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Golf GREY-BRUCE & AREA Free Copy

Piper’s moves to 12 holes

May 2016

Vol. 12, No. 1

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Sam McEvenue, Golf Operations Manager at Legacy Ridge Golf Club, warms up at the 10th tee. The club is off to a good start this season with strong membership growth.

Story on Page 8.

Photo: Steve Harron

Pre-Paid Golf Cards “Your Golf. Your Way” Flexible. Transferrable.

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Details at www.legacyridgegolf.ca

Taylor to lead women’s team

Post to return Former LPGA star visiting Piper’s Glen

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ormer LPGA star Sandra Post will make a return visit to Piper’s Glen Golf Club this season. She will conducting short and long game clinics in the afternoon and then be the guest speaker at a dinner in the clubhouse.

The May 28 event is open to the public and tickets to the dinner can be obtained by contacting the pro shop at 519832-4653. Limited space is available for the clinics.

Post was the featured guest at a dinner last April at Piper’s where she spoke about her career on the LPGA Tour.

She is the most successful Canadian female professional golfer with 8 tour victories, including the LPGA Tour Championship at age 19 (she was the youngest to win an LPGA major at that time).

S

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Steve Harron Publisher/Editor

Grey-Bruce Golf is a publication of Harron Marketing, 200 Beattie Street, Owen Sound, Ont. N4K 6X3 Telephone: 519-374-5759

@ GOLFNORTHTODAY

The 63-year-old Saugeen Golf Club member has qualified for several provincial championships but one of his greatest accomplishments was winning three individual titles at the C.B. MacDonald Challenge and Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship in Niagara-on-the-Lake last fall. Playing with hickory shaft golf clubs, the Port Elgin resident won the Senior Canadian Gutty Championship, the Senior Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship, and the overall Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship (he was the first senior to win the overall title). He was also on the winning Western Ontario team.

The first two days were played with a gutty ball, which was introduced to the game in the mid-1840s - and pre1900 clubs. On the third day they used post-1900 clubs and a mesh ball. McWade shot 80-77 (gutty and pre1900) and then 73 (post-1900 and mesh). He birdied the last five holes to win the overall championship by one stroke. He has been a member at Saugeen for 26 years.

Rowland’s Your Independent Grocer

Golf

GREY-BRUCE

1244 Highway 21, Port Elgin 519-389-6800

E-mail: steveharron@sympatico.ca www.greybrucegolf.com

Grey-Bruce Golf is published 5 times each year from May until September and is distributed free throughout the Grey-Bruce region. All rights are reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, statistic, schedule or artwork, whether whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher/editor, is prohibited. Letters from readers are always welcome. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Page 2

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Let the games begin!

Olympic excitement, growing the game and more in 2016

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According to head golf pro Myles Bradford the t’s usually pretty quiet on the Grey-Bruce golf elementary school students were really enthused scene during early December. So this past about trying the game and the sessions were an December I snuck away for a week of golf on the overwhelming success. sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis in the West I’ve often wondered why so many sports have Indies. been introduced to students but golf has hardly It was a great trip but while I was away some ever been one of them. I think we’ve been missing really big things happened locally. The biggest the boat and hopefully other schools - and golf news was the announcement that Legacy Ridge courses - will jump on board with this program.

Golf Club had been sold and golf operations at It’s especially important this year as golf returns Stone Tree Golf & Fitness Club would be shut down to the Summer Olympics in Rio. This should be a for good. What! Yes, that was my reaction and othSteve Harron great showcase for golf and hopefully generate ers were stunned as well by this announcement. more interest among today’s youth.

It’s no secret that the golf industry has been From the We could even have a local connection to the struggling in recent years but few expected this men’s Olympic competition as David Hearn, who announcement.

Publisher played his junior golf in Grey-Bruce, is Like many others in the Owen Sound in position to be one of two representaarea, I have fond memories of playing tives for Canada (see story on page and practising at Stone Tree, which 15). And then there’s Brooke was opened in 1998.

Henderson, the young Smith Falls, It was a much-loved course and will Ontario golfer who has a legitimate be missed by many golfers. But its clochance to win a medal on the women’s sure is a reminder of how hard golf side. Yes, it’s going to be quite a year courses have to work these days to and you can read all about it in Greyremain viable operations.

Bruce this season.

In the U.S. more than 100 golf New this year is a full digital edition courses are closing every year. That which you can have delivered directly doesn’t mean the industry is doomed. to your inbox.

