H.O.G.G.S

All members of Hillbarn Golf Club that are aged 55 or over automatically become members of the HOGGS, which stands for Hillbarn Old Gentlemen’s Golf Section

Whilst still a part of the main club and subject to main club rules it operates independently with its own committee, captain, secretary and competition secretary. As a section we run our own monthly medals, qualifying stablefords, trophy competitions etc.

Monthly Medals  These are usually held on the first Monday of each month, but check with the diary. To quality you must have a handicap recognised by the handicap secretary. All medals are to be played off the white tees, or the mats if the tees are closed, and your score needs to be confirmed and recorded by another club member. Before you start your round you must enter your name and handicap in the competition book in the clubhouse. If however you are making an early start, before the clubhouse is open, you may play without entering your details in the book but you must ensure that you notify a committee member before playing and your details are entered when you finish. On completion of the round your scorecard must be completed in full, signed by yourself and the marker, before placing in the HOGGS box.

Qualifying Stablefords These are held on occasions during the year and apart from the method of scoring the competition rules are the same as for the medals.

Club Cup and Trophy Competitions  Throughout the year there are a number of cup or  trophy competitions. To qualify you must have previously entered three or more qualifying events. The usual routine of entering your details in the competition book, playing with a marker etc. still applies but it is essential to check the competition format at the top of the relevant page in the competition book.

Texas Scrambles, Christmas Special, Pre AGM game, Fun games etc.  An entry list for these games is posted on the notice board some weeks before the event and in order to enter you need to put your name on the list as soon as possible. The actual format, draw for fourballs or teams, will be done before the game. On some occasions these games are followed by a meal, of which notice will be given in advance.

Club Matches  There are about twelve other clubs with whom we play home and away matches on an annual basis. Several weeks prior to each match the secretary posts a sheet on the notice board inviting names to be considered for selection. About ten days before the match the list is closed and the captain selects the team, which is then posted on the board. All those selected must tick their name to confirm that they are still available to play or contact the captain or vice captain to enable a reserve to be notified. We meet 30 minutes before each match for coffee and a chance to meet our opponents. At the meal afterwards jackets and club ties are the dress of the day. The vice captain will collect your match fee before the match.

Captain’s Away Day  Each year the captain chooses a venue for his away day. This gives us all the opportunity of playing on a different course and having a friendly competition with a meal afterwards.

Captain’s Day  This is similar to the away day except that the captain doesn’t play – he is too busy!! We hold it at Hillbarn with the usual competitions of nearest the pin, longest drive, best score etc. After the meal the captain usually gives a brief review of the season to date with a presentation of the medals and trophies won, followed by an open discussion on any matters that members wish to raise. This is, in effect, a mini mid-term AGM.

HOGGS Tour  For some years we have organised a tour during the summer. Past venues have included the Isle of Wight, Ireland and Devon. The problem with Okehampton in Devon is that we have been taking our wives with us and there are so many varied activities available that the wives want to return each year. We also have a men only tour each year with past venues including Ireland, Wales and Belgium.

The committee would like to welcome you as a member of the HOGGS and trust that you will enjoy your games with us