SPECIAL PUBLICATION ~ SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

GOLFGUIDE 2015

PLAY BETTER GOLF Golf Channel’s Coach Joey D “Mind & Body” before TIPS FROM THE LOCAL PROS TIPS FROM

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RiverBendGolf.com Golf Tips from the Pros

AS TOLD TO JEFFREY REED Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

f anyone thinks that golf is simply a sport and not an art form, then perhaps I Bob Dulong, Head Golf Professional, they should heed the words of The Oaks Golf Club the great who once quipped, “What other Putting Practice Makes Perfect people may find in poetry or Although you will see many different art museums, I find in the grips, setups and strokes amongst every- flight of a good drive.” one from club players to touring pros, there are some putting basics which ev- Practice makes perfect is the ideal lesson eryone should incorporate in their game for all golfers, amateur and professionals in order to be a consistently successful alike. Even the great Lee Trevino once putter. It all starts with the grip. Today, joked during a poor spell on the links, there are a myriad of grip techniques. “I’m not saying my golf game went bad, I prefer to see the player’s palms facing but if I grew tomatoes, they’d come up each other. You then have both hands sliced.” working together, and thus can better With that in mind, here are some tips control the club face. from a group of local golf professionals to Next, you’ll set up to the ball by tak- help you with your swing thoughts this ing your stance with your heels about season. shoulder width apart, and your front toe slightly open to target. From this posi- tion, you will bend from the waist to get

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 3 Jeff Sutherland, Head Golf Professional, West Haven Golf & Country Club The Scoring Clubs: Chipping Basics One of the biggest differences be- tween an amateur’s golf game and a professional’s game is the ability to chip well and on a consistent basis. Yet not enough amateur golfers practice their your eyes over the line of your putt. short game, including chipping. Here Flex your knees slightly for comfort. are some basic tips to lower your scores Your arms should hang down naturally, this season. creating a triangle across your shoulders With your sand wedge, or preferred with your hands below your chin. wedge, angle the shaft toward the hole. The ball position is at the middle or This will close down the club – or de- slightly ahead of middle of your stance, loft it. Another option is to use an 8 iron with the putter face now square to the and keep the club in a standard posi- line of your putt. Your hand should be tion. The closer you are to the green, the at or slightly forward of the ball posi- less loft you need; the further away you tion. Note: your putting line is not usu- are from the green, the more loft you ally straight at the hole; rather, it is the need. Consider a lob wedge, which has line the ball must start on to roll into the more loft. Be sure to narrow your stance hole. You should have your shoulders slightly, and put more weight on your square to the intended line to help your front foot; this way, you will feel like you swing path stay on that line. are leaning toward the hole. The most important thing in putting Be sure to take a putter-style stroke, is to have good distance control. This is and brush through the grass – use a created by the triangle you create with pendulum motion. Take a short back- your shoulders, arms and hands. The swing, and accelerate toward the hole; triangle only moves when you rock your never decelerate on a shot. Do not break shoulders, creating a pendulum motion. your wrists; keep the upper wrist fairly The stroke should be even in length on firm, and hold your hands ahead of the both sides of the ball and steady in pace. clubface through impact.

4 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 It’s easiest for most amateur golfers to Rick Pero, Director of Golf, just keep the ball low, and barely hit it over the long grass; there is no need to Highland Country Club carry the ball all the way to the hole. If Wedge Selection: you do hit the ball past the hole, then watch the break: this will give you valu- Bounce Is Your Friend! able information on your upcoming The wedges in your bag are your scor- putt. ing clubs. During a round of golf, you Jason Wyatt, Head Golf Professional, will hit more shots with your wedges (minus your putter) than any other Sunningdale Golf & Country Club club. Whether hitting a second shot onto the green on a par-4, or reaching The Bunker Shot: Easiest Shot in Golf the green on your third shot at a par-5 – or even trying to save par on a missed The bunker shot is one of the most green at a par-3 – having the proper feared shots amongst amateur golfers, wedges in your bag is imperative. When but it shouldn’t be. In fact, with the selecting wedges, the clubs must look proper technique it is arguably golf’s good and feel good, the minute you put easiest shot. Here are some tips to help them in your hands. If you don’t feel with your confidence and technique confident right away, then you won’t hit from the bunker. good shots. First, open your body and feet, in From pitching wedge to lob wedge, relation to your target line. Place the ball these scoring clubs are available in a more forward in your stance, and keep wide variety of lofts. When choosing your weight on your front foot. Second, loft, look for loft degrees that suit your open the club face, then establish your game, and that also blend properly with grip. Too many golfers open the club your set of irons. Consistent gapping face with their grip already established: of lofts – the difference in distance that this causes the club to close during you hit each club – is important, as is the swing. Opening the face first, then knowing the type of shots you like to establishing your grip will promote the hit around the greens. In general, you bounce, rather than the leading edge of are looking at 10 to 15 yards distance the club. between each club. Next, remember that the swing path Look at the loft degree in your pitch- of the golf club should follow your ing wedge, and understand how far you stance. This means the club will start hit that club. Knowing this will help outside, and then cut across the ball you determine the loft you need for with an open face. Now, you’ll make im- your game. If you like to hit flop shots pact – but you will hit behind the ball. around the green, then you may need a The golf club does not come in contact higher-lofted club. But if you are more with the golf ball during the swing. It of a pitch-and-run player, then perhaps is the sand that lifts the ball out of the less loft should be considered. bunker. Finally, remember to follow A wedge’s bounce should also be part through: keep the club face open, point- of the equation. Bounce is the angle ing to the sky. on the sole of the club, from the lead- To control the distance the ball travels, ing edge to the trailing edge. Bounce work on different arm speeds through provides forgiveness on your shots, as it the sand. The slower your arms travel, reduces resistance to the ground or sand the short the ball will travel. The faster when hitting a shot. In general, your your arms move the club through the bounce angle should be based on your sand, the further the ball will travel. swing type: a steep swing (deep divots)

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 5 needs higher bounce; shallow swing (no comfortable on the first tee. divots), less bounce; and normal swing One of the first things I do to help (small divots), standard bounce. In ad- athletes perform well is train them dition, consider this: firm fairways, less in pressure simulated competitions, in specific with high heart rates. For Charles Fitzsimmons, example, I’ll get them to do an exercise before hitting a shot, so they can learn 2017 St. Thomas Early Bird Champion to hit a good shot with a high heart rate. & Team Sports Psychologist That simulates some of the actuation of nerves when you are feeling nervous. Fighting First Tee Jitters For those athletes, it’s a good way to learn how to play through nerves, and bounce; soft fairways, more bounce. how to calm yourself down. So for the The first step to getting past the amateur golfer, remember to do some first tee jitters is acknowledging that deep belly breathing – a classic way of nervousness is not necessarily bad for calming down before you hit the first tee performance. There are actually some shot. components of nervousness that can en- Another thing I work on is teach- hance performance. It’s like an adrenalin ing athletes to focus on things they can shot. It can increase hand-eye coordina- control, and things that are required of tion, strength and a number of other them in order to hit good golf shots: factors. Obviously, too much nervous- process goals. For example, pick a good ness can mean negative performance, target, or have a specific swing thought, but nerves by themselves aren’t bad. or visualize a shot beforehand. All of If you remember that, you’ll be more those things will help you focus and

6 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 Steve Bennett, Director, City of London Municipal Golf System The Importance of Custom Fitting play through those nerves. Before you participate in any sport, one of the first things you should do is make sure you have the right equipment in your hands. This rule is especially true in the game of golf. A hockey player must have the right stick in his or her hands, and a shortstop should play with a comfortable glove. Those athletes don’t buy just any equipment right off the rack, and neither should golfers. One of the most common state- ments from amateur golfers is, “Why should I get custom-fit for clubs? I’m not that good.” In fact, the opposite is true – and every golfer should consult with a PGA of professional and/or a golf equipment master fitter before head- ing to the first tee. Today, with custom fitting the norm, thanks to adjustability of lie, loft, weights, shafts and grips, it’s easy to make sure your clubs are going to allow you to play your best game of golf. While PGA Tour professionals are constantly tweaking their clubs, the amateur golfer should leave that task in the hands of a professional. The higher your handicap, the more you will benefit from custom fitting. It is Modern fitting is an easy, effective absolutely important that a set of irons, process, thanks to today’s technology for example, look great at address and which includes launch monitors which instill confidence the very first time you track and measure a ball throughout its take them of the rack. But when you flight. And don’t forget to ask for work with a specialty retailer, pro shop assistance in choosing the right golf ball. or custom fitter, make sure those irons Again, with so many golf balls to are adjusted to your game specifications. choose from, there’s a ball made for This can involve something as simple as your specific game.n choosing the right shaft, or something as technical as adjusting the lie and loft of your clubhead.