Far from it. It’s still the biggest particiJust go to www.greybrucegolf.com pation sport in Canada and what has and click on “Sign up for the been happening across the industry is Newsletter” and you will receive a what some like to describe as a correcmonthly edition along with golf news tion in the market after the explosive updates throughout the season. growth during the Tiger Woods era.

It’s easy and convenient so please There are many reasons why play check it out. And you can also follow has dropped off but I won’t go into all Grey-Bruce Golf on Twitter, Instagram the details here. However, what’s hapand Facebook. pened over the winter in Grey-Bruce is I’m looking forward to this season also a reminder that we need to grow the 12th for Grey-Bruce Golf - and I the game. hope you enjoy this edition, which is That’s why I was really pleased to hear about the Golf in Schools program David Hearn, shown competing during the the first of five monthly editions.

Feedback is always welcome so feel introduced this spring by Cranberry 2010 Nationwide Tour event at the free to contact me at steveharron@ Golf Resort at Collingwood-area Georgian Bay Club, is on track to represent Canada at the Summer Olympics. sympatico.ca schools (see story on page 12).

Let us do the Driving Whether you’re golfing or coming for dinner & entertainment, we’ll come pick you up and get you home safely.

Direct Shuttle Line: 519-422-3366 3 km east of Sauble Beach

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Piper’s tees up 12-hole course Golfers have option of playing 6, 9, 12 or 18 holes and each round will end at clubhouse

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egendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has been quoted as saying that 12 holes should be the new standard in golf.

So he would be very impressed with what’s happened at Piper’s Glen Golf Club.

The Port Elgin-area course has been converted to a 12-hole course to allow for a housing development. But the benefit for golfers is the ultimate flexibility of playing 6, 9, 12 or 18 holes. And in each case golfers will finish their round at the clubhouse something that’s believed to be unique among 12-hole golf courses in Canada.

For those wanting to play the traditional 18 holes, Piper’s Brad Mercer has designed secondary tee decks on the holes that will be Piper’s Glen Golf Club will have a different look this season with the 18-hole layout reconfigured into 12 holes. played twice.

Many of these holes will have a disminutes, 9 holes in 2 hours, 12 holes in 2 hours and 45 or 50 tinctly different look and in certain cases a different par. minutes or 18 holes in about 4 hours and 15 minutes.”

Three new holes have been developed and there have And while golf purists may say the sport was meant to be been changes to existing holes. played over 18 holes, history doesn’t really support that arguThe six holes taken out of play are 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 14. ment. The Open Championship, the oldest championship in All of the major course renovations have been done but golf, was initially contested with three rounds played on a only one of the new holes will be ready for play this spring 12-hole loop. It was played that way for several years before because of work being done in preparation for the housing they switched it to 18 holes. development.

“It’s interesting that we’re going back to the roots of golf The club initially opened only six holes this spring so they and giving golfers lots of options,” Mercer said about the could offer routing that returned golfers to the clubhouse but 12-hole layout. they were expecting the full 12 to be open by early to midWork on roads and services will begin this summer and May. the plan, at this point, is to break ground on the housing Piper’s General Manager Brad Mercer says he has development this fall or the spring of 2017. received a lot of positive feedback on the changes, which Plans call for 64 single-family detached houses, 98 townshould address the often-heard complaint about how much houses, two apartment buildings with 90 units in total, 50 of time it takes to play golf. them above first-floor commercial units.

The first phase will involve townhouses, one low rise “The thinking behind it was to give golfers different apartment building and some single family houses. options,” he said. “They can play 6 holes in an hour and 20 Play the oldest course in Grey-Bruce!

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Grey-Bruce Golf

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Hole-by-hole course changes at Piper’s

