MEMBERS NEWSLETTER
APRIL - MAY 2025
AN UPDATE FROM... SARAH BLUNDEN
General Manager
Hi everyone
What a fantastic Masters we witnessed earlier this month. A new grand slam golfer!
Alongside an awesome competition, it was also the signal to all of us that the new golfing season is upon us!
Thank you to all of you who renewed your golf membership during the main renewal period. For those of you who renewed your golf membership on time before April 1st 2025, or who successfully paid your April direct debit, renewal vouchers will be issued as a thank you. These vouchers are a small gesture of our appreciation for all you do as members of Hoebridge. They will be available for collection from the Pro Shop in May. We will issue a reminder as soon as the vouchers and renewal gift are in and ready for collection.
As a valued member, you continue to enjoy fantastic benefits, including:
• 14-day advanced booking window
• 10% off food and drink
• 20% off range balls
• Access to club competitions
• Free room hire for private events
• 1 round per month at 8 other BGL sites (excluding Flexible Members)
• 1 round per year at Burhill Golf Club (excluding Flexible Members)
OUR GREENS
We are very much looking forward to the warmer weather, especially warmer nighttime temperatures. We know the greens are not where we would want them to be at the start of May, and we have not seen growth recovery into the new season.
I want to ensure you are all fully aware as to why our greens are playing as they are and what we are doing to return them to normal.
In the Autumn of 2024, we unfortunately caught a turf disease called Fusarium. The mild and wet weather that we had made disease pressure very
high. There isn’t a pesticide or fungicide that we are able to use that can prevent this disease. This year the golf industry across the country experienced an outbreak of Fusarium which was one of the highest seen in many years.
Once Fusarium has died off, there is little that can be done to repair the scarring in the short term. Whilst the disease is no longer present, the grass needs to grow back in order to repair itself.
This is where we have struggled in the Spring of 2025. Grass needs both warmth and moisture to grow, and in March, we had neither. March 2025 was the driest March seen in over 60 years. Whilst we have seen sunny days, the nighttime temperatures remained very cold across the month and into April. Grass requires average soil temperatures of around 9 degrees or above to begin growing, which we were not getting until the end of April.
With the nighttime temperatures looking like they have now picked up, and in turn these resulting in warmer soil temperatures, we expect to see the grass begin to grow again.
We, of course, will not just be relying on natural growth to recover the greens, but we will be
ensuring we are doing everything possible to bring them back to standard.
We have begun scarifying, top dressing and overseeding the greens on the main course. This will help to fill in the scars that were left behind by the Fusarium.
We have also been spraying the greens with a feed containing nutrients that will help encourage growth within the established grass. This feed has been going onto the greens regularly across winter and into Spring to give it every opportunity to begin growing at the earliest opportunity.
Finally, regular cutting and rolling will aid in both the playability and recovery of the greens, as the grass begins to grow back through.
The greenkeeping team have been doing everything they can to speed up the recovery process. We are confident that with the warmer temperatures we are seeing at the end of April and start of May, you will see a vast improvement over the coming month.
Thank you all for your patience across the winter and into the start of the new season. We are equally as frustrated as to the length of time it is taking to regain standards and will continue doing everything we can to return our greens.
I will keep you updated throughout the season as to the ongoing maintenance we are completing with the continual improvement of the greens in mind.
NEW FOR 2025
50% off a warm-up basket – get 25 balls for just £2.50. Purchase your discounted balls from the Pro Shop to enjoy a warm-up before your round.
We have been busy throughout April, ensuring we’re ready to go for the rest of the year. Our new buggy fleet has arrived, and they are looking glorious in their new silver livery. As a reminder, members recieve a discounted rate on buggies across the week.
The greenkeeping team have been busy out on the course, finishing off their winter projects, including the opening of the new bunkers on the 6th and 16th holes.
With the lighter evenings and more opportunity to play into the evenings, we have extended our kitchen opening times. Our kitchen is open 7am –8.30pm (last orders 8pm) Monday – Saturday and and on Sundays 7am - 7:30pm (last orders 7pm)..
