Celebrating 25 years
Cottonwood
Golf & Country Club
A Life Style all of its Own. 18 Hole Private Golf Facility offering: • Memberships • Annual Memberships
• Corporate Opportunities • Corporate Events • Charity Events For 25 years, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club has provided a superb golf facility for golfers of all skill levels. Situated along the picturesque Bow River, this beautifully designed and well-maintained golf course offers an enjoyable country setting only minutes from Calgary. We offer a unique atmosphere and lifestyle all of its own. Our members and guests consider Cottonwood their ‘Home away from Home’. Take a tour and see what our family has to offer...
DeWinton, Alberta • www.cottonwoodgcc.com • 403.938.7577
2 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
July Issue 3
THE
TOP
IMAGE BY TREVOR RIOUX
The PGA on Wheels was at Lake Chaparral June 20th;
4 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Taking one for the team is Patrick O’Doherty #snagasaurus
July Issue 5
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July Issue 7
The Top Image ........................04 Feature Articles .......................06 Contents .................................08 Meet The Board: Matt Johnson ...10 Tournament And Other News From The PGA of Alberta...........14 Alex Steffens Win Ladies Championship..........................16 Hot Canadian Golf Companies ..............................18 The PGA Of Alberta Scholarship Program.................24 The Importance Of Partnership ..26 WindmillSpeeding Up With Addition Of Kevin Thistle ...........30 After 25 Years, Cottonwood Is Still All About Friends And Family.....34
Coaching Clinic Geared To Helping Community Step Up....................36 Golf Canada Wants You To Tell Your Golf Story .................................42 Instruction With Garett Jenkinson: Putting And Full SwingAlignment . 44 2015 PGA of Alberta Tournament Schedule..................46 News From Alberta Golf .............48 SNAG Proves to Be “Class” Act ...50 Edmonton’s Twin Willows Celebrates A Golden Anniversary 56 Turf Grass News: Brown Is The New Green ............60 The Final Word: The End Of The Tiger Era: Again..62 The Parting Shot.........................65
PGA OF ALBERTA Tel: 403.256.8894 Toll Free Tel: 888.866.6140 Fax: 403.256.8895 TF Fax: 877.259.8895 Address: 517—23 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta T2M 1S7 Partner Publisher
Inside Golf Inc. TF: 800-764-6537 Web: insidegolf.ca
Jeff Sutherland, Publisher publisher@insidegolf.ca Bryan Outram, Sr. Editor editor@insidegolf.ca
Gord Montgomery, Alberta Sr .Reporter noraltagolf@gmail.com Sales Inquiries: sales@igdesign.ca
All contents, design and layout except where noted are the sole property of Inside Golf Incorporated. Copyright © 2015
8 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Executive Director: Robert Rousselle robert.rousselle@pgaofalberta.com Tournament & Sponsorship Coordinator: Trevor Rioux Email: trevor.rioux@pgaofalberta.com
July Issue 9
What do you enjoy most about the game and the business of golf? The people that you meet and being involved in the game of golf. CURRENT: Head Golf Professional: Royal Mayfair GC PAST: Windermere G&CC, Priddis GreensG&CC, The Derrick Club EDUCATION: Grant Macewan College DID YOU KNOW... Matt previously worked with Royal Mayfair's GM Wade Hudyma and Retail Manager Kristi Larson at Windermere G&CC
What influenced you in becoming a Golf Professional? The love for the game of golf. What would you be doing if you weren’t a Golf Professional? Marketing or sales. What is your favourite golf course in the world? Greywolf GC. Who is your favourite PGA Tour player? Tiger Woods.
What is the first club you take out of your bag on the range? 9 Iron. What is the most holes of golf you have played in one day? 163 holes. What and where was your career low round ? 69 @ Windermere G&CC What significant accomplishments are you most proud of? Becoming a Head Professional. What other interests, hobbies and passions can you share? Hockey, traveling
IMAGE COURTESY MATT JOHNSON / @PuckHogMJ/
Matt On The 18th Tee At Pebble Beach Golf Links 10 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
ESCAPING THAT BUNKER Hitting your ball into a greenside bunker can be one of the most frustrating situations you face on the course. It should not have to be. Here are a few tips to try to make it easier and more enjoyable playing out of the beach. The sand shot, is the only shot in golf where we attempt to hit the ground before the ball. We want the sand to throw the ball out of the bunker for us. First, if you are a righthanded golfer your ball position should be in line with the inside of your left foot, meaning that the ball is moved forward in your stance. For lefthanded players, your ball position would be in line with your right foot.
Second, establish a solid base by digging your feet into the sand. Choke up on your club to gain more control. You now want to move all of your weight to your left leg, so it feels like you are leaning towards your target. Stare at a piece of sand two inches behind your golf ball, but do not look at the ball. This piece of sand is what you are going to try and hit.
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Finally, pick the club up more abruptly than a normal swing and accelerate through that piece of sand. Make sure you follow through. You must keep your knees bent and your weight on your left side. The opposite applies for lefties. If you can master these three steps, you will see your ball exploding out of the bunker and onto the green. July Issue 11
JUNE 17, 2015 - Darryl James (National Golf Academy @ Shaganappi) battled tough conditions during the final round to win the Players’ Tour Event hosted by Speargrass GC. James finished with a two day total of 6-under 138 to win by 1 shot over his nearest competitor Thomas Schupp (Eaglequest Golf Dome)
The PGA of Alberta Players’ Tour is a series of four 36-Hole tournaments featuring some of the most competitive Golf Professionals in the province. 12 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
who had led after Day 1‌ a day where 13 people posted (-1) or better. The last Players’ Tour Event winner Eric Locke (Wolf Creek GR) held at River Spirit GC ended up 3rd this time with a 4-under 140. This win was a vindication for James who had finished second in his last two events.
