October / November 2024
AN UPDATE FROM...
Sarah Blunden General Manager
Hi everyone!
Autumn came around rather quickly, didn’t it?
After a lovely August, I am sure we were all hoping for the nice weather to continue for a bit longer. Unfortunately, September was one of the wettest we have ever experienced, with more than 150mm of rain across the month. I was hoping we’d get more than a month’s break from talking about rain, before needing to highlight another record-breaking amount of rainfall. Our greenkeeping team did a brilliant job in clearing the course of standing water as quickly as possible by manually drawing the water away from the greens and tees.
We can’t predict or control the weather, but we can continue to work to improve the health and playability of our greens across the year. Barry and his team have been busy this Summer completing monthly minihollow cores. The culmination of this work was our main renovation day at the start of September, which saw us completing a large
hollow core, scarify and backfill of sand across all the Main and Shey Greens. Barry explains further in this newsletter how we can now see some of the benefits of this work, within the layers of the cores that we remove from the greens.
To ensure we can see this ongoing progress with thatch removal and the overall composition of our greens, we have taken soil samples to be sent for testing at the start of October. Further soil samples will be taken next year, for us to begin comparing the difference. Having factual evidence of the make-up of our greens allows us to not only confidently acknowledge the benefits of the work, but also helps us with planning the best way to manage our greens moving forward.
Our final course maintenance of the season before moving on to our winter projects will be an overseed of the fairways. This overseeding is due to take place during October, when we will be seeding with a ryegrass that is perfect for growing at lower temperatures.
The Greenkeeping team will then move on to their winter projects, which this year will include the renovation of the steps on the 8th tee box, alongside the reshaping and lining of the bunkers on the 6th and 16th. We hope this work to begin towards the end of this year.
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At the end of September, I was lucky enough to visit the Cruzcampo Factory in Seville. Wherever possible, we aim to get to know our suppliers and build strong relationships with them. This was a great chance to understand Cruzcampo’s history and values and to get an insight into the success that they have seen over the past few years. Learning about how their beer is made, and seeing the process in action was very insightful. Furthermore, we learnt and saw firsthand how Cruzcampo supports local disadvantaged young adults with their studies, with an onsite hospitality college that allows them to build the skills they need to continue a future career in the industry. Of course, we couldn’t leave the factory without tasting some of the freshest beer you’re going to come across! It is great to come back with the confidence that one of our most popular beers at Hoebridge comes from a genuine Spanish company whose values align with our own.
Employee of the Quarter
The end of September also marks the end of our 3rd Quarter, a time when we recognize a member of the team who has made a real difference to their department and the service that you all receive.
Congratulations to our employee of the 3rd Quarter – Deep Jang.
Deep Jang joined our kitchen team 4 months ago as a Senior Sous Chef and made an immediate positive impact on the entire kitchen team. Deep Jang has an eye for presentation and loves plating beautiful meals, especially during our function nights. He has the biggest smile and pulls the entire kitchen team together with his can-do attitude. Thank you DJ!
Sustainability Update
Our work towards Net-Zero and managing Hoebridge as an industry leader in sustainable golf continues. We are now working with our suppliers to understand their carbon footprint and how this impacts us (Scope 3), as well as gaining an understanding of our sequestration and how our land positively holds onto carbon and acts as ‘carbon lungs’. A big part of this involves us having an indepth understanding of how we manage our land and the various biodiversity that we support. At the start of October, we met with our Sustainability Consultant, Tony, to discuss the positive changes we’ve made over the last few months and what further actions we can look to take. Learning from experts and sharing best practices will allow us to continue moving forward to give members the best Golf Course that we can, whilst also managing our land in the best way possible for the environment.
Prostate Cancer PSA Testing
I am pleased to be able to host a Prostate Cancer PSA Testing Day on Saturday 9th November from 10.30am – 3pm The day is being run by the Charity ‘Cancer Testing South’ and will be open to all our male members and visitors who are aged 40 – 90.
The test is a simple, non-invasive, blood test and the appointment takes no more than 15 minutes.
All tests are undertaken by trained and insured phlebotomists and the results will be supplied by post or email within days.
