Golfscene Spring 2010

Scene M A G A Z INE

Volume 11 | Issue 1 | Spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

( HINT, HINT )

yes, you may putt on the cover of this magazine

( NUDGE, NUDGE )

18

or so

THINGS ...

YOU MIGHT WANT WITH YOU ON THE COURSE THIS SEASON

page 11

PROSpectives

I N S I G H T F R O M O U R E X P E R T P A N E Lpage 18

UP AND DOON 26 | PUTT, PUTT, PUZZLER 39 | NOTEBOOK 05

Paris Grand Country Club

Challenge yourself – mix it up! Purchase one membership, receive access to multiple courses. It’s as easy as that! $

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PLUS: 50% green fee discount at ALL other GolfNorth courses

THE PLAYER’S CARD program for savings!

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First round FREE with purchase of 2010 player’s card

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( 139 if purchased at a Diamond Course) $

Grey Silo Golf Club

9

49

New for 2010 – Player’s Club Membership

25% anytime

10% before noon 25% after noon

Plus 15% off regular priced pro shop items (excluding balls & clubs)

The perfect backdrop for your day…

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King’s Bay Golf Club

1-888-833-8787 www.golfnorth.ca

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Grey Silo Golf Club ✸ Mystic Golf Club ✸ Paris Grand Country Club Conestoga Country Club ✸ Dundee Country Club ✸ Foxwood Golf Club Scenic Woods Golf Club ✸ Brant Valley Golf Club ✸ Brookfield Golf Club ✸ Burford Golf Links Calerin Golf Club ✸ Orangeville Golf Club ✸ Acton Golf Club ✸ Beaverdale Golf Club Canterbury Golf Club ✸ Cedar Creek Golf Club ✸ Fergus Golf Club ✸ King’s Bay Golf Club

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R001606220

SPRING 2010

the contents are inside

REGULARS GREEN SIDE UP QUINN ESSENTIALS THE TARTAN CHAMELEON INSIDE THE ROPES MAINLY GOLF AROUND THE GLOBE THE LAST PAGE

and a whole bunch of great places to play

29 30 33 34 36 38 54

* NEW FOR 2010 Ian Hutchinson, Hal Quinn, David Main, Carolanne Doig, Tom Margetts, Paul Tribe, and Sean Foley.

PROSpectives

NOTEBOOK : Scotty Cameron

RENOVATIONS

Golferazzi UP & DOON a good slice Where has the game gone?

GIMMEES EASY DOZEN

KICKNEW COURSE THIS Directory CRACKBERRY COUNTRY CLUB PUTT, PUTT, PUZZLER AMATEUR GOLF'S EVANGELIST

GolfScenery spring 2010

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TOC

GolfScene TM

SERVING SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Publisher

Norm Woods Operations Manager

Linda Woods

PUBLISHER’S WELCOME

»

Tech Support

Steve Woods Contributors

Ian Hutchinson; Bill (Skip) Johns; Hal Quinn; Sean Foley; Cathy Williamson

We're off to an early start to what’s shaping up to be, dare I jinx anything, a great season. Welcome to our 11th season and GolfScene Magazine 2010.

Columnists

Carolanne Doig; Paul Tribe; David Main; Tom Margetts

Courses around the region have been scrambling to open early and take advantage of the great spring weather. Golfers are booking tee times earlier than ever this year and that is good for the industry. The weather has certainly put owners, managers golfers, and even publishers in a positive frame of mind - let’s hope it continues.

I am pleased to showcase our Spring issue, and to say it is one of our biggest issues ever. As in past years we have tried to introduce you to some new products that might help with your game. Steve had a chance to sit in with Scotty Cameron and discuss putters and putting. Some valuable insights from an icon.

GolfScene has been working with the folks at the Ontario PGA to bring 12 of Ontario’s top teaching professionals face to face with our readers. PROSpectives will allow you to get your golf questions answered by these top instructors. Drop in over on the web for all of their profiles along with even more valuable insight. Ask a question - maybe we'll use yours in an upcoming issue.

Cover

JUST FIND A TEE © GolfScene Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

The magazine is printed 3x per season and distributed to over 350 golf courses in southern Ontario, with additional distribution through selected golf outlets.

SPRING 2010 : Volume 11 : Issue 1 Advertising rates and publishing schedules are available on request. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the author only and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts are invited, but their return cannot be guaranteed. Letters to the Editor may be edited for legalities and only signed letters will be considered for publication.

Bill (Skip) Johns is back again and has an interesting story on the new developments at the Doon Golf Course in Kitchener. Read also about Waterloo businessman Dennis Kavelman and his passionate plans to rejuvenate amateur golf in Canada.

PRINTED IN CANADA ___________________________________ FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES

In addition to our regular columnists, Ian Hutchinson, Carolanne Doig, Paul Tribe, and Sean Foley we have added three new scribes. Hal Quinn will make you laugh, Tom Margetts will help us all better understand fairways and greens while David Main will talk to us from the business side of things. Check them out. They will be regulars throughout the season

Please call 519 846 2259 Email • info@golfscene.ca FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please call 519 846 2259 or fax 519 846 8389 Email • sales@golfscene.ca

And finally, I’m pleased to announce that Mike Turner and the folks at GolfNorth are going to carry on with the GolfScene Tour in 2010, a tour that Linda and I built over a ten year period to give juniors and amateur adults a chance to play some competitive golf, in a fun environment, at many of the great courses in the region. Thanks Mike and GolfNorth for taking the reins with the new GolfNorth Amateur Tour.

SINGLE COPY PRICE $4.25 GolfScene 1 Millridge Estates | Elora | Ontario | N0B 1S0 Phone: (519) 846-2259 | Fax: (519) 846-8389

Enjoy the Spring issue. Remember you can always check us out also at golfscene.ca and, above all, thanks for reading and enjoy your golf this upcoming season.

info@golfscene.ca | www.golfscene.ca GolfScene® Inc. 2010

PLEASE RECYCLE

CANADIAN OWNED & OPERATED

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PREFERABLY TO A GOLFER

NOTEBOOK [ steve woods ]

Had the unique opportunity to attend a Scotty Cameron workshop during the PGA of America's annual merchandise show. The chat was about an hour . Unfortunately he had to leave immediately afterwards and couldn't answer any direct questions (and I had more than a few), but it was an informative sixty minutes and below are a few notes:

listening in on a master

Scotty Cameron was born in 1962 in Glendale, California. He now resides in Carlsbad, California with his wife and two daughters.

His father was an insurance investigator and an avid golfer. When the two weren't out on the course together, they were in the garage working on golf clubs. Scotty describes himself as a 'fanatical tinkerer'. Sadly, his best friend and father would die when he was only 13, yet the lessons, memories, and passion passed forth would set Cameron on a definitive path and a future in golf.

Cameron's earliest designs were born on a table-top mill in his motherin-law's garage and from there his talents and reputation for craftmanship would land him jobs with Ray Cook Company, Maxfli, Cleveland Classics, Founder's Golf and Mizuno.

In the early 90's he established Cameron Golf International with the ardent philosophy 'make the best & they will come'. In 1993 Bernhard Langer won the Masters using one of his creations.

In 1994, Scotty was approached by Titleist but was not interested. Then after several more meetings he was eventually convinced that the company shared the same passion and vision - so a partnerhsip was forged.

OF INTEREST: Putters that inspired him > Ram Zebra | Billy Baroo Optimum Loft > 4 degrees (ball weighs 45 grams and that is all that is required to elevate it up out of its impression) Set-Up > eyes should be 1 inch inside the ball, not over the ball at address Inserts > the ball is not hit hard enough with a putter to compress the cover so the actual impact of any type of insert is limited Customization > cutting a shaft affects swing-weight and is not recommended - have it fitted properly and built to specs Look, Feel, Sound > are paramount and the goal in his designs is to create 'visual freedom' - nothing should impede or distract the eye

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GolfScenery Âť

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To truly experience Braeben, one must actually play Braeben.

Inspired links golf in a place one might not expect it - the heart of Mississauga. www.mississauga.ca/golf

Photography: Peter A Sellar |

Photoklik

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GIMMEES Âť

Turnberry Golf Club in Brampton is now open.

Uniquely positioned as a Championship Short Course, the Carrick design measures only 3,408 yards, takes up a mere 85 acres, and may just prove to be the perfect blend of challenge, time, and cost.

16 par 3s and 2 par 4s make up the links inspired design built with the intent to capture the feel of Eagles Nest, its sister course, while also emulating several of the great one-shot holes in the game of golf.

Hundreds of birds will have some of the best seats in the house for this summer's Canadian Open when it stops at St. George's Golf and Country Club this July thanks to the efforts of local school children.

While temporary grandstands and skyboxes will be erected later this spring for spectators to watch the national championship, students from three area schools spent a day first assembling and then erecting bird boxes throughout the property that borders Islington Avenue.

The students, all members of environmental studies programs and groups at St. George's Public School (Grade 5), Humber Valley Middle School (Grade 8) and Richview Collegiate (Grade 12), spent a morning assembling 45 bird nest boxes made from limbs of oak trees that were felled at St. George's G&CC. In 2009, the Club continued a tree pruning program aimed at improving overall tree health on the property and improving safety as it prepared to welcome more than 100,000 spectators for the week of July 19-25.

Wonder what it's like in The Oven? (Nike Golf's testing facility)

Hamilton's Willow Valley celebrates its 10th anniversary.

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That story and more are on ... www.golfscene.ca

CONTEST

Area coaches and golfers set to head to University World Golf Championships Michael Horsley

Head Golf Professional at the New Turnberry Golf Club in Brampton

Brad Duench

New Managing Partner, Whistle Bear Golf Club

David Roy

Adam Elliott Matthew Belacca New Golf Team at Caledon Country Club

A delegation of five coaches and 11 student-athletes will represent Canada at the 13th FISU world University Golf Championships in Antequera, Spain from June 7 to 11, 2010.

Humber College’s Head Golf Coach Ray Chateau will act as head coach and team leader of the Canadian contingent for the third consecutive FISU championships. Assisting Chateau in Spain will be University of Waterloo’s Carla Munch-Miranda and Dave Hollinger.

On the five person women’s team, University of Waterloo’s Tiffany Terrier, a native of Kingston Jamaica was selected. Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ontario will be one of the six men’s team members. Rank is also a University of Waterloo golfer. Humber College has two area golfers also on the men’s team, Ryan Willoughby of Chelmsford, Ontario and Mike Zizek of Mississauga.

The 2010 Ultimate Bag Tag Contest was a huge success. Thanks to all who participated.

10 Questions, 10 weeks - 20 complimentary rounds of golf.

Check the WEB to see who won.

NEXT CONTEST COMING SOON.

Acushnet Company has completed the sale of the Cobra golf brand to PUMA AG. The transaction includes the Cobra brand, as well as related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts.

Acushnet will continue to provide transition services to PUMA on behalf of Cobra including production, distribution, field sales and customer service - for an agreed-upon period of time.

The Economical Insurance Group® (TEIG®), the Canadian Tour and Seaforth Golf Club are announced that The Economical Insurance Group will title the Seaforth Country Classic in 2010. Golf fans and local charities will both win when some of the best golfers in the world compete for the newly titled The Economical Insurance Group Seaforth Country Classic August 16th-22nd, 2010.

Dennis Snyder

Scott Mackay

Trevor Turner

Tom Arnott Jeff Boismier Jeff Boismier takes on the General Manager role at Deer Creek in Ajax. Tom Arnott moves over from Wooden Sticks to a new role as Deer Creek’s Head Golf Professional

Kevin Purcell Kevin Purcell checks in as the new General Manager at Rebel Creek Golf Club in Kitchener

Srixon's bringing back the mellow Yellow for 2010.

