PGA Of Alberta Golf Report -December Issue

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SPECIAL EDITION Categories

AWARD WINNERS

25

Club Professional of the Year

26

Executive Professional of the Year

27

Assistant Professional of the Year - Class A

28

Assistant Professional of the Year - Apprentice Professional

30

Teacher of the Year

31

Junior Leader of the Year

32

Coach Of The Year

34

Top 100 Award

35

Sales Rep Of The Year

36

Retailer Of The Year (Private)

37

Retailer Of The Year (Public)

38

Jack Skellern Patron Of The Year

40

Player of the Year

41

Head Professional Order of Merit Champion

42

Assistant Professional Order of Merit Champion

43

Ladies?Order of Merit Champion



Cont ent s dec 2019 08

Top Image

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Social Media

12

World Handicap System To Roll Out In 2020

16

18

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2020 Golf Show Early Bird Registration New Location For Buying Show Meets With Approval PGA of Alberta?s Kincade Honoured By Recognition From Peers

22

Members On The Move

24

2019 PGA of Alberta Award Winners

44

46

50

PGA of Alberta Bursary Recipients Canadian Golf Industry Show Announced For November 2020 One-on-One With Roger Cleveland Talking About Importance Of Wedge Play

52

PGA of Canada Announces National Award Finalis

54

The three newest putters

56

2019 Scholarship Winners

58

The parting shot



The

IMAGE COURTESY: GORD MONTGOMERY

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Roger That With Canadian PGA TOUR Star Adam Hadwin Looking Over HisShoulder, Roger Cleveland From Callaway Golf Disussed The Importance Of Wedge Play And Talked About The New Line Of Product He Endorses For The Golf Company at the Alberta Golf Show in Calgary PG 8 | DEC 2019



how t o

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ALBERTA

FOLLOW THE PGA OF ALBERTA ON SOCIAL MEDIA

PG 10 | DEV 2019



by

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World Handicap System To Roll Out In 2020 The World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched in January 2020 and will provide golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.

To learn more about t he World Handicap Syst em, please visit W HS.com. For W HS informat ion specific t o a count ry, use t he Associat ion Finder for furt her informat ion. PG 12 | DEC 2019

Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golf calendar. Developed by the USGA and The R&A in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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in the same way wherever they are in the world.

achieving the next time they go out to play.

A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of

The following table lists the estimated implementation time frames for a selection of countries:

PG 13 | DEC 2019

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gol f

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2020 Golf Show

Early Bird REGISTRATION The early bird registration deadline for both the Calgary and Edmonton Golf Shows is on December 13th, 2019 which is right around the corner. Take advantage of the early bird rates and don?t miss your chance on great savings and being a part of the Alberta Golf Shows. Reasons to attend the Golf Show are to gain access to

approximately 7,000 passionate golfers throughout the province, have access to our million dollar clearance centre, sell green fees and memberships and expose your brand or facility to new demographics in a fun environment. Attending the show can help increase the number of golfers walking into your clubhouse as well as increased sales in memberships.

For more information on how to register, rates and deadlines please CLICK HERE. Any questions or concerns please contact our events coordinator Ashley Van Kroonenburg at ashley.vankroonenburg@pgaofalberta.com PG 16 | DEC 2019



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New Location For Buying Show Meets With Approval Change is good. That was the verdict coming down about the relocation of the annual PGA of Alberta Buying Show that moved from Edmonton to Calgary this year. After a long run in the northern Alberta city, the show, which featured slightly more vendors than usual and far more visitors than in the past, shifted down south and by all accounts was a success. Speaking to Robert Rousselle, Executive Director of PG 18 | DEC 2019

the provincial PGA body, said it was done for a few reasons. ?We look at various things. There were a lot of elements that were discussed internally between the PGA and all the suppliers. For example, transportation and the amount of flights in and out of the airport, the movement of the cargo. In Edmonton I think we had a really good run. It was nothing against what they were doing; they were amazing. It was just time for change to refresh CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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the structure and maybe supply other clubs that couldn?t afford to be in Edmonton.? As to any negative feedback about moving the show, Rousselle said he?d received very few complaints. ?I think there will always be some. You can?t satisfy 100 per cent. We are trying to do our best in that direction. I would say the majority were pretty pleased especially when they arrived (at the BMO Centre) they saw the set-up and how we had raised the bar quite a bit. What I?m hearing from members, and from social media, is it?s going crazy in a positive way. I?ll maybe hear a little bit (of negatives) here and there but at the moment I think it?s an extremely positive experience.? One of the show?s attendees, Veeraphon Thephasouvanh from The Links at Spruce Grove, who formerly had only a short drive into Edmonton to attend the annual Buying Show, said the new location was great. ?It was different, obviously. It PG 19 | DEC 2019