oles eliminated are #1, #4, #5, #7, #8, #14 #1- is a redesign of old hole #2, but played in reverse. The hole follows the same shape and utilizes the same fairway, but a new green complex has been built where the fairway originally started and a new tee deck has been built near the 18th green. It is a good risk-reward par 4 to start at 247 yards, but is guarded by a new waste bunker that runs the entire right side of the hole. #2 - is old #3 #3 - is old #6 but with a new tee deck that shortens the hole slightly, but still is a tough tee shot through a chute. #4 - is old #15 #5 - is old #16 #6 - is a redesign of hole number 11, which has been lengthened into a par 5 and brings you back to the clubhouse. The golfer is now forced to carry a pond to the new complex that has water left and short, with some bail-out room right if the small pot bunker is avoided. #7 - is old #12 #8 - is a new par 3 that utilizes some of the old features of the course. The Map shows the new hole configuration at Piper’s Glen Golf Club. tees are from the old #13, but is played to old #8 green. It will be a challenging ing ground creates a risk-reward par 4 with a slightly hidden par 3 with a turtle-backed green with run off areas all around green and lots of trouble short and long. Players going for the green. A new pot bunker will be built short and right of the green will have to be accurate to squeeze between the the green, but there will be room short to bounce up onto the two front bunkers. surface. The hole plays to 183 yards from the back tees. #16 - Is #4 played from old #7 tee decks. This hole will have #9 - is the old #9 two teeing options, one will play as a 225-yard par 3 across #10 - is old #10 the pond and over the front bunker that creates the illusion #11 - is old #17 that it is closer to the green than it actually is. The other tee#12 - is old #18 To play 18 holes the first six holes will be played from difing ground follows a similar line from 176 yards, but there is ferent tee decks that provide a unique angle, yardage, and less pond to flirt with. even a different par in some cases. #17 - is hole #5 played from the old black tee from hole #8. #13 - is #1 but played from a new tee deck on the far left of This will play as a straightaway par 4 from 314 yards that the hole that changes the hole to a 135-yard par 3. The could be reachable by the longest hitters. waste bunker loops to the right hand side of the green from #18 - is hole #6 with a new tee deck that will be built this this angle with run-off areas to the left. season and will shorten the hole from a par 5 to a par 4 at #14 - is #2 but played from the old black tee deck that is 386 yards. The hole will have a slightly blind tee shot to the about 30 yards long and with a more straightaway angle at the hole. BMR-Monterra-SpringRounds-GreyBruceGolf-April20.pdf 1 4/20/2016 10:32:33 AM optimal landing spot and will have a tough approach over the #15 - is #3 played from the other side of the ravine. This teepond to the well-protected green.

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Page 5

PHOTO FLASHBACK

Photos from past editions of Grey-Bruce Golf

Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bobby Baun was one of the celebrities at the 14th Annual Jeff Preston charity golf tournament on July 17, 2009 at Saugeen Golf Club. Members of his group, standing behind, are, from left, Murd Bolander, Harry, Ruth and Lloyd Kibler. Baun is best remembered for scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in the 1964 Stanley Cup final against Detroit after breaking his ankle earlier in the game.

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Page 6

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Taylor loving life as golf coach Kincardine native leading women’s golf team at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas

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his time last year Kincardine native Taylor Schmidt was getting ready to make her debut as a touring golf pro. Boy, how things have changed in one year!

After playing on the SunCoast (Florida), Cactus (Arizona) and Symetra tours, the University of Oklahoma grad got married and is now expecting her first child in August.

But golf will continue to be part of her life as she has been hired as head coach of the women’s golf Taylor Candler team at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas where she now lives with her husband Charles Candler.

“I began March 1st and have jumped right in with both feet.

I am absolutely loving it so far,” she said in an email interview “This women’s program is brand new for the university and I’m thrilled about that. The university is fully backing this program and has given me a ton of support in getting started. We are planning to compete this August for our inaugural season.”

After a successful collegiate career which included seven top-10 finishes, Schmidt attempted to qualify for the LPGA

“I needed to get out and play competitively for myself first before fully being able to dive into coaching. I know this (coaching) is where I’m meant to be and I think I can leave a positive impact on the golf program.”

- Taylor Candler (Schmidt)

tour but missed advancing to the second stage of qualifying by one stroke. However, her finish in the qualifier made her eligible for some events on the Symetra Tour - a development tour for the LPGA. During her time on the Cactus and SunCoast tours last season her best result was a tie for 5th at a Cactus Tour event in Chandler, Arizona in early June.

“I needed to get out and play competitively for myself first before fully being able to dive into coaching. I know this (coaching) is where I’m meant to be and I think I can leave a positive impact on the golf program.”

“This has always been something I’ve wanted to do.”

Friends is a Christian University with a student population of about 2,000. It is part of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

TOUGHEST HOLES in Grey-Bruce

The par 4 12th hole at Scenic City Golf Course is rated the toughest at this Owen Sound-area club. The hole is only 350 yards long but the tee shot is extremely intimidating with trees on both sides and a fairway that dog-legs sharply to the right. That means that even a long, straight drive can be trouble as you may run out of fairway on the left. It doesn’t get any easier on your approach shot as the green is elevated with trees directly behind it. Make par here and give yourself a pat on the back.