New Team takes over at Wildwinds in Fergus. Dennis Snyder, CPGA Pro | Trevor Turner, Superintendent | Scott Mackay, General Manager

spring 2010

Z-Star techno in a can't miss cover.

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The Diablo Edge Technology Alvaro Quiros plays on TOUR is available in the new Callaway Diablo Edge Driver, the most advanced and precisely engineered titanium Driver we’ve ever developed. Four optimized parts are fused together to give you more power to hit it longer than ever before.

Diablo Edge Technology is also available in Callaway Diablo Edge Irons.

With a lower, more accessible sweet spot, these are the longest, most consistent Irons Callaway has ever developed. Rather than turn a 6-iron into a 7-iron and call it longer, we engineered the Diablo Edge Irons for both distance and accuracy. For 13 years in a row, Callaway has sold more irons than any other brand in golf*.

More power, more fire, more accuracy to give you the EDGE!

Get the free app for your phone at gettag.mobi and see how fused titanium is engineered to help you play with an edge.

Get the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi

Source: Darrell Survey. Callaway Golf Irons were the best-selling Irons brand in the U.S. for the combined on- and off-course channels from January 1997 to February 2010, according to Golf Datatech, LLC. Š 2010 Callaway Golf Company. Diablo Edge, the Chevron Device and Callaway Golf are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. Alvaro Quiros plays the Callaway FT-5 Driver.

equipment 2010

or so

18 things you might just want to have with you on the course this season ... or some clever way to try and describe a random list of stuff we've come across and graciously curated on your behalf Bananas are a nutrient

If you really want to score better, play better, and or get better you might want to pay a little more attention to the machine that actually powers the golf ball - you.

packed fruit loaded with potassium, fibre, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6!

Maintaining the proper blood sugar levels during the course of a round of golf is vitally important if you want to perform at optimal levels.

The high carbohydrate content of bananas provides an excellent source of energy.

Vitamin B6 in bananas is a natural relaxant and mood booster!

If you're hungry during a round, you're too late as the time needed for your system to digest and replenish is the time you no longer have.

Bananas contain electrolytes which are critical for maintaining fluid levels in the body and (along with lots of water) will help prevent dehydration.

When to eat a banana Bananas can be eaten before, during or after your golf game given their numerous nutritional benefits. *

* courtesy of Nutritionist - Cathy Williamson

Apples provide an excellent source of energy for golfers. In addition they are high in fibre and as such help to control blood sugar levels.

The high water content makes it a great re-hydration snack!

When to eat an apple It is best to eat an apple at the turn, or on the back nine as a source of energy and as a means of re-hydration (along with lots of water). *

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o or sthings you might just want ...

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WIDOW MAKER Black Widow's newest grip features a multi-compound hybrid feel and a two-color design with a corded top for traction in all conditions and a smooth responsive bottom for performance and feedback. Enough with the tech, spiders are cool and the name - for guys who play a lot of golf - apropos.

Available in round and ribbed models with black/white and black/red color patterns.

EXTREME

With a price tag north of 50k, Garia's Soleil de Minuit is the most expensive golf cart ever made by a manufacturer. Made at the same factory as the Porsche Cayman and Boxster, the Garia is the ultimate golf cart in the world created with a meticulous attention to design and luxury.

DAWG ON IT Dawgs Golf Shoes (Crocs for the course) combine style and function with EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate, or closed cell resin), creating ‘The World’s Lightest Golf Shoe’, weighing in at a paltry 7 ounces for a men’s size 9. Yet the Spirit does not sacrifice weight for comfort. The Golf Spirit has nine strategically-placed soft spikes embedded in a rubber / EVA outsole for surefooted play, confidence and performance.

Available in six color combinations for Men, Ladies, and Children.

NIKE VR STR8-FIT A collaborative effort between engineers and Nike Golf athletes, the new premium Victory Red STR8-FIT Tour Driver finds a nice balance between function and fashion.

Featuring award-winning changeable technology, the VR STR8-FIT Tour driver offers 32 face-angle settings for optimum workability and confidence. The Red Split Compression Channel in the sole increases the overall compression producing faster and more uniform ball speeds across the club face. Compression Channel technology takes rigidity out of the sole, providing more flex in the heel area making the VR STR8-FIT Tour more forgiving (better players tend to miss in the lower zone of the heel).

The premium VR STR8-FIT Tour fairway metals also come standard with Nike Golf’s adjustable STR8-FIT Tour face angle technology and the new distinctive Red Split Compression Channel.

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7 in 9 ...

Callaway's FT Tour Driver has been in the hands of the winners of 7 PGA Tour events in 9 weeks making it the early season winningest driver on the PGA Tour.

The 440cc head incorporates a deep face with a smaller footprint. Hyperbolic Face Technology results in Callaway’s highest ever ball speeds across the entire face. Precision shaping dramatically enlarges the sweet spot so off-center hits fly longer and farther.

TO WATCH

Phil's win at the 2010 Masters was, yet another, for the FT Tour Driver which is having unprecedented success thus far on the PGA Tour.

Here's an interesting concept that should soon be available from Allerta - a tech company in Waterloo. It's a smart-watch that will interecept and display blackberry messages right on your wrist. In-Pulse is the name of the gadget and it just may 'bridge' the gap between being 'plugged-in' yet hands free while on the course.

IT'S GOOD TO BE A LIGHTWEIGHT A sleek design, made of a lightweight nylon, offers four functional pockets and a simplified four-way top with two individual dividers keep Ping's 4-under bag super light while super functional.

Walking is good.

The Masters is all about putting. Over the 4 rounds Phil needed just 116 putts and an average of 1.61 per hole and 29 per round.

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o or sthings you might just want ...

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A BANDON TRADITIONAL The new Nike Zoom Bandon is designed for wet weather conditions. A seam-sealed synthetic upper, waterproof and a breathable moisture barrier, a zipper shroud closure that keeps water out and laces dry, while the mid-cut height blocks any water from entering at the ankle.

PURE DETAILS adidas Golf has introduced two adiPURE footwear models, each made of fine full-grain leather with an unsurpassed level of craftsmanship, the adiPURE and the adiPURE NUOVO (pictured at right).

The look of adiPURE is a mix of classic design, current technology and intricate detailing for a more contemporary look.

NOT EXACTLY YOUR STOCK 8 IRON It's probably not a bad idea to see the flag, before taking dead aim and Sundog's Premium Mela-Lens™ Polarized line of glasses will help you do just that. Melanin technology filters out high energy visible light, provides brilliant clarity, sharpens definition, and reduces glare.

Combine a super light weight frame and lens with industry-leading protection and performance and you've got an added weapon in your arsenal.

Premium Mela-Lens™ Polarized is available in the new Draw, Bomb, and 8 Iron (pictured) styles, as well as the Mike Weir Signature Series, Grinder.

Has committed to play in the inaugural Montreal Championship July 2-4 at Club de golf Le Fontainebleau in Blainville, Quebec.

THUMP ON THE RANGE Oakley's Thump Pro might just be the ultimate practice catalyst. Import your playlist, grab a few clubs, put on your shades and you've got 6 hours of continuous music playing while you spend your time on the range or practice green.

Far more than just a premium set of sunglasses, this is a state-of-the art audio device and a great way to add a little 'volume' to your next practice session.

TAKE IT TO THE STREET Ecco's Street Premier golf shoe takes things a little hybrid with a shoe that can be worn on and off the golf course.

The Golf Street Premier provides colour pops of marine blue, cactus green, fanta orange and chili red with metal rivet accents. Full-grain leather uppers, a sleek PU midsole and pre-molded, durable traction bars are other features.

Looked pretty good on Freddie at the Masters this year.

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The BACKSTRYKE features visible face alignment that allows you to clearly see if the face of the putter is aligned to your target. The shaft doesn't impede your view like a traditional putter shaft, which promotes better accuracy in your putting.

y wa

to m ake a f

e

w

a

Odyssey offers three models of this radically designed, technologically proven new putter. The Blade, Marxman, and the 2-ball.

Nike's revolutionary and visibly distinctive polymetal groove technology is influential in creating a faster forward roll after impact. While most traditional steel faced putters start the ball with backspin, the METHOD putter starts the ball with forward spin to minimize bounce and keep the putts on line.

p m o r e utts

From 1966 until today, the Ping Anser putter has long been the prototype for many of the designs we see today.

An elastomer insert in the cavity enhances the feel while maintaining the solid response of a steel-faced putter. All wrapped up in an undeniably proven design.

California inspired putters from Scotty Cameron just sort of say 'cool'. The Del Mar's curves and honey dipped finish sort of makes one forget all of the techno that went into it.

It's just about looking good and making putts.

context sensitive Pro-Tip

Quite possibly the most famous left-handed putter on the planet, the Odyssey White Hot XG #9 has powered it's way, once again, around Augusta and the green head cover.

The putter is heel-shafted with a flanged blade, a long slant-neck hosel, half-shaft offset and features the White Hot XG insert, the softest and most responsive in the Odyssey lineup. (oh yes, it also comes in right handed models)

Conor O'Shea Core Golf Academy Instructor Piper's Heath Golf Club, Milton Ontario

Many a putting woe (including the YIPS) stem from lack of confidence and deceleration. The slowing of the club through impact causes the putter to cut across the ball creating unwanted sidespin and an off-line stroke.

Here is a quick drill to help ensure that you are accelerating through the ball.

The key here is simply to follow through with your putter just as you would in your full swing. It may seem a little odd at first but soon you should get a feel for how the club should be moving at impact and towards the finish. Understanding the roll of the follow through will help you control distance and speed on the greens.

Find what is comfortable for you. Accelerate in the right place and start making more putts.

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CPGA PROFILE : Gary Bernard

The golf professional of the future will be a different looking professional. They will see a golf professional who has excellent skill sets in the industry, recognized core competency areas as well as individuals who have specific skill sets in specialized areas that fit the needs of the facility where they are employed. Gary Bernard

MEET THE NEW HEAD OF THE

CPGA i started in the golf business with Ken McBride

who was the Head Professional at the Miramichi Golf & Country Club in 1989. I had been teaching in the public school system in New Brunswick after graduating from UNB in 1979 and was interested in the game but I was still playing senior baseball which left no time to play golf.

I had worked in the sporting goods business for a couple of years and Ken knew this was not my chosen path so he offered me a job as his assistant and felt that I could use my teaching background to eventually help, not only my students, but also the association. He was a great role model and I am very grateful he saw enough potential in me to provide me with the opportunity to get into the industry. i'm still in the golf business because I love the

game, the industry and the people I have been fortunate to meet in my career to date. I rarely see what I do as a job so that makes life much easier and of course I have tremendous support from my wife Nancy, who I met through golf as well. Having someone at home who understands the industry makes all the difference in the world when travel and other things come up. i was most influenced along the way by the

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following golf professionals, in no particular order but they all have played an important role in my development. Ken McBride, Jim Baxter, Mousie Dowling, Mike Lucas, and Henry Brunton.