Robert Rousselle, the Executive Director of the PGA of Alberta, said the majority of attendees were pleased with the Show especially when they arrived at the BMO Centre and saw the set-up looked fresh; I really liked the lobby before you even got into the show,?he began. ?It was good to change it up a bit. It was

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BY GO RD M O N TGO M ERY, IN SID E GO LF

PGA of Albert a?s Kincade Honoured By Recognit ion From Peers When your peers acknowledge you for your work ethic and leadership, you know you?re doing something right. That?s the feeling Greg Kincade was left with after being named the PGA of Alberta?s Head Professional of the Year at their recent awards night. Kincade, who worked his way from the bottom of the ladder in the golf industry as the kid cleaning clubs in the back shop up to his present job as the head of the golf shop at the Edmonton Country Club, said he was honoured to walk away with this PG 20 | DEC 2019

award. ?This means a lot. I mean there are so many people that do such great work that to be recognized like that, it?s unbelievable,?he commented on winning. ?It?s amazing.? Kincade said he feels one of his strengths in his leadership role is keeping a finger on the pulse of his club and meeting the wants and needs of the members. ?It?s probably attention to detail. There?s no one overwhelming task. You have to keep track of many different tasks that are asked of you, the many different CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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requests from members, and trying not to lose track of where things are at. It?s just being aware of the details and following up on things you say you?ll follow up on.? As for his leadership style, Kincade suggests he?s not afraid to get his hands dirty even though he could have left that part of the business behind years ago.

really important to lead by example.? Having now copped this award, Kincade said it doesn?t mean he?ll sit back and relish in the glow. Rather, he?ll continue on as he has in his role as the club?s head professional ? leading by example.

?When I first got nominated four or five years ago I was kind of taken by surprise because I was ?That?s where I started in this focused primarily on the job at whole career, was washing golf hand here at the Country Club. clubs. I think that?s something It?s kind of hard to get my head people appreciate. That I?ve done around as to how other people these jobs, all the dirty jobs. I?m from around Alberta ... obviously certainly not afraid to take part if somebody must have noticed need be, to get in there and get that, whether sales reps or other (my) hands dirty. But you have to pros. It was very much a surprise try and manage your time. You to me how many people had an don?t want to do all the jobs,?he awareness of what I was doing said with a chuckle. ?It?s probably here. Having 50 or 60 people more my style that I want to get congratulate me on my work, it involved as much as I can.? makes me want to work harder. You want to live up to the award, ?That?s good for morale,?he continued about stepping in, and to the accolades.? up. ?I think it?s important for staff While Kincade was honoured to see that all the details matter. singly as the Head Professional If I tell the people that work here of the Year, he noted that his it?s important to follow up on the staff shares in this because of details. Nothing is too small. It?s their hard work. PG 21 | DEC 2019


NEWS

FROM

ALBERTA BY PGA O F A LBERTA

PGA of Alberta Members On The Move Follow your favourite PGA of Alberta Golf Professional using our Members on t he Move feat ure updated throughout the year. Click Here For The Full List PG 22 | DEC 2019



PGA OF AB

IMAGE COURTESY: PGA OF ALBERTA

AWARD

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

2019 PGA of Alberta

Award Winners The PGA of Albert a announced t he winners of t he annual awards on Wednesday, Oct ober 23rd at t he Calgary BMO Cent re. Individuals were recognized for t heir achievement s t hroughout t he season and t heir career, as well as for t heir cont ribut ions t o t he PG 24 | DEC 2019

Associat ion and t he game of golf. Some of t he cat egories recognized included Club Professional, Teacher, Junior Leader and Execut ive Professional of t he Year! Congrat ulat ions t o all of t he winners and nominees!


PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

CLUB PROFESSIONA L OF THE YEA R

GREGKINCADE ( EDMONTON CC) PG 25 | DEC 2019


AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

EXECUTIV E PROFESSIONA L OF THE YEA R

MURRAY MCCOURT ( THE RANCH G&CC) PG 26 | DEC 2019


PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

A SSISTA NT PROFESSIONA L OF THE YEA R - CLA SS A

SAM KIRKNESS ( PRIDDIS GREENS G&CC) PG 27 | DEC 2019


AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

A SSISTA NT PROFESSIONA L OF THE YEA R A PPRENTICE PROFESSIONA L

CHRIS COOKE ( KANANASKIS COUNTRY GC) PG 28 | DEC 2019



PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

TEACHER OF THE YEA R

DEREK BAKER ( DEREKBAKERGOLFACADEMY) PG 30 | DEC 2019


AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

JUNIOR LEA DER OF THE YEA R

LYNDON KING ( COLLICUTT SIDINGGC) PG 31 | DEC 2019


PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

COACH OF THE YEA R

RANDY ROBB ( EDGE GOLF SCHOOL) PG 32 | DEC 2019



AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

TOP 100 AW A RD

SEAN THOMPSON ( COTTONWOOD G&CC) PG 34 | DEC 2019


PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

SA LES REPRESENTATIV E OF THE YEA R

JARED ENGEL ( ADIDAS GOLF) PG 35 | DEC 2019


AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

RETA ILER OF THE YEA R (PRIVATE)

REDDEER G&CC PG36 | DEC 2019


PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

RETA ILER OF THE YEA R (PUBLIC)

SIROCCOGC PG 37 | DEC 2019


AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

JACK SKELLERN PATRON OF THE YEA R

GOLF SUPPLY HOUSE PG 38 | DEC 2019



PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

PLAYER OF THE YEA R

WES HEFFERNAN ( DYNAMICMOTIONGOLF PERFORMANCECENTRE) PG 40 | DEC 2019


IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

AWARD

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

HEA D PROFESSIONA L ORDER OF M ERIT CHA M PION

DALLAS CANTERA ( CARDIFF G&CC) PG 41 | DEC 2019


PGA OF AB

AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

A SSISTA NT PROFESSIONA L ORDER OF M ERIT CHA M PION

RILEY FLEMING ( NGA DOME) PG 42 | DEC 2019


AWARD

IMAGE CREDIT: PGA OF ALBERTA

WINNERS CO M PILED BY IG ED ITO RS

LA DIES?ORDER OF M ERIT CHA M PION

MARSHA ROGERS ( THEDERRICK G&WC) PG 43 | DEC 2019


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PGA of Albert a Bursary Program The PGA of Alberta is pleased to present 4 bursaries of $750 each year to deserving Apprentice Professionals and/or Class A Assistant Professionals who meet or exceed the Bursary criteria as outlined below. The bursaries are awarded annually at the Association?s Awards Banquet in October. All seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class A Professionals (who are not employed as PG 44 | DEC 2019

Head/Executive Professionals) are eligible and encouraged to apply. A minimum of two of the bursaries are reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (working 9-months or less for their employer). All Information is held in strict confidence. The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 Bursary Awards to the four following very deserving Apprentice Professionals: CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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IMAGES COURTESY: PGA OF ALBERTA

2019 Bursary Winners

Ch ri s Cook e

Jenni f er M acK i nnon

K ananask i s Country GC

Earl Grey GC

Scott Sti l es

M i ch ael M cEach ern

Wi nston GC (Th e)

Woodsi de GC

PG 45 | DEC 2019


The Canadian Golf Industry Show (CGIS) will take place the week of November 9, 2020, in Vancouver, BC. The CGIS will feature The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference, presented by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA); The Golf Business Canada Conference, presented by National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) and the Tee Talks National Teaching and Coaching Conference, presented by the PGA of Canada alongside supporting partners; Golf Canada, BCGSA, NGCOA PG 46 | DEC 2019

Canada BC Chapter and PGA of BC. The event will see the individual conferences of the presenting partners coincide at the same location at the same time. The selected location for the conference events is the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel. This location will allow each individual conference to take place under one roof. The trade show that is an integral part of each event will see exhibitors from all sectors including turf, business and the pro-shop. This approach is a great benefit to the delegates and broadens the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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marketing value for suppliers. The show is branded as the Canadian Golf Industry Show and will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. ?CGSA is very excited about this partnership. Our positions as owner/operators, superintendents and golf professionals compliment each other in our workplaces, so bringing our associations together is a natural fit. There is much to learn from each other and bringing the whole industry together is paramount in a day and age when we're all so easily separated. We?ve been looking at this opportunity for some time, so to be able to see it come together for the betterment of golf business in Canada is exciting?said CGSA President, Greg Aust in. ?The NGCOA Canada is honoured to be partnering with the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and the PGA of Canada for the PG 48 | DEC 2019