These events, proudly sponsored by Callaway Golf, Flightscope and SkyCaddie culminate at seasons-end at the Hamptons GC where the top 50 players in the province compete for the Tour Championship title. July Issue 13
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PGA ON WHEELS EVENT
back was Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry GC) with a 2-under 69. Brian deBruin (D’Arcy Ranch GC) and local professional Kevin Broderson (Lacombe G&CC) finished third with even par 71’s. Skins Winners $286.66/each #7 Ryan Moore #11 Bob MacDonald #18 Tye Friesen
COUNTRY HILLS WINS T-of-C IN PLAYOFF A big thank you to the PGA of Alberta Members that helped out at the PGA on Wheels event that took place on Saturday, June 20th at Lake Chaparral. There are two more PGA on Wheels events left this summer: July 1st at St. Albert and then July 16th in Calgary (Jumpstart Games).
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE HELPS WITH PRO SERIES VICTORY Winner Weston Gillett (Drayton Valley GC) with sponsor Clive Grant (Golf Supply House) Host Venue: Lacombe G&CC Event Date: June 15, 2015 Purse: $6,600 Results: Weston Gillett (Drayton Valley GC) played his junior golf at Lacombe G&CC. That local knowledge helped him score a 3-under 68 and claim victory at the Golf Supply House Professional Series Event. Finishing one shot 14 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Tournament of Champions Host Venue: River Bend GC Event Date: June 9, 2015 Purse: $17,995 Results: Brett Burgeson (Country Hills GC) with partner Kevin Temple shot 7-under 65 but still needed two extra playoff holes to win the Tournament of Champions event hosted by River Bend GC. Dale Miners (Cottonwood G&CC) with partner Rick Burton finished in second. Note: Cover Image of Magazine is Tournament of Champions Winners Brett Burgeson (right) and Kevin Temple (left) of Country Hills GC with Host Professional Dale Tomlinson (middle)
PGA OF ALBERTA MEMBERS ON THE MOVE... Jordan Maclean (Class A Professional) has moved from Golf Town South Edmonton to GolfTEC Edmonton. Shawn Proulx (CFM) has reinstated to the River Ridge GC. Reagan Wilson (Calgary G&CC) has passed the Playing Ability Test and completed the application requirements.
Scott Holland has been named Head Professional at the Silvertip Golf Resort. Blair Buttar has been named Head Teaching Professional at GolfTEC Edmonton. Mike Fahey (Class A Professional) has moved to the Redwood Meadows G&CC. Michael Bowen (Grande Prairie G&CC) has passed the Playing Ability Test and completed the application requirements.
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SIX PLAYERS PASS PLAYING ABILITY TEST At the second Playing Ability Test of the season hosted by Speargrass GC, 18 applicants tee'd it up right after the Players Tour event. Ashton Du Preez shot a group leading155 to pass his Class A Playing Ability Test. Craig Ohlhauser, Corey Beaver, Ryan Green, Aaron Dyck and Erik Gerlock also passed the CFM Standard of Acceptance. The next PAT will be held at Goose Hummock GR July 14 & 15 followed by Redtail Landing GC Aug 4 & 5 And Alberta Springs GC Aug31 & Sept 1, 2015.
July Issue 15
TOURNAMENT SUMMARY Host: Canyon Meadows G&CC Event Date: June 22/23, 2015 Purse: $2,000 Alex Steffens (Inglewood G&CC) made birdie on the first playoff hole to defend the PGA of Alberta Ladies Championship sponsored by Dexim Golfwear. Day one leader Rhonda Carter (Canyon Meadows G&CC) finished second and Elizabeth Goldsmith (Country Hills GC) finished in third. Steffens played junior golf at Lakeside GC and then attended Lethbridge College in the PGM Program. After passing her PAT in 2008, she worked as an Assistant Professional for three years at Lakeside and then Pinebrook. After attaining Class A Status in 2013, Alex now works at Inglewood G&CC as an Associate Golf Professional and Retail Manager.
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2015 PGA of Alberta Ladies Champion, Alex Steffens (Inglewood G&CC) with Dexim Golfwear sponsor Dean Walker (Left) and Canyon Meadows G&CC Head Professional Matt Freeman (Right)
Elizabeth Goldsmith from Country Hills GC
Reagan Wilson from Calgary G&CC
July Issue 17
BY LISA LONGBALL VLOOSWYK
yk isa Vloosw L y s e rt u o Images C
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The PGA Show, held every January in Orlando, Florida is the largest show in golf. Over 1,000 companies feature their wares and Inside Golf's Lisa 'Longball' Vlooswyk honed in on five Canadian companies who were getting a great deal of attention.
REG6 Image Courtesy 2U NDR
2UNDR
This speciality underwear company based in British Columbia showcased one of the hottest product lines at the show. There was always a line-up at their booth and people wanted to know what was so intriguing about their gear.
REG5
Their Joey Pouch technology is what separates their brand from competitors. 2UNDR states “Sewn inside each pair of 2UNDR is a soft and comfortable penthouse condo for your most valuable assets” and people are buying in. This product is selling out at pro shops across the country. Brand ambassadors include PGA TOUR player David Toms and NHL player Kevin Bieksa. (www.2UNDR.com)
Humorous tag lines “asset management” and “hugs you like a first date” are making consumers smile.
www.2UNDR.com
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HOT CANADIAN GOLF COMPANIES - CONTINUED
SUNICE
First garnering attention for outfitting a Mount Everest expedition in 1982, SUNICE followed up with another huge success as the official outerwear for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Firmly established as a world leader in technical outerwear, in 1992 this innovator entered the golf outerwear market and has since kept the title as the #1 Canadian golf outerwear brand. Worn by LPGA and PGA TOUR players, it is sold globally including the pro shop in St. Andrews, Scotland. Gore-Tex has long been a staple while other fabrics such as Zephal, provide one of the lightest woven stretchable fabrics on the market. SUNICE is also known for its X-Static technology that uses silver fibres as an effective anti-microbial agent that helps with thermal regulation, anti-odour and anti-static. New for 2015 SUNICE is promoting their Flexvent fabric as a lightweight stretch layer that still offers maximum protection from the elements. - CONTINUED ON NEXT PGE 20 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Images Courtesy SunIce
Neon greens, vibrant blues and rich yellows are the signature colours of their 2015 line.