I have also had the great fortune to have had Tom Hanley as a role model for the past 36 years. Tom was one of my professors during my university years at the University of New Brunswick and he has always been there with his wisdom whenever I needed it. as the new leader of the canadian pga, i plan to

do everything in my power to develop a platform for delivery of programs and strategies that will support all members in “Living a Better Life and Earning a Better Living�. Areas of priority currently include employment services, industry awareness, standardized education and a strong relationship with employers. now that we have a new membership and education in place, the canadian golf professional

member will have more opportunities to choose

their career path and will be able to differentiate themselves through recognized certifications to compete in a global economy. golfers across canada are used to dealing

with a golf professional at their local golf course. that golf professional in

2011, 2012

and beyond will be a different looking profes-

sional. They will see a golf professional who has excellent skill sets in the industry, recognized core competency areas as well as individuals who have specific skill sets in specialized areas that fit the needs of the facility where they are employed.

2010 will be the year that I hope to accomplish a complete strategic plan review, and the development of a long range business plan that supports the sustainability of our association for many years to come.

golf in the next five years will be more global than ever before, and as exciting as ever as more and more countries are inspired to produce players for the 2016 Olympic Games. i plan to play golf as often as my schedule allows

this season and with as many leaders in the golf industry so we can continue our dialogue on making the industry healthy and sustainable for years to come.

my dream foursome would be Old Tom Morris,

Jack Nicklaus and Seve.

Clublink Academy Expands Services

CANADIAN LEADERBOARD RANK

Sean Casey, the Director of Instruction, at Oakville’s Clublink Academy announced recently that the teaching facility has made significant strides in the past few months to become a learning centre encompassing all aspects of the game of golf.

Casey says, “we want to be able to provide every customer with the complete range of services to help them become better golfers and thus be able to enjoy the game even more.”

The Academy now offers, in addition to its well respected group of golf instructors, specialists in the mental and emotional side of the game, as well as the nutritional and physical aspects.

Casey adds, “we want every golfer who comes to us for assistance, regardless of ability, age or sex to have access to our team of experts".

"We want to be able to provide every customer with the complete range of services to help them become better golfers and thus be able to enjoy the game even more."

Joining The Academy are Cathy Williamson a highly qualified nutritionist, Karen Lalonde who works with golfers on their emotional management, Paul Dewland, a neuro-linguistic programmer who will help golfers rethink their game. Jeff Ransome and Dr. Jason Pajaczkowski of The Sports Performance Centres are available for complete physical conditioning programs and rehabilitation services if required.

In addition, The Academy has signed on with TaylorMade Golf to build a full service TaylorMade MATT System and Flightscope Launch Monitor right on site, to assist every golfer with proper club fitting to suit his or her game.

Casey says, “we feel we now have a facility that can take every golfer’s game to a new level. I am extremely proud of our team.”

EP

EARNINGS

PGA TOUR 47

Stephen Ames

10

$622,397

79

Graham DeLaet

11

$468, 925

80

Mike Weir

10

$467, 319

224

Chris Baryla

7

$24,254

NATIONWIDE TOUR 8

David Hearn

7

$116,953

21

Jon Mills

8

$60,150

115

Bryan DeCorso

7

$5,810

137

Dustin Risdon

5

$3,325

CANADIAN TOUR 7

James Allenby

2

$7,131

9

Ryan Yip

2

$6,760

11

Wes Heffernan

3

$6,380

15

Brad Fritsch

2

$4,766

LPGA TOUR 85

Alena Sharp

2

$5,548

101

Samantha Richdale

1

$3,359

MEN'S AMATEURS : WORLD RANKING 3

Nick Taylor

17

Eugene Wong

25

Matt Hill

THE CLUBLINK ACADEMY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

AS OF MAY 1, 2010

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PROSpectives

“

One elite panel of experts - equals - more insight, knowledge, and answers.

Based on your feedback, and in co-operation with the Ontario PGA, we have assembled some of the top Canadian PGA Professionals and Apprentices in Ontario to form an expert panel in an effort to provide GolfScene readers with a cross-section of views and a wealth of game improvement knowledge.

I've been hearing and seeing a lot of advice about the putting stroke recently which suggests that better putting strokes employ an equal distance in the backswing and follow through. I find equal back, equal forward promotes more of a jerky stroke or recoil. I'm curious to get the opinion(s) of your panel.

Danny King

o Head Teaching Pr emy ad Performance Ac at Magna dannykinggolf.com

John, You’re not wrong to have a putting stroke that is balanced with the back swing and follow through mirrored, but what is happening is your body is reacting to what your stroke is doing.

We all have a 'BUILT IN' mechanism in our brains which allows us to measure distances instantly and, hence permits our bodies to react and adapt accordingly. The term 'feel' is thus our inherent ability to transfer images from our eyes to our bodies.

The fact that the putter is re-coiling at the finish position suggests to me that your distance control is going to be inconsistent and that you’re not completely committed or comfortable.

Understand that the most important foundation of a good putting stroke is the consistency of where you hit the putt on the putter face, not neccessarily your mechanics. Billy Mayfair is a classic example of poor mechanics yet solid contact (hitting the same spot). He simply makes putts and wins PGA Tour events .

Start focusing on setting up to your putting stroke as if you were hitting a wedge. Good posture will allow your arms to rotate around good spine angles and thus allow the arms to swing naturally.

Start trusting your 'feel' and you’ll start rolling more putts in!'

Cheers, Danny King

Reader Question: John Goodman

THE PANEL : Gary Bos | Ann Carroll | Sean Casey | Shawn Clement | Mike Crane | Rob Hannah | Danny King | 18

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

Bradlee Ryall

Conor O'Shea

Head Teaching Pro Braeben Academy bradleeryall.com

John, Thanks for your question. It’s nice to see someone thinking about the short game and how to improve in that area. When I was first taught the game of golf, I was also encouraged to have the same length in the backswing and forward swing of the putting stroke. Over the years, I have even been taught to have a shorter backswing and bigger follow through.

Although this information was given with the best of intentions, I did take it upon myself to spend countless hours working with some of the best instructors , doctors, and putting gurus the game has to offer. What I have found is exactly the complete opposite of what I had been taught.

Ever since I began to understand kinetic energy and how to apply that force from the putter head to the ball, my game and my students' game on the greens, has improved tremendously.

Putting is a very personal thing and there are many ways to get the job done on the greens.

Major golf tournaments have been won with conventional and unconventional putting strokes.

If I was to focus on technique with you, I would focus on what is most naturally instinctive.

I would encourage a bigger backswing and a shorter follow through.

The last thing you want is recoil of the putter post impact. This implies that energy was lost from the putter head into the ball through impact.

A feeling of stability, with a flat lead wrist post impact would be ideal. My recommendations are to watch Tiger's putting stroke and notice how his forward swing is very low and doesn’t travel very far. I would also recommend that you read a book called the Putting Prescription by Dr. Craig Farnsworth. Many things will become a lot clearer to you, and there are many great ideas on how the putting stroke should work.

Good Luck, Bradlee Ryall

Rob Hannah

Teaching Pro Core Golf Academy at Piper's Heath coshea@pipersheathcom

Teaching Pro TPI Certified : Level 1 Rebel Creek Academy rebelcreek.ca

John,

John,

Thanks for your question. If I may, I'm going to read a little into what you have written to us.

While it has long been recommended to have the backswing and follow through of the putting stroke be the same length, studies have shown that many top players have a follow through which is twice as long as their backswing.

It sounds like you have become interested in trying to make a putting stroke that is equal back and equal through.

My guess is that the jerky stroke or recoil you have been experiencing is in direct correlation to your brain's indecisiveness.

Question: Can this putting rhythm / stroke produce putts that roll similar distances consistently?

Answer: If the prediction software in your brain is lost, or unsure, your putting motion will reflect that and the answer would probably be no.

When our attention gets overwhelmed by our thoughts, the ability to make a consistent, relaxed, and positive stroke is hindered.

John, we need to bring you back to putting with your instincts. Human Beings have been accelerating objects for thousands of years. We are all very good at acceleration. You are very good at it! - it's part of your DNA. So, let's get you back to what comes natural.

Your Homework is Below.

1. Next time you practice, monitor the movement in your stroke after the ball while looking at the hole. Ask yourself would this follow-through do the job?

As another one of the many examples in golf where feel is just an illusion, many of these players will say that they are actually attempting to produce strokes with an equal backswing to follow through, yet in fact the follow through is much longer.

The advice I give my students is to make a follow through which is at least as long as the backswing and also to error on the side of being longer in the follow through. As well, I recommend holding the finish position at the end of the stroke. Holding the finish promotes a smooth follow through and a more consistent stroke.

Another key fundamental is to keep the head still until the stroke is competed. Many golfers miss hit putts or send the ball offline due to the head and shoulders lifting and turning during the stroke as they are anxious to see the outcome of the putt.

Rob Hannah

For more perspectives from the PROS visit us online at golfscene.ca/prospectives

2. Hit your putts as hard as you can, but ... when you watch the ball arriving at the hole you should be comfortable with the speed at which it arrives.

Conor O'Shea [ see another of Conor's putting tips on page 13 ]

PROSpectives and answers.

One elite panel of experts - equals - more insight, knowledge,

2010

Liam Mucklow | Ed Maunder | Conor O'Shea | Bradlee Ryall | Mike Skimson spring 2010

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golfscene.ca

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

Excerpts from author Patricia Hannigan's Little Tartan Book.

recharge my battery, improve my swing, and be more efficient when I get back to work. So any time you’re dreaming of golf, but dreading the time crunch, find a nine. It’s real golf. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

Page 67

Dress to Address Page 32

Reasons to love golf even if you’re terrible

Shots that defy the laws of physics Fresh air and the Great Outdoors Meeting new people Hanging with old friends Swearwords you’ve never heard before Conversations about balls, shafts, and strokes Rare wildlife sightings Guy candy Ian Poulter Flippy pleated skirts Spouting whales on captains of industry Winning bets with a 42 handicap Other people’s sheer athleticism Riding around in a cart Nineteenth (drinking) hole Page 56

Recognize that Nine is Fine

Time, as I’ve mentioned, is not what we girls have a lot of. But you don’t need to find yourself a four-hour window to sneak off with your bag and cleats. Because you don’t need to play eighteen holes. Nine is fine. The purists will disagree, but they always do. Think about it: You can party hard Saturday night and sleep in Sunday morning. You can take advantage of those last daylight hours on a weekday evening. You can even justify it as a working lunch, depending on whom you take along and what you talk about. Guys do business on the back of the tee all the time. We can, too—and still have the whole afternoon to get everything else done back at the office. Fact is, when I’ve got a lot on my desk, I just can’t enjoy four or five hours on the course. I’m too distracted to focus. Whereas a two hour break playing my favorite game is just what I need to

Instead of feeling insecure about the bootyful posture, I own it. I’m particularly fond of flouncy skirts with pleats, ruffles, or piping, and builtin bike shorts. I have a couple of skirts whose undergarment is in a contrasting color, or is edged in one: lavender on dark purple, pale blue on periwinkle, pink with turquoise trim. If, when I address the ball, ce n’est pas élégant, I guarantee that flash of contrasting color will keep everyone from noticing my less-than-perfect swing.

That Goes for You Guys, Too

Chris DeMarco is a PGA golfer who maintained a Top-Ten ranking for over fifty weeks between 2002 and 2006. In the spring of 2008, playing in Korea at the Ballentine Championship, he struggled with his driving until his wife remarked, “You used to stick your butt out like you were wearing a dress.” He finished up the round with an awesome sixty-eight. After a week of hitting solid shots, he told reporters, “It’s amazing, the simplicity of that advice. Sure enough, it just kind of kicked everything right into gear.”