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 7 GameLove Of The inspires London Club repair technician

BY JEFFREY REED Special to GOLF GUIDE 2018 t’s not easy surviving within any handicap index of 8.0, and today still business sector which is dominated enjoys playing the game just as much as Iby giants of commerce, but a local he does repairing clubs. golf club repair technician says he has When Cairns came to Canada, he always relished the role of David versus began tinkering with club repairs. But Goliath. No surprise, it’s his love of golf soon, his hobby turned into an obses- which even today keeps him in the sion. In the past, he has set up local repair game on a part-time basis. shops at Bob Martin’s Golf Range on John Cairns, 65, of J C’s Golf Repair Wonderland Road South, and at the and Sales in east London first fell in love now defunct Scotty’s Golf retail store on with golf growing up in Glasgow, Scot- Dundas Street East. land where he played many of the local In fact, in addition to local pro shops, courses, including Royal Troon Golf there are only two local golf retail- Club and the Royal and Ancient Golf ers remaining: London Golf Town in Club of St. Andrews. He once carried a Hyde Park, and Fore Golfers Only in

8 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 St. Thomas. And with the fading away weight scales and hand tools. of persimmon woods, combined with “The most unusual job I’ve had was the fact we live in a throw-away society, when a guy came in with a full set of there are fewer repairs made to today’s Ping Copper Beryllium irons, and all he golf clubs than a generation ago. wanted was for me to re-groove them. However, golfers are particular about The grooves were completely worn out. their gear, and that’s where Cairns comes But he was happy with the job, and has in with his toolbox. He works out of his since been back for re-gripping. garage now as “more of a hobby” than “You’re only as good as the last job a full-time business, but still has a loyal you do in this business,” Cairns said, following amongst the most discerning “and you must rely on word-of-mouth of local golfers. advertising in the golf industry.” “When you start offering golf club re- Cairns caters to amateur golfers of pairs, it’s a big investment,” Cairns said. all skill levels, some of whom he golfs “But you need to take your time build- with in the local Back Nine Jitters Golf ing a business with all that you need. League, designed for the weekend golfer For example, I’ve only used my putter – both men and women – of all abilities bending machine once over 15 years.” who enjoy playing at a variety of courses Loft and lie adjustments, re-shafting, in London and area. re-gripping and, to a much lesser extent, Cairns’ wife, Linda, is a triathlete. But re-grooving still keep Cairns active in for him, it’s all about golf. the repair business. His arsenal includes “I still enjoy repairing clubs,” Cairns his putter bender, loft and lie machines, said, “and I still enjoy playing the game. shaft benders, belt sanders, chop saws, For me, they go hand in hand.” n

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Golf is a game of inches. The most important are the six inches between your ears.” Arnold Palmer

10 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 THE SPACE BETWEEN YOUR EARS

ince the days of Old Tom Morris, the game of golf has produced more than its share of famous meltdowns. Think of how Jean van de Velde of France imploded on the 18th hole at Carnoustie in the 1999 Open Champi- Sonship, and it’s easy to recognize that golf is a mental game. Arnold Palmer once quipped, “Golf is a game of inches. The most important are the six inches between your ears.” In fact, the great Bobby Jones once said, “Competitive golf is mainly played on a five-and-a-half inch course – the space between your ears.” Without a doubt, the easiest way to ruin a good score on the links is to let those mere inches get in the way. Fitness experts will tell you that when the body gets weak, then the mind will play tricks on you, thus the importance of keeping fit. Yet even the game’s greatest stars blunder on the course, thanks to poor decision making. Remem- ber American ’s meltdown at the 12th hole at the 2016 ? In the early-2000s, Western University as- sociate professor, author, lecturer and sports psychologist Alan Edmunds couldn’t wrap his head around why a golfer could post an outstand- ing score one day, then play poorly the next. He did not comprehend exactly why someone would lose focus within a round, or even from shot to shot. “It really bothered me,” said Edmunds, as passionate about his studies as he is about the game of golf. “I was puzzled as to why golfers did not play well consistently from one day to the next, and to a finer point, why some play so well during a string of holes, then seem to lose it. The researcher in me said, let’s find out what’s going on here.” Edmunds was born in London, , and grew up in Schefferville, Quebec. He played varsity soccer and basket- ball at Acadia University before making London, Ontario his home. In 2002, he assisted his daughter, Lindsey Edmunds, in establishing the women’s golf program,

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 11 and quickly turned it Auto Focus Put To The Test into one of the most Taking care of successful university yourself physically is the In 2008, Edmunds programs in Canada. first step. Your mind has conducted a study at Lindsey is the 2018 no chance if you don’t London’s Sunningdale winner of the Lon- provide it with the right Golf and Country Club donOntarioGolf.com which included 24 male Heart Award. nutrition and hydration. golfers with a handicap Alan, who was From a mental perspec- index between 8.0 and named 2005 OUA tive, try not to concen- 12.0. They filled out a women’s golf coach of trate for a full round of survey which measured the year, decided to as- their golf confidence, sist golfers of all abili- golf. Give yourself a little then played six rounds ties with his 2015-pub- vacation in between shots without Edmunds’ Auto lished book, Golf On to let your mind relax and Focus teachings within Auto Focus: Training wander, and enjoy the their pre-shot routine. Your Brain to Better surroundings and your Thirteen golfers were Your Game (Amazon, chosen to continue with $19.30). company.” the study, since their Golf is a difficult Charles Fitzsimmons, Head Doctor scores formed the tight- Golf Association of Ontario Team Ontario, game that can bring and Western University est group. you to tears stemming Edmunds then divided from both victory and the 13 men into three defeat. Said Edmunds, “My research groups for further analysis in order to began by interviewing dozens of golfers, put Auto Focus to the test. The results observing hundreds more, and read- didn’t lie: each of those golfers improved ing every book on the ‘mental game’ his scoring average with the use of Auto that I could get my hands on. Finally, I Focus. identified what appeared to be a gap in On the full swing, for example, here’s the typical pre-shot routine that allowed the Auto Focus strategy: technical thoughts, doubt, and distrac- Look – Turn your head and take a last tions to derail a shot – and sometimes look at your precise target. an entire round.” Back – As your head turns back to the In fact, while Edmunds’ Golf On Auto ball, envision the line between Focus offers a simple, five-step routine your target and the ball. to add to your own pre-shot routine Focus – Mentally and visually fixate your (there’s an Auto Focus for putting, and gaze on the back edge of the ball. another for the full swing, chipping, Tick – Start your back swing. pitching and bunker shot), his book also Tock – Swing through the golf ball; Tock offers tips on becoming mentally tough. happens at contact. The two are inseparable, according to The Tick-Tock steps are common to Edmunds. golf instruction which teaches proper In simple terms, Golf On Auto Focus rhythm. And like Tick-Tock, Auto Focus teaches the reader how to focus on the is a strategy which can benefit every right things at the right time, while golfer, according to Edmunds. He said, learning to stop thinking and instead “What I’m advocating with, Golf On Auto simply become intensely focused – Focus, is a method which you can tack automatically. There are numerous onto your pre-shot routine. It’s not the techniques described to improve focus, entire pre-shot routine.” confidence and control over emotions -born sports psychologist while under pressure. 12 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 Charles Fitzsimmons, head doc to the tion. From a mental perspective, try not Golf Association of Ontario’s Team to concentrate for a full round of golf. Ontario, and to athletes at Fanshawe Give yourself a little vacation in between College and Western University (where shots to let your mind relax and wander, he plays with the Mustangs men’s golf and enjoy the surroundings and your squad), knows a thing or two about the company.” mental game. The defending Early Bird Fitzsimmons said during tournament Tournament champion at St. Thomas golf, he actually hears a little song in his Golf and Country Club said it’s not easy head, and sings in between shots. “It for the amateur golfer to finish a round keeps me in a happy mindset,” he said. as strongly as they started. A pre-shot routine – whether it “The first question is, how many beers involves ’s waggle or Jason have they had?” joked Fitzsimmons. Day’s closed eyes, wide smile and happy “Seriously, some golf for fun and don’t thoughts – is as unique to a golfer as his worry about their scores. But others go or her fingerprint. out just to have a great time, and yet But golfers will be golfers. As two- they play intensely and score well. That’s time Masters Tournament champion the wonderful thing about this game. once said, “I’m about five “Taking care of yourself physically is inches from being an outstanding golfer. the first step,” Fitzsimmons said. “Your That’s the distance my left ear is from mind has no chance if you don’t provide my right.” n it with the right nutrition and hydra-