www.SUNICE.com
July Issue 21
HOT CANADIAN GOLF COMPANIES - CONTINUED
BODITRAK
A Winnipeg based company, Boidtrak’s technology was first developed for balance rehabilitation. Applied to golf, the technology is embedded in a small, portable mat. Golfers swing while standing on it and it records a trace of weight shift and pressure points from toes and heels throughout the swing. Connected to a computer via a USB cord, data is analyzed Above: through a software program. It’s a valuable Jason Day instruction tool to work Tests Flightscope on balance and swing Integration faults that lead to With Boditrak inconsistent and poor ball striking. At under $2,500 it is affordable for the keen golfer who is looking to improve their game. 22 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
www.boditrak.com
July Issue 23
The PGA of Alberta gave out its first post-secondary scholarship in 1998. What may not be as commonly known is that they have given out 36 scholarships since! This well developed program sees scholarships awarded to junior boys and girls who meet or exceed well defined application criteria. And based off its tremendous success over the past 16 years, there are some expansion plans. New for 2015 there will be now four PGA of Alberta Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each awarded to four deserving candidates. Two of these scholarships will be awarded to
children of PGA of Alberta Members (no golf experience is needed) and the other two will be awarded to selected Alberta Junior boys or girls, 18 years of age or younger (as of August 31st of the application year) who meet the other criteria. All applicants must be a resident of Alberta and will be evaluated according to high school academic achievements, golf history (for golf specific scholarships only), work and volunteer experience and financial need. As well, applicants must be applying for admission into a full-time program at a post secondary institution in the same year as the deadline. Applicants must be affiliated with a PGA of Alberta approved facility (for golf specific scholarships). Children of PGA of Alberta members do not have to be affiliated with a PGA of Alberta facility.
Wilds 1/3
Scholarship application forms and accompanying information must be sent to the PGA of Alberta Office no later than July 31st, 2015. Winners are recognized at the annual buying show in October and the Scholarship Awards will be directed to the institutions of the selected recipients. Click HERE to see the Junior Scholarship Package and Application Form.
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July Issue 25
TaylorMade Adidas – Club Car PGA of Alberta Championship Callaway Golf Pro Assistant Championship PING Club Professional Championship Assistants’ Championship Presented By Cobra Puma Golf Golf Vacations Ireland Senior Championship Dexim Ladies’ Championship Sunice – AUR Tour Championship Team Match Play Championship Presented By Adams Golf Golf Supply House Professional Series AUR – Sunice PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar Presented By Fiberbuilt Golf Trends – Greg Norman Pro Senior G&G Golf Company Pro Pro Best Ball AUR – Sunice Professional Development Series Cobra Puma Golf Order of Merit Official Team Sponsor – Cobra Puma Golf PGA of Alberta Junior Masters Presented By Sundog Players’ Tour Scoring Leaders Presented By SkyCaddie Players’ Tour Presented By Flightscope Stay Prime - PGA of Alberta Club Challenge Nike Golf PGA Team Championship of Canada 26 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
They may be the overlooked teammates at times, but the more than two dozen companies that team up with sponsorship deals alongside the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta and its more than 550 members are a key component to the association’s success. Broken down into four categories, led by the Premium Sponsor title, those 32 companies offer funding to a number of ongoing projects that the PGA of Alberta hosts. Those include high level competitions like the PGA of Alberta Championship along with things like professional seminars, member development programs and trade shows. While the in-house activities are great for its members, the PGA of Alberta and its many partners also reach out into the community every single year by providing scholarship funds to worthy recipients. Since 1998 the association has presented 36 such awards with each valued at $1,000 to both boys and girls who show they are deserving of such an honour. While there are several segments that must be met to earn such an award, the most important include a young person’s Continued On Next Page
PGA OF ALBERTA PARTNERS Premium Partners
Champion Partners
Proud Partners
Partners
Official Suppliers July Issue 27
Continued From Previous Page marks in school as well as their volunteer work. As well, five yearly bursaries of $1,000 each are also awarded to deserving young professional golfers classed as either Candidates for Membership, or Assistant Professionals who are members in good standing in the Alberta PGA.
MANR
Again, several components are involved in picking the recipients and those in part include an applicant’s volunteer experience as well as work experience and education. Without the generous support of the association’s many partnership groups such a helping hand would be difficult to sustain especially on a continual, long-term basis as has been established. Many of those same members also stepped up to supply the PGA of Alberta with funding of over $80,000 as the new headquarters in Calgary for the golf body that was formed in 1964. In all, 132 companies, golf clubs and individuals - including many members of the PGA of Alberta - helped with donations. This funding was used for a variety of projects including upgrades within the building to the library seating area, the board room and golf memorabilia to help preserve the game’s past in the province. While the many members of the PGA of Alberta can be seen working diligently with the public on a daily basis, it must be remembered that those behind the scenes such as the many partners that team up with the association each and every year are also vitally important to the continued success of this long-running, and successful, organization.