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Following the test, results will be sent out in the way that you have requested (email or post). A green result means that you fall into a category of results classified as a satisfactory level for your age and history. Should someone receive an Amber or Red result then further guidance and referral advice is then given.
The following stats show just how important this test, and in turn early detection is:
• 1:8 men will get Prostate Cancer
• It kills a man in the UK every 45 minutes
• Early detection results in a 90% survival rate or cure
• Late detection results in a 90% chance of death
• It is recommended that men are tested every 3 years to ensure early detection wherever possible
There is a small charge of £25 for the test, with this cost covering the costs of the laboratory, analysis and results service. Pre-booking is necessary so that the Charity knows how many test kits to bring with them.
You, your friends and your family can book their test in advance via the following website: www. cancertestingsouth.org
Hoebridge future redevelopment – an update
Finally, I want to update you all on our current progress towards refurbishing our Clubhouse, our facilities and any potential changes to the Main Course. Hoebridge is a fantastic golf venue, and I want to ensure that we have a Clubhouse and facilities that mirror this.
I am pleased to let you all know that we have gone in for planning on our Driving Range netting. The plan includes adding netting to the back and far right of the outfield, and increasing the height of the current nettingWe have spent the past year using TrackMan to track the balls that go over the boundary of our outfield, to establish key evidence as to how many balls go over and at what height these balls are coming in. By being able to present this evidence, alongside the construction plans of the netting, we can showcase why we need a net encasing our whole outfield. As with any planning application, I cannot say how long it may take to get the go-ahead. However, I will update you all again once I have confirmation.
Over the past two years, I have been working with architects to plan how we could refurbish our clubhouse and ensure that the result gives us not only a clubhouse that looks great, but that also works for every part of Hoebridge. A big part of this includes reworking our back-of-house areas, such as the kitchen and cellar. We are so lucky at Hoebridge to have so many different facilities available to us. However, because of this, we need to make sure that any refurbishment that we do works for every aspect. It is for this reason that it is so important that we get the design right, and that we take our time to revisit the plans with the architects until we are confident that we are making the most of the space available to us. The latest site drawing is looking fantastic, and I am looking forward to meeting our architects again in the very near future, to begin finalising plans.
In addition to our clubhouse refurbishment, we are also exploring options for improving our Main Course. At this point, no decisions have been made as to any work that may or may not happen, but my role as General Manager, alongside my team, is to look at all options that will have a positive impact on Hoebridge for years to come. As such, we have enlisted a Course Architect, Tim Lobb, to give his thoughts on how we can improve our Main Course, especially focusing on the last two holes. We have given Tim one very clear instruction; to come up with a plan on how he would make Hoebridge an even better Course to play.
Tim Lobb has a wealth of experience in designing Golf Courses including the Emirates Golf Club (Dubai), Santo Do Serra (Portugal), Linna Golf Club (Finland), to name but a few. As well as many local Clubs such as St Georges Hill, The Buckinghamshire, Woking Golf Club, The Berkshire, Goodwood Park and our very own sister club, Burhill Golf Club.
We look forward to seeing Tim’s thoughts and having in-depth conversations with him as to what his suggestions would be. However, whether we decide to move forward with course changes or not, any decision made will be with the overriding caveat that it is to move Hoebridge forward and will give all of you a better playing experience.
When I have updates on any of the above exciting plans I will let you all know. But in the meantime, please know that all of the conversations and meetings that we are having is with the improvement of Hoebridge in mind.
Sarah
SATURDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 10.30AM - 3PM
The day is being run by the Charity Cancer Testing South and will be open to all of our Male Members and Visitors who are aged 40 – 90.
The test is a simple, non invasive, blood test and the appointment takes no more than 15 minutes.
All tests are undertaken by trained and insured phlebotomists and the results will be supplied by post or email within days.
There is a small charge of £25 for the test, with this cost covering the costs of the laboratory, analysis and results service.
The following stats show just how important this test, and in turn early detection is:
• 1:8 men will get Prostate Cancer
• It kills a man in the UK every 45 minutes
• Early detection results in a 90% survival rate or cure
• Late detection results in a 90% chance of death
• It is recommended that men are tested every 3 years to ensure early detection wherever possible
SIGN UP FOR THE TEST IN ADVANCE VIA THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE: www.cancertestingsouth.org
AN UPDATE FROM...