A great opportunity to get an evening round of golf in and then take advantage of your 10% off of food and drink.
It’s been great to welcome back our Junior Holiday Camps this Easter. Our Assistant PGA Professional, Harry, has taken the lead in running these camps. Covering all the basics of the game, and culminating in a fun competition on the Par 3 Course, these camps have been greatly received by both our junior members and junior visitors.
Keep your eyes peeled on our social media pages for the dates of our next junior camps running across the summer holidays.
JUNIOR CLUB SECTION
Our Junior Club Section continues to go from strength to strength thanks to the Members Committee and especially our Committee Junior Organiser, Louise. These committee members give up their time voluntarily to help organise all of the events and competitions that are available to all of our Members, both adult and junior. Following Louise’s hard work and dedication, the Junior Club, now has its first junior members competing in external competitions for several years.
This year we’re competing in:
• Rookie League (vs. Wentworth, Sunningdale Heath, and Foxhills)
• GolfSixes
• Regular Club Matches (Qualifiers & NonQualifiers)
In the Rookie League, teams will play each other home and away, making up a total of six matches.
Each match involves teams of 4 players (boys and/or girls), with a maximum handicap index of 36.0. Matches are played in the format of two fourball better ball games, promoting teamwork and competitive play.
Our first Rookie League match will see Hoebridge hosting Wentworth on 25th May 2025 – a fantastic opportunity for our juniors to represent the club on home ground!
A huge congratulations to all of the Juniors who will be representing Hoebridge in this year’s competitions. We wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to celebrate your success with you.
Getting people into the game that we love is so important to us at Hoebridge. Be this our juniors, or introducing beginners to the game. From May onwards, we will be launching our ‘Pathway to Golf’ programme. This pathway of lessons aims to take a beginner or novice golfer from the driving range through to the Par 3 Course. No prior experience is required, with these fun and relaxed lessons giving beginner golfers the chance to gain confidence and learn all the basics needed for them to begin enjoying playing on the Par 3.
If you know of someone who would like to get into golf but isn’t sure how to go about getting started, then this could be the perfect opportunity to begin.
You’ll find more information about our Pathway to Golf below in Ian Hayward’s Golf Operations Update, including how to get signed up.
DIVOT PARTY - TUESDAY 20TH MAY
2025On Tuesday, 20th May 2025, at 5 pm, we 4
On Tuesday, May 20th 2025, at 5 pm, will be heading out onto the Main Course with some of the greenkeeping team, armed with buckets of divot mix.
You are invited to help, and the more hands we have, the more ground we can cover.
After spending a couple of hours on the course, we’ll be heading back into the clubhouse for food and a drink as a thank you for your help. If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up in the Pro Shop.
Please let us know in advance that you will be attending so that we can ensure we have enough buckets and food and drink to go around.
See you there!
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Repairing Divots
If you can’t make the Divot Party, then you can still make a huge impact by repairing divots during your round.
We will all cause divot marks at some point during our golfing lifetime. The most important thing is what we do when this happens.
Finding and replacing the lump of grass that was removed is always the best option for repair. As long as there are still roots and soil attached to the divot, step gently on it to help the roots make contact with the soil.
Divot bags are provided at the 1st tee of the Main Course, and divot boxes are located across all of the par 3 tees. These are filled with a sandy seed mix, which, when put down onto divots, will encourage the growth of new grass in these damaged areas.
The sand is used to improve seed-tosoil contact, stop seeds from blowing or washing away and to aid drainage during the germination process.
The more hands we have putting this divot mix down, the less damage we will all see.
Repairing Pitch Marks
On the Greens, repairing your pitch marks has a hugely positive impact on protecting the grass root system and on maintaining the playability for all members and visitors across the day.
Below is a reminder of how to repair a pitch mark. Correct repair will help protect the grass root system and benefit all members and visitors to the course.
