Liphook Golf Club are trying to create history by winning the handicap matchplay Hampshire Sevens competition - which began in 1966 - for the first time.

And their seven-strong squad, who face four-time winners Hockley in the semi-finals at Rowlands Castle, hope the club’s late president Keith Maplesden will be looking down on them, willing a few putts to drop to turn the tide in their favour.

Maplesden, who became Hampshire Golf Union secretary in 1994, organised 12 Sevens finals days until his retirement in 2005.

He handed over the role to Liphook secretary Barry Morgan, who ran the annual event until he retired in 2013.

Liphook reached the finals day in 2014, when John Groombridge captained them at Lee-on-the-Solent.

The following season Groombridge handed over the reins to finals team-mate James Cooper - a wise choice, as Cooper has captained the team ever since and now has another chance to win the trophy.

Cooper said: “When each round is drawn, the captains pick an odd or even number and the National Lottery bonus ball for that week is used to decide who is home and away. We have had home advantage for our four ties, so I have been lucky so far.

“We were all very shocked when Keith passed away suddenly. He was such a popular and well-liked figure at the club, that everyone knew. It would be a marvellous and fitting tribute to Keith if Liphook could finally win the Sevens after all this time.

“The home draws have been a big help. With the handicaps now being full limit up to a maximum of 15, we have found they don’t travel so well when they come to Liphook.

“As well as our famous greens, the heather is always very thick, so you have to hit it straight and stay on the fairway to play well here.

“Our head green keeper David Murdoch always sets up the course beautifully, so hopefully the teams we have beaten have enjoyed their day at Liphook.”

Liphook beat Sherfield Oaks 6-1, Test Valley 4-3, the Army 5½-1½ and Alton 6½-½ to reach the semi-finals.

Cooper, who joined Liphook aged nine in 1997, added: “The majority of our team have a lot of experience in the Sevens now, including my predecessor John, who has played in nearly every Sevens match since, having been a member here for 20 years.

“Richard Lushington and Bruce Mellstrom have been members for similar lengths of time and also played in the 2014 finals day.

“Players like Trevor Finlay and Hamish Rushin have played in the past, but become regulars this year, while Steve Schorah and Murray Abraham have been Liphook members for 20 years or more – Murray is well known for his draw shot.

“Our longest-serving member is David Story, who has been a member since he was a boy. I daren’t say how long ago that was.

“Chris Penn played for Bohunt in the Sevens before our amalgamation a couple of years ago, and has been a regular in our team since.

“I have not been able to play in the previous rounds, but will be playing in at least one of the matches on Sunday.”

If Liphook beat Hockley they will play Royal Jersey or Southwick Park in the final. They also reached finals day in 2004, when Ryan Mustkin’s team lost in the semi-finals at Royal Winchester. Ten years ago Groombridge’s team lost their semi-final 4½-2½ to Old Thorns.

Hockley, which like Stoneham and LIphook is on the rota that hosts the event, last won the Sevens in 2008, when they hosted the finals.

They have the chance to join the two clubs that have won the Sevens five times or more – hosts Rowlands Castle have a record six victories since their first win in 1971.

Rowlands Castle won when they hosted the event in 2002, but this time they were knocked out by 2017 finalists Ryde - who then lost to Southwick Park in the quarter-finals.

Royal Jersey have three Sevens wins, but were beaten by Rowlands Castle at Barton-on-Sea six years ago.

Liphook captain Cooper hopes the team he has assembled for the 57th finals day will emerge victorious - with some heavenly help from Keith Maplesden.