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LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 13 Golf Tip: The Pre-Round Warmup There are two kinds of people who frequent the links: those who golf; and those who are golfers. Yet no matter what your handicap index, you can greatly improve your scores if you’re physically fit. And whether you’re a senior golfer teeing it up with your morning foursome, a weekend warrior escaping the office or a junior golfer enjoying time with friends, jumping out of a vehicle, slamming the trunk and teeing off is a recipe for disaster.

14 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 Golf Tip: The Pre-Round Warmup There are two kinds of people who frequent the links: those who golf; and those who are golfers. Yet no matter what your handicap index, you can greatly improve your scores if you’re physically fit. And whether you’re a senior golfer teeing it up with your morning foursome, a weekend warrior escaping the office or a junior golfer enjoying time with friends, jumping out of a vehicle, slamming the trunk and teeing off is a recipe for disaster.

BY JEFFREY REED Special to The London Free Press GOLF GUIDE 2018 rriving at the course in time ing the golf swing by teaching players for stretching and a warmup how to work out and train specifically at the range and practice for the sport of golf, and this year his green should be part of story is our cover story in The Lon- Aevery golfer’s regime. But with lack of don Free Press Golf Guide. time restricting the number of rounds “Pre-round warmups: I know played by so many of us today, many people consider their warmup just-in-time golf has, unfortunately, simply driving their car and putting crept into the game like a bad case on their shoes in the parking lot, but of the yips. There’s no excuse for not that’s not it,” said Joey D. “There are stretching before your round – espe- three moves you can do that won’t cially if there is no practice range at take more than a minute apiece. But the club where you are golfing. remember: what you do to the left Joey Diovisalvi – Coach Joey D – is (side), you should do to the right, one of golf’s leading fitness experts, too.” counting clients like World No. 1 The following moves offer “great ac- amongst his stable tivation” to engage “the entire body,” of stars. His resume also includes said Joey D. “You’ll take your three work on the PGA Tour with the likes to five minutes, and tell me, ‘Coach, of fitness fanatics like these are a really valuable three to and . Joey D has helped five minutes.’ You’ll have a valuable revolutionize the methods of improv- warmup before the range.” There’s no excuse for not stretching before your round - especially if there is no practice range at the club where you are golfing.” Coach Joey D LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 15 Lengthen Your Hamstrings Rotate

“Take one of your shorter irons, or “Swinging: stabilize, load and rotate. your alignment stick, stabilize your Take your alignment stick or a mid- body (with the club or stick held at iron, like a 5-iron, put it behind your your side) and swing your leg back and shoulder blades. Be careful not to put forth like a pendulum. One of the more it up near your T-spine and our neck. important things to do here is keep Feet together, knees flexed – you want your toe flexed, or pull it up towards to engage the lower body. Take a step to you. Start the pendulum slowly, and the right, and then rotate. Do it again: then swing it further, back and forth, step to the right, and rotate. Remember: 15 to 20 times. Remember, what you what you do to the right, you want to do to the left, you must do to the right. do to the left. If you are right-handed Start slowly, keep your foot flexed. You golfer, start to the right, finish to the left. should feel your hamstrings activate, Vice versa if you are a left-handed golfer. and start getting longer. The hamstrings So, you step, load and rotate, all the way are a culprit. What they do in the golf through. Think of the golf swing the swing is, they get shorter and tighter. whole time. Ask yourself, ‘What does When they get tight, they pull you out the body feel like when I am swinging?’ of a good setup and spine angle, and It’s hard to feel that in 1.5 seconds, but pull your pelvis into the wrong position. if you slow down and do these move- So, lengthening your hamstrings is a ments, then you can start to feel so really good warmup before you hit balls much more activation and awareness. on the range.” That’s the key.”

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“Finally, now we are going to load and create some separation. (With alignment stick or club held against the chest, with hands crossed) this is a small step forward – it’s a knee flex. Make sure the knee doesn’t come up over the toe. The knee should never slide out over the toe. This is a quick step forward, flex the knee, and then rotate (shoulders): full backswing, full follow-through. You should feel this all the way down to your lower erector spinae – the muscles just above your tailbone. Do a couple of these, then switch sides and do it again for your finish.” Watch Coach Joey D demonstrate this quick but effective stretching warmup at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JxAg99a-raU&feature= youtube n

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LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 17 cover story Coach Joey D PUMPSPUMPSPUMPS YOUYOUYOU UPUPUP

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BY JEFFREY REED Special to The London Free Press GOLF GUIDE 2018

ny fitness expert or life coach – whether it’s A Richard Simmons or Tony Robbins – is going to talk a good game. Golf fitness coach Joey Diovisalvi – Coach Joey D – is no different. He has the gift of the gab. But he walks the walk, too, so much so that he is one of the most respected and sought-after fitness coaches on the PGA Tour.

18 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 If you’ve watched the fitness segments training. His 2010-published book, airing on the Golf Channel, then you’ve Fix Your Body, Fix Your Golf Swing, no doubt seen Joey D preaching the gave golfers a first-hand look inside the benefits of taking care of your body diligent, golf-specific training adopted which, in turn, will help you play better by champions on the PGA Tour. golf. It’s a simple formula, but as Joey Certainly, having Johnson as a client D said, “One of the most difficult and doesn’t hurt your street cred in the challenging things for human beings tightly-knit world of the PGA Tour. Over is to modify their behaviour. And the past two decades, Joey D has worked behaviour modification is the key to with numerous PGA Tour winners, success. People are instinctively lazy including Rickie Fowler and Vijay Singh. and habitual by nature. So when you Johnson is the prototype modern golfer: ask people to take a look at a fresh tall, strong, flexible, a fitness fanatic perspective, you must first ask them, and a winner. And while Joey D said ‘Are you willing there’s only one Dustin to modify your Johnson, he said there behaviour?’” are things we can take When it comes to The word from Johnson’s game optimizing the body ‘results’ is what plan in order to better for top performance understand ourselves in the sport of golf, everybody expects. and how we better our biomechanics expert But they should be own games. Joey D is arguably talking about the word “DJ was born with today’s foremost expert. ‘process’. Because it’s those attributes. It’s in Whether he’s working his DNA,” said Joey D with his exclusive duo in the process where about Johnson’s myriad of clients – World No. results are created. of gifts and skills. “But 1 Dustin Johnson, The everyday person what we can all do, and 2017 U.S. Open through assessment champion Brooks wants the results, and evaluation, is Koepka – or with but isn’t willing to determine internal and dedicated amateurs work for it. external range of motion at his Joey D Golf with hip and shoulder Performance Center in They just expect it.” mobility, which are two Jupiter, Fla., Joey D’s all Coach Joey D huge, intricate parts about motivation. His of the body. These are teaching method is part very simple fixes. You caffeine, part Red Bull, can create more hip but at the same time he listens to what mobility, more peak velocity and more people are saying – a rare trait in the shoulder mobility. You can create more world of motivating others. upper body rotational velocity.” Born in New York City and raised in At the same time, Joey D said every New Jersey, Joey D, 52, certainly displays amateur golfer should take a good, long some of that East Coast attitude. In the look in the mirror when assessing their fitness world, he was one of the pioneers own reality. of the modern focus on golf fitness