Grey-Bruce Golf

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Page 7

The first group to tee off at Legacy Ridge Golf Club this season consisted of, from left, Dan O’Leary, Bill Lewis, Dave Parker and Jeff Brick.

Good start for Legacy Ridge

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Strong membership growth as club begins 2016 season under new ownership

new chapter in the rich history of Legacy Ridge Golf Club is about to be written.

The 96-year-old facility formerly known as Owen Sound Golf and Country Club was sold over the winter to a local group that is passionate about making it a viable and sustainable business.

And so far, so good. By late April they had about 100 more members than the previous year and were expecting to exceed the target of 400 members.

“I feel good, it’s been very positive,” said Michael Todd, president and director of operations. “It’s a special piece of property and it’s Michael hard not to get excited about coming to work here everyday.”

In addition to good membership results, the club is receiving positive feedback to its offering of pre-paid cards for green fees and carts which provide flexibility and have no expiry date.

Members can expect to see changes around the club this year and some new plans developed. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store for 2016: • A bigger spend on course maintenance which will include more top dressing of fairways and additional broadleaf weed control.

• Consideration of capital projects such as improving cart paths and upgrading sand in the bunkers.

• Possible development of a short game practice area between the 4th tee box and the 5th fairway. Work may begin this year but it likely wouldn’t be ready for use until 2017, Todd says.

• Elimination of the tennis courts to allow space for overflow Page 8

parking.

• Building activity may occur in the future on the lots east of the 10th hole, which were sold for development on the same day the club was purchased.

• In the clubhouse, members and guests can expect to see a full menu but not the fine dining which was offered in the past. The clubhouse is also available for social functions for local groups.

The management team this season will include Todd, course superintendent and fellow owner Marc Brooks, golf operations manager Sam McEvenue and Shay Playter, administraTodd tion and relationship manager.

Not involved in the daily operations but part of the ownership group are local businessmen Bert Leeder and Don Desjardine.

The opportunity to buy the course arose when Balnar Management Ltd. - owner of both Stone Tree Golf and Fitness and Legacy Ridge - decided to leave the golf business and focus on its core business of residential and commercial properties in Guelph, Fergus, Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. Balnar still owns Stone Tree but a condition of the sale of Legacy was that Stone Tree could not be purchased by a golf business or operator.

Legacy Ridge, known then as Owen Sound Golf and Country Club, opened in 1920 after legendary golf course architect Stanley Thompson designed the original nine holes.

An additional 9 holes were added in 1975 and the name was changed to Legacy Ridge in 2012 when it was purchased by Balnar Management Ltd.

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Starting your season: get the word out

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Use a key word to keep you focused on what you are trying to achieve

ere we are; the start of another potentially great year of golf. If you love the game like you say you do, you’re somewhere between ‘haven’t touched a club all winter’ to ‘indoor range, full exercise regimen, week in Myrtle, fitted for new clubs, etc.’

I’m in between. I’ve been swinging my heavy club all winter to key on a smooth swing, trying to combine quickness, rhythm and balance (without breaking a lamp!).

I’ve been chipping foam balls off a chip patch onto the couch, and putting on any carpeted surface in the house.

Now we’d all LOVE to step onto tee box one of round one of the new season and just carry on from the high points of last season. That’s not likely to happen.

I’ve read and chatted many times about the thought of ‘managing expectations.’ It’s probably most important with your first few rounds in a new season.

Take a quick, real review of your past year…the highs, the lows, your general strengths and weaknesses.

What, where and when in the season an area improved or fell back. From that, find a key word that you feel will help in more than one area.

Then from that word, focus on getting your game back based on that word to see a quicker descent to the score you’re hoping to see more of this year.

My word is SMOOTH. Keep at your word, commit to the word, and give yourself 10 rounds to see better scores! In fact, maybe don’t even keep score for 10 rounds, then see where you stand…you could be in a good place earlier this year.

As long as you know where you stand, you’re at a great place…especially if it’s at a local tee box. Because after all, just by being there, you’ve made it! You’re going to have a great season!

Keep swinging…we’re all in this together!