inaugural Canadian Golf Industry Show in Vancouver?said Lesley McMahon, President of NGCOA Canada. ?This kind of collaboration is what the NGCOA Canada is all about and bringing together these three events under the same roof alongside a shared trade show will benefit the entire industry.? ?We?re excited to congregate in Vancouver for this ground-breaking event that will undoubtedly be a game-changer for golf in Canada. Bringing together the business leaders across the various sectors of our industry under one roof aligns perfectly with our vision of increased collaboration to continue to grow the game and business of golf in Canada?said PGA of Canada President, Mark Pat erson. Watch for additional information on the Canadian Golf Industry Show to be released in the coming months.



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One-on-One W it h Roger Cleveland Talking About Import ance Of W edge Play PG 50 | DEC 2019

Everyone knows the most important part of the game of golf is from 100 yards and in. So who better to talk about that segment of the game, where wedges are king, than the king of wedges himself, Roger Cleveland. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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Now a designer for Callaway Golf, Cleveland carved out a niche in the golf industry a number of years ago when he launched his own brand of wedges under his own name, and he?s never looked back. The thing is, he originally started building persimmon woods back in 1979 but found his true calling with the short-game sticks in 1988.

short game because the technique is different than your long game,?how much that will help you improve your scores, he began. ?It doesn?t take strength to have a good short game ? it takes technique and a good product. You can lower your score, increase your enjoyment of the game faster than any other segment of the game.?

Having moved on from Cleveland Classics, his next stop was the Callaway brand where he began working with Phil Mickelson, the master of the short game on the PGA TOUR. Inside Golf caught up with Cleveland at the PGA of Alberta Buying Show, where he was helping man the Callaway booth, promoting their new line of Jaws wedges.

One of the biggest flaws in hitting short shots, he continued, is that most people simply try to use a similar swing with a wedge that they use with their driver and fairway woods. That?s simply wrong, he states.

In regard to the importance of wedge play, Cleveland said it?s a vital part of the game if one wants to score well, regardless of whether you hit the ball 200 yards or 300-plus yards off the tee. ?A lot of people don?t understand if you take the time, and get some lessons on the PG 51 | DEC 2019

?People try to miniaturize their big swing for their short game, but it?s different.? Asked about the televised one-wedge-that-fixes-all

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NEWSFROM

The PGA Of

Canada

V IA PRESS RELEA SE

PGA of Canada Announces The PGA of Canada is proud to announce its 2019 National Award Finalists. We are excited to unveil a brand new National Awards process celebrating our members. The PGA of Canada has over 3500 amazing members and highlighting your accomplishments, hard work, leadership, and vision are imperative to the golf landscape across Canada and the world. PG 52 | DEC 2019

We have the best professionals, and you deserve to be recognized for your accomplishments. View All Nat ional Award Finalist s "Such an amazing group of finalists! The PGA of Canada has truly incredible members, and without everything you do for your clubs, communities, and Zones, we wouldn't be who we CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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2019 National Award Finalists are today. We want to thank you for moving our great game forward and representing the PGA of Canada with the utmost class." said PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle Our judges evaluate all applications from our finalists and will determine the winner in each of the awards. On December 12th at noon EST, the PGA of Canada will live PG 53 | DEC 2019

stream the announcement of our 2019 National Award winners on Facebook. Streaming the awards live will allow members, clubs, families, media, and the general public to tune in to watch the announcement of our National Awards winners. In January, the award winners will be honored at the PGA of Canada Night celebrations in Orlando, Florida, as part of the PGA Merchandise Show."


r ev iewing

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The Three Newest Putters Recently, I was on site at the Shriner?s Tournament in Las Vegas. I attend this annually so I can meet with those pros with whom I work with mentally. Most often, in between sessions, I can be found checking out the latest in equipment both on the putting green and driving range. As I love to putt, putters are fascinating to me in every aspect from design, materials used, and performance. This season was no different. These 3 putters caught my eye and all had hole-seeking capability... PG 54 | DEC 2019

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Cleveland Front line ?Elevado? $199.99 for Mallets $179.99 for Blades www.clevelandgolf.com What I really like about the Frontline putters are the Lamkin Fingerprint Technology Sink Fit Straight putter grips. Purchased separately, the Lamkin grip retails for $19.99 on www.lamkingrips.com.