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 19 cover In a world of quick fixes, many amateur golfers simply want story to open their wallets rather than open their minds to a better body. They may even pay for golf lessons, looking for instant results. But according to Joey D, the body and mind “The word ‘results’ is what everybody expects. But they should be talking about the word, must come before dollars and cents.” ‘process.’ Because it’s in the process where results are created,” said Joey D. “The everyday person wants the results, but isn’t willing to work for it. They just expect it. Create realistic expectations for yourself. Reality is one thing, but people’s perception of reality is another thing. “Someone may say, ‘I belong on the cover of the GQ Magazine sports issue, just like Dustin Johnson. But then they look in the mirror and their wife says, ‘Honey, you’re up 35 pounds, the doctor says you need to lose weight and lower your cholesterol.’ And he says, ‘Yes, I know, I’m going to start next week. But let’s get pizza tonight.’ Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson is eating quinoa, kale and ahi tuna. He has been on the bike for an hour, trained for 90 minutes, hit 400 balls and then wants to go SoulCycle at night, which is Lance Armstrong meets hot yoga. He’s a maniac, and he does it every day of life,” Joey D said. In a world of quick fixes, many amateur golfers simply want to open their wallets rather than open their minds to a better body. They may even pay for golf lessons, looking for instant results. But according to Joey D, the body and mind must come before dollars and cents. “For decades, I’ve seen people who would rather lay out a couple of hundred dollars on lessons. But here’s the problem: the club doesn’t move until the body picks it up. But when you put the club in your hands, you still haven’t done the work with your body in order to give the golf swing the opportunity to get into the proper positions,” Joey D said. “How many times do you want to pay $68 for a dozen golf balls? You’re going to lose every single ball, slam and bend your clubs – do the same old crap everyone else does.

20 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 In a world of quick fixes, many amateur golfers simply want to open their wallets rather than open their minds to a better body. They may even pay for golf lessons, looking for instant results. But according to Joey D, the body and mind must come before dollars and cents.”

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 21 There’s a common perception that today’s growing crop of young stars on the PGA Tour, like Fowler, cover , Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Jason story Day – don’t have the same work ethic as . In his 2012 book, The Big Miss, golf instructor Hank Haney wrote that his former client, Woods, would have a “Tiger Day” which consisted of a never- ending devotion to exercise that would send most amateur and some professional golfers running to the emergency ward. However, according to Joey D, while golf fans don’t understand just how good these guys are on tour today, the average fan doesn’t understand the work ethic of today’s young stars, either. “Justin Thomas’s work ethic is every bit as strong as anybody I have seen, especially for a young guy of his stature. He’s not a big, opposing guy, but pound for pound he gets more out of his size than anyone

22 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 I’ve seen in a long time. He puts in the But when tour professionals understand work, but people don’t see that. People they have to restructure their bodies and don’t have a clue what goes on behind their game, like Zach and Mike, and the scenes on the PGA Tour,” Joey D understand equipment changes with said. the help of experts on the equipment “Also, (amateur golfers’) behaviour side, then they exemplify the tenacity to is poor. You’re hitting six different research our bodies. mulligans. That’s not golf. Play from the “Mike has done a great job continuing white tees, maybe even the ladies’ tees. the fitness side of where he is, and Play the yardages you’re comfortable he’s in good equipment, too,” Joey D with, and challenge yourself to get added. “He’s a superstar in Canada, better. We’ve lost perspective, because and he’s a great guy. At the end of the everyone talks about how long they hit day, he knows where he is today. And I the ball. But I know some great, great think people can take a page from his players, like (2007 Masters Tournament book and ask themselves, ‘How, as a winner) , who are not long recreational golfer, can I do things better but have harnessed the ball.” in order to be a better golfer?’” Creeping closer to age 48, and two If there’s one thing that Joey D said years away from joining the Champions he cannot fix in the game of golf, it’s the Tour, 2003 Masters Tournament winner time it takes to play a round. But that Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. is doesn’t stop him from commenting on more fit today than he has ever been the game’s biggest obstacle. He is, after during his illustrious career. He hits all, Coach Joey D. the ball even shorter than Johnson. But “It takes far too long to play golf. It’s Joey D can’t say enough good things one of the biggest deterrents to growing about the diminutive Canadian and his the game, because no one wants to go understanding of what it takes to be a out to a public track or a club and play a champion. five-and-a-half or six-hour round. I can’t “Mike Weir has researched even think about it. You might as well himself very well,” Joey D said. “He quit the game. There’s no enjoyment in understands, he can’t be the same guy it,” he said. he was 10-15 years ago. The amateur golfer isn’t about to give up a cold beer and a hot dog at the turn. But according to Coach Joey D, every amateur golfer can take a turn for the better if he or she would only look in the mirror. Said Joey D, there’s only one Dustin Johnston, but there are millions more amateur golfers who, with the proper mindset, can reach their full

potential. n Photos by Jeffrey Reed Jeffrey by Photos

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 23 TRAILBLAZER Lindsey Edmunds Wins 2018 Heart Award

BY JEFFREY REED Special to The London Free Press GOLF GUIDE 2018

hen LondonOntario- Golf.com established the Heart Award in 2011, former Lon- doner now St. Thomas Wresident Lindsey Edmunds was exactly the type of person the web publication envi- sioned would win the annual award. At the young age of 34, Edmunds, a Nike Golf sales representative since 2010, has not only accomplished a myriad of achievements, but also has endured extraordinary hardship on and off the golf course. Debilitating injuries squashed her dreams of becoming a professional golfer on the LPGA Tour. She was divorced, and in April 2017 lost her mother, Gail, to cancer. And she has fought for credibility within an industry sector still dominated by males. Edmunds – who along with her father, Alan Ed- munds, founded the West- ern Mustangs women’s golf program in 2002 – is a mentor, a trailblazer, an overachiever and a survivor.

