will soon be announced, giving the chance to enjoy the course at very advantageous rates. Well worth the look. Alternatively a telephone call to Secretary Lyn Dyer or her team will give the news.

Lyn has had a busy year, for apart from her duties at Hockley, she had the honour of being elected as Captain of The Institute of Golf Club Managers Southern Region, with all the work and appearances that entails, fortunately she has an excellent support team. She has not been alone in the busy stakes,

Pro Gary Stubbington recently won the Erith UK Matchplay Championship, and with his consistent form he is high in the Hampshire PGA Order of Merit, rewards for the work put in during the winter.

The entry forms for his seasons Winter Foursomes have long been despatched, with the first round being played last October, defending Champions Mike Andrew (Hockley) and Steve Finlay (Southampton) out to keep the covetted title. Steve knows the course well as he is a greenkeeper at Hockley, part of the team led by Trevor Blyth which keeps the course in tip top condition throughout the year. Especially during the winter months when it stands out for the quality of the greens and the course in general. A fine links to play at any time, but particularly in the winter months that little bit different and well worth the visit.