PING?s new PLD (Putting Lab Design) ?Bruzer?LTD Edition putter with a high MOI. Although these putters have sold out, I noticed that they are available for $608.00 on www.global.rakut en.com and ÂŁ359.00 on picclick.co.uk. PG 55 | DEC 2019

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2019

SCHOLARSHIP

WINNERS

2019 Scholarship Winners

Since its inception in 1964, the PGA of Alberta has experienced steady growth. This growth has stemmed from a commitment by the Association to improve its status within each of its communities. One of the main focuses of the PGA of Alberta has been supporting Junior Golf. Alberta Golf Professionals use their expertise to create, organize and facilitate junior-oriented events. The Scholarship Program is another step in the overall development PG 56 | DEC 2019

of our current programming. The mission of the PGA of Alberta is to provide junior golfers from around the province the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, while promoting and providing access to continued education. This program has presented over 49 scholarships since 1998. The four Junior Scholarship winners shown above will each be awarded $1,000 as deserving recipients for 2019.



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IMAGE COURTESY: GORD MONTGOMERY

par t ing

shot

Bench Strength 'Put me i n coach , I 'm ready to pl ay'

Four dedicated gentlemen golfersdecided to take a little break from their pre-game warm-up on the range before a round at the LinksAt Spruce Grove recently PG 58 | DEC 2019



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Trevor Rioux Of The PGA Of Alberta Presented A Sponsorship Plaque To Inside Golf's Director Of Sales, Jim Paterson, For The Long And Continued Media Partnership Shared Between The Two Bodies. getting a bit stale in Edmonton,? a show which he had attended ?about 12 times,?so to him this move was a refreshing change.

?I think the morning breakfast (on the opening day) which received a lot of support from a lot of our members, the added cocktail reception, the new Rousselle went on to say that layout of the floor,?were among several new components to the the top changes he listed. show helped to ease the pain of ?Everything is so compact. The the move for all this attending, especially the northern members social side of it is easier. It brought everybody closer of the PGA of Alberta. together. There?s not as much | DEC 2019

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distance between the venue, hotels, restaurants. Everything is walkable here,?as opposed to its former home where nothing was close by for members who had to leave the site via vehicle. As for how long the show will remain in Calgary, Rousselle said that, at present, is up in the air. ?That?s something we?re exploring. I?m going to go through the show, make sure we made the right strategic move on it but at the moment we?ll stay here a couple of years. How long, it?s not defined,?but from the early indications, virtually everyone was pleased with the change which could mean a successful beginning and continuation of this yearly event in Calgary. Rousselle explained at an

industry meeting with some of the show?s vendors that their numbers in particular were, ?Up slightly from last year. We were on a bit of decline in 2018 but this year the floor space was essentially sold out.? Another uptick on the register was the fact more entry badges were handed out to golf course personnel at the Calgary show, with approximately 1,100 to 1,200 changing hands this year . ?I think we raised the bar a lot this year and think we can keep pushing it,?ended Rousselle. To offset this move for the northern members, the PGA of Alberta will hold a Spring Seminar in the capital city to provide a balance and even out travel costs for participating courses, said Rousselle.

About t he W rit er Gord Montgomery isa member in good standing of the Golf JournalistsAssociation of Canada. He isnow in his10th year of writing for Inside Golf. He can be reached at noraltagolf@gmail.com. He?salso on Twitter at @gordinsidegolf and on Instagram at gordinsidegolf2. | DEC 2019


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*Subject to change

The WHS has two main components ? the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven Rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official Handicap Index is calculated and administered, with some flexibility given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region. The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on nearly every continent, sets out a consistent method of determining a course?s difficulty. | DEC 2019

Together, these components become the foundational elements in determining a golfer?s Handicap Index. Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, ?The game of golf is transforming to meet the needs of the modern-day golfer; modernizing the Rules this year was an important step forward in that regard and the World Handicap System will be another. ?Our hope is that the launch of the WHS will be a catalyst for change; signalling the start of a new era of golfer engagement, being inclusive by embracing all golfers, whatever their level of ability, and broadening its appeal CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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to a much wider audience.?

first time and an extensive ?Change also means opportunity education program has been and, managed appropriately, this delivered. By the end of 2019, can only be good for the game. It more than 90 National does mean there will be a period Associations will have attended an educational seminar and a of adjustment, as we saw with the new Rules, but once it beds in robust library of resources is golfers and golf clubs will benefit hosted on WHS.com to support regional education. in many ways from the new system.? ?When the golf community works together, everyone benefits,?said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. ?We have seen the benefit that handicapping has provided for decades, providing greater enjoyment for all who play. To have a single set of Rules of Handicapping for the game will connect golfers from country to country, and we are excited to bring the best of all worlds together through this initiative. ?It is one of the many ways we are investing in golf?s future, to strengthen and foster growth of the entire game for years to come.? In preparation for the launch of the WHS, more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated for the | DEC 2019