24 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 25 The Heart Award recognizes a London and area community member who has helped grow the game of golf, and who has given back to the game through extraordinary measures. Golf profession- als/instructors, golf mentors, golf course owners/operators, golf course architects/ designers and members of the media are eligible to receive the Heart Award. Past winners include: Mike Silver (2017); Bob Martin (2016); East Park Golf (2015); Mike Weir (2014); Patty Howard (2013); Fred Kern (2012); and Mike Olizarevitch (2011). “I didn’t start playing golf until I was 15,” Edmunds said, “but I started play- ing – a lot of it – and I fell in love with the game. I was granted a full academic scholarship at Western. My golf game wasn’t spectacular, so going to a U.S. school to play golf wasn’t even on the radar. I hadn’t even broken 80 by the time I was a freshman at Western.” Alan, a Western University associate professor, author, lecturer and sports 2017 Heart Award winner Mike Silver psychologist, penned the 2015-pub- lished book, Golf On Auto Focus: Train- ing Your Brain to Better Your Game. Obviously, his knowledge of the game has proven to be invaluable to Lindsey’s golf career. So when she inquired about playing golf at Western, what better person to turn to for assistance than her father? “One of the first things I did when I was on campus was ask about playing golf for the Mustangs,” Lindsey said. “I was told there was no women’s team, but that I could try out for the men’s team. I was really disappointed, and 2005 National Women’s University wondered aloud why there shouldn’t be Championship. With news about her a new women’s team at Western.” efforts at Western spreading like wildfire With no Ontario University Athletics throughout the OUA, by the third year (OUA) women’s golf division, and with competition was stiff. Yet before Ed- no available funding from the university, munds graduated in 2005, she and her Lindsey arrived at the idea of forming Mustangs teammates almost pulled off a women’s division within OUA men’s the impossible by almost winning the golf tournaments. Both Western and University Women’s Champi- OUA approved her idea in late 2001. onship, sanctioned by the Royal Cana- Over the first two years, Edmunds dian Golf Association (RCGA). Today, won seven tournaments including the Golf Canada still oversees both men’s 26 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 and women’s college and university golf in 2012 – her first round walking the championships. course since her accident. As captain of the Western women’s In October of this year, Golf Canada golf team, a trailblazer and a lobbyist, will re-instate Edmunds as an amateur Edmunds saw the Canadian University golfer. “I’m very excited about playing Sport (CIS), now U Sports, recognize amateur golf again,” Edmunds said. “I’ll women’s golf in 2003 during the team’s play more in competitive events. I love second season of competition. the game, so this new chapter in my life With school behind her, Edmunds is very much welcomed.” turned professional in 2006, played on With life comes heartbreak and hap- mini tours – including the CN Women’s piness. She lost her mother to cancer in Tour – endured 28-hour road trips on April 2017. In June of this year, she and U.S. highways, and even suffered a her fiancé, Dave Hummel, are expecting serious bout with food their first child – a baby poisoning, all the while boy. They’ve recently reaching for the brass I didn’t start playing purchased their first ring. She never gave up golf until I was 15, home in St. Thomas, on her dream to play on but I started and plan to become the LPGA Tour – this, members at St. Thomas from a school girl who playing – a lot of G&CC in Union. just a few years ear- it – and I fell in love In 2010, while still lier couldn’t break 80. competing as a golf Edmunds worked with with the game. professional, Edmunds swing coach Sean Foley, I was granted a full academic joined the Nike Golf who just a few months scholarship at Western. team as a sales and club later would take on a My golf game wasn’t fitting representative famous student by the spectacular, so going to covering Southwestern name of Tiger Woods. a U.S. school to play golf Ontario. She was, in Under Foley, Edmunds wasn’t even on the radar. fact, the only female saw much success on golf equipment rep in the links with three I hadn’t even broken 80 Canada. “Golf had been strong finishes. by the time I was a a part of my life since In 2008, it all came freshman at Western.” I was little,” Edmunds to a halt. While jogging said, “so it was nice to in London, Edmunds was hit by a car stay in the industry as a professional at a crosswalk. She suffered whiplash, career.” dislocated ribs, a severely sprained left Said Edmunds, “I love it when some- ankle and a severe contusion to her one tells me I can’t do something. It only right knee which developed a blood clot gives me incentive to go out and do it!” n and required surgery. She underwent Tib-Fib surgery in July 2009. Edmunds relied on crutches and a wheelchair, IF YOU GO worked tirelessly through rehabilitation, 8th Annual London Ontario Golf and seriously thought she would never have a future in golf. And although she Heart Award Luncheon couldn’t walk the golf course for almost four years, she made a comeback, even April 30, 2018 competing on sponsor’s exemption at Highland Country Club the inaugural Manulife Financial LPGA Advance Tickets only $25 (incl. HST) Classic at Waterloo’s Grey Silo Golf Club Contact [email protected] or 519-643-6334

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 27 Good Scores, Good Looks 2018 Golf Gear, Apparel, Accessories

BY JEFFREY REED Special to The London Free Press GOLF GUIDE 2018

In the game of golf, as in the game Titleist 718 AP Irons of life, there is no substitute for hard There’s something for every golfer in the new Titleist 718 AP family of work at the practice range. But with irons. The AP1 irons (4-GW, $1,200) the latest golf clubs and accessories are the ultimate game-improvement irons, offering explosive ball speed in your hands, your game can be and an even more forgiving face. The AP2 irons (3-GW, $1,550) raise the elevated to new heights. And with the bar on the gold standard for tour iron excellence. If you demand ultimate latest threads and kicks, you’ll look as playability with consistent distance good at the 19th hole as you will from and forgiveness, then these are the irons for you. The AP3 irons (3-GW, tee to green. Here’s a look at some of $1,550) are the player’s distance irons, offering Titleist’s longest, fastest this year’s newest offerings. player’s iron ever.

28 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 Wilson Staff C300 Driver The new C300 family of crossover metalwoods featuring Power Hole technology, first developed in the award-winning C200 irons. Proprietary Power Hole technology is blended with a cutting-edge head design. With a PING G700 Irons sleek matte-red finish, the revolution- ary driver, fairway woods and hybrids In this game-improvement iron, combine style with innovative design PING engineers put a high priority on offering increased face deflection at im- power and forgiveness by leveraging pact resulting in greater ball speeds and the advantages of a hollow-body design longer drives. ($450, 9°, 10.5°, 12°). and a thin, maraging steel face, creat- ing PING’s longest, highest-flying iron to date. All this comes with the added benefits of playability, tighter dispersion and enhanced sound in a slim, aes- thetically pleasing shape. (Set of eight, $1,200 US).

Bridgestone Tour B XS Golf Ball When Tiger Woods uses your golf ball, then you’re getting unequalled links cred – and for good reason. But thanks to its clever design, the Bridge- stone Golf Tour B XS ball ($60/dozen) Evnroll ER6T Full Mallet Putter isn’t just Tiger’s golf ball: it’s a solid ama- teur’s ball, too. Replacing the popular The Evnroll Putter name is new to B330S, this new generation ball offers the industry, but it arrives with some enhanced feel with a softer cover, the impressive pedigree. The company was result of Bridgestone’s SlipRes technol- founded in 2015 by American partners ogy. Some of the game’s longest distance Guerin Rife and Stephen Riley. The is a result of increased ball speed ER6T ($489) is a full-size forgiving mal- from gradation core construction. let putter with a head precision milled Compression, distance and feel from 303 stainless steel, then hand are all rolled into one. ground, finished and assembled to exact specifications. Precise face milling imparts progressively more energy transfer on off-centre hits to roll the ball a consistent distance with every stroke.

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 29 Cobra King F8/F8+ Driver Cobra uses automated computer mill- ing to for a titanium face insert, which saves weight and produces a slight curve in the face for greater speed and higher launch on mis-hits. The F8 model is higher launching, and F8+ lower spin- ning. Both feature lightweight carbon- composite crowns, and moveable sole Uther Golf Towels weights, with adjustable hosels for 3° loft adjustability. The F8 is available in Toronto-headquartered a tour-version shorter (44.5 in.) shaft. Uther Supply offers a new Available in black or grey. ($530). fun line of functional tour (20 in. x 40 in., $25) and cart (15 in. x 24 in., $18) Antigua 2018 Women’s Collection towels, combining high- performance with bright Antigua ladies style Wildfire polo colours and a myriad of patterns. ($70 US) plays with one of the big- A blend of soft, moisture-wicking gest trends in the marketplace: the microfibre is three times more absor- holographic effect. Flip through a bent than cotton and five times more magazine you’ll notice textile prints, durable, making it an ultra-absorbent, trims, accessories, hair and nail colour quick-drying towel. It’s anti-microbial all utilizing some form of a and naturally reduces odor to ensure hologram. Although it is freshness while offering superior grime a trip down memory removal without scratching. lane bringing with it flashbacks of the 1980s and ‘90s, the holographic effect of today’s world is slightly less plastic looking and more or- ganic in feel. Wildfire uses a spun poly adidas Golf Tour360 Boost heather yarn 2.0 Men’s Golf Shoe that gives it a soft, cotton- The adidas Golf Tour360 Boost 2.0 like handfeel features premium leather, while re- and the tasteful sponsive Boost cushioning from adidas geometric box returns energy with every step. pattern holo- The shoe offers superior arch support graphic print and includes Climaproof to help on the sleeve feet stay dry all day. An advanced provides a bit of dual-density 10-cleat Puremotion TPU bling. outsole with strategically placed CenTraxion promotes stability and grip. ($250). 30 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 Bushnell Hybrid Laser + GPS Rangefinder The Bushnell Golf HYBRID takes the guesswork out of the game by display- ing the lasered distances to the pin, and GPS-provided front and back yardage readings within the LCD. Additionally, Bushnell has incorporated exterior GPS front, centre and back yardages to assist with correct club selections when golfers have cart path only or blind shots. To support the power required by the com- bination of GPS and laser technology, Bushnell has introduced the use of Dual Power Technology. The CR2 battery will power the laser and the USB recharge- Nike Golf AeroReact able lithium ion battery will power the Momentum Men’s Polo GPS – you can use your laser, even if the GPS is not charged. ($400 US). Crafted from soft knit fabric, this men’s polo – already made popular, thanks to Tiger Woods – is powered by Nike’s AeroReact technology to help you maintain an optimal temperature, even as the weather changes. A blade collar and raglan sleeves help minimize distractions on and off the course. Hem vents and a hidden-snap placket help provide a customizable fit. ($110). Sun Mountain Supercharged Golf Bag Sun Mountain is supercharging two of its top-selling golf bags with portable power packs. The bags have an external USB port wired to a portable power pack capable of recharging a mobile phone and powering a mobile device. Supercharged C-130 cart bag ($280 US) and Supercharged 4.5 carry bag ($250 US) come equipped with a 7800 mAh rechargeable, portable power pack capable of recharging a mobile phone three times. This power pack has two USB ports, one standard and one rapid- charging, allowing recharging of multiple devices at the same time. LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 31 Freedom 55 Financial Championship Building Legacy Photo by Jeffrey Reed 2017 Winner Rico Hoey