JD also hosts the radio version of From the Whites Fridays at 7:50 a.m. on the myFM Radio Network, and it’s 17 Ontario markets, and online through myfmradio.ca

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Page 9

GREY-BRUCE ELECTRIC CHARITY GOLF CALENDAR

Gregg Zaun was one of the celebrities participating in the Crime Stoppers of Grey-Bruce fundraising tournament last year. This year’s event is scheduled for June 2 at Chippewa Golf Club.

June 2 - Crime Stoppers of Grey-Bruce’s 24th annual event, Chippewa Golf Club, scramble format, 11 a.m. shotgun start, $150 includes golf, meals, celebs, prizes and more. Celebrities to attend include Pat Hickey, who played 10 seasons in the NHL for the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and St. Louis Blues. To register, contact Paula Culbert at 1-800-265-3020 ext. 5702.

June 3 - Owen Sound Hospital Charity Classic at Legacy Ridge, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

June 4 - Meaford and Beaver Valley Kinettes breast cancer tournament, Meaford Golf Course. Proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. Sign up and pay online at www.meafordgolf.com June 10 - Combat Golf Tournament at The Golf Club at Lora Bay, 1 p.m. shotgun. Funds raised go to the Military Family Resource Centre at the Land Force Central Area Training Centre in Meaford. For more info or to register call 519538-1371 x-6509.

June 10 - 10th Annual FORE! The Memories tourney with proceeds to the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce. Legacy Ridge Golf Club, registration at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost: $135. To register call 519-376-7230.

June 10 - 8th Annual Second Chance Kids tourney at Saugeen Golf Club, 11 a.m. BBQ Tailgate Party on Sunset patio, 1 p.m. shotgun start, $125/player. Register by calling golf shop at 519-389-4031. Entry forms at www.saugeengolf.com June 15 - Zonta Club of Owen Sound’s 19th Annual Ladies Golf Classic at Scenic City Golf Course, $125/golfer, Best Ball format, 18 holes, shotgun start at 1 p.m. Proceeds support Women’s Health at Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre.

June 17 - Pretty in Pink tourney at Saugeen Golf Club, 3 p.m. shotgun start, 9 holes, raffle, live auction and ball toss. Proceeds to Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation. To register contact Judy Trotman at judy.trotman1@gmail.com Aug. 25 - Chippewas of Nawash Charity tournament, Cobble Beach. Contact Warren at Cobble: warrenthomas@cobblebeach.com

Greg Hargest

1475 2nd Ave. East, Owen Sound, Ont. Tel: 519-376-4120 Fax: 519-376-7203 Toll-free: 1-800-265-3194

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Business as usual at Chippewa club

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New owner plans to keep Southampton-area course an 18-hole facility

ne of the big changes to the local golf scene Savannah Links in Cambridge, Ont., purchased over the winter was the sale of Chippewa Chippewa in 2005 from Bobby and Jack Gillespie.

Golf Club. The transaction took place Dec. The course, opened in 1963 as a private facility, 11, 2015 when Kevin O’Brien of the Flesherton was originally designed by Robbie Robinson, one of area purchased the Southampton facility from Geza the premier golf course architects of the time who Kocsis, who had owned it since 2005. learned the craft from world-renowned Canadian Plans are to keep all 18 holes in operation and designer Stanley Thompson.

Kocsis is staying on as the club’s general manager It became semi-private in 1974 then was sold in for one year. Also staying on is golf pro John 1984 to Dianippon Inc., a firm owned by a wealthy Schmidt.

Japanese family.

The sale was initiated by Kocsis, who, after 28 The club changed hands again in 1994 when Geza Kocsis years in the golf business, is looking to retire.

CPGA pro Tony Martin purchased it.

The new owner has talked about developing The club was purchased by the Gillespies in 1999. retirement housing on the property but has no specific plans at this point. He also said in an interview that no housing construction will begin this year and maybe not even in 2017.

This is O’Brien’s second venture into the local golf business as he was part of the company that purchased the former Owen Sound Golf and Country Club in 2011 after it went into receivership.

Shortly after obtaining the property, the company sold the golf course to Balnar Management, owners of Stone Tree Golf and Fitness Club.

When the sale took place, the company - called Kinsale 202414 Sunset Strip, RR 5, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5P3 Investments - held on to a 195-acre piece of the property (located in the Baywest Mitsubishi Dealership) which included a driving range. The company still owns the (519) 371-3381 Fax: 519-470-2280 property but the driving range is no longer in operation.