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July Issue 29
IN
PROFILE
BY MARK CORRIGAN
NEW WINDMILL GROUP VP OF SALES DEVELOPMENT KEVIN THISTLE WITH WINDMILL’S NEW MICKELSON NATIONAL LAYOUT IN BACKGROUND
IMAGE CREDIT JEFF SUTHERLAND
“The opportunity to be part of an organization that has grown to its current portfolio of eight facilities in under 10 years is exciting.” 30 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Understanding when a door is opening and opportunity is presenting itself may be sometimes difficult to identify but there are those who can see the importance of 'timing' in life. Kevin Thistle, now of the Windmill Golf Group, is one of those who seems to grasp just how important this particular talent can be. After a career spent shaping Angus Glen in Toronto, with a couple of successful Canadian Opens, followed by spearheading a massive financial turnaround at nearby Coppinwood (a private club then in transition), Kevin’s career looked like it was destined to conclude in the
GTA at the esteemed Toronto Hunt Club. Instead, Kevin travelled west, to take on the position of VP of Sales Development for the Windmill Golf Group. Continued On Next Page
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Thistle - Continued From Previous Page
Why leave a top-rate job in a place where you’ve raised your family since day one in the golf business? It’s about the challenge, the chase, building something special from the ground up says Kevin, “Barry and the Ehlert family reached out to me and over time we realized our philosophies and thoughts on the golf business
one umbrella and then offer a number of membership options. “The opportunity to be part of an organization that has grown to its current portfolio of eight facilities in under 10 years is exciting,” continues Thistle. Still, for Windmill these days, it’s about getting members and there has been great success on this front since Thistle arrived. It’s hard to argue with190 memberships being
were very similar. There was great opportunity and growth potential within the Windmill group and I felt it would be a great match in the future.” The bottom line is that Kevin brings operational expertise to a young and ambitious company that has been, and remains, the vision of managing partner Barry Ehlert. What Elhert has been able to do is bring together a number of golf properties under
sold in just six weeks. Impressive numbers but not that much of a surprise when you consider, for example, what is offered when you join the Hamptons Golf Club. Membership offerings here start at just $14,900 to become a full member, and include access to the rest of their clubs. And, in a couple of years, that access will include playing privileges at the highly anticipated Phil Mickleson designed layout. Phil Mickelson has personally taken the reins as the architect here and, like Phil, it promises to be fun and driver-friendly, boasting over 7,800 yards in length over 280 acres, more than enough to host any major event. Confirms Thistle, “Land is being shaped just west of Calgary, and the new course, called
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Mickelson National, will have a soft opening in 2017. I can hardly wait to see the final product.” Still, it is the range of choices Windmill has to offer that Kevin really finds attractive, “Public offerings, with great playability, private courses that offer a refuge from life or resort-style golf that we have south of the border at The Wilderness Club with rainbow trout stocked ponds featuring catch and release for the kids. There really is something for everyone. And who doesn’t want a little variety in their golf venues, who doesn’t want more from their membership? I’ve always looked at the west as a land of opportunity and Alberta in general has always led the field in offering that opportunity. “ The vision is clear at Windmill... be more than the status quo, offer common sense thinking but stay within the confines of tradition and then bring in good people to carry the burden through the the journey. This story has only just begun with many twists and turns to follow, but one thing is certain, exciting times lay ahead for both Thistle and the Windmill Golf Group.
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July Issue 33
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As the course celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer, Executive PGA of Canada Professional Tiffany Gordon is very aware that the club's success reflects their commitment to family and friends.
successful commercial operation. “I really feel you can do both. You can promote the casualness and the family aspect of it and still turn that into cash flow which obviously you have to do.” Also obvious is that over a quarter century, you are going to have some changes. “I’ve seen the course mature, a couple of renovations, the growth of the membership, the demographic changes we go through,” Tiffany has been part of the Cottonwood Golf said Gordon of those transitions. & Country Club ship since its launching back “We’ve got a number of members that have in 1990. Her start, she explained, was due to been with us since day one. I’ve seen a lot of a friend who suggested she head to good friendships along the way and Lyle has Cottonwood to find work. been just a great mentor of mine. He’s always put the best interests of this golf course, and “I started off just working in the shop, doing its membership, front of scope for me and he’s whatever, and it just went from there.” guided a lot of us to That commitment to what our careers are TIFFANY GORDON friends and family is no now.” accident. Facility The course itself, which owner, Lyle Edwards sits along the banks of has made that the Bow River and was consistent mission a tree farm previously, statement since the has been lengthened beginning. over the years and had "That was part of our PGA OF its share of other CANADA original business EXECUTIVE changes to keep pace philosophy: golf is fun, with today’s evergolf is family and we’ve “We’ve seen the demographics, evolving game. The emphasized that right the growth of our juniors … you course’s set-up has been from the start.” tell people you’ve been here 25 recognized through While this is a business outside agencies years and then you look out venture for him, and see that kid that you taught wanting to host major Edwards explained that tournaments there, it’s possible to combine is now standing out there with including the Golf the club’s core values his family, with his kids.“ Canada Senior Ladies about family into a Continued On Next Page July Issue 35
Cottonwood - Continued From Previous Page
Championship, the Bank of Montreal National Ladies Tour, the PGA of Alberta Assistants Championship and the PGA of Canada Match Play event. “The one thing everyone wants to see is how your golf course holds up,” Gordon said of playing host to such events. “As we lengthened it we started to attract some different events and Lyle has always been very supportive, along with the membership, of us hosting those things. They showcase your course, your membership. You don’t want to overdo it but you sure want to have something going on like that so the community sees what kind of a product you have to offer.” Besides those major tournaments, Cottonwood has also been home to a number of significant charitable events and other nongolf activities showing they work diligently at being good corporate neighbours. “That allows us to give back, be part of the community, and that’s a key to Lyle’s family and me as well,” noted Gordon. To celebrate this special anniversary, the executive pro said such activities are on the low down right now. “This is pretty special. We’ll make a big day out of it,” she said of a July 1 club celebration. “But we’re not going to go crazy. We’re going to make it about what Cottonwood’s all about – families, friends, spending the day together. People are proud of our 25th anniversary. We’ll just be who we are – a neat little culture and family celebrating a special anniversary.” 36 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
IMAGE COURTESY PGA OF CANADA
As a pilot project of sorts, the Community Golf Coach program being presented by Golf Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada isn’t about making Joe Public into the world’s greatest golf coach. Rather, it’s about allowing the members of the public at large to work alongside CPGA professionals as they teach youth about the grand old game.