BY JEFFREY REED Special to The London Free Press GOLF GUIDE 2018

Looking back at ure, attendance at Highland Country Club was down slightly on championship the 2017 Freedom Sunday, despite ideal weather. But with the 55 Financial host club firmly gripping the tournament Sreigns formerly held by Golf Canada, there’s now Championship, a local template in place to grow not only the fan anyone would be experience, but also the legacy of supporting local charities. hard pressed to find This year, the event September 10-16 has a new faults with the official charity: Childcan, which raises funds to provide responsive and compassionate support Mackenzie Tour services to families facing the journey through PGA Tour Canada’s childhood cancer – from diagnosis, through treat- ment, to recovery or bereavement. season-ending This year marks the sixth straight Mackenzie championship. in London, formerly held at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club in 2013 and ’14. In its fourth year as host, Highland CC will 32 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 (for a second year) assume many of the 2025. You never know. But those are the tournament responsibilities formerly on kinds of experiences that community Golf Canada’s lap. That means the host members would not have if the event committee, with a keen eye on London wasn’t in London.” and , can further embed itself in the community. Highland Host Committee Tournament ambassador Mike Sil- Builds On Strong 2017 ver has emphasized that “this isn’t just Highland’s tournament. It’s London’s Highland’s tournament committee, tournament. When you think about with club members Justin Wismer as how Augusta National stages the Masters tournament director and former director Tournament year after year, that is the of golf Silver filling many shoes as tour- kind of legacy we are building here at nament ambassador, is now responsible Highland. It’s all about the community.” for a myriad of host club duties. Those In fact, when you look past the rela- include: advertising and promotions; tively small Sunday gallery of 1,000 and media relations; ticket sales; fan experi- the championship field of 60 golfers and ence; food and beverage; corporate/ their supporters – caddies, family and hospitality involvement; the pro-am friends – then you realize how insepa- tournament; filling and overseeing rable this tournament and the commu- parking, volunteer and caddy positions; nity are as a sixth event prepares to tee organizing clinics; promoting need off in September. It’s not delivering the for player billeting; working with the economic spinoffs of a Memorial Cup tournament beneficiary; working closely or World Figure Skating Championship. with the Mackenzie Tour, and title spon- But according to Mackenzie Tour vice sor Freedom 55 Financial; and working president Scott Pritchard, the tourna- with the community as a whole so that ment and the city of London are now it, too, embraces the event. inseparable. “We couldn’t ask for a better week,” “The numbers aren’t as significant Mackenzie Tour president Jeff Monday in London (as they are with full fields said following a highly-successful 2017 at regular Mackenzie Tour stops),” tournament. “When you put our best Pritchard said. “(But) there are economic players here, on a golf course that is spinoffs for companies, for example in perfect condition and fast, you have people we buy signage from, or rent a exactly what you are hoping for. You stage or a tent from, or where we order put on top of that perfect weather. Then food. And we are accommodating (for you have the effort and organization the example) participants, players (and) club has done in their role now as the VIPs.” tournament organization, is just phe- In addition, Pritchard points to chari- nomenal. We had built a pretty good table dollars, and the Mackenzie Tour foundation and they’ve taken it to a getting that message out via traditional whole new level.” and new media which raises the profile American Rico Hoey, who was born of the community and, in London’s case in the Philippines, shot a 3-under-par during previous tournaments, Thames 67 on Sunday to finish the tournament Valley Children’s Centre. at 19-under-par (66-66-62-67 – 261). “With our clinics for junior golfers, it’s It was good for a one-stroke win over hard to put a value on that,” Pritchard fellow American Jordan Niebrugge, who added. “It will be interesting to see if shot a 64 on Sunday. Hoey finished there’s a London kid who watched the strong as the gallery sensed excitement, tournament, or caddied for one of the making a 20-foot putt for birdie on the players, and is playing on our Tour in tricky 17th green, and then chipping LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 33 Photos by Jeffrey Reed The Five - Mackenzie Tour PGA TOUR Canada’s top five Order of Merit finishers - with their Web.com Tour cards. from gnarly rough behind the 18th The real winner this year, of course, green before making a one-foot putt for will be Childcan. The 2017 tournament par and the one-stroke victory. raised almost $52,000 for Thames Valley It was Hoey’s first win of 2017, and Children’s Centre, bringing a three-year handed him a $36,000 winner’s cheque Highland total to more than $164,000 along with the final spot on the Order of for the centre. Merit, which awards five Web.com Tour Highland has committed to hosting cards to the Top 5 finishers. the championship through 2019, while The race for the Dan Halldorson title sponsor Freedom 55 Financial is on Trophy and Canadian of the Year was a board through 2020. The template for thriller, too, with Kimberley, B.C.’s Jared success is in place. It’s not easy secur- du Toit finishing T17, good enough to ing corporate sponsors, and it’s nearly clinch hardware and $25,000 prize. In impossible to grow the gallery. But it’s fact, du Toit was the closest thing this important to see a glass half full, and tournament had in terms of a household build on it. n name – at least, a name with which the average golf fan would be familiar. In 2016, du Toit played in the final group 2018 Freedom 55 Financial Championship on Sunday at the RBC , thrilling Canadians from coast to coast September 10-16, 2018 with an eventual finish three strokes behind winner Jhonattan Vegas. Course: Highland Country Club How good is the field at Highland Format: 72 holes stroke play each year? Listowel’s Corey Conners Field: Top 60 players on Order of Merit played here in 2015. Last month, he Purse: $225,000, winner’s share $40,500 held the 54-hole league and had Tiger Woods watching the leader board at the n FOR MORE INFORMATION PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. Pro-Am, Volunteer, Sponsorship “My saying is that this tour is like and Ticket Information at seeing The Beatles before they were The https://freedom55financial Beatles,” said Monday of the stars of championship.com tomorrow. 34 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 Junior Tyson Tour celebrates50th

ANNIVERSARYBY JEFFREY REED

ife was a lot different in 1968 – the charter season for the Junior Tyson Tour, Canada’s oldest-running junior golf loop. Texting meant pencils and paper; gaming meant hideL and seek and sandlot baseball; and the only screens kids stared at were televisions. Photos by Jeffrey Reed

Landon Underhill Ben Landers Jillian Friyia 2017 Bantam Champion 2017 Juvenile Champion 2017 Junior Girls Champion