Correct Method
1. Insert the pitchmark repair tool just outside the back of the pitchmark
2. Lever the turf towards the centre of the pitchmark
3. Repeat this motion from all sides of the pitchmark
4. Gently tap the repaired area with your putter. This action stretches undamaged turf over the pitchmark, providing instant recovery.
Incorrect Method
1. Do not replace the loose piece of turf taken out by the ball. It will die and delay the healing process.
2. Do not pry up the centre of the depression with the pitchmark repair tool, as it exposes soil and will delay the healing process.
3. Do not insert the pitchmark repair tool and twist it. This only damages more turf.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and have a brilliant golfing year.
Sarah
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
- HARRY YULE
At the start of April, we voted for our Employee of the 1st Quarter for 2025. Harry has really stood out over the last three months, both in his development through the PGA and with his dedication within the Pro Shop. Harry has taken the lead with our junior coaching and is always keen to learn. He has a brilliant rapport with so many of you as members and loves getting to know everyone when he greets you before your round. Through his love of golf clubs (you should see his collection!), Harry is also a fountain of knowledge when it comes to our club suppliers and gives fantastic recommendations based on our customers’ own preferences and level of golf.
Congratulations Harry!
AN UPDATE FROM...
HAYLEY Sales Manager
Hi everyone!
The sun is shining and spring seems like it has
well and truly arrived.
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Night at the Musicals and Curry & Quiz nights. It’s great to see so many regular faces, and with that said, our next Curry & Quiz is on Thursday, May 8th. Gather your friends and family to test your trivia and general knowledge.
Upcoming Tribute Nights
ABBA Tribute: Saturday 7th June
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme a reason why you wouldn’t want to party the night away like a Dancing Queen.
• Two course meal
• Live ABBA tribute act
Members: £39.95 (member card required) Visitors: £44.95
Freddie Mercury Tribute: Friday 7th November
Don’t stop us now and go Radio Ga Ga for our amazing Freddie Mercury tribute act.
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• Two course meal
• Live Freddie Mercury tribute act
Members: £39.95 (member card required)
Visitors: £44.95
Business Meetings
Looking to host a business meeting….. we have you covered.
Whether you need a meeting room for eight or 80, our Sales Team can advise you on the best room to book to suit your requirements.
Packages start from £26.00 per person
To book any of the above events, you can either call our Sales Team on 01483 722611 or ask at the Bar or Pro Shop, and we will be delighted to help.
Kind regards,
Hayley and the Sales Team
AN UPDATE FROM...
The Driving Range Team
Coming into the warmer months, it’s time to get ready to enjoy the summer of golf that England has to offer!
Down on our Trackman Driving Range, we have
every bit of technology available to help you get to where you need to be, alongside a fully stocked bar for your food and beverage needs.
You can book online to guarantee your spot and enjoy a few hours of virtual courses and games with friends or a serious practice session ready for your next competition!
Or if you’re looking for somewhere to watch your favourite football team play, whilst also hitting a few balls along the way, our Driving Range will be showing all the Premier League Action.
This month’s offers are waiting for you on the Driving Range:
• 2 4 1 pizzas – Share with a friend or take one home for dinner, it’s a no-brainer! (available Sunday – Thursday)
• 4 ball sharer package- £70 for a 2-hour bay (balls included) x4 hot dogs and x4 soft drinks.
• The breakfast club - £6.50 for any hot drink and a bacon or sausage bap. 09:00-12:00 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when purchasing a basket of balls.
Plus exclusive to our members:
• ½ price warm-up basket – get 25 balls for £2.50. See the Pro Shop before your round to redeem your discounted range balls
We look forward to welcoming you down soon
Sam and The Driving Range Team
COURSE MANAGER REPORT
BARRY GARDNER Course Manager
SPRINGTIME IN THE SUNSHINE
As we head towards the end of the month, April has been kind to us golfers with some fresh, crisp mornings and sunny afternoons of late, and very little rainfall. Unfortunately for turfgrass managers, it has been a bit more of a tricky time, as we require air temperatures to be consistently between 8-10 degrees C and soil temperatures of 9-12 degrees C for at least 2-3 weeks to have some chance of seed germination or even achieving some growth. This is very evident when you look at the rough around the course, which is generally the first area to get a spring flush, but as of yet is very subdued, with only some areas growing a bit.