Rules of Handicapping books are being produced and will be translated and delivered through national associations. In addition, the USGA and The R&A have developed a series of golfer-focused materials, including videos, infographics and posters, which can be used by national associations and shared with golf clubs for the benefit of golfers. This includes a promotional video which can be seen below, featuring Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and voices of recreational golfers from around the world to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap. The materials explain the system?s key features, including: CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a Handicap Index reflects demonstrated ability A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; with the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap being 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds (with some discretion available for national or regional associations) An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player?s performance each day Timely handicap revisions A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only) A maximum handicap limit of | DEC 2019

54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game The formation of a World Handicap System was first conceived in 2011 between the USGA and The R&A in an effort to engage more golfers in the game and promote equity, no matter where golf is played. The effort unites six existing handicapping systems into one, while embracing the many ways the game is played across cultures. Beginning in 2020, the new WHS will be governed by The R&A and the USGA and administered by national and regional golf associations around the world. The existing six handicapping authorities, Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA, represent approximately 15 million golfers


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scenario, the wedge guru said those clubs are good in one circumstance only. In reality, a good wedge, regardless of the name on the back, can be used in any number of ways. ?The TV ones tend to be one-dimensional. They have very wide soles. You can?t open them up and increase the loft. For some players, that?s fine. But if a player wants to take some time and learn some technique that doesn?t take strength, they can get out of a lot of situations where you can?t with those other clubs. They (premium wedges) are, frankly, better looking and better feeling than those one-dimensional clubs. And they perform better.? A big tendency in the golf world these days is getting properly fitted for clubs. Again though, Cleveland noted, this seems to focus mainly on drivers and fairway woods with wedges being overlooked. That, he emphasized, is a huge mistake for anyone looking to score better out on the course. ?When you get into the short | DEC 2019

game and start studying it, based upon your technique, you need a sole and an angle of bounce to support that technique. If you don?t have that, especially in your highest bounce, you?re going to suffer. It?s very important to be fit.? As for what wedges to carry, Cleveland feels five degrees between each one in your bag is the proper amount, starting from the pitching wedge and working upwards. In regard to using a club with extremely high loft, he suggests unless you fall into a select group you don?t need to worry about stuffing one of those into your bag. ?If you're not strong, I hate to say this, but you really don?t need a wedge that?s more than 56-degrees. Sure, it?s nice to hit higher lofted clubs but I think your gapping should be four to five degrees between each wedge. Dependent on your strength, you?re going to have a variation of distances. Iron sets now are typically pretty strong with your wedges, let?s say it?s 45 (for a pitching wedge). So I like CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


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fives ? 45, 50, 55. Distances (between clubs) can be, you know, anywhere from 10 to 12 yards, something like that.? To determine what the distance split with your wedges is, Cleveland continued, you can find a simulator and spend some time whacking balls into a screen and gathering all the information that provides you. That should be enough to give you an accurate assessment on how far the ball flies, in the air and with roll, off each club and the yardage distance between each. Or, you can simply do it the old-fashioned way, outside. ?It?s hard. Trackman can help. The other thing is, find a field and go out and mark off yardages. Sure that?s old fashioned, but when Phil goes out to practice, he puts out towels,?to mark off his distances and goes to work.

Getting around to the product he?s promoting, Cleveland said the new Callaway Jaws line gives players plenty to work with in order to improve game performance. ?These bring a wonderful feel, more spin, especially with your higher lofts, and that higher spin, especially in the 40 to 50 yard areas which is an area where you really need to control the ball and trajectory, it?s about five to six hundred RPM more with this groove. It?s a special groove that we put in, as well as the micro-grooves we put in. It?s 84 edges to catch the ball. That?s control with a great feel,?and that?s really what the short game is all about ended the wedge master ? along with hitting shots closer to the hole for tap-in birdies and pars.

About t he W rit er Gord Montgomery isa member in good standing of the Golf JournalistsAssociation of Canada. He isnow in his10th year of writing for Inside Golf. He can be reached at noraltagolf@gmail.com. He?salso on Twitter at @gordinsidegolf and on Instagram at gordinsidegolf2. | DEC 2019


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