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 35 But even today, with so many activi- golf for kids. It’s a grassroots develop- ties grabbing the interests of our youth, ment to get kids introduced to com- the Tyson Tour remains strong. It’s not petitive golf,” Bennett said. “We’ve had easy keeping kids some struggles in the involved, said conve- past few years getting nor Steve Bennett of kids involved with golf. the City of London It’s not easy And we’ve made some municipal golf system. changes to the Tour. But But he said with the keeping kids involbed, overall, it’s all positive.” game of golf offering a but with the game of This year, there are myriad of life’s lessons golf offering two fewer regular Tour – including respon- stops – eight instead of sibility, honesty and a myriad of life’s 10, in order to better fill integrity – the Tyson lessons - includ- fields. The Les Thomas Tour looks towards a bright future as it ing responsibil- will again be held at celebrates its 50th an- ity, honesty and Thames Valley Golf niversary season. Club then Fanshawe “There is a lot of integrity - Golf Club on July 24- tradition on the Tyson the Tyson Tour looks 25. And Sunningdale Tour. We are the oldest towards a bright future Golf and Country Club tour in Canada with will host the season- organized competitive as it celebrates its 50th ending invitational Tour anniversary season.” championship. Plus, Steve Bennett, for a third straight year, Convenor of the City of London Municipal an introductory Pee Golf System Wee division for golfers ages 7 to 11 offers three dates at Thames Valley’s Hickory 9 layout. The Junior Tyson Tour’s 50th season wrapped up last August 30 at Sunning- dale, with the 2017 Tour championship. And it was a brother and sister act from Highland Country Club who stole the show. Cole Friyia captured the overall championship title, while Jillian Friyia won the Junior Girls division. High- land’s Colin Warren, who won the 2017 Les Thomas event, captured the Junior Boys title, while Ben Landers won the Juvenile Boys title, and Landon Under- hill captured the Bantam Boys division. Warren, 19, who works in the back- shop at Highland, said he would like nothing more than to graduate from college, join the PGA Tour and win the L-R: Jared Coulter of Sunningdale, Ben Secco of Masters Tournament, just like his golf West Haven, and Gaven White of Dorchester hero, Mike Weir, who captured the Les tee off at Fanshawe Golf Club. Thomas tourney in 1986 and ‘87. A 36 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 (L-R) MacKenzie Mercer, Jordan Jarrett and winner Jillian Friyia competed in the girls’ division of the 2017 Les Thomas Memorial Tournament. former member of the highly-successful He said, “We’re not alone in trying to Oakridge Oaks golf squad, Warren said get more kids involved. That said, we’re it was “pretty cool, now that I’ll see my always looking to try new things.” n name on the same trophy as Weir. But I’d love to see my name on another TYSON TOUR SCHEDULE 2018 trophy with him, at the Masters. Maybe DATE TOURNAMENT one day. “Most of the kids who play on the July 5 Tarandowah Junior Open Tyson Tour know about Mike Weir July 8 Ingersoll Junior Open playing on this Tour. That’s a big reason July 16 Highland Junior Open why many of them play here,” Warren July 19 Dorchester Junior Open added. “That’s one of the biggest reasons July 23 Les Thomas Memorial I play on the Tyson Tour. His name cer- Tournament Day 1 (Thames Valley) tainly draws a lot of people.” July 24 Les Thomas Memorial For a second season, all girls ages Tournament Day 2 (Fanshawe) 10-18 will compete in one division as July 26 Sawmill Creek Junior Open to combat dropping enrollment and to Aug. 7 River Road Junior Open ensure a stronger bracket. In addition, a Aug. 13 Greenhills Junior Open new points system has been implement- Aug. 16 St. Thomas G&CC Junior Open ed – it’s outlined at the Tour website, Aug. 24 Sunningdale Tour juniortysontour.com. Championship Invitational “The template is in place for growth, Pee-Wee Schedule and we’re very encouraged by the Juve- July 7 Thames Valley Hickory 9 nile and Bantam divisions, but you can July 21 Thames Valley Hickory 9 always improve,” said Bennett, who was August 18 Thames Valley Hickory 9 Weir’s pro at Huron Oaks Golf Club in Bright’s Grove. For registration information, visit www.juniortysontour.com

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 37 Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association Celebrates Centennial BY JEFFREY REED Special to The London Free Press GOLF GUIDE 2018

ver since the culminating with the modern game biennial Devonshire of golf origi- Cup championship nated in 15th tournament versus the CenturyE Scotland, se- United States Seniors’ nior-aged golfers have Golf Association far outweighed any (USSGA) at founding other demographic. club, The Royal Mon- Even today, with more treal Golf Club, from leisure time on their September 9 to 13. hands, seniors are the game’s largest With support from the leading private participants. In the 2016 LondonOntar- golf clubs in Canada, including charter ioGolf.com readers’ survey, almost half member London Hunt and Country of respondents were 55 and older. Club, two men were instrumental in But there’s one group of senior golf- forming the CSGA: Walter Reginald ers in Canada who have made their Baker, President of Royal Montreal, mark on the game more than any other elected CSGA President in 1918 and seniors’ group: the Canadian Seniors’ widely considered the founder of the Golf Association (CSGA). Established CSGA; and Ralph H. Reville, editor in 1918, the CSGA is pulling no stops of Canadian Golfer, and a member of in celebrating its centennial this year, Brantford Golf and Country Club.

38 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 As we enter The CSGA officially me that I would never formed on May 18, another century, regret being a member, 1918 at Royal Montre- the CSGA will continue and that I would meet al. Among the charter to work diligently to and play golf with some board of governors provide value for each of the finest people you were London Hunt’s could ever meet in this Major Hume Cronyn, and every member. world. How right they Member of Parliament. In fact, since our were.” Over the years, a num- inception in 1918, “On reflection,” ber of London and area the CSGA has set added CSGA interna- golfers have been CSGA tional squad captain members, including the gold standard Alexander, “I think it Charles Ross “Sandy” for seniors’ golf is great that as a senior, Somerville, winner of we can still get the the 1932 U.S. Amateur in Canada.” same level of excite- golf tournament and Mike Jackson, CSGA President ment and competitive Canada’s Golfer of the spirit playing the game Half Century 1900- as we may have had 30 1950; and Ed Ervasti, perhaps the great- or 40 years ago. But we are now playing est senior golfer to have ever lived. with gentlemen with whom we enjoy Today, the CSGA counts 56 local golf- friendships and share a respect and pas- ers amongst its membership, including sion for this great game.” London Hunt’s Doug Alexander, Kelly In addition to competing at an annual Roberts and Don White, all three who tournament, this year slated for August have represented Canada at the Devon- 13-15 at Scarboro Golf and Country shire Cup matches, as well as the bien- Club, and Rosedale Golf Club – two of nial Triangular Cup matches involving the CSGA’s founding members – and Canada, the USSGA (est. 1905), and the competing at international matches, the Senior Golfers’ Society of Great Britain CSGA has given back to the game like (est. 1926). no other group in Canada. The associa- “Before I became a CSGA member, tion is deeply invested in growing the Donny White had told me about the game of golf, through its own CSGA different opportunities to compete in Student Scholarships, and the John CSGA annual tournaments, and inter- Powell Memorial Scholarship; support national tournaments,” Roberts remem- of the national Golf In Schools pro- bered. “That sounded very exciting to gram, and Adopt A School Week; and me. But soon after joining, I realized a myriad of fundraising efforts as a Golf that there’s a lot more to belonging to Canada Foundation Trustee. the CSGA. You quickly realize that there Said CSGA President Mike Jackson, are endless opportunities to meet people “As we enter another century, the CSGA through golf, and to have a lot of fun.” will continue to work diligently to pro- “I had the pleasure of joining the vide value for each and every member. CSGA in 1995, without knowing the In fact, since our inception in 1918, history of the association,” White the CSGA has set the gold standard for remembered. “The two gentlemen who seniors’ golf in Canada. The CSGA is sponsored me, Ed Ervasti and Emerson proud of its philanthropy, too. Few golf Creed, were long-time members of Lon- groups in Canada help grow the game as don Hunt and Country Club. Both told much as the CSGA and its members.”

