NW Ontario Golfing News September 2012 Full

September 2012

Amazing Brainerd, Minnesota Golf See pages 4-5

Superb Golf Just A Short Drive Away In Minnesota Manitouwadge, Marathon, White River Golf The TBDGA 2012 Tournament Calendar

MIURA INTRODUCES ITS FIRST FORGED & MILLED MALLET PUTTER Page 2

Barry Caland Wins Thunder Bay District Open And Retires From Golf On Top See Page 3

The TBDGA 2012 Tournament Calendar Note: Some of the dates or courses are subject to change 2012 Member Club and TBDGA Tournaments SEPTEMBER September 1-3 Canadian Tire District Amateur Strathcona Golf Course Chapples Golf Course Whitewater Golf Club September 1-2 Marathon Club Championship Peninsula Golf Course September 1-2 Geraldton Club Championship Kenogamisis Golf Course September 8

North Shore Two Man Best Ball North Shore Golf Course September 9 Municipal Invitational Municipal Golf Course September 8-9 Emerald Greens Club Championship Emerald Greens Golf Course September 15 District Mid Am Qualifying TBA OCTOBER October 6 Dragon Hills Open 4 Man Scramble Dragon Hills Golf Course October 7 Stokaluk Shoot-Out Municipal Golf Course

The Thunder Bay District Golf Association is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating and promoting golf activities and championship tournaments with member clubs in the Thunder Bay District.

Ed Atwill Curtis Hildebrandt Tony Stokaluk Matt Taylor

The TBDGA held is annual meeting on Sunday February 19, 2012. The new executive is as follows:

Barry Caland has stepped down after eight years as the President.

Laurence Tulloch takes over as President after being acclaimed.

Dustin Wilson remains as the Junior Chairman

President - Laurence Tulloch Vice-President - Andrew Scavarelli Secretary - Scott Adams Treasurer - Peter Campner Past President - Barry Caland Members at Large: Walter Keating Jr.

MIURA INTRODUCES ITS FIRST FORGED & MILLED MALLET PUTTER New KM-007 Adds New Shape and Muscle to Miura’s Successful Forged Putter Line

Vancouver, B.C. -- Miura forged irons help players make the great shots that set up great putts -- and those rolls deserve Miura putters. With that in mind, the legendary Japanese maker of the world’s best forged golf clubs has added another stunning design to its collection of quality forged putters.

The KM-007, fourth in the KM line (for Katsuhiro Miura, the company’s founder and chief designer) begins as all Miura putters do: with a billet of the finest quality low-carbon steel. Once forged into the proper raw shape, the KM-007 mallet is CNC (computernumeric controlled) milled into an elegant mallet shape designed to please the eye of players looking for some heft behind the ball.

“Mr. Miura was looking at our putters, and felt we needed to take care of mallet players too,” said Adam Barr, president of Miura. “He came up with this

design as a way to fit their eye while offering a soft, authoritative feel in a non-glare, milled finish. Miura-san understands that putting is very personal, and that a handsome look is as important as a solid feel. He didn’t release this design until he was sure he had met both high standards.”

Model); Wedges (Wedge Series and Black Wedge Series, each available in six lofts); Series 1957 By Miura Custom Grind Wedges; Small Blade

custom-fitting shops in North America.

The Miura brand is marketed exclusively by Miura Golf Inc., in the United States and North America. More infor-

model irons; Blade and Classic putters (two models); Precious Edition Driver, Fairway Wood and Utility Wood.

mation on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com.

The KM-007 offers a more face-balanced option within the Miura KM putter line. The KM-350, a heel-shafted model that is relatively short heel-totoe, appeals to players with more of a fan-shaped putting stroke. The KM-005 (350g head weight) and KM-006 (370g), whose shaft intersection point is closer to the center of the putter face, are “quarter-hang” models balanced mostly for back-and-through swingers.

The 007 will work well for that kind of stroke too.

The suggested retail price of the KM007 is US$450.00.