Barry Gardner Course Manager
It’s the season of the sticks!
As we have now officially hit Autumn, the role of the greenkeeper can become a bit monotonous, as pretty much every day we will be out with backpack blowers, tractor-mounted blowers and our recently purchased tractor-mounted leaf collector.
Thanks to this continual investment in machinery, we can keep the site clear of leaves more easily and not have piles of rotten leaves like we previously had.
Autumn is also the season of fungus and toadstools, the humid, damp conditions are perfect for fungal activity and that is no different for the fungal diseases that we experience in sports turf. The most common disease we battle, on our greens, at this time of year is Microdochium patch or as it is commonly known, Fusarium.
Many factors can lead to a Fusarium outbreak, mentioned already, the weather, very humid conditions, but also excessive thatch, shade, prolonged surface moisture, excess nutrition and grass species. Nowadays we are limited to a few options when it comes to chemical control, so we must try alternative methods, this involves using nonchemical options which toughen up and induce a defence mechanism within the plant to try and fight off the risk of infection. At this time of year, it is a very fine line between having “clean” putting surfaces and having disease, so we must work on preventative measures.
On a more positive note, it is always nice to see the benefits of the recent greens renovation work. Whilst changing holes it was clear to see the results.
Columns of new sand break through the thatch layer and link to the rootzone below. These columns will help the rainfall to get through the thatch quicker, allowing oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of the rootzone enabling the greens the chance to breathe.
It’s great to see these results and it shows that the temporary restrictions are worth the wait. All that is left to say, is that I hope you can all help me in asking Mother Nature for a dry winter!
Thank you and happy golfing.
Barry and the Greens Team
GOLF OPERATIONS UPDATE
Ian Hayward Head Professional
I hope everyone had a good Summer and enjoyed their golf! With some strange weather, it doesn’t feel like we’re ready to let go of the summer for autumn/winter, but it’s definitely on its way!
With the changing season, you will be pleased to know that the new ranges of Autumn/Winter clothing have now arrived in store! With offerings from brands such as Footjoy, PING, Puma, J Lindeberg, Nike and JRB, it is the perfect opportunity to get yourself winter-ready!
With the inevitable cold weather due soon, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all our members about the winter wheel policy for trolleys in place at Hoebridge. During frost conditions, all trolleys MUST have winter wheels fitted to be allowed on the golf course with no exceptions. Now is a great time to ensure that your trolley is winter-ready! Please contact the Pro Shop and we will happily assess your current setup or advise as to what you require to make your trolley ready for winter use.
Custom Fit
Did you know that people who are customfitted for their golf equipment are 22% more likely than those who did not get customfitted to see a reduction in their scores of two strokes, while 56% would see a reduction in their scores of five strokes or more per round?
So, what does Hoebridge have to offer?
We have a fully kitted fitting room featuring Titleist, PING, TaylorMade, Cobra, and Yonexpowered by Trackman.
Does it take much time?
No, not really. We would likely see a wood or iron fitting take around 60 minutes each.
How much does it cost?
Nothing, it’s completely free.
What’s the process?
Step 1 – Static Fit (physical characteristics of the player).
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Step 2 – We then use Trackman to find the best matching equipment to you.
Step 3 – Build a bag set up with you.
If this is something you would be interested in, please don’t hesitate and get booked in via the golf shop or if you have any further questions on custom fitting please chat with one of our professionals who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.
HEALTH & FITNESS UPDATE
Ryan Stonehouse H&F Manager
Hello from the Health Club.
Continuing from our last newsletter’s mobility sequence, here are some more flexibility exercises to help improve swing mobility.
A common flexibility issue is the hip rotation range of movement to achieve a correct swing follow-through and finish position. Below are some basic bodyweight flexibility exercises that can help in addressing general hip and upper back muscular tightness.
Perform 10 reps of each dynamic Stretch (both sides) using controlled following movements. Please find a video of these exercises on our Instagram page.
@hoebridgegc or @gymathoebridge
If you would like any further guidance on your training, please feel free to contact us at fitness@hoebridgegc.co.uk
the needle in a kneeling side lunge
Seated windscreen wiper with rotation
Pigeon pose to kneeling lunge rotation
Ryan
