History

Founded in 1914, Hockley Golf Club is not just a haven for golfers; it is a place where history, nature, and sport intertwine seamlessly. Situated in the picturesque countryside of Winchester, the club's roots stretch deep into the land's ancient past.

Hockley began as a humble 9-hole course, gifted to Bessie Trimmer, a keen golfer, by her husband, Horace Trimmer, the landowner of Twyford Down. Horace’s gesture was more than a gift; it marked the beginning of a tradition that would span over a century. During the First World War, the course saw an influx of military officers stationed in Winchester, who were invited to join as Honorary Members. Today, members still compete for the coveted 'Tank Cup,' a trophy donated by the Tank Corps Battalion, a lasting tribute to the club's wartime connections.

In the years that followed, the club's popularity soared, prompting an expansion to 18 holes between 1918 and 1920. In 1920, famed golf course architect James Braid, a five-time Open Champion, redesigned and lengthened the course, setting the stage for the club's future. After the death of Horace Trimmer, the estate faced the threat of being sold to developers. However, a group of determined Winchester College dons, Maurice Platnauer and Murray Hicks, outbid the competition and secured the land. Platnauer became Club Captain, while Hicks took on the role of club manager. In 1955, Hockley Golf Club was gifted to Winchester College, and the college continues as the club’s landlord to this day, ensuring that the rich heritage of the club is preserved.

The course itself sits on a site rich with over 4,000 years of history. Evidence of ancient human occupation is visible across the landscape, with remnants from the Bronze Age, Roman times, and beyond. The land was once heavily forested, but during the Bronze Age (around 2,000 BC), it was cleared for farming. It is believed that Winchester's earliest settlement once spanned the 15th to 18th holes, possibly a Bronze Age village. Distinctive earth banks, remnants of Celtic fields, can still be seen near the 2nd, 4th, and 18th holes. A Roman villa was also situated near the 9th green, where artefacts like Roman coins, pottery, and tools have been discovered, reflecting the rich and diverse history of the land.

Today, Hockley Golf Club is one of the few sites designated as a ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument,’ a distinction that highlights the remarkable heritage of the area. The club is committed to preserving the ancient features of the landscape, ensuring that its history continues to be celebrated by golfers and historians alike.

Hockley Golf Club is more than just a golf course; it is a place where centuries of history meet the present, offering a truly unique golfing experience. Whether you are a member or a visitor, stepping onto the course means walking in the footsteps of history.