About Miura Golf Besides the new PP-9003, Miura Golf's current product line also includes the CB-501 (Cavity Back Model); Blade (Tournament Blade Model); CB-202 (Cavity Back Model); CB-301 (Cavity

Miura Golf's corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest

Page 2

September 2012

www.golfingnews.ca Barry Caland Wins Thunder Bay District Open And Retires From Golf On Top

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

NW Ontario Golfing News It took a two-hole playoff for Thunder Bay’s Barry Caland to win the Thunder Bay District Amateur, his 13 major on their schedule, a new record. Caland beat Joe Scharf in the playoff on the 10th hole at Whitewater on a beautiful summer

am just glad I finished with no regrets. It was fun to play a playoff with Joey Scharf my good friend. It has been 25 years of competitive golf for me and I have been very selfish with my parents first and now with my wife and son. I had a five-year plan and this is the end of that as I accomplished what I wanted to do and can pit my head on the pillow tonight and be comfortable with my decision.”

evening in September. “ I have mixed feeling as I have been trying for that record for a long time and knowing it was the last tournament of my career it is a nice way to go out. Earlier this year I decided this was going to be the last tournament of my career and wanted to go out with a win. I made this decision and about a month ago it was set in stone.

I will play the Stokaluk Shootout because you get an invite but this will be my last year for playing competitive golf,”said an emotional Barry Caland after his win. “ I

The 13 major wins for Caland on the Thunder Bay District Golf Association schedule breaks the previous record held

by Trevor Jones. “ When in recent years I had six seconds in 7 majors that is why my hair is the colour it is. It got frustrating.

You put the hours and hours and the expense to fall one short,”said Caland who has 7 Strathcona, 2 District Open and 4 District Amateur victories. “ I wanted to walk back up 10 to absorb it. To stand here right now knowing I have the Strathcona and Major records I am pretty proud of it.” “ I played terrible all day, it was part nerves and too many injuries. You hurt everywhere and that is another reason. You grind it out as hard as you possibly can, especially the last few holes. It was tough to do,” said Caland. “ There was a couple of good par saves coming in where I made those 5 or 6 footers. Putting the ball on the greens coming in was good. In the second playoff holes that putt was the best putt I have hit all year. I thought I made it. I played a lot with Joe and he is one of the best competitors out there.

This is our last print issue of Northwestern Ontario Golfing News this season. Be sure to visit www.golfingnews.ca for updates and watch for our first issue next year, May 2013.

Scott Sumner

Caland has had rough year with elbow and foot problems and knowing all around this was it for him for golf. There will even be no more recreational golf for the 42-year-old Barry Caland. “ I’m done for the simple reason I know I can still shoot 67 or 68 and if I play golf I will end up in the same vicious circle so I decided it was time to just go. I’ll find something else to do in the summer like going on a vacation with my family. We’ve never done that.” said Caland.

September 2012

Page 3

Amazing Brainerd, Minnesota Golf

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

NW Ontario Golfing News Growing up in Northwestern Ontario I am very familar with the northern terrain found in Minnesota. My first trip to Brainerd allowed me to play 5 fantastic courses in a few days and leave with an excellent golf experience!

Cragun’s Resort is on the south end of Gull Lake and has 2 - 18 hole golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Dutch Legacy and Bobby’s Legacy. The Dutch course recently got rated 5 stars by Golf Digest, one of only 24 courses in the country. Bobby’s Legacy got 4.5 stars which is no slouch either. Cragun’s also have a 9 hole par three course around their large driving range which is reversible so they change it each day. The courses have a 30,000 square foot clubhouse with 2 dining rooms, a bar, large patio and ballroom.

People can sit out overlooking the grounds on the deck which is a great setting. “ We started construction of the golf courses August 6th 1997 and opened in September of 1998. The Dutch Legacy was first and then Bobby’s Legacy and the clubhouse came in 2000. The courses are owned by Dutch, age 78, and Irma Cragun,

Page 4

husband and wife. Cragun’s has been in operation for 70 years,” said Chuck Klecatsky, Director of Golf Cragun Legacy course. “ We also have 240 cottages and hotel rooms which can sleep over 1000 when we are fully operational. It is a big property. We were was known as a conference and family resort but we have now made a mark in the golf industry.”