Matt Allen
Our goal is to get people who can support PGA professionals. …
MATT ALLEN EDUCATION COORDINATOR FOR THE PGA OF CANADA
Speaking on the phone from Acton, Ont., Matt Allen, the Education Coordinator for the PGA of Canada , said this particular stream of the association’s programming may be in its infancy but the national body sees great potential ahead. “It’s not really new; we’ve revised the program,” he began. “We had something (before) that was called Future Links Leader, which was the same concept. What we kind of identified was we weren’t really matching what the public needed and the community volunteer golf coach needed in terms of training.” In doing the program mulligan, if you will, the learning process was stretched from a four hour session with no technical element to two full days with a half day outdoors, “to really meet the needs of what both our PGA of Canada members need in terms of training our volunteers and what the public Continued On Next Page
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is looking for in that kind of training,” Allen continued. So far, he noted, the reception to the revamped tutoring has been exceptional. “We’ve run three workshops and it’s been hugely popular. Once we get the people in the room and they see what we’re trying to accomplish with the training and what the two days look like, it’s been nothing but positive comments from both the participants in the classroom and our PGA professionals, who are getting qualified volunteers back at their clubs.” That last sentence is key to what bringing in community members to coach this hardto-master game is all about: volunteers who can help pro staff pass on knowledge about the game to young players. What it doesn’t mean is that this coach is a teaching professional. “Our goal is to get people who can support PGA professionals,” Allen said to that end. “Taking a two-day workshop is not going to be enough to let them go and teach on their own with Continued On Facing Page
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Continued From Facing Page
young golfers, or golfers of any status in the game. We want to get them trained on how to set up a safe learning environment, (teaching) some really introductory technical skills that they can work with, with junior golfers who are brand new to the game. That’s the goal for this. We’re not trying to create brand new teachers out there; this is to support and get them a little more educated … teaching values that young golfers or young athletes are looking for.” When queried about the reaction of PGA members who may benefit by getting volunteer coaches from such a program, Allen said they’ve been delighted with what’s taken place. “It’s very positive so far, given we’ve only done three workshops so far. I’ve sat down with a few members who have sent staff or volunteers or parents to the workshop and they’ve loved it! They love having somebody that’s a little more engaged, who knows what’s happening within the NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program). Having a volunteer they can give a little more responsibility to than they’ve had before.” Besides all of that, a program such as the Community Golf Coach is a huge benefit to
helping grow the game, Allen continued. “It’ massive, really massive. I think we’ll see the impact in a few years, of bringing better trained volunteers into the sport. One of the big goals in the long term is to get to those areas in Canada that may not have a PGA professional in their area get somebody there who at least Continued On Next Page
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Contin’d From Previous Page
has background knowledge of how to work with junior golfers. That’s the gap now in any sport in Canada, given our landscape.” As for the price of $300 plus tax that’s attached to this NCCP-sanctioned coaching course, Allen said that fee is within the bounds of other such sport coaching clinics in the country. In fact, he
Golden
40 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
added, his gives just a little bit more than the others. “When we created this we did a lot of extensive research for that exact reason,” he noted of what at first seems a steep price to pay to participate. “Now, we’re fully invested in the program. This was $50 for a half day clinic. I did a lot of research of other sports (teaching) NCCP to make sure we’re on par. An additional perk is that lunch is included in our workshop while it isn’t in most other sports.” There will be one clinic only in Alberta this year, on June 6 7 at the Golf Canada Calgary Centre. In the future though the hope is to have more as Golf Canada looks to reach far into the nation to foster growth in the game among youngsters. “One hundred per cent,” Allen said of smaller centre expansion plans going forward and the association’s hopes of turning out more volunteer coaches and good young players in coming years. “This year for us is sort of a pilot year so we identified six major centres across Canada to get the ball rolling. Moving forward we’ll be hitting different areas,” in order to continue fostering that growth of the game.