Why We Wiggle

Not to be confused with the waggle (see above), the wiggle is nonetheless a key statistic in determining a golf girl’s success, both on the course and off. Measurements aren’t always necessary— some golf girls obviously have plenty of wiggle. But to what degree could mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey.

This is where a study by British mathematicians has provided a remarkable insight. Apparently a waist circumference that is 70 percent of the hip circumference is the ratio that provides the maximum amount of wiggle in a girl’s walk. The study reported that Marilyn Monroe had a ratio of 0.69—almost perfect, as if we couldn’t have guessed. But here’s the bit of breakthrough news: Actress Jessica Alba has exactly the .70 ratio, hence the perfect wiggle. And guess what? Jessica is a golfer, and a good one.

I rest my case. continued on page 53 spring 2010

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kick this James Lepp is already one of Canada's very best golfers He's now set his sights on injecting a little colour into the golf shoe market.

MADE IN CANADA

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

Vancouver's James Lepp is doing things a little differently. While most great young golfers (Lepp was the 2005 NCAA Champion - has carded a 59 - won on the Canadian Tour) spend every waking minute honing their skills, toiling on the range, and or maxing out yet another credit card to pay the next entry fee in relentless pursuit of PGA status, Lepp instead has chosen to ease up on the gas a little - well, at least when it comes to playing.

Instead, James has another pedal down redirecting his passion instead toward another aspect of the industry as he gets set to launch his new line of golf shoes, Kikkor.

Conceived in 2008, the Kikkor idea has become the new focus for James as, in his words "I would rather be doing something that I really enjoy. That I am passionate about. And that is fun. Golf stopped being fun and I knew it was time to focus on something else". (see sidebar for James responses to our email Q&A) To learn more about the brand surf www.kikkor.com

check out the saucer pass

GS2010

EMAIL Q & EH! we started the sentence ...

is not really different than the Amateur game. People think that it’s the huge leap from Amateur golf to the Pros, but really the only difference is stronger and deeper competition. It’s still just golf … you vs the course.

The Pro game

As far as my status goes, I don’t know if I’ve fully left pro golf just yet. I’m still planning on playing a few events this summer. The reason I’m playing less is mostly because I didn’t feel I was getting better. My game wasn’t showing signs of improving, so at that point you really lose a lot of enjoyment. As that happened, Kikkor was sort of there to replace my involvement in the golf world. The feelings I have towards the business resemble how I felt towards golf back when I was a junior. It’s new, exciting, and loads of fun. as a conversation between friends, family, and fellow golf buddies.

Kikkor began

I'd rather hit a hard hook than

rocket?

a hozzle

shoot some more Kikkor Tips videos … always a fun time!

Tomorrow I will

KIKKOR GOLF TIMELINE April 2010 Shoes are officially available for purchase March 2010 Re-launch of Kikkor.com September 2009 Distribution lined up for all of North America August 2009 First run of samples arrive May 2009 Prototypes completed February 2009 Drawing of 2010 designs are finished September 2008 Registration and trademarking of Kikkor Golf August 2008 The decision is made to create a new shoe brand, called Kikkor Golf July 2008 James discusses with fellow players and friends about a new shoe line concept April 2008 Since no other brand was coming out with a shoe for younger players, James starts thinking about doing something himself October 2007 Still nothing July 2007 Still frustrated March 2007 James still frustrated with the lack of cool shoe options September 2006 Still no golf shoes for the younger players June 2006 Kikkor founder, James Lepp, turns pro; forced to wear classic-looking golf shoes

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spring 2010

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AMATEUR GOLF'S

EVANGELIST DENNIS KAVELMAN IS INVESTED IN THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN GOLF story by Norm Woods

“

I hope to make each event just more ‘like a major’, whether it’s the Men’s Amateur, the Girls’ Junior or the Men’s Senior.

They are all important.

Dennis Kavelman was born, raised, works, and has played most of his amateur golf, in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Yet, his vision and mountainous aspirations to advance the amateur game extend right across the country. And if you have ever met Dennis Kavelman you would probably attest that if he's set his sights, he will realize his goals.

Just as he has been a key part of the growth of Research in Motion, one of the world’s fastest growing and highly successful technology companies, he aims to be a key partner with the RCGA in their attempts to raise the profile of amateur golf in Canada.

A graduate of Waterloo Collegiate and Wilfred Laurier University, Kavelman began his business career with accounting firm KPMG and then moved into the fast-paced, high tech, world of Blackberry. < 2009 Women's Amateur Champion, Jennifer Kirby

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

“I grew up playing golf at the Conestoga Country Club back in my junior days, and while I wasn’t very good, I loved the game. Later I partnered with some area golf professionals, first Mike Turner and then later, Jimmy Walker and soon got my handicap down to the point where I could play in a few tournaments.

I’ve always been a very competitive individual and golf is a great game to challenge yourself,” says Kavelman.

After becoming a member at Kitchener’s Deer Ridge Golf Club, he began to enter provincial and national amateur events, while continuing to practice, winter and summer, whenever time permitted.

“For me it was a huge accomplishment to qualify for provincial and then national level tournaments,” he adds.

“Most of the events were well run and had strong fields, particularly at the provincial level. A few years ago I got very excited when I qualified for a major Canadian amateur event.

When I arrived I was surprised that there wasn’t a full field, the golf course wasn’t exactly what you would call ‘championship’ caliber and the winner didn’t receive an exemption into any other meaningful events.

Quite honestly, the experience let me down. I’m sure it was also a letdown for others who had taken the time and spent their own money to play in these type events.”

So Kavelman decided to do something about it.

“I just had a feeling that if these events had more resources and a higher profile then golf at the grass roots level might take notice and participation and interest might improve," he added.

Kavelman has taken on, as a volunteer, the chairmanship of the RCGA Amateur Championship Committee.

“I still have a great deal to learn about the inner workings of the RCGA but I have found the organization to be very responsive to good ideas and to be very focused on making golf stronger across the country. Our committee has set a five year plan and so far we are very excited with the progress we are making and the support we are receiving from sponsors such as RBC.” Kavelman’s plans include increasing the participation in the various amateur events, improving the quality, the quantity and the strength of each field, including more international players, selecting the best available Canadian golf courses to stage the events, providing the players with a first class on-site experience, and attracting more spectators with better local marketing.

“

I just had a feeling that if these events had more resources and a higher profile then golf at the grass roots level might take notice and participation and interest might improve.

2009 Men's Amateur Champion, Cam Burke ▼

He adds, “I hope to make each event just more ‘like a major’, whether it’s the Men’s Amateur, the Girls’ Junior or the Men’s Senior. They are all important.”

In 2010 Kavelman has already started to make his mark by expanding the Canadian Men’s Amateur to include two golf courses, The London Hunt and Redtail in order to give more players a chance to participate. Players will have the opportunity to play both courses as part of this year’s national championship.

In all, the RCGA runs 15 amateur events each year. Generally, they are well run events under the leadership of Brent McLaughlin and his RCGA staff. They just need more resources.

Now with the efforts of Dennis Kavelman, his committee and The Kavelman-Fonn Foundation, he has committed his money and his time to making the amateur golf experience much better for Canadians. And he has given himself five years to do it.

Knowing Dennis Kavelman I’d put my money squarely behind him.

spring 2010

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UP AND DOON

KITCHENER CLASSIC IS RENOVATED AND READY FOR THE 2010 SEASON

When I made a major lifestyle/job change in late 1972 by coming to Kitchener-Waterloo from my hometown of Niagara Falls, about the only thing I knew was going to stay the same was the fact that I was going to play golf.

In that first summer of 1973, my home base turned out to be the Doon Valley golf course where a friend at the Kitchener daily newspaper, and I, would play about once a week.

It only lasted a year after I met other golfing enthusiasts and switched my site of playing to the other Kitchener-owned facility, Rockway.

Athough that is inching up on 40 years ago, I still have fond memories of my early days at Doon and still enjoy visiting the layout which first opened under private ownership in 1956 and was eventually bought by the city in 1966.

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

In fact, during my tenure at the KitchenerWaterloo Record where I covered golf for more than 25 years, I wrote a late-career feature naming my favourite 18 holes in the area and Doon’s challenging 421-yard par-four 13th hole, a dogleg left, always made my list.

So what’s happening on the Doon municipal golf front as we get into the 2010 season?

To borrow a word from a well-known TV cooking-show host, “Bam.” Recently I had a chance for a non-playing tour of the course which has expanded to 27 holes in addition to adding a nine-hole “chip and putt” layout and changing some tees and the practice facilities.

Kitchener’s director of golf operations Gary Hastings and Elora-based architect Shawn

story by Bill (Skip) Johns

Watters, who crafted the new holes and some changes on the existing 18, were my guides for a trek around the new layout which is scheduled to be fully open sometime in June.

Having played more than 1,000 golf courses in my passion for this game for the past 60 years, I can truly say I was fascinated, and a little surprised, by what has transpired at Doon.

If you’re from Waterloo Region, when you say 27hole courses you probably first think of Foxwood, Conestoga and Brookfield, to name just three fine layouts all built privately but currently operated

by GolfNorth Properties.

Those three operations all have one thing in common. You can mix and match your nine-hole pairings to get the 18 you want to play on any given day.

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Having played more than 1,000 golf courses in my passion for this game for the past 60 years, I can truly say I was fascinated, and a little surprised, by what has transpired at Doon.

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Photo of hole # 3 taken last November when the grow-in was just beginning.

Not so at Doon Valley.

The new 27 layout will feature 18 holes which you will play from start to finish and then nine “old” holes which can be repeated. However, the “new” 18 – featuring 10 newly-built holes – will not be combined with the “old” 9 in any manner.

“It will be different from many other 27s because once you start the new 18 you don’t get back to the clubhouse until the 18th hole,” explained Hastings who also pointed out there will be new halfway-house and washroom facilities in the area where the expanded course goes under Highway 401 alongside the Grand River.

“We worked on a lot of possible routings but because of extensive environmental concerns that we had to look after, we just couldn’t find a way to incorporate the new holes into a traditional 27 layout,” explained Watters.

“We’ve heard some of the regulars are concerned about the new layout but I think once they get used to playing the holes they are going to love the course,” Watters added.

It would take thousands of words to describe all the changes at Doon – space we just don’t have – but I will highlight some of the most prominent.

The first-hole tee has been shifted left and turned into a par four from a par five.

After playing the second hole which hasn’t changed, you head downhill to play three (par four) and four (par three) which are both new and obviously with great views of the Grand. Five, six and seven are parts of original three, 10 and 11.

GET READY FOR THE CHALLENGE!

In June, Doon Valley is expanding to 27 holes. In the fall, we're opening a 9-hole pitch and putt and driving range.

To see if you are up to the challenge visit our website.

2010 -our 75th Anniversary Located in the heart of Kitchener, this beautifully landscaped 18-hole, par-70 course features : • tree-lined holes • outstanding greens • high-quality fairways

For details on memberships, tournament bookings, lessons, rates and to book tee times online:

www.kitchenergolf.ca

Doon Valley Golf Course 500 Doon Valley Dr., Kitchener, ON N2P 1B4 p/ 519.741-2939

Rockway Golf Course 625 Rockway Dr., Kitchener, ON N2G 3B5 p/ 519.741.2949

continued on page 52

spring 2010

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27

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All of your club data, swing analysis information and lessons will be digitally captured and made available to you in a secure and private folder on our website for no additional cost. ( 905 ) 337-2061 WWW.PRECISIONGOLF.CA INFO@PRECISIONGOLF.CA

EASY DOZEN Derrydale becomes a 12 hole golf course

Back in 2007 Jack Nicklaus was quoted in a major golf publication saying, “we should consider the possibility of making 12 holes a standard round…of course it would meet resistance, but eventually it would be accepted because it would make sense in people’s lives.”