Email: info@perfectplusautospa.com www.perfectplusautospa.com Kocsis, a retired school teacher and former part-owner of

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Page 11

Golf in Schools program launched

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Cranberry Golf Resort also opens a 19th hole with $5,000 prize for hole-in-one

principal was fielding calls from other schools interome exciting things are happening at ested in the program.

Cranberry Golf Resort this season. The Cranberry has also introduced a Parent-Child Collingwood-area club launched a Golf in Membership for only $299 this season and is offering Schools program this spring and opened a 19th hole free parent-child golf clinics this month.The memberwhich will offer participants a free shot at winning ship includes tee times after 4 p.m. and stipulates $5,000 and a trip to Augusta National Golf Club for that one parent - father or mother - play with their the 2017 Masters. child.

The Golf in Schools program is based on materiThe idea is to get the youngsters away from cell als provided by Golf Canada and it has been phones, I-pads and video games and have them extremely well-received by the elementary students.

Myles Bradford enjoy time on the golf course with one of their par“They absolutely loved it. They had a ball,” said ents, Bradford said.

Cranberry head golf professional Myles Bradford, The 19th hole, located near the 18th green, will be open who was amazed at some of the great swings by the firston weekends for all golfers. The course has partnered with time golfers.

Investors Group and anyone firing an The program was launched at ace at the hole will win $5,000.

Mountainview School in Collingwood “They absolutely loved it.

The shot, across water, will be at and students from Grades 1 to 5 used least 165 yards for the men and 155 plastic clubs and foam balls to practice They had a ball.” yards for women. All golfers registering their swings in the school gym.

- Cranberry Head Pro Myles Bradford at the hole will also be entered in a They were shown how to putt, chip describes reaction to Golf in Schools draw for a trip for two including airfare and drive and then got a chance to use and accommodations to the 2017 the resort’s golf simulator which tracks Masters. The trip is valued at $13,500. “It’s going to be specthe distance of their shots. The resort has also purchased the tacular,” Bradford said about the 19th hole. equipment for the schools so teachers can carry on the proAlso new at Cranberry this season is Foot Golf and during gram.

May you can try the 9-hole course for free on Sundays from This attempt to grow the game has created quite a buzz 6 p.m. until 8 pm. among schools in the area and afterwards the Mountainview All Proceeds to Women’s Health at Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre

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Unable to Golf—Join us for Dinner at 6pm for $35.00 or be an Event Sponsor or Prize in Donor itiatives Cost is $85.00/golfer.

Best Ball Format Registration Includes: Our Sponsors Round of Golf, Cart, Dinner, Prizes & More

Golf Fore Your Community during the Longest Days Our Sponsors of Summer

Unable to Golf—Join us for Dinner at 6pm for $35.00 or be an Event Sponsor or Prize Donor

Tannahill Family

For more information please contact Karen Garvie at 519-371-9179 or zonta.owensound@gmail.com Please RSVP by June 1, 2014

For more information please contact Karen Garvie at 519-371-9179 or zonta.owensound@gmail.com Please RSVP by June 1, 2014

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Recipient of Funds:

Tannahill Family

The Mammography Unit

Recipient of Funds:

The Mammography Unit

Grey-Bruce Golf

Golf Fore Change this season

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United Way fundraiser involves golfers playing as many holes as they can

rea golfers can now register for a grassroots United Way of Bruce Grey golf initiative being held from June 20-26 at numerous golf courses in our region.

Golfers can register as an individual or a group at www.golfforechange.com. This is not a traditional golf tournament.

During the 7-day period, golfers can select their own tee times at participating courses. They should simply let the pro shop know they are golfing for the United Way and then play as many holes as they can in a single day or throughout the week. Regular green fees apply.

Golfers are asked to collect pledges on a per-hole basis or for a set amount just for participating. Donation pledges can be made online or can be collected via pledge sheets available at each of the participating golf courses or at the United Way office in Owen Sound.

Prizes will be awarded to those collecting the highest pledge amounts. All money raised stays locally to help the United Way fund programs and services that support the most vulnerable in our community.