The public green fee is $125 at Cragun’s with a golf cart equipped with Pro Link GPS and includes the range. The off seasonal spring rate is $79 and fall rate $50. There also is a twilight rate of $62.50 after 2:30 each day. “ We try to appeal to all segments of the market. If you stay at the resort you get a rate of $79 anytime of the day. The best way to come to Cragun’s is on a golf package where you get your meals, room and golf all included. See www.craguns.com/golf. We custom build packages for each group and work with our neighbours on the www.brainerdgolftrail.com You can fill on a online request,” said Klecatsky. “ Dutch’s Legacy and Bobby’s get equal requests. We have been blessed with a nice piece of land. We have 5 sets of tees so you can never get bored with the holes.

The Dutch course is a unique course with

6 par 3’s, 6 par 4’s and 6 par 5’s. The par 4 is the hardest hole for the amateur because you have to hit two good shots in order to have a chance at par. People like par 3’s because everyone thinks you may make a hole in one and on par 5’s everyone feels you have an extra shot to play with. You have plenty of challenge but the penalty

that helps.”

The two Cragun’s courses will do over 40,000 rounds between April 15th to October 15th. Craguns is open 12 months of the year with cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The Brainerd area has a population of 23,000 people but can swell to over 100,000 on Brainerd International

fits well with the challenge. The courses are on 450 acres and meander between wetlands and the forest. On the Dutch 18 we moved very little land.” “ Our biggest challenge here at Brainerd is to get people to try us out. If we get the first try we get great repeat business. We want people to think of Brainerd instead of golf destinations like Pinehurst, Myrtle Beach or Scottsdale- traditional places. We put our product up against those any day at a fraction of the cost. For the Canadian market it is a drive destination. You can also fly here with Delta. We will pick you up at the airport and transport you between courses,” said Klecatsky. “ Minnesota nice is a true statement. It is a little different feeling here. We are happy you chose to spend your dollars with us and work hard at offering exceptional service. Our market is Minneapolis, a 21/2 hour drive away as well as Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. The Canadians seem to enjoy the value. We love our Canadian Market especially in April and May as we may open earlier. The Canadians are also good at sharing their experiences with others so

Race weekends.

It was a real treat to stay in the Brainerd area at the historic Grandview Lodge main lodge building.This stately structure is part of a large compound area which includes cabins, a conference facility, 9 hole execu-

tive course and the Pines 27 hole facility built in 1990, the first high end course in northern Minnesota.

Continued Next Page

September 2012

Amazing Brainerd, Minnesota Golf Continued “ Our course started it off as a golf focus for the area. We have cottages with 4 or 5 bedroom units with poker tables. You can bring 4, 8 or 16 golfers here as a group and we have large common areas for them. Six miles north of here is the Preserve an 18 hole golf course and then Deacons Lodge which is another one of our properties. We have 72 holes ourselves and you can also experience Maddens, Craguns and Breezy Point on the Brainerd Golf Trail,” said Eric Peterson, the Director Of Golf at Grandview Lodge, “ We at Grandview have been recogonized nationally as a top 75 golf resort by Golf Digest.” “ The Deacons Lodge course is situated

on a big property of 500 acres with 18 holes with wide fairways and without side by side fairways. It is a unique layout the offers great vistas off the tee boxes. The 17 th hole is a nice looking hole ranked highly

by Arnold Palmer. He used the land well,” smiles Peterson. “ The Pines has 27 holes and all have there own feel. We rotate the nines evenly, the conditioning is impeccable and I would put it up against any public course. Joel Goldstrand is the designer and has designed many Minnesota golf courses.The Pines course has matured over the years.”

The daily green fee rate is $94 and $104 weekends at the Pines with Deacon’s Lodge $10 more. Grandview offers 3 rounds of golf with 2 nights accommadation and meals from $300 to $550 per person based on double occupancy in golfer oriented units. Grandview has 200 rooms ranging from hotel to 8 bedroom cabins. “ We can have over 800 people staying with us on any summer day. Our main market in Minneapolis, Winnipeg, Fargo and Thunder Bay, We are 2 1/2 hours from Minneapolis and 2 hours from Duluth.