Fabled golf ancient history is set to repeat itself this year when the Derrydale Golf Course, owned by Jim Holmes and family will celebrate its 40th anniversary by becoming the first course in southwestern Ontario to offer a 12-hole round of golf.

The general public's acceptance may be driven more by market conditions, then the words of Jack Nicklaus, as factors such as cost and time tend to deter or at least limit participation.

Interestingly, Scotland’s historic Prestwick Golf Club, which hosted the first British Open Championship in 1860 in the land considered the birthplace of golf, was originally composed of - you guessed it - 12 holes.

And while 9-hole golf courses are gaining in popularity, there appears to be a significant number of golfers who feel that the 9-hole option doesn’t quite satisfy their golfing appetite.

So, following four years of operating Derrydale as a 9-hole course, after many years as an 18-hole executive facility, Holmes decided to listen to many of his long-time members who suggested he add the additional 3 holes and create a 12-hole experience.

Holmes says, “the response to our informal poll was overwhelming. It became very obvious that a 12 hole golf course would satisfy the time issues of golf ’s two burgeoning demographics – busy young golfers and the aging player.”

The new 12-hole course is a par 40 test and there are challenges for every ability . Water is on eight of the 12 holes, 26 sand bunkers, and more than 600 trees along the way.

And another bonus: Green fees are $30 Monday to Thursday and $32 on weekends. And if you are over 60, the rate is $20.

28

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

“

Tom Margetts

GREEN SIDE UP

Ever Heard of POA? Tom Margetts is a soil and turf consultant He can be reached at 519.496.2143

Somewhere in your golf travels you may have heard the term Poa. Whether you are a seasoned turf manager or just a recreational golfer, Poa is found on every golf course in Ontario.

Poa provides some of the finest putting surfaces in the world and is found at the most exclusive Clubs. Pebble Beach Golf Links will welcome the best players in the world to their Poa greens this year for the US Open. There is one sure thing, “if you build a golf course, you will have Poa”.

OK, so what is Poa? It’s actually a grass, often referred to in the industry as ‘Poa Annua’ or ‘Annual Bluegrass’. This annual grass species is very opportunistic, a prolific seed producer and although it inhabits the majority of golf courses it is also considered a weed by many. We all loved Poa last summer, but this spring maybe not! Even though Poa is very popular it is also unreliable.

Kind of like that friend you had in College. The friend that forgot the tent pegs on the camping trip or the beer for the party. Poa can be ‘Mr. Popular’ most of the time but chances are he will let you down.

Poa Annua does not do well in extreme heat or

extreme cold. Although we have just experienced a relatively mild winter many golf courses had prolonged ice cover on their greens. Poa Annua does not like ice. He can tolerate a certain period of ice cover but falls short compared to his Creeping Bentgrass room mate. It is not only the ice cover but the temperature variations under the ice that are harmful.

Golf Course Superintendents design their programs to manage their Poa in the best way possible. Weather and climate can provide circumstances out of a Superintendent's control.

There are many great putting surfaces managed with this species that has such a narrow level of tolerance. We are encouraging Poa when we resist aeration practices and ask our Superintendents to keep our greens “overwatered and soft”.

Remember Poa Annua loves compaction and moist soil. We need to understand Poa Annua and its habits.

We must appreciate the effort it takes to manage such an unpredictable grass and value its quality as a putting surface. But just remember, no matter how trusting we become of our friend Poa, he will likely forget the tent pegs or the beer again!

A challenging design by golf course architect, Shawn P. Watters

Scott Mackay, General Manager Dennis Snyder CPGA Professional GOLF LINKS

CORNER OF WELLINGTON RDS 22 & 29 AT HISTORIC SPEEDSIDE FERGUS, ONTARIO. 1 866 831 6363 WWW.WILDWINDS.CA

spring 2010

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29

“Ah, yes,” he said. “He’s introducing him to a lifetime of puzzlement.”

QUINN ESSENTIALS an alternative view from the veranda The rain was no longer horizontal, now coming down straight, although more enthusiastically. The horizon was close, defined by rolling dark clouds; the temperature hovered around 8C. In other words, it was a perfect day to be at the range.

the guy handed his little charge a cut-down club and the tyke started two-handed, splitgripped whiffs at the dandelion heads, sending up shimmering sprays. It was such a Norman Rockwell, pre-First Tee moment that I had to get the attention of my battery mate.

I picked what looked like the driest mat; the only other guy at that end of the stalls – a half dozen would-be Furyks flailed near the centre of this semicircle of flagellation, perhaps wanting to be near the exit – was next to me, our meditations separated by a three-foot high section of plywood, the green paint scuffed and tired.

“Excuse me,” I said. “Look at this. This is golf; passing the game along to the next generation.”

We’d exchanged nods when I arrived, and had then gone about our business. From his headdress, I’d subconsciously guessed that he was from India or Pakistan. From mine, he probably thought I was from the planet Srixon.

We hit our yellow TopFlites in a comfortably shared silence, the spray from the sodden mats darkening our pant legs, the occasional gusts sending the cold rain into our faces.

Refreshing really, or quite manic.

About a half-bucket in I took a break, to change my wet glove really, and as I retrieved a dry one I looked toward the parking lot where a handful of vehicles glistening with rainwater looked better than they should. A guy was helping a little tyke, couldn’t have been more than four years old, up the slight incline. The kid had those Osh-Kosh type overalls on, feet the size of putter heads, and a clear-eyed determination the world was just waiting to dim. Once they got up the slope,

He turned, propped his club and crossed his feet – doing the full Leadbetter – and then smiled.

“Ah, yes,” he said. “He’s introducing him to a lifetime of puzzlement.”

Ever since that day, his words have resonated.

How do you explain the obsession other than describing it, to coin a word, as a case of terminal perplexion? Unfortunately, it has proven to be eminently communicable.

The guy at the range was right, although how he can play in a turban – not that there’s anything wrong with that – is a puzzle in itself.

Golf is the Rubik’s Cube of sport: unsolvable except by a precious few, infinitely frustrating to the rest. Yet, we persist.

That last rumble sounded close. The trees are protesting a bit around the edges. Little pats on the window are becoming pings; the first rivulets are forming and initiating their eccentric patterns. It’s suddenly darker. If this gets much worse, it will be a perfect afternoon to go to the range.

Hal Quinn is a writer / broadcaster whose articles and columns have appeared in magazines and newspapers across North America, England, and as far away as New Zealand. Quinn lives in North Vancouver with his wife, their two daughters, and their dog Mulligan.

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

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GOLF COURSE FEATURES

TRAILER PARK FEATURES

• GAO RATED | 18 HOLES | PAR 70 • PUTTING GREEN | LICENSED LOUNGE & PATIO • POWER CARTS & RENTALS • PRO SHOP • SENIOR SPECIALS ON TUESDAYS

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LF EARN POINTS | FREE GO

It’s this simple

36 HOLES “ WE ARE THE SHOT-GUN SPECIALISTS ”

WWW.GOLFGRANITE.COM 32

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

9503 Dublin Line, Milton 905 878 5494 direct booking 1877 golf 126

“

Carolanne Doig Technology is a wonderful thing. What would we do without our computers, cell phones, iPods, and the myriad of electronic gadgets that make our lives so much more convenient than in years gone by?

THE TARTAN CHAMELEON Welcome to Crackberry Country Club

I admit that my nieces and nephews often have to assist me in choosing, purchasing, setting- up, and maintaining much of the technology that I, like every other baby boomer, have come to rely on. When my email, cell phone, television or whatever goes on the fritz, I am not only ticked off, I am bamboozled. My relief is evident when someone less than a quarter my age comes over to get things up and rolling again. I am truly thankful for all the mysterious technology that keeps my life in order.

That is why I cannot understand my total annoyance when I am on the golf course and I am confronted with this same technology.

I get the impression that now a game of golf is something you squeeze in between meetings, conference calls, and a zillion other commitments.

Carolanne Doig is a member of the Doig Family, Owners of the Seaforth Golf Club

A recent game of golf with a long-time friend really brought this aversion to technology to the fore for me. Oh I am getting used to the electronic distance finder attached to the cart or brought along by my high tech golfing friends and sometimes I even benefit from the gadget myself. I also appreciate that many golfers actually find the golf course using high tech directional gadgets, pay for their greens fees and carts using plastic, and call in their order at the turn, making everything faster and more convenient.

And yes, occasionally I am guilty of taking my cell phone along on a round. Let’s face it, sneaking out of the office for a round of golf is not that difficult if you have it along for the ride. My problem comes with the constant checking of emails and texting that my friends find so compelling with their “more than cell phone” technology.

After several holes with my golfing buddy jumping back in the cart and immediately checking emails, I felt compelled to comment on her apparent addiction to her communications device. She admitted that it had become a habit. I noted that she would

check for messages between every shot. She would check for messages while I was hitting and while the rest of the members of our group were hitting. Her game wasn’t going that well and on the back nine I suggested putting “the darned thing away” until we finished our round. She tried but when she thought I wasn’t looking she would steal glances at her emails and send the odd text.

I really wondered if she was in the game at all.

I am sure that for many people the golf course is one of the final places to spend peaceful, quiet time either alone or with their buddies. It is a place and a time for camaraderie, good conversation, and bonding. I know it was always that way for my dad, who liked nothing more than a round of golf, a chance to tell some great stories, and time to appreciate being alive.

I get the impression that now a game of golf is something you squeeze in between meetings, conference calls, and a zillion other commitments. I truly believe it takes much of the enjoyment out of the game for everyone in the group if someone’s talking on the phone or texting most of the round.

Yes, take your device if you must keep in touch. Take that all important call if you must, but wouldn’t it be better to check messages at the turn or just after the round before heading for the 19th hole? Take the time to enjoy the shot you just made and also the one your friend just made instead of hopping back in the cart and trying to find out what people who aren’t even there are doing.

If we don’t separate ourselves from some technology on the golf course we’ll soon see golfers heading down the fairways talking to their friends in the mall rather than those in their group. They will be texting “nice shot” or “what did you make on the last hole?” to each other instead of communicating face to face.

I think this would be a real shame.

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INSIDE THE ROPES Âť with Sean Foley I have found it so interesting to see the condemnation and admonishment of Tiger Woods by the media and public.

I have found it so interesting to see the condemnation and admonishment of Tiger Woods by the media and public.

I'll concede the fact that he has made a billion endorsement dollars off of an image that he has not lived up to, but it's hard to feel sorry for the companies, who I assure you have their own moral issues, that paid Tiger the money. He is, after all, one of the most recognizable human beings on the entire planet.

He became recognized by his on course accomplishments, and not because of how he chose to live his private life.

I believe if we all took a look in the mirror and did it long enough we would have nothing to say about anyone else.

In professional sports, he is one of 10,000 or so who have been down that same road. But in a society where anyone with a video camera or internet access can be a member of the media he got 'caught' in the biggest way.

He is still the greatest player of all time, even if the membership of Augusta National gave him a slap on the wrist at this year's Masters.

Tiger has changed the face of golf from participation to purses. I look forward to watching him break all the records for years to come.

And I find it funny that no one has mentioned that his name and image has brought about $500 million dollars to charities all over the world.

Just something to think about ...

Sean Foley is the Coach of Stephen Ames, Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hair, Hunter Mahan and others. He is also the 2008 Ontario PGA Teacher of the Year.