At time of publication, these were the participating courses: Ainsdale (Kincardine), BlackHorse (Kincardine-Walkerton), Chippewa (Southampton), Cobble Beach (Kemble), Cornerstone (Tobermory), Dunadel (Dundalk), Ferns (Markdale area), Holiday (Port Elgin), Homestead (Durham), Legacy Ridge (Owen Sound), Pinewoods Golf (Sauble area), Piper’s Glen (Port Elgin), Markdale, Mount Forest, Northern Dunes (Hepworth), Pike Lake (Clifford), Sauble, Saugeen (Port Elgin), Scenic City (Owen Sound), South-Port (Port Elgin) & Whispering Hills (Hanover).

“We are excited that so many golf courses have joined Golf Fore Change,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director, United Way of Bruce Grey. “This is a great opportunity for golf course members and guests to get outside during the longest and often sunniest days of summer. I hope that from June 20-26 our golf courses are full of golfers supporting the United Way.” For further info, contact Susan Hewitson, Fundraising Coordinator, at 519-376-1560 or fundraising@unitedwaybg. com. Updates at: https://www.facebook.com/Golf-ForeChange-402301119973972/

Golf Fore Change participants during launch at Sauble G & CC.

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United Way looking for teams

orporations and organizations in Grey and Bruce counties are encouraged to organize golf teams for Golf Fore Change being held from June 20-26. Many of the area golf courses, suitable for all skill levels, are participating in this fundraising initiative.

Employee groups are a great way to develop team-building and camaraderie. Companies can challenge their competitors and suppliers to earn bragging rights in sectors such as banking, insurance and health care. The United Way would also like to reach out to social or sporting groups such as hockey teams or youth groups. Avid teams can play relay golf throughout the day or even the whole week.

For more team building ideas, contact Susan Hewitson, Fundraising Coordinator, at 519-376-1560 or fundraising@ unitedwaybg.com. To register your team online, go to www. golfforechange.com.

MEAFORD GOLF COURSE 408 Ridge Road

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• Friendly leagues to join • Reasonable green fee & membership rates Check out

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Local McDonald’s locations: • 1015 10th St. W., Owen Sound • 1555 18th St. E., Owen Sound • 278 Goderich St., Port Elgin • 334 Sykes St. South, Meaford

Grey-Bruce Golf

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538-1400 (519) 538-140 Book in advance to guarantee your time

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AROUND THE CLUBS

Staff changes at Saugeen Golf Club

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here were some big changes at Saugeen over the winter. General manager Jeff Myatt has moved on and Mike Pellerin has been hired as course superintendent.

The staff changes started in January when the board of directors announced the hiring of Pellerin, who has more 20 years experience in the golf industry.

He has previously worked at clubs such Mike Pellerin as Lionhead in Brampton and Royal Ontario north of Oakville and most recently was the superintendent at North Bay Golf and Country Club, a private facility that has a membership of more than 575 with play of more than 30,000 rounds annually.

He has a background in agronomy and through his training in turf management at Penn State and the University of Guelph, Business foundations work at the Ivey School of Business and horticultural training at Cambrian College, has become a leader in his field of work.

He was also certified as a Master Superintendent with the CGSA in 2013 - a designation that is held by only 27 other superintendent across Canada.

He takes over from Scott Jamieson, who remains on staff as an associate superintendent.

Myatt left his position as GM at the end of March to pursue a career path outside the golf industry. The Owen Sound native worked for 18 years in the golf business, including 13 years at Saugeen.

At press time in late April, the club hadn’t officially named a new general manager and golf operations were being handled by golf pro Mike Blackburn.

Clark Hepburn new GM at Dunes

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lark Hepburn has taken over as general manager at Northern Dunes Golf Club near Hepworth. The Wiarton resident is a graduate of the Golf Management Program at Humber College and is a long-time member at the Dunes.

He managed the club’s pro shop during the past two seasons and has worked at the club for most of the past 10 years. He also worked at Taboo Golf Resort in the Clark Hepburn Muskokas for one year in 2012.

He takes over from Tiffany Greig, who served as general manager during the past two seasons and had worked at the club for a total of 10 years.

Hepburn said he’s excited about the opportunity and is looking forward to a really good year for the club.

Golf North Properties took over management of the golf course in 2014.

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Weekly 50+ men’s tour begins

weekly tour of Men’s 50+ golfers, playing every Tuesday morning, begins on May 17 at Scenic City.

The tour group is open to all levels of golfers, age 50+, who want to play different courses within Grey-Bruce on a regular basis. The group is just starting this summer and is looking to add participants. There is no cost to join the group, which will operate from May to early October.