These are drive markets,” said Peterson. “ We have seen a growing Canadian market with the quality and variety of golf with the different designers that we offer here in Brainerd. The Canadians usually stay 3 nights with 4 days of golf. They play a lot of golf, usually twice per day. We will build packages for any schedule.”

It was also fun to play the Preserve course managed by Grandview Lodge. The course opened in 1996 and was designed by Dan Helbing. “ I believe our patio offers the best view in the state. For me the views of the course from 11 elevated tee boxes hitting down are great,” said Nathan Erickson, Head Professional at the Preserve Golf Course of Grandview Lodge. “ We do around 20,000 rounds each year. Our prime time season is May 15 to September 20th and green fees are $94 during the week and $104 on the weekends. You get discounted rates if you stay at Grandview. Also from 2 to 4 pm our rate is $ 69 and after 4 pm $49 so if you are price conscious you have choices. If you stay, play and eat we provide good deals with our great golf packages.”

September 2012

Deacons Lodge opened in 1999 and was designed by Arnold Palmer. Deacon was Palmer’s fathers name. “Deacon’s Lodge offers a broad variety of golf holes on over 500 acres with a lot of waste bunkers.

Everything is very big- fairways, greens, tees and the water hazards. You will enjoy the separations of each hole.” said Nathan Weisenburger, Shop assistant and previously an assistant professional at Deacon’s Lodge.

My last course at Brainerd would be the well known and highly recogonized, The Classic at Madden’s. This large golf resort development includes 4 courses and over 300 units to stay including hotel rooms, suites or cabins with 2 to 4 bedrooms. “ I started here at Madden’s in 1973 but the resort has been here since 1929. This has been my life. When I first started we had 36 hoes of golf and a additional social nine, so we were the largest at the time. There were 3 resorts that were separate and we assembled them into one,” said Brian Thuranger, Owner and General Manager of Maddens. “ My job is to keep it going and improve it.

The basic infrastructure was here when I came in 1973. We have just dusted it off a little bit and improved it.”

The well known Classic course at Maddens was opened 13 years ago with the designer of the course their superintendent, Scott Hoffman. It is ranked 40th in the Golf Digest top 100 list and 5 stars by Golf Digest magazine. “ When you are out there you are out there alone with your group and see few other golfers. It is a great test of golf and you have to play well to shoot a good score. It is a championship golf course but with a variety of tees so any one can play here,” said Chris Foley, Head Golf Professional at Maddens. “ We get about 18,000 rounds per year on this course. The golfers come from Minneapolis and we have many Canadian guests. The green fee is $ 119 weekend . If you stay at the resort it is $85, from Memorial to Labour Day which is our peak season.” “ We originally contracted with Robert Trent Jones Sr. who did some beginning layout work. Our superintendent, Scott Hoffman gave so much advice and I believed in him so I said get three people to help you and he found three fantastic guys who worked well with him to create the Classic at Maddens. We walked every one

of our existing holes to get a feel for what the Classic would be. This golf course is minimalist. We didn’t have to move much dirt, this golf course was here. As Scott said he just brushed it off.”

My time on the Brainerd Golf Trail was a fantastic golf experience. The quality of golf here stacks up with anywhere you can find in North America, but remains somewhat generally unknown. When you make

your first golf trip to this area I am sure it will become an annual event!

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Page 5

Canadian Golf Hall Of Fame

The Canadian Golf Hall Of Fame is located at Glen

Abbey Golf Club in the Golf Canada building adjacent to the club house. It is a very interesting display of the history of Canadian golf and a definite visit if you are in the Oakville area. Next year the RBC Canadian Open will return to Glen Abbey and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame display will be a popular visit that week.

It was fun to see the Tiger Woods display of his historic win in 2000 with the famous iron shot out of the bunker on Hole 18 that was good enough to help him win over Grant Waite!