July Issue 41
NEWS
FROM GOLF
CANADA
Every golfer has a unique story to tell. Now the Canadian golf industry is encouraging golfers to share those stories, aligning on a national campaign to market the game of golf in Canada. The campaign - Golf Canada Golf - is designed to inspire Canadian golfers through storytelling, inviting enthusiasts to share their stories and special connections to the game through a series of promotional activities across video, broadcast, print, online and social channels. Says campaign spokesperson Gavin Roth, "The Golf Canada Golf campaign invites Canadians to share their own experiences as well as read or watch other compelling stories to remind us what makes the game great and ultimately encourage enthusiasts to play more golf." A custom website - www.golfcanadagolf.ca - has been launched as a portal for stories to be shared. The site features a mix of stories, from professionally filmed feature segments to others submitted by everyday golfers with a unique story to share. The site also features a social media hub that curates stories using the hashtag #golfcanadagolf as well as resources for golfers looking to find a course, connect with a PGA of Canada professional or learn more about junior golf programs in their community. The campaign will extend throughout the 2015 season. 42 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
July Issue 43
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July Issue 45
August 24/25, 2015 Club Pro Championship Sponsored By Ping Canada Edmonton CC August 26, 2015 Professional Series - Sundre July 28, 2015 Professional Series - Mill GC Sponsored By Golf Woods GC Sponsored By Supply House Sundre GC Golf Supply House Mill Woods GC August 31 - Sept 1, 2015 Tour Championship August 4/5, 2015 Sponsored By Fletcher Sport Players' Tour - Redtail Landing GC Sponsored By Brands Inc. Royal Mayfair GC Callaway Golf Canada Redtail Landing GC September 9/10, 2015 Senior Championship August 10, 2015 Pro-Junior North Sponsored Sponsored By Golf By Callaway Golf Canada Vacations Ireland Derrick Golf & Winter Club Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC September 14, 2015 Pro-Pro Best Ball Sponsored August 11, 2015 By G&G Golf Company Professional Series Belvedere G&CC Highwood G&CC Sponsored By Golf Supply September 16, 2015 House Team Match Play Final Highwood G&CC Sponsored By Adams Golf Red Deer G&CC August 17/18, 2015 September 22/23, 2015 PGA Of Alberta Championship Sponsored Pro-Assistant Sponsored By By Club Car - Taylormade Callaway Golf Canada Innisfail GC Adidas Stewart Creek G&CC July 27, 2015 Pro-lady North Sponsored By EFW Radiology Cougar Creek Golf Resort
July 7, 2015 Nike Golf PGA Team Championship Of Canada - Qualifier Sponsored By Nike Golf Canada River Bend GC July 9, 2015 Pro-Senior Sponsored By Greg Norman & Golf Trends Calgary Elks Lodge & GC July 13, 2015 Pro-Junior South Sponsored By Callaway Golf Canada Valley Ridge GC July 14/15, 2015 Players' Tour - Goose Hummock Gr Sponsored By Callaway Golf Canada Goose Hummock Golf Resort July 21/22, 2015 Assistants' Championship Sponsored By Cobra Puma Golf Jagare Ridge GC
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AN EMOTIONAL WIN AT THE ALBERTA OPEN FOR JAMES LOVE Calgary’s James Love takes the 2105 Alberta Open title with a tournament total of 7-under 135 at Carnmoney Golf & Country Club. Ending the first round in sixth place, on the second day Love had a roller coaster round that started birdie, double bogey, birdie. It was on the 9th tee that he really put the pedal to gas not letting up until he had posted five straight birdies. Then a remarkable recovery on #16 saw Love hole out from 75 yards from the pin after putting it in the water on his approach, a ‘one-bounce-into-the-cup’ to save par.
At round's end, all this drama had resulted in a final round score of 66. The whirlwind victory was emotional for the 31 year old Love, who recently suffered the loss of his father to cancer. “To win this event is nice,” a teary Love explained, “he was my biggest fan and my best friend.” As the winner of the 2015 Alberta Open, James Love earned an exemption into the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada’s Syncrude Boreal Open where he would post a 2-under score during the opening round before fading on the Friday to miss the (-2) cut.
Coug CREEK 1/3
On the 18th hole, both Tyler Saunders and Dustin Risdon had their chances to win or tie Love at 7 under par. Unfortunately, both were unable to capitalize on the opportunity and could not force a play off. Alexander Scherer recorded the rarest of achievements… an albatross scored on the 18th hole. Scherer initially couldn’t see how the shot played out and when he was made aware he admitted, "… my mind was blown. I needed it.” Overall more than 90 players competed at the challenging
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Carnmoney Golf & Country Club in Dewinton,(6,858 yards, par 71).
his final match spot after defeating Galvon 2 and 1 during his semi-final round.
The support from the host club staff and volunteers was amazing said Jack Lane, Tournament Director, “They truly make conducting a championship of this caliber possible.”
“I’ve never won a match play tournament, so it’s pretty awesome that I was able to have that opportunity,” Murphy said of his win. “It suits my game well because I like to play aggressively.”
Top Amateurs 1 Tyler Saunders Glendale G&CC 136 2 Jesse Galvon Inglewood G&CC 139 T3 Jordan Irwin Banff Springs GC 140 T3 Geoff Fry Pinebrook Golf Club 140
As the winner of the Alberta Match Play Championship, Murphy has secured a Morse Cup Team spot on the 2016 Pacific Coast Amateur Squad. Both Murphy and Pasula have earned a quota position into
MATCH PLAY SEES MURPHY VICTORIOUS
Patrick Murphy earned top spot at the Alberta Match Play Championship after a few rainy days at Carnmoney Golf & Country Club. A strong performance in the final round led to a 5 and 3 victory against Red Deer’s Brett Pasula. Pasula had survived a 23 hole semi-final match against Tyler Saunders to advance to the finals. Patrick Murphy gained
the 2015 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in Toronto, Ontario on August 10th to 13th. IN SHORT… Chris Patterson, a member of the Alberta Public Players' Club won the Men's Mid Handicap Stableford Championship held Wed, Jun 24 - Thu, Jun 25 at Pinebrook Golf & Country Club. July Issue 49
Businesses, regardless of what they sell, must always be one step ahead of the curve, taking the initiative to foster growth. Taking that idea into account, the Stony Plain Golf Course took its show on the road. Actually, they took only a small part of what they do on a road trip by moving their SNAG (Starting New At Golf) Golf program off the grass and into the classrooms of three area schools that were eager to involve their students in this grand old game. Of that decision, Stony Plain’s head professional, Gary Christenson noted, “I think the biggest reason for doing this is that as a community owned golf course a lot of the things we’re doing now are about community involvement,” that includes this particular program along with their Movies Under the Stars and their family league. “With SNAG there are a lot of individuals who aren’t golfers and there are so many kids out there whose parents aren’t golfers so they Continued On Next Page 50 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
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don’t get the chance to golf.” Thus the idea of taking the game to the kids, through their schools, was hatched. In its first year, and even with a late start, the idea seems to be catching on. One of those schools, Parkland Village, is a