I won’t say this too loudly, but we do need some rain! Along with warmer nights! And the sunshine! Not too much to ask for!
With the promise of warmer weather around the corner, we should start to see some recovery of the disease scars we have been looking at all winter. Some overseeding and top dressing will help speed up this process now, so we will be working on the worst couple of greens now that Easter is behind us.
Looking ahead we will be continuing to fertilise where required and will be looking to start this year’s thatch removal programme. This will be based around what we did last year, where we will go little and often during the main playing season and then we have our main summer renovations booked in for Tuesday, September 2nd, when we will go more aggressive.
The machinery that we use to maintain the courses is maintained just as much as the courses are, with the cost of one ride-on fairway mower costing similar or more than a top-end family car, we have to ensure that all the investment from our owners is cared for.
From regular servicing to preventative maintenance and to sharpening of cutting units, we aim to have all our front-line equipment ready for the start of the cutting season. We’ve been busy over the last month ensuring everything is ready to go as soon as the grass starts growing again.
I recently came back from the states, where I fulfilled a lifetime dream to walk around a little golf course in Georgia that you may have heard of.
Where we can, and we have tried to encourage some growth with fertiliser, but unless the temperatures are on our side, then the grass plant won’t take on the nutrients or at best will only use a small amount of it. This is what can make March and April very tricky months especially when we have had very little rainfall (0.6mm in March this year compared to 112.2mm last March), because we then have to irrigate the turf at night. The water has generally been cold at best, and when applying cold irrigation water on cold nights the turfgrass is not as grateful as you may think it would be, but then again neither would I be! CONTINUED ON
I can assure you it is even better in real life than on TV! You would never have known that Hurricane Helene caused such devastation there in September, with the 16th green having to be rebuilt.
Finally, a date for your diaries, we will be hosting a divoting party on Tuesday, May 20th starting at 5pm until 7pm, we would be delighted if you could join us and as a reward we will supply you with a drink and some food!
Have a great golfing season
Barry and The Greens Team
GOLF OPERATIONS UPDATE
IAN HAYWARD
Head Professional
Hi everybody,
Now that the clocks have changed, the sun is (finally) shining again, and the Masters is complete for another year, it is officially time for the golf season to get underway!
To start the season in style, we have just taken delivery of 26 new Club Car Tempo Lithium Golf buggies to upgrade and enhance the experience for all buggy users at Hoebridge.
This represents a significant investment in the fleet, and I am sure you’ll agree that they certainly stand out! To avoid disappointment and to make the climb up the 7th and 17th holes a doddle, make sure you book a buggy today!
Bookings can be made either on the Elite Live app at the time of booking or by contacting the Pro Shop.
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PATHWAY TO GOLF
We have recently launched a new initiative called ‘Pathway to Golf’, which is aimed at complete beginners and novice golfers as a great way to take the first steps into golf or to transition from the driving range to getting out on the golf course.
Throughout the golf season, we will be offering one-hour taster golf sessions as the perfect opportunity to try the game. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to see what golf is all about, this introductory group session is to give you a feel for golf in a fun and relaxed environment.
What to Expect:
• Meet & Greet: Meet with other like-minded guests and your friendly PGA Professional 15 minutes before heading out onto the driving range.
• 60 Minutes of Hands-On Experience: Get familiar with key aspects of the game, from the grip and stance to hitting your first shots.
• Recap: Head back into the bar for a chat about the session, what was learnt and what the next steps are on your quest to becoming a golfer.
Why
Try a Taster Lesson?
• No Experience Needed: Our expert PGA Professional is here no matter your skill level.
• Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere: No pressure, just pure enjoyment. Learn at your own pace in a welcoming environment.
• All Equipment Provided: We’ve got you covered with golf clubs and balls, so all you need to bring is yourself!
• Perfect for Busy Schedules: A flexible, short session that fits right into your day.
• Great Introduction to Golf: Get a taste of what makes golf such a rewarding and social sport.
At just £10 for the taster session, it is a perfect opportunity for anybody thinking about getting into golf to get a taste of the wonderful game!
In addition to the taster session, we will also be offering further relaxing group lessons to ‘Learn the Basics’ and ‘Get Course Ready’ to get guests prepared and ready to get out on the course and have some fun (hopefully in the sun)!
If you do have any friends and family members who are thinking about getting into the game, now could be the perfect time!! For further information, please contact the Pro Shop on (01483) 722611 or proshop@hoebridgegc.co.uk at any time.
SPRING OFFERS
We currently have some great clothing, and footwear offers for spring available in the shop, which include the following:
• 3 for 2 on all Stuburt and Oscar Jacobson clothing
• -20% off J Lindeberg when you buy 2 items
• Buy any pair of Under Armour Shoes and receive a free Iso Chill Glove (worth £14.99)
• Save £10 when you buy any 2 items of JRB Clothing
• Footjoy Quantum Mens and Ladies golf shoes (were £149.99, now only £99.99)
• Footjoy Contour Casual golf shoes (were £119.99, now only £79.99)
In addition to our offers we now have some fantastic spring/summer ranges of clothing from brands such as Under Armour, Puma, Ping, Footjoy, Nike, J Lindeberg and JRB all available in
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store, so now is the perfect opportunity for you to update your golfing wardrobe in time for the summer season
RYAN STONEHOUSE H&F Manager
Hello Members,
Some exciting additions to tell you about! In this newsletter, I would like to introduce a new member of the team – Joe Dennehy. Zac Martin has also returned to Hoebridge, and I have an update from our partners, My Complete Health.
WELCOME BACK ZAC…
After a year in Australia working on a farm and travelling, Zac has returned to Hoebridge!
Zac has been busy teaching our full range of classes, including Core & More, Supple Strength, Cardio Blast and Spin Fit!
Want to find out more about Personal Training…
Zac has a limited number of PT taster sessions available in May, he is offering a free consultation to find out how he can help you with your fitness goals, give you some pointers and a taste of the benefits of supervised training. Please email fitness@hoebridgegc.co.uk to book.
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INTRODUCING JOE DENNEHY
I have 6 years of experience working as a personal trainer, and across this time have learnt that no two people are the same when it comes to health & fitness. The greatest thing about fitness is that you get out of it what you’re willing to put in. It’s my aim to help you unlock your potential and realise your goals. Whether you wish to change your body with muscle gain or fat loss, figure out your dietary requirements, become fitter and stronger, correct your posture, or change lifestyle habits to improve your wellbeing, I have the necessary knowledge to help you.
With realistic dietary practices and progressive training plans, we can achieve your goals. I am a firm believer that a healthy body and a healthy mind work in tandem.
I have undergone my own fitness journey of being severely underweight and understand the discipline and methodology it takes to realise your goals. I also practice mixed martial arts such as Muay Thai, kick boxing, boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu and wrestling.
My Complete Health
MY COMPLETE HEALTH AT HOEBRIDGE – NOW OFFERING SPORTS & RECOVERY MASSAGE SERVICES.
Jemma has joined the team of our partners at My Complete Health, offering massage services from our treatment room at Hoebridge.
Why have a sports massage?
While it’s commonly used by runners, gym-goers, and sports players, anyone experiencing muscle tightness or discomfort can benefit from a sports massage, even if they’re not an athlete.
It’s an effective way to relieve stress, pain, and movement restrictions, helping you stay active and injury-free.
Thank you for reading the latest Members News.
Please feel free to contact us on 01483 722611
HOEBRIDGE GOLF CENTRE