Interested golfers should contact Stan Didzbalis at 519376-8213, stan.didzbalis@rogers.com Page 14

Legacy Ridge loses long-time members

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ac McKerroll, second from left in the photo above which was taken in 1954 at Owen Sound Golf & Country Club, passed away on April 19. The 88-yearold Owen Sound resident was a member for about 70 years the longest continuous membership of any golfer at the club, which is now known as Legacy Ridge Golf Club. Mr. McKerroll also served on the board of directors and was club president in 1977. Also in the photo are, from left, John Guidi, club pro Jack Madash and Wade Binkley.

Over the winter the club also lost longtime member and past president (2003) Ted Kean. The Owen Sound resident and 44-year employee at RBW/ Ted Kean Transcontinental Printing passed away Jan. 16. He was fondly remembered during a memorial service on Jan. 20 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Owen Sound. He was 67.

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Two new pros at Cobble Beach

he golf shop at Cobble Beach Golf Links will have a different look to it this season with two new pros and a new attendant. The new pros are Ryan McBride from Mississauga and Brent Firminger from Golden, British Columbia and the new attendant is Sue Burton.

Not returning this year are pro Corey Feenstra and golf shop staffers Chad Currie and Trent MacDonnell.

There has also been a change in course superintendents as Peter Bassien has taken over from Brent Siekierzycki, who left to spend more time on his real estate business.

The golf shop has also beefed up its hard goods with additional shafts to help golfers get a better fit.

Starting May 28 and running for about eight weeks the club will offer Saturday fitting sessions on the driving range.

Sessions are to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and appointments are preferred. Call the golf shop for details.

A demo day is planned for May 29 from 12-4 p.m.

Also in the works this spring is construction of a three-season pavilion between the parking lot and the 18th green to accommodate weddings and special functions.

www.greybrucegolf.com

Grey-Bruce Golf

Baywest Toyota’s

Hole-in-One Club Jan. 26 - Owen Sound’s George Clifford on #6 at Tara Golf and Country Club in Bradenton, Florida during a couple’s mixed event. It was his 4th ace but first at the Tara club. At the same tournament his wife Julie won the women’s closest to the pin prize on the very same hole.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who scores an ace this season please send the information to: steveharron@sympatico.ca Please include the date, names of playing partners, hole yardage and club used.

David Hearn, (left) during his playing days on the Grey-Bruce Junior Tour, is in a position to represent Canada at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With him in the photo, taken in 1992, are Craig Henderson, a representative of McDonald’s Restaurant, and Tim Vandolder (right), who was leading the junior tour at the time.

Congratulations on your Hole-in-One!

Hearn on track for Olympics in Rio Former Grey-Bruce Junior Tour player would qualify based on current ranking

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ased on Olympic qualifying criteria, PGA Tour player David Hearn, who played his junior golf in the GreyBruce area, is in a position now to be one of Canada’s two representatives this summer in Rio. A players’ Official World Golf Ranking as of July 11, 2016 will be used to determine his Olympic eligibility and Hearn was ranked 142nd as of late April.

That’s second best among Canadian players - Graham DeLaet was tops at 119th - and Canada will, at this point, only be allowed two players on its team.

The next highest ranking Canadians are Adam Hadwin at 185th and Brad Fritsch at 243rd.

Hearn was a junior member at Pike Lake Golf Centre near Mount Forest and played on the Grey-Bruce Junior Tour.

Here’s the way qualifying will work: Players in the top 15 in the World Golf Rankings and the Rolex Rankings automatically gain entry into the Olympic field - except there is a limit of four per country.

For players outside the top 15, there is a limit of two per country. Fifty-nine players qualify on rankings with Brazil guaranteed the 60th spot in both the men’s and women’s events as the host country.

Only the United States would have more than two qualifiers for the men: Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson at this point.

The men’s Olympic golf event will be held Aug. 11-14 while the women will compete Aug. 17-20.

Grey-Bruce Golf

AINSDALE and SOMERHILL

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3 miles South of Tiverton on Hwy. 21 Call (519) 396-8450 to reserve your tee time www.somerhillgolf.on.ca Like Us on Facebook

955-16th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1Z4 T: 519-371-3660 F: 519-371-8183

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Page 15

Shawn Ringel General Manager

Baywest Nissan 202408 Sunset Strip, RR # 5, Owen Sound 519-372-2277 www.baywestnissan.ca

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Grey-Bruce Golf