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Grade 1 to 4 institution that has set about teaching physical literacy to its students, explained principal Travis McNaughton. For him, adding SNAG Golf was an easy decision. “For us, we have an initiative going in our school around physical literacy so we’re trying to give the kids confidence and ability in all types of physical movement and different types of environments, like water and ice and ground. “So when the opportunity came across my desk to be connected with golf, it was just another activity that aligns perfectly with what we’re trying to do. Also, it exposes them to a sport at a young age because most of the kids in our school have never even tried golf. When that opportunity came for them to come to us, that was fantastic.” It was easy to see that the kids loved what they were doing in their one hour session, using tennis balls, plastic clubs with oversized heads and velcro targets where success could be measured immediately. That, said teacher Dip Gradel, is an important aspect of having youngsters learn. “There are some behaviour kids in this class but you can’t tell there are kids here who have trouble focusing,” he pointed out as the kids went through the paces at one of
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four stations they did in rotation. “They’re fully engaged and behaviour issues are not a problem. They’re enjoying themselves. “As a teacher I notice the way this is set up. It’s built for success with the targets. The results are immediate for them: “Oh, I missed the target this time, but next time I’l hit it.” To me, this is built for success and that’s a good thing.” What is also vital in an idea like this is that it has the youngsters moving around rather than sitting at a desk simply listening to, or reading what the game of golf is all about. “Research says the more kids move, the more engaged they are,” Gradel noted. “They sit so much in the classroom so every time they are moving, and learning at the same time,” it’s a winwin situation. What makes this idea of reaching out to new players rather than sitting back and simply waiting for, or hoping, they come to your door, said Christenson, is this program is run during a golf course’s quiet times. “It is something we can do in the off-season. 54 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
It’s something we can offer in a closed environment where we don’t have to worry about weather. We have the staff here. The Stony Plain Golf Association purchased the equipment and we did this last year in our Junior/Junior program and the kids liked it and the staff liked it, so this was just a natural progression. “I’ll be honest. When I first sent an email out (to the Parkland School Division) I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I might get one person, two, that might be interested. I kind of opened a can of worms though which is great. I told Parkland Village this isn’t a one-time thing. We want to do it every year.” That, to Principal McNaughton, was good news. In review of how the first two sessions of this clinic went at his school, McNaughton said the program was classed as “amazing,” by the teachers who were involved. “Afterwards the teachers were saying they wished they had this back a second day. We wouldn’t hesitate to bring it back again!” he ended.
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Owner/superintendent Ed Sims noted that over the five decades this operation has been playing host to golfers of all levels and that over time many changes have taken place. One thing that’s stayed the same though is that his course is a true test of skill. Originally part of the now defunct Golden West Golf Course, Twin Willows has a unique
combo of old school charm and new generation toughness. “Originally, the partners built what was the front nine and operated as Golden West. It had a soft opening in ’64 and I guess the official opening in 1965 for that nine,” Sims explained. “In and around 1970 the back nine, the second nine of Golden West was built and this (Twin Willows front nine) technically became the back nine of that course.” In 1983, a split between the operating partners brought about the formation of two golf courses — Golden West which built another nine holes — and the St. Albert Trail Golf Course, that eventually became Twin Willows GC. Golden West was eventually sold to land developers while its counterpart remains in Continued On Next Page
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IMAGES COURTESY FACILITY
CONSTRUCTION, PLAY AND RATE CARD DURING THE MID 1960s
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Twin Willows - Cont’d From Previous Page
operation five decades later still providing a place to dig divots to this very day. The unique feature of this track, located on the northern edge of Edmonton proper, is that it plays out in two very different generational styles. The front showcases the earlier generation of golf from when it was constructed to the newer nine which is built in a more modern concept. “The back is a more modern design although we’ve kept the playability consistent,” Sims said in a previous interview with Inside Golf. “The yardages and the ratings of the two nines are comparable. You can play the two different nines but have the playability remain the same. The front nine is a traditional design with tree lined fairways and smaller greens, about 4,500 square feet as compared to about 6,000 square feet for the greens on the back nine (which is links style).” As it is, those two designs meld together beautifully to present a touch of old with a touch of new and giving golfers in Edmonton and area the chance to experience a piece of golfing history right in their own backyard. To help celebrate their special anniversary, Sims said that as of April 23, nothing in particular
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other than one big party has been planned, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be other events planned as the season progresses. “We are having a member/guest celebration to celebrate the 50th anniversary in May,” he said of the early stages of observing this historic mark. “We’ll have some memorabilia there to show people — some old bags, towels, shirts (with original club branding), that type of thing,” to showcase where Twin Willows has come from over its lifespan. In closing, Sims noted this has been a special journey to reach the course’s golden anniversary season, given his father was the one who actually got all this underway. He has simply followed in his footsteps. In that original interview, Sims said the newer nine wasn’t built until long after that original partnership split because the land where it now sits wasn’t available. Way back then it was a homestead property, complete with an old house, and that land was farmed into the 1980s. Once the property did come up for sale though, his father, Victor, latched onto it to expand to what is now Twin Willows’ 18 holes. “My father had tried to acquire that property since 1983, but it took him 20 years,” Ed explained. As to what this historic time means to him, Ed said, “The original owner from 1965 is still involved. It’s a family business and we provide a friendly atmosphere here,” meaning like the old farmstead it once was, Twin Willows is more than willing to extend old-time hospitality to all who enter its front doors. Tee times can be booked by calling 780-447-2934.
EXPANSION IN 2001 (RIGHT) AND THE COURSE PLAYERS SEE TODAY (BELOW)
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As I put fingers to keyboard, the spring season is not quite over and it won’t actually be summer for another few hours. Spring has been unusual... warmer and drier than usual in some parts of Western Canada while others have encountered much more variable weather. What is indisputable is that we are going to enounter a decreased snow pack and therefore lower than normal river levels this summer.