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NEWS FROM THE NORTH GolfScene Tour will carry on ...

After a year’s absence, participate. There will all of us at GolfNorth be both gross and net Properties are proud to divisions for all events O N F announce that we will based on our handicap R L T O H G be taking a significant system. We are also AM ATEUR TOUR role in the development encouraging all adults of junior and amateur including the parents golf in the area through successful to play in the same events as the negotiations with Norm and Linda juniors.

Woods of GolfScene to carry on the highly successful GolfScene (Kiwi) All golfers will pay a $99 memberTour. ship fee and there will be a nominal green fee for each event. In addition At the end of 2008, The GolfScene there will be a Merit Point system Tour had grown to a regular in place which will award points summer schedule of 13 events at for both participation and finishes regional golf courses, with over 100 at each event. We will track these players, boys and girls along with player points and provide on-going an adult amateur division, making it Tour information. one of Canada’s largest tours.

All of our staff are excited about GolfNorth, with the assistance taking this important step to of the folks at GolfScene plan to provide young golfers and amateur run six competitive events and a adults the opportunity to golf in a wind-up event this season. Our competitive, yet fun environment 2010 schedule will kick off at Grey for the 2010 golf season. We are also Silo on Sunday May 30th with pleased to be able to offer all of the subsequent events as follows: players a GolfNorth Amateur Tour cap, prizing at each event, closest to ♦ Sunday June 13 - Brookfield the pin prizing, preferred member ♦ Sunday July 11 –Paris Grand pricing for events, first tee sponsor ♦ Sunday July 25 – Conestoga gifts and live scoring. ♦ Sunday August 15 – Calerin ♦ Sunday August 29 – Dundee We are looking forward to suc♦ Sunday October 13 – Grey Silo cessfully building on the Tour that (closing Scramble) GolfScene initiated ten years ago.

Registration is available online at www.golfnorth.ca Click on ‘What’s New’

Did You Know ?

Deer Creek Golf Clubs offer the following: • “Best Teaching Facility” • “Best Practice Facility” • “Best Value Golf Course” • “Best Executive Par 3” and “2 Top 18 Holes in GTA” All in your own backyard! Located 20 mins East of the DVP between 401 & 407. Visit us Online Awards as voted by Toronto Sun Reader’s and Metroland Publications 407

Salem R d

.

407 400

I can be reached at GolfNorth Properties at 519.664.2851 ext 221 or by email at mturner@golfnorth.ca if you have any questions.

Register earlyl! I look forward to seeing you at Grey Silo on May 30.

401

Mississauga 2

Mike Turner CPGA Executive Professional Director of Business Development GolfNorth Properties

404

2

401

Audley Rd.

We have decided to run all events on Sundays to allow for the maximum number of players to

Exceptional Golf... ...Conveniently in the GTA.

Ajax

Toronto

905.427.7737 • 1.866.661.6617

www.golfdeercreek.com/gta spring 2010 Golf Scene 1-2 page vertical spr1 1

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35 4/19/2010 4:07:44 PM

“

David Main

MAINLY GOLF

Where has the game gone?

David Main is the first-ever Chief Executive Officer of the Beacon Hall Golf Club.

The landscape has changed for golf professionals over the last 25 years. When I worked as one, there were fewer clubs and more golfers per club and more Pro Shop customers. We owned the power-carts and the Pro Shops and we didn’t have to compete with major retail chains. We had long hours in the summer teaching lessons, administering club events, and selling merchandise.

There was no internet, computers or instantaneous information sharing. Many of us enjoyed the majority of the winter off. Life was good.

that our profession, as a whole, has bogied by over-reacting and losing sight of the fact that we – of all people - are stewards of the game first and benefactors second (notice I said ‘game’ rather than ‘industry’). In my personal opinion, we’ve lost our way by reacting to the changes around us. We’ve reacted by focusing on keeping our jobs, getting a job, creating jobs, making money, protecting our interests and not spending enough time focusing on doing what’s good for the ‘game’ of golf.

This seemed to suddenly come crashing down around us. What caused this shift? In a word, competition. This came as a result of more golf properties, more retailers, and fewer golfers. The idea of competition, however, provokes a shift in focus from serving to competing, and for many, golf changed from being a ‘game’ to being an ‘industry’. The eye was no longer ‘on the ball’ but on reacting to moves made by other players in our ‘industry’.

Recently CPGA members across the country adopted PACE (Professional Advancement & Career Enhancement) that signaled a change in the fundamental focus of the Association from helping the CPGA members find employment to helping the CPGA members become more employable. Those golf professionals that choose to improve through PACE or other educational opportunities will improve the service they render to golfers, as well as their employers, their members, their customers and their students.

I believe that those who choose not to improve their employability will eventually be squeezed out of the profession - better for the CPGA as an association and better still for the ‘game’ of golf.

The skill required for today’s golf professional has rapidly shifted to becoming a full-time business professional and being fully entrenched in the golf industry. I agree that, as times change, golf professionals must also change. However, I feel

-Fred Couples

July 2 to 4, 2010

Le Fontainebleau Golf Club

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT www.championstourmontreal.com or Admission Network : 1 800 361-4595

Do you have a game plan?

If you plan to play any competitive golf, whether a serious tournament or just a competition with friends, you will need a ‘game plan’.

Do your homework and research the things that might give you a golfing advantage in your upcoming competition. Play a practice round on the tournament course. Knowing the golf course will save you a few strokes. Consult with your CPGA Professional and get his or her assistance with playing under pressure.

If the course produces a yardage book, pick one up and study the yardages and the hazards. Make decisions about the club you will hit from each tee and think about an alternative club if the day is windy or rainy. For each green, determine what the best approach angle is, and if you were to miss the green determine the safest side to miss.

Once you have a golf ‘game plan’, your chances of winning are enhanced.

When it comes to your financial plans, you must apply similar rules.

What would a financial ‘game plan’ look like? It would certainly need to include estate planning, risk management, cash management to give you an understanding about where your money is going, proper tax planning and setting up a strategy for children’s education and/or legacy for offspring and grandchildren.

Just as in golf, have an advisor assist you with your financial ‘game plan’. A financial advisor will help you create a plan that is specific to your needs and assist you as time goes on.

Your advisor will ensure you have everything included plus will assist with alternatives to incorporate life events.

A ‘game plan’ in golf will better prepare you for a big win. A sound financial ‘game plan’ will better prepare you so you can reach and achieve your life’s goals and dreams.

BRAD MATTHEWS

Consultant-Investors Group (Waterloo) brad.matthews@investorsgroup.com 519.886.2360 ext.277 | 226.929.2723 cell

This is a general source of information only. It is not intended to provide personalized tax, legal or investment advice, and is not intended as a solicitation to purchase securities. Brad Matthews, Consultant with Investors Group Financial Services, Inc is solely responsible for its content. For more information on this topic or any other financial matter, please contact an Investors Group Consultant.

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WARNING WINNER TAKES ALL FOR THEIR FAVOURITE CHARITY.

2 PERSON TEAM EVENT

$50 PER PLAYER

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6 HOLES / SCRAMBLE 6 HOLES / ALTERNATE SHOT 6 HOLES / BEST BALL

Championship Final will be August 20th, 2010 at Oxford Craigowan. All finalists win fantastic prizes! The Champions will also be honoured by being benefactors to their favourite charity.

REGISTER NOW

AT CTSTOURNAMENT.COM

“

Paul Tribe

AROUND THE GLOBE With Spring arriving early, I am sure you are anxious to get out and see if those indoor tutorials and well-thumbed instruction manuals have the intended effect on your golf game.. Good luck!

After some concentrated practice in a number of the area’s excellent courses, you will further appreciate your game and what other environs have to offer by travelling.

Have you ever considered testing your mettle by embarking upon a pilgrimage to the source of golf? Naturally, I am speaking of Scotland.

Scotland is the home of golf. The ‘heartlands’ encompass some of the finest golf in the world. It includes the Kingdom of Fife, Perthshire, Angus and Dundee. The number of courses from which you have to choose is staggering.

The Old Course at St. Andrews in Fife is probably the most famous golf course in the world. It is worth it just to soak up the special atmosphere found only here. This is truly an experience of a lifetime. St. Andrews is also an old university town that offers its own type of ambience for those wishing to do more than travel from course to course. It is also good to know that there are at least five other courses in close proximity to the Old Course under the stewardship of the Links Trust.

North of Fife are Dundee and Angus. Here you will find an abundant supply of both links and parkland courses, including Canoustie, Panmure and Monifieth. Near the city of Dundee is one of the finest parkland courses, Downfield and crossing into Perthshire you will find Gleneagles, well situated west of Perth, on the road to Stirling and Glasgow.

Scotland may be experienced in many ways. Accommodations can be from simple bed and breakfasts to five-star resorts and spas to castles and estates.

Sights to see include a broad range of historical locations, constantly changing countryside, bustling cities, friendly people and, of course the ubiquitous distilleries producing the nectar of choice, Scotch in its many forms and flavours.

OUR SPONSORS

To give this area the justice it deserves, why not combine the best golf in the world with an exploration of Scotland? There are many ways to explore; from individual self-drive to coach tours to small group customized itineraries.

Paul Tribe is the owner of Uniglobe Discover Travel in Kitchener and Guelph www.uniglobediscover.com

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

THE PUTT, PUTT PUZZLER A pro golfer has the amazing ability to consistently putt distances of 3, 5, 7, and 11 feet. Strangely enough, though, those are the only distances he can putt.

Currently, our golfer stands on the green with his ball 20 feet from the hole.

What’s the fewest number of strokes he can use to get the ball into the hole?

Assume that if the ball is hit farther than the distance remaining to the hole, it will roll over to the other side without going into the cup.

Answer: (we're sure it is around here somewhere) OTT-GS0410

4/14/10

9:50 AM

Page 1

Winner of...

“Best New Course in Ontario” ScoreGolf & Fairways 2009 Runner-up...

“Best New Course in Canada” Golf Digest 2009

275 James Street, Otterville, Ontario

519-879-9800

www.ottercreekgolfclub.com

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GolfScene TOUR

TM

One of these courses is not like the others ...

GOLFNORTH AM AT

EUR TOUR

The GolfScene Tour is now the GolfNorth Amateur Tour.

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

May 30th - Grey Silo (kick off event) June 13 - Brookfield July 11 –Paris Grand July 25 – Conestoga August 15 – Calerin August 29 – Dundee October 13 – Grey Silo (closing Scramble)

Register Today at www.golfnorth.ca

TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE The Cutten Club, Guelph Ontario Ranked in the Top 50 Course in Ontario

- Ontario Golf Magazine 2009

www.cuttenclub.com

f l o G

HAMILTON

Experience the difference!

erience p x e d n a t u o e Com Ride & f l o G y il a d r ou deals today!

Banquet hall available yearly for all your events.

EST. 1973

.

Kin g’s Forest G.C

King’s Forest Golf Course (905) 546 - 4781 www.myhamilton.ca

40

spring 2009

Two week advanced bookings to guarantee your tee time.

Exemplary tournament coordination and service.

« golfscene.ca

GolfSceneGRB_Ad

3/29/10

7:14 PM

Page 1

$44.95

21 Rounds for $199!

Experience some of the most enjoyable golf courses in the beautiful Southwestern Ontario Greater London and Heartland Regions.