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September 2012

Manitouwadge, Marathon, White River Golf Manitouwadge Municipal Golf Course

Marathon Peninsula Golf Course

lakes and rivers, White River boasts rugged beauty and a hearty climate, where wildlife and adventure abound.

munity, where raising a family and enjoying the spectacular outdoors becomes a natural way of life.

The Manitouwadge Municipal Golf Course is a 9 hole course measuring 3193 yards for men's play and 2475 yards for ladies.

The course offers a picturesque setting and a combination of undulating and flat fairways with small, well positioned greens.

Stanley Thompson, CGA, designed Peninsula Golf Course, a beautiful, public 9-hole golf course overlooking Lake Superior. With a licensed club house, pro shop, resident golf pro, rental equipment, and golf carts, you will find everything you need for a great day of golfing!

Perhaps best known as the birthplace of "Winnie the Pooh", White River holds an annual festival commemorating the bear cub who became the inspiration of author A.A. Milne.

With tourism on the rise, White River's economy is increasing, making our town an ideal location for your next business venture. Come explore White River Ontario -we truly have it all!

The course is open from May to October and booking of tee times is not necessary though a call to the clubhouse at 807-826-4265 to check on course conditions and tournament play would be recommended.

Course Information 9 Holes/Par 36 Tees for Seniors National Rating: 75 Slope rating: 125 Putting Green Golf Cart Rentals Green Fees under $ 20.00

The Golf Course is located on Peninsula Road and hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to dusk, daily. Lounge hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Pro Shop hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Residents of our area enjoy a quality of life second-to-none. From the moment you arrive, you will find a real sense of com-

Memberships and Fees During the season, all items may be purchased at the golf course. Call the golf course at (807)229-1392 for more information.

Municipal Clubhouse Our newly constructed licensed clubhouse offers lights snacks, club storage lockers, and limited sale of golf merchandise.

An excellent view of the entire course can be seen from our balcony on the second floor. This facility is open from May to October for the golfers and doubles as our local cross country ski club facility in the winter months.

The clubhouse can be rented for private tournaments or functions. During the golfing season arrangements can be made for your event by calling (807) 826-4265.

Discover the Beauty of White River Welcome to White River, a progressive and vibrant community located midway between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie in the heartland of Northwestern Ontario.

Set amongst a stunning landscape of lush boreal forest, and abundant fresh water

FOR RESERVATIONS

1-800-822-5887 Phone: 807-822-2333

Expires September 30th, 2012

Online Reservations: www.whiterivermotel.com

"Outdoor adventure right at your doorstep!"

www.golfingnews.ca Your Up To The Minute Source For Golf Information In NW Ontario and the World!

See Our New Videos On Line - Banff Area Courses and More!

Advertising Opportunities Available

Contact Sylvia or Sherry at 807-623-2348 Septembe 2012

Page 7

Superb Golf Just A Short Drive Away In Minnesota

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

NW Ontario Golfing News

Memorial weekend most come from Minneapolis. We are a travelling golf course and with our member rounds we get 19,000 in a typical year,” said Greg

Golfers in NW Ontario can hop in their cars, drive some 90 miles and be on one of the most scenic golf courses you will ever find at Lutsen, Minnesota. Superior National is a 27 hole facility with three separate nines the River, Mountain and Canyon. Superior National at Lutsen opened in the fall of 1991 with 18 holes and in 1999 went to 27 holes with the pretty Canyon nine added. Superior National is owned by Cook County in Minnesota and new this year are 40 brand new Yamaha golf carts and wall to wall cart paths on the Canyon golf course. “ In the spring of the year, most of our golfers come from Thunder Bay. On

Leland at Superior National. “We offer full service, a friendly atmosphere and relaxed golf. If you phone ahead or are a member of our e club we offer golf discounts. There is a Thunder Bay savers card which many come down on, where a round of golf is $40, a good deal with cart and range included.”

Thanks for all the support of Northwestern Ontario Golfing News in 2012.

See you next year!

North Superior Publishing Inc. Page 8

September 2012