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These conditions bring to mind an opinion piece I originally wrote in 2006 that posed the question “Is brown the new green?” Four years later, as drought conditions grew in many areas of the western U.S., the question was even more pertinent and an updated version of that article ran on www.insidegolf.ca. (Editor’s Note: You can link to that article HERE). Five years after that, it can be argued that the question has been answered... at least for the 115th staging of the U.S. Open. Brown definitely was the new green at Chambers Bay! The USGA played the 2010 U.S. Amateur there as a test event. That Amateur took place in August and generally that
month is hot and dry and the their clubs that they will accept possibilities. The most severe USGA came close to losing some brown. would be to lose the right to control of the setup but they I have tremendous respect for use water and that would be learned a lot about Chambers the professionalism of golf catastrophic to the sport. The Bay.I remember the discussion course superintendents. They second would be that, through after the event was that while know where water needs to be an increase in the cost of water, the information was useful, in used and those areas that are golf truly becomes only a sport reality, June’s a much cooler, out of play and don’t need as for the rich. Either way the sport wetter time in the Northwest much care. They can deliver suffers. and the golf course would play first-rate conditions on green The warning signs are there, differently. The 2015 U.S. Open complexes while keeping it’s time we took them seriously. proved that theory wrong. fairways playable for golfers of Welcome summer and It has just been reported that all abilities. We need to give welcome hard and fast playing the snowcap in the Rockies has them the authority to do their conditions. fully melted for the year and, job properly. Kris Jonasson is the Executive if that happens in a given year, If water continues to get Director of British Columbia Golf. it’s never before late August. misused, there are only two Not surprisngly, Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan all are seeing dramatically lower river levels. Saskatchewan has had a record setting dry May. All this points to drought. Golf needs water to survive, but we really don’t need as much as we currently use. We can,and should,cut consumption so yes it needs to get browner. Golfers need to accept this making it clear to the management and superintendents at All of Western Canada can anticipate higher than normal
temperatures this summer with close to 100% likelihood. July Issue 61
THE
FINAL WORD
IMAGE CREDIT: CANDIAN PRESS
BY ALFIE LAU
The epitaph has already been written several times this year. It came after an 82 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the subsequent missed cut. It came a week later when after only 11 holes, a WD and a hurried rush to the parking lot, where an impromptu press conference was held only because his car was blocked by camera stands and reporters. It came when he shot 85 at The Memorial in the third round, a score not even a 10-handicapper would take. And now, we come here to praise and to bury the great golf career that spawned 14 Major titles for Tiger Woods. Woods shot his second-worst round in a Major during the opening round of the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, an 80 in pristine conditions, so unlike the 81 he shot in a rain and windstorm at 62 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Muirfield during the 2002 British Open. There’s no doubt now that the only metric Woods himself uses to measure whether he is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is unattainable: Jack Nicklaus’ 18 Majors will not be caught by Woods and his 14 Majors. Sure, Woods will always contend at The Masters, and after turning 40 later this year, there’s a good chance Woods will add another Green Jacket, perhaps when he’s 46, like Jack was in 1986. But you won’t see 5 more Major wins for Woods, whose game can best be seen in his bumbling and stumbling around, trying to break 80. Watching Woods slip on the wet grass as he played his third shot during the second round, I couldn’t help but remember the same Woods, who 7 years previously gritted through a bum leg,
IMAGE CREDIT: ALFIE LAU / INSIDE GOLF
bad knee and resilient Rocco Mediate to win the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Woods at 50% was still better than the rest of golf, but now, as Jordan Spieth takes centre stage and young guns like Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler try to win their first Major, Woods seems like yesterday’s man. In fact, the only solace he could take from his opening round 80 was that he could joke that “At least I kicked Rickie’s butt today.” Fowler, who was one stroke worse during the opening
round, had entered the tournament as a favourite, having finished in the top 5 at all 4 of last year’s Majors. But if you needed proof that golf is hard, then Fowler’s fall into the abyss looks like a one-off and come the British Open next month, the man in orange should be back in contention. Woods laughing as he shook hands with Fowler and their playing partner, Louis Oosthuizen, shows that he is human and perhaps he’s finally discovered that golf is hard, but little has changed in other
aspects of his life. Woods declined FOX Sports’ request for an on-camera interview after his opening round and while he did come talk to the rest of the media, his agent, Mark Steinberg, made sure Woods was only answering five questions. When the media exceeded that number, getting their eighth question in, Steinberg had the USGA put a halt to the impromptu press conference, telling the USGA’s Brian DePasquale, “Brian, get in there.” Continued On Next Page July Issue 63
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Woods dutifully walked off the podium, off to the uncertain golf future he’s created for himself and once again, we’re writing about the end of the Tiger era. Woods has an action-packed schedule moving forward, everything from playing in the Greenbrier, British Open, Quicken Loans (a tournament which benefits his charity) and the PGA Championship, but maybe the best thing for Woods is to take some time off from golf and find a new way to compete. While Woods is adamant that the work he’s doing with coach Chris Como is coming along, the results so far are disastrous. Maybe fresh eyes, working alongside Como, are what’s needed. Maybe he needs to go back to fundamentals he developed working with Butch Harmon, Hank Haney or Sean Foley. Newly single, Woods has added another variable into his life, as he’s now truly a single father to Sam and Charlie now that Lindsey Vonn is out of the picture. Picking the kids up from school has taken precedence over practicing chipping and putting, and Tiger will have to figure out the proper balance. 64 The PGA of Alberta GOLF REPORT
Tiger’s legacy as a Hall of Famer and one of the all-time greats is secure. In fact, looking back at his dominance from 1999-2002 and then 2005-2008, we see a man at the top of his game, so overwhelming a competitor that he had them beat before a ball was ever struck.
There’s an old saying that Father Time is undefeated in sports and sadly, Tiger Woods has discovered that, even he, sadly cannot avoid a “Knock-out” by the still undefeated Father Time. Alfie Lau is the Sr. Writer for Inside Golf | @alfielau
WolC
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