GOLFER’S GREEN CARD

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plus TAX

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• 144 golf courses • 725+ great golf deals • 60 exclusive courses • $30,000 in golf savings The BEST Golf Savings in Southwestern Ontario

spring 2010

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DIRECTORY TEE IT UP TODAY

42

1 Acton Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 29 Apollo Valley Golf Course 519 647 2069 2 Ariss Valley Golf Club 519 824 1551 91 Batteaux Creek Golf Club 705 444 8337 3 Beaverdale Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 4 Braeben Golf Club 905 615 4653 5 Brant Valley Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 6 Brookfield Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 7 Burford Golf Links 519 449 5172 9 Caledon Country Club 905 838 0200 10 Calerin Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 12 Cambridge Golf Club 519 621 5491 14 Canterbury Common Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 15 Cardinal Golf Club 905 841 7378 107 Carlisle Golf & CC 1 800 661 4343 16 Cedar Creek Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 110 Century Pines Golf Club 905 628 2877 97 Chedoke Golf Course 905 546 3116 47 ClubLink Academy 905 844 1902 20 Conestoga Country Club 1 888 833 8787 21 Copetown Woods Golf Club 905 627 4653 8 Crosswinds Golf Club & CC 1 866 319 5991 23 Cutten Club 519 824 2650 24 Danayr Driving Range 519 632 7321 28 Deer Creek 905 427 7737 25 Derrydale Golf 905 670 3030 26 Doon Valley Golf Club 519 741 2939 27 Dundee Country Club 1 888 833 8787 30 Elmira Golf Club 519 669 1652 31 Erin Heights 519 833 9702 33 Fairview Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 17 Fescues Edge 519 484 2200 34 Flamborough Hills Golf Club 905 627 1743 65 Foxwood Country Club 1 888 833 8787 98 Goderich Sunset Golf Club 519 524 8047 46 Grand Highland 905 712 1183 39 Granite Ridge Golf Club 905 878 5494 40 Grey Silo Golf Club 519 880 8181 41 Guelph Country Club 519 824 2741 42 Guelph Lakes Golf Club 519 822 4222 43 Hidden Lake Golf Club 905 336 3660

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

95 King's Forest Golf Course 905 546 4781 48 Lake Belwood Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 105 Lionhead Golf & CC 905 455 8400 49 Listowel Golf Club & CC 519 291 2500 50 Lowville Golf Club 905 335 6181 53 Northridge Golf Club 519 753 6112 54 Oakville Executive Golf 905 875 3932 56 Orangeville Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 45 Otter Creek Golf Club 519 879 9800 57 Owen Sound Golf Club 519 376 2784 58 Paris Grand Golf Club 1 888 833 8787 59 Pike Lake Golf Club 519 338 2812 37 Precision Golf 905 337 2061 60 Puslinch Lake Golf Course 519 658 2292 61 Rebel Creek Golf Club 519 634 8666 64 Rock Chapel Golf 905 689 8860 36 Rockway Golf Club 519 741 2949 108 Royal Niagara Golf Club 905 685 9501 109 Royal Ontario Golf Club 905 693 9832 66 Saginaw Golf Club 519 620 0322 68 Savannah Golf Links 519 622 0555 52 Scenic Woods Golf Club 905 692 3163 22 Science Hill Golf & CC 519 284 3621 104 Seaforth Golf Club 519 522 0985 100 Southbrook Golf Club 905 692 3592 72 Springfield Golf Club 519 821 4655 74 Stratford Golf Club 519 271 4212 106 Streetsville Glen Golf Club 905 451 9325 35 Tarandowah Golf Club 519 269 9656 101 The Club at Bond Head 1 800 276 9542 87 The Golf Performance Centre @ Whistle Bear 519 650 2327 75 The Greens at Renton 519 426 1340 79 The Raven at Lora Bay 1 866 231 0631 63 Thundering Waters 905 357 6000 55 Turtle Creek Golf Club 905 854 4653 82 Victoria Park East Golf Club 519 821 2211 84 Waterloo Golf Academy 519 886 6555 85 Wedges N Woods Range 519 621 9233 88 White Oaks Golf Club 905 257 5409 89 Wildwinds Golf Club 519 763 8700 90 Willow Valley Golf Club 905 679 2703

45

CHECK OUT THE DIRECTORY ONLINE golfscene.ca/directory

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Become a Member of the

Canadian Junior Golf Association

Your Future Starts Here

A private golf experience with no initiation fee, no monthly minimums, a state-of-the-art performance center, plus new family-based memberships and programs including Junior Day, Family Day and Couples Night, and social memberships starting at only $1,050.

develop your talent & golf resume for the future establish yourself on the CJGA National Order of Merit play any CJGA event stop in Canada receive RCGA Future Links Order of Merit Points test your skills in each event by taking part in the Lexus Skills Competition for great prizes receive a free IJGT membership as a part of your CJGA membership & participate in over 60 IJGT events in the USA represent the CJGA and Canada in key international events around the world including Holland, Scotland, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, & the United States be mentored and meet Stephen Ames at the Stephen Ames Cup – an all expenses paid trip to compete against juniors from Trinidad & Tobago

“Whether you are a beginner with a burning desire to learn and improve through tournament competition, or a highly skilled player looking for a competitive and professionally run environment, the CJGA is the right place for you.”

Membership Enquiries: Call: 519-650-2327 x230 Email: bradd@whistlebear.ca

Stephen Ames, PGA Tour Professional, CJGA National Spokesperson

www.WhistleBear.ca Whistle Bear truly is a club for everyone Two minutes south of Hwy 401, between Kitchener & Cambridge

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spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

National Founding Partner

For further information call Canadian Junior Golf Association 1-877-508-1069 or visit www.cjga.com

A GOOD SLICE ...

IF YOU GET OFF OF THE INTERNET FAIRWAY FAR ENOUGH SOMEDAYS YOU COME ACROSS SITES, AND THINGS THAT, WELL, SORT OF MAKE YOU HAPPY YOU BLOCKED YOUR MOUSE DEAD RIGHT. TAKE THE FOLKS AT BOGEY PRO FOR EXAMPLE - T-SHIRTS, BEER MUGS, LOGO'D BALLS ... YOU GET THE IDEA. SIMPLE, FUN, AND CRAZY SARCASTIC. THINK WE'LL DO WHAT THEIR TAG LINE SAYS THE NEXT TIME WE'RE LOOKING FOR MORE DISTANCE - RATHER THAN TWEAKING THE CLUBS, OR CHANGING THE BALL PERHAPS WE'LL MERELY ...

'SWING HARDER'.

www.bogeypro.com

r t e fo 0! a k tor 01 ne i o 2 Lo in s in iors & D om t’s CCC Jun ine n.c a N | h o w u at ies ut | d le yo Lad t O a h fc ig l N o ys .g u G w

w w

EXPANSION TO THE 410 MEANS ‘WE’RE MUCH CLOSER THAN YOU THINK’ spring 2010

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golfscene.ca

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AUGUST 16 TO 22, 2010 THE CANADIAN TOUR COMES TO SEAFORTH

CHASE THE DREAM QUALIFIER

the challenge of our island green awaits you ...

QUALIFIER - MAY 29TH - CONTACT THE CLUB FOR DETAILS

$ 2 0 . 0 0 a d m i s s i o n f o r W E E K LY p a s s Charity: Gateway Rural Health Research Center Come out and see the Stars of the future

SPEC IAL EVEN TS ALL WEE K !

Cha nces to Win

“GRE AT PRIZ ES” For more information visit www.seaforthcountryclassic.com or call 519-522-0985

46

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

519 821 4653 • 18 hole par 70 Florida-style Coure • Superb Dining Facilities overlooking golf course

2054 Gordon Street, Guelph | www.springfieldgolf.on.ca

12

Finally,

a 12 hole golf course !

Derrydale Golf Course

(905) 670-3030

www.derrydalegolf.com

185 Derry Road West | Mississauga, Ontario

listowelgolfclub.ca

27 holes Bent grass greens Tree-lined fairways

“Best Value” -- Toronto Star “Hidden Gem” -- TeeingItUp Ontario

27 Championship Holes full service facility - call or book online today 519 291-2500 or 1 877 291 2507 (toll free) 8380 Fairlane Rd. Listowel Ontario N4W 3G6 spring 2010

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47

sw ingi ng it badl y

www.awesomegolflessons.com

‘nominated by ScoreGolf as 2009 Best New Course in Canada’

Challenge Your Game, not your pocketbook

traditional parkland layout 6000 yards • par 70 tree lined • bentgrass fairways club car electric carts ohio sand water in play on 12 holes challenging • affordable

BOOK TEE TIMES TODAY

905.854.4653 11660 Guelph Line Campbellville, Ontario | www.turtlecreeekgolf.ca 48

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

LEARN

to Teach Golf !

The Profession of a Lifetime Call for a Certification Course Near You:

(905) 849-7254

CANADIAN GOLF TEACHERS FEDERATION

Leader in the field of Golf Instruction

www.cgtf.com 12131_HTBS_golf_Golfscene:Layout 1 14/04/09 11:20 AM Page 1

Looking for a Career in Golf?

PROFESSIONAL GOLF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Turn the game you love

into a business career.

at Niagara College CaNada Our Three-Year Business adminisTraTiOn PrOgram includes: • Specialized hands-on courses conducted by golf professionals • Applied co-op internship for practical hands-on experience • Convenient on-campus residence option • Year-round student playing privileges • State-of-the-art golf simulator • International study week

Co-ordinator: Mike Santoro

905.641.2252 ext. 4146 niagaracollege.ca/golf E-mail: golf@niagaracollege.ca

A TrAInInG PArTnEr WITH

EndorsEd by

business.humber.ca Endorsed by the CPGA

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49

f l o G

HAMILTON

Experience the difference!

perience x e d n a t u o e m Co & Ride our daily Golfay! deals tod B Che

M

1924

d ok e Go l f Cl ub

Chedoke Golf Course (905) 546 - 3116 www.myhamilton.ca

Mother Nature must be a golfer.

519.622.0309

savannahgolflinks.ca 50

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

Banquet hall available yearly for all your events.

Ask about our new Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf League.

Exemplary tournament coordination and service.

ANSWER TO THE PUZZLER ON PAGE 39

Transform your Fireplace in Less than One Day.

If our friend the pro golfer makes two diagonal putts, he can sink the ball in just two shots.

No one ever said the golfer had to putt directly toward the hole, did they?

ww w. ar

iss

va lle y.c om

Sure - in order to sink the putt he’d need to calculate the angle of each shot perfectly … but that’s probably why he’s a pro. (still don't believe us check the diagram at golfscene.ca)

27 Challenging Holes Purchase a Frequent Players Card and get 25% off green fees (519) 824-1551 or (888) 824-1552

2 miles north of higway #7 on Elmira Road just north of Guelph batteauxcreek.com

Do you have an ugly brick fireplace?

Looking for a dramatic change? We can help.

Our custom-fabricated panels fit perfectly over your pre-existing fireplace. Any fireplace. The patina finish hints at textures of wood and stone.

And when you see the results, you won’t remember how your room looked before.

18-hole Semi-Private 7000 yard Championship Golf Course

705-444-8337 866-479-3754

10 minutes south of Collingwood on county road 124

Peter Law CPGA

Natural Golf Certified Instructor

• Winter - The Mississauga Golf Dome / Soccer World Dome in Hamilton • Summer - Hidden Lake Golf Course in Burlington / Vic Hadfield’s practice facility in Oakville / The Launch in Woodbridge

For Natural Golf Lessons, Golf Schools, Natural Golf Equipment and Accessories call 905-616-6112

Once it’s done, you’ll be able to enjoy the good things in life. Like sitting down in front of a fireplace with family and friends. Chatting over a glass of wine after a good day. Or recovering from a bad one.

1-877-267-3869

www.copetownwoods.com

Course calibre tee deck & daily ‘SPECIALS’

Put your feet up.

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Erin Heights Golf Course

Mississauga, Ontario 12 hole facility

Village of Erin Challenging 9 holes

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spring 2010

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51

WEDGES'N WOODS GOLF ACADEMY

continued from page 27 Inc.

UP AND DOON Complete Practice Facility in the heart of

Cambridge

(519) 621-9233 155 Can-Amera Pkwy at Hespeler Rd | www.wedgesnwoods.net

Holes eight to 15 are the brand new big section of the course on the “other” side of 401 and Watters has crafted some challenging but fair routes which also supply some outstanding views of the river and surrounding areas. Much of the new will feature wetlands or swamp areas in front of or alongside the tees and some dogleg fairways.

Join Us Today and Start Enjoying ...

THE INNOVATION OF SERVICE

124 Saginaw Parkway | Cambridge | 519.620.0322 | saginawgolfclub.com

(519) 271-4212

since 1896

www.stratfordcountryclub.com

53 Romeo Street North Stratford, Ontario

The “new” 18 finishes with existing 16, 17 and 18. The new 18 will play to 6,443, 5,915 and 5,179 yards off the three sets of tees, compared to the old 18 of 6203, 5863 and 5493. Par is still 72 for the men and also for the “front” tee users.

The “old” nine, which will feature a nine-hole rate or special 18-hole charge if you want to repeat, is a combination of the former front- and back-nine holes. From one to nine they are in this order: old 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 8 and 9.

Kitchener golf officials haven’t come up with nine-hole names yet, or even if they will, for the 27-hole operation – unlike 27-hole layouts mentioned earlier for example, where each nine has it’s own name - but their rates sheet calls the combination nine explained above as the Stand Alone nine.

Watters thought it might be nice to refer to this nine as the Classic since it’s the only playing stretch that features holes not changed from the original layout. Maybe there should be a little contest from members and golf fans to come up with names for the new 18-hole routing.

Hey, just an idea.

If all my explanation about the new holes and routing has you confused – and if you’re not familiar with the operation it should - get out and play it as soon as it’s ready. It should be a relatively easy walk which has been a tradition at DV and the variety of prices are still an outstanding value.

WEEKDAY SPECIAL * $10 (before 11am) * $14.95 (between 11-2) 100 Wilmot Line • Waterloo, Ontario • 519 886 6555 • www.waterloogolf.ca

WHITE OAKS GOLF CLUB AND DRIVING RANGE Nine Hole ‘executive’ Complete Range & Practise Facilities Lessons Pro Shop & Snack Bar

1429 Dundas Street East, Oakville Ontario

52

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

Find us at highway #5 & 9th Line, just west off 403

Gord Cochrane, CPGA Professional www.whiteoaksgolfclub.com

(905) 257-5409

Doon Valley isn’t the Whirlpool course in Niagara Falls, my favorite public facility in Ontario and my home base for many years in the old days, but it is going to be a great expansion to public access play in this Region and the province. I’m looking forward to my first playing trip around the “new” 18.

Bill (Skip) Johns has been writing about golf for a mere 53 years, and playing it in his own fashion, even longer.

continued from page 21

519-489-6767

Page 69

Waggle Away

One of the most evocative golf terms you’ll hear—and you’ll hear a lot of evocative golf terms—is “waggle.” It conjures up images of Marilyn Monroe walking down a train platform in Some Like It Hot, or Angelina Jolie in . . . well, in everything she does. The waggle, however, has nothing to do with a slinky hip sashay (otherwise known as the “wiggle”; see below). The golfer’s definition is actually quite drab: “To make small movements of the club head back and forth at approach, prior to grounding the club.”

6527 Ellis Road, Cambridge | puslinchlakegolf.ca

I know—yawn, right?

The thing is, though, the waggle has a purpose in the golf swing, a purpose that many women just don’t get, and even when they do get it, hesitate to exploit. Men waggle because it helps them achieve the desired swinging tempo before they actually swing. While they’re waggling, they’re visualizing the swing and forming the clear intention that will get the ball to fly straight and true. Which is why you’ll see men doing double waggles or triple waggles or however many waggles it takes to launch a good swing, utterly heedless of how many people are waiting to tee off behind them. They’re not thinking about other golfers; they’re clearing their mind of nongolf thoughts. They’re finding their tempo, which is as important to golf as it is to . . . uh . . . other important things.

PLAY 18 MONDAY - FRIDAY (after 10) (valid for the 2010 season)

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(905) 712-1183

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PAR 71

NEW YARDAGE GUIDE AVAILABLE GREAT SAVINGS INSIDE

(519) 821-2211

Victoria Road South of Stone Road, Guelph

So now you see why almost all the guys waggle. And you can also probably see why we girls rarely do, being the more considerate and self-conscious species.

Guelph Lakes Golf & Country Club

519 822 4222 Across from Guelph Lake on HWY 24 | www.guelphlakesgolf.ca

Page 73

Squeeze and Swing

Out of a rather dry discussion on how to cure a slice came this provocative pearl from my fellow blogger, Canadian Golf Gal, aka Gail Moss: “Squeeze your boobies.” It’s not the sort of advice you’re likely to forget, especially if, like me, you already suspect your anatomy is, um, in the way. When I first started playing golf, I blamed every slice or shank or big whiff on my breasts. Like golf announcer Ben Wright, who infamously proclaimed that “women are handicapped by having boobs,” I believed my bra size explained my lousy swing. But when I read Golf Gal’s advice, and learned that she’d gotten it from Ben Hogan, I figured it was worth a try. Sure enough, my slice was soon a thing of the past.

Now it’s clear to me why. When you squeeze your breasts together, you keep your arms closer to your body, which keeps them straighter through the swing—no more “chicken wings,” as so many instructors call those flailing elbows. So my breasts weren’t the problem; my arms were. But “Don’t flail your elbows!” isn’t a good swing thought, largely because it’s negative. Far better, and easier to act on, is to tell yourself what you should do. And that, ladies, is “Squeeze your boobies!”

PAY FOR 9

Owen Sound Golf & Country Club

Public Welcome Tee Times 519 376 1961 ext 1 or 1 800 257 GOLF(4653) www.osgcc.com

“Creating great golf memories since 1920.”

Come for the Greens ... ... Return for the Value

10

Willow Valley Golf Course is celebrating 10 years of operation with some great happenings and prizes.

TH

A N N IV ER

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On the 10th of every month, all golfers playing that day will receive a special anniversary gift. In addition, golfers who check out the Willow Valley website and join their exclusive email club will be automatically entered into special anniversary draws.

USE CODE GS51 WHEN SIGNING UP spring 2010

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golfscene.ca

53

OPINION » TALKING IN YOUR BACKSWING > THE MEDIA'S JUST GONE ...

GOLFERAZZI I write this column on my 55th birthday,

an occasion with cause to reflect back to simpler times when if I was seeking golf information, I would actually pick up a golf publication instead of clicking on to TMZ or scanning the supermarket tabloids.

Usually, I only looked at the tabloids to identify this week’s alien and I always suspected golf personalities such as John Daly for his ghastly pants or Duffy Waldorf and GolfScene publisher Norm Woods for their loud shirts, but I digress.

description that still applies now that the know-it-all columnists are getting bored and the sex therapists are going away.

In a society in which the bad boys and girls get the attention, count on voyeurs from outside of golf to ignore a story such as Brian Davis calling a two-stroke penalty against himself in a playoff at the Verizon Heritage to hand the tournament to Jim Furyk a week after the Masters.

The age of information and 24-hour news and sports channels has changed the rules of engagement to a point where the private lives of celebrities are public and mainstream media is operating with the same sensational philosophies as the tabloid rags of yesteryear.

That kind of stuff is boring and hardly fuels the gravy train, but it’s the stuff we’ll have to get used to as golf transitions back into, well, golf.

In case you hadn’t noticed in all the uproar, here are some of the things you’ll hear about in the coming months and it’s all familyoriented and likely boring to those who don’t get the game, but who cares about them?

In the steamy saga of Tiger Woods, columnists with no insight at all into golf or the world’s No. 1 player suddenly became experts, some even criticizing the golf media for not picking up on this story before the infamous accident on American Thanksgiving blew the lid off this scandal.

Here in Southern Ontario, we’re off to an early start to the golf season, which will not only put smiles on to the faces of golfers, but also those who have rolled out the green carpet for them so early in the year after several years of inclement weather.

When did I sign up to peek in windows?

The only potential black cloud for golfers and course operators at this point is on the distant horizon and when it gets here, the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will make golf a more expensive game through no fault of the golf courses themselves. For now, let’s just enjoy the early start to the season.

In a way, I get the pressure that media outlets are under these days to break sensational stories and every Tiger column or blog I did write were usually followed by comments that protested the way the media was milking this story.

Thou doth protest too much.

If readers were truly tired of hearing about the scandal, they wouldn’t have bothered with another Tiger column, but they knew every details of what was said. I also suspect those whopping television ratings from the Masters were more about Tiger’s return than the urge to view picturesque vistas from Augusta.

The audience was there for the lurid details, leading to columnists, who have nothing, commenting that the scandal was an affront to women when the women were just as much a part of this as Tiger.

Apparently, covering golf is a novel concept for a golf writer, but it’s the job

the last page

spring 2010 | golfscene.ca

With all of the noise going on about Woods and the Masters, it wasn’t difficult to overlook the tie for third at the Shell Houston Open by Canadian rookie Graham DeLaet, of Weyburn, Sask.

DeLaet says his putting contributed to that stellar finish that gave his confidence a serious boost and put him in good shape to keep his card for next year instead of concerning himself with Q-School.

Now, instead of just making cuts, DeLaet can concentrate on loftier goals.

Ian Hutchinson

season, the Canadian count on the PGA Tour could swell considerably after the recent Fresh Express Classic in Hayward, Calif., where they finished second and third, respectively, at that Nationwide Tour event.

Their strong finishes planted them solidly in the top 25 on the money list that get their PGA Tour cards for next year and steady play throughout the rest of the schedule will get them there.

There are a couple of other Canadians looking to join DeLaet on tour down the road, including Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., who have both indicated that they’ll turn pro this year.

Hill plans the move right after defending the NCAA championship in June, with Taylor, the low amateur at last year’s U.S. Open, making the move later this year.

There were way too many compelling stories at the Masters to focus solely on Tiger. You had to love the performance of Fred Couples and Tom Watson, the show-stopper from last year’s British Open, at Augusta. Hopefully, both will be at the Montreal Championship, the new Champions Tour event in July.

However, the compelling stories don’t end with the geezers as players of all ages made their marks, including eventual champion Phil Mickelson, with all the personal things he’s been through, Ricky Barnes, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, to name a few.

It may be boring, but watching young players take the next step in their careers, old guys delivering show-stopping performances, memories of a beautiful spring day on the golf course and pure and simple honesty even at the risk of personal gain are memories with longevity over the titillation of a steamy sex scandal.

It’s still too early to call DeLaet the next outstanding Canadian on the PGA Tour, but it does appear that he is moving in that direction.

The thoughts above are the ones that stand out going forward into 2010 and may find a place in the memory banks for when I reflect on my 65th birthday.

If David Hearn of Brantford and Jon Mills of Belleville can hang on for the rest of the

With those in mind, who would ever want to retire?

Because

there始s

no

such

thing

as

too

much

golf.

33 Clubs. More than 40 championship courses.

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