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 39 24

REED ON THE GREENS with Jeffrey Reed ’61 and 1964-65. Most recently, Elmira’s Garrett Rank became the only three-peat winner in 2011-13. Burlington, Ontario’s Nick Weslock captured the Early Bird in 1972, ’75 and ’77. Other notable winners include Warren Sye – a four–time winner (1982, ’85, 1987-88); the Foran brothers – Len in 1984 and ’94, and Ken in 1990; Windsor’s Bill Seagris with the most wins (five) in 2001-02, ’04, ’07 and ’09; and Jim Waite in 1966 and ’71. The Early Bird tournament was cancelled only once – in 2003 – when severe spring weather resulted in some unplayable greens. The club’s board had decided in 2000 to change the traditional Victoria Day week- end date to the first week of May in 2001 70th Early Bird May 19-20 and ’02. Allowing members better access to the course during the season’s first St. Thomas G&CC hosts the 70th an- holiday weekend was thinking behind nual Early Bird Tournament May 19-20. the change. It returned to its traditional Sports psychologist with Team Ontario, weekend in 2004 – a better date for at- Western Mustangs and Fanshawe Fal- tracting the best possible golfers, and for cons, Torontonian Charles Fitzsimmons playing in better weather. of Thornhill Golf and Country, claimed a one-stroke victory at last year’s event. He posted a 72-69 to beat Gajan Siv- abalasingham of Meadowbrook Golf and Union Hosts Ontario Country Club at Gormley, Ont. (70-72) by one stroke. Fitzsimmons’ final-round Men’s Amateur 69 was the only sub-70 round of the tournament. Three St. Thomas G&CC The Golf Ontario 2018 tournament golfers finished atop the B Flight lead- schedule is highlighted by the Inves- erboard, with Mike Broadhead winning tors Group Ontario Men’s and Women’s by a stroke over Yvan Lacroix. In the C Amateur Championships, and the Flight, Angelo Valente, a Golf Ontario Ontario Summer Games. The men will public player, won by a stroke over return to the historic St. Thomas Golf Brampton’s Larry Littlefield. Legend- and Country Club July 10-13 for the ary ball striker Moe Norman captured first time since Master’s Champion Mike the title during the Early Bird’s charter Weir’s victory in 1992. Meanwhile, the and sophomore seasons in 1949 and Ontario Women’s Amateur will come ’50, and again in 1954 before trading in together with the Mid-Amateur compe- his amateur status for the professional tition and embark on beautiful Seguin ranks. There are many notable names Valley Golf Club in Parry Sound, which on the winners’ board, including Gary will host the event for the first time. And Cowan, like Norman a Kitchener golfer London’s Thames Valley Golf Club will and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame mem- host the 2018 Ontario Summer Games ber. He captured the Early Bird in 1960, golf championships August 3-5. 40 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 24 24

Photo by Jeffrey Reed Szeryk Sisters On The Rise London’s Szeryk sisters – Maddie and finished in the top 10 in six of seven Ellie – continue to make headlines on events by mid-March. She’s a two-time an international scale. Maddie, 21, is a All-American, and has been an All-SEC fourth-year member of Golf Canada’s selection in each of her three previous national team, while Ellie, 16, is a rookie seasons. Long-hitting younger sister El- member of the national development lie is the defending Ontario Junior Girls’ squad. Now living in Allan, Texas, Mad- champion, winning last July at Elmira die is a senior with the Texas A&M Ag- Golf Club. It was never really in doubt gies, while Ellie has already committed for Szeryk, who won her second pro- to attending the university after graduat- vincial title, following the 2016 Junior ing from the Allen High School Eagles. Girls’ Spring Classic. Szeryk began the Maddie entered this NCAA season final day with a nine-shot lead and went holding the Aggies career stroke aver- on to card a four-over (74) final round age record at 71.64. She was the first bringing her tournament total to five- Canadian ever selected to the interna- over (73-70-68-74-285). Her 68 was a tional team for the 2018 Arnold Palmer course record. “I didn’t know it was the Cup, which takes place July 6-8 at Evian course record. I was actually trying to Resort Golf Club in France. The tourna- go even lower because I had a lot more ment will be the first that features both birdie chances and was frustrated being men’s and women’s collegiate golfers, only two-under. I just tried to shoot after the previous versions featured just around even to put myself in good posi- men’s teams. Maddie is averaging 70.84 tion for the final round,” she said. strokes per round this season, having

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 41 24

and various events on the GLT schedule deemed as qualifier events. Seaforth GC London Hunt, Redtail Host the Country Classic organizing com- mittee will have two exemptions avail- Hockey Canada Golf able for local talent. “We are extremely excited to partner with the Seaforth Country Classic. It has always been a popular event among our members and it was sad to see it disappear last year. It’s a great tournament for the local The 15th annual Hockey Canada community in Seaforth and even more Foundation Gala & Golf will be hosted important are the local charities that in London on June 18-19. It’s the organi- are impacted. This will be another great zation’s single largest annual fundraiser, opportunity for our players in 2018 as and leaves 50 per cent of its net proceeds Seaforth GC always puts on a top notch within the host community and sur- event,” said GLT President Jim Kenesky. rounding region to help grow the game. Since 2009, the gala raised approxi- mately $4 million, including more than $650,000 at the 2017 Hockey Canada Ingersoll, Ironwood Foundation Gala & Golf in Saskatoon last June. Mark Hunter and Corey Perry are the event’s honorary co-chairs. The Clubs Change Hands two-day event features a star-studded Auburn Developments Inc., head- gala where Canada’s national teams who quartered in London, has purchased the have won gold at IIHF events through- semi-private Ingersoll Golf Club. Now out the season – be it the IIHF World owned officially by Auburn’s holding Junior Championship, IIHF World company, Ingersoll Greens Inc., the club Championship, or the men’s or women’s has changed hands for a second time Under-18 worlds, or at the Olympic and since late-2011, when Brantford’s Darren Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, are DeDobbelaer purchased the 18-hole honoured. A celebrity golf tournament course – then a private facility – for a will follow on June 19. London Hunt reported $1.375 million. DeDobbelaer and Country Club, and Redtail Golf owns Pine Valley Golf Club near Sim- Club will host the golf outings. coe, and Lynn Meadows Golf Club near Port Dover. Auburn plans to continue operating the club as an 18-hole facil- ity. Its Auburn Homes division plans to build homes nearby at Culloden Road Country Classic Returns and Clarke Road. Meanwhile, GolfNorth The Seaforth Country Classic and has agreed to a long-term lease for the Great Lakes Tour (GLT) have agreed on a operation of Ironwood Golf Club in Ex- partnership to bring back the extremely eter. Ironwood is a short drive from four popular tournament August 2-4. It will of GolfNorth’s properties – The Fox Golf feature a Championship Pro-Am on Club (Granton), Cobble Hills Golf Club August 2, followed by a 36-hole (no (Thamesford), Sand Hills Golf Club cut) stroke play competition for both (Port Franks), and Forest Golf Club & fields August 3-4. Thirty-four of 36 male Inn (Forest). GolfNorth will continue participants will be comprised of GLT to operate Ironwood as a semi-private members gaining exemptions through course, offering both memberships and the National Order of Merit standings daily green fees. 42 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018

2524 Photo by Jeffrey Reed Jeffrey by Photo

No Stopping Godfather Of Golf Balls For a 48th year, Walt Cherwaty, Lon- Golfers Care Supports don’s “Godfather of Golf Balls,” contin- ues his new and used golf ball sales for London Food Bank local charities. Cherwaty, 77, has sold On December 14 of last year, Golfers more than 50,000 golf balls and has Care, an annual fundraiser involving the raised about $35,000 over the past 11 local golf community, raised $76,338 years. Since the 1970s, Cherwaty has for the London Food Bank. This was raised money for Heart and Stroke. In the 11th year for Golfers Care, sup- March 2005, he and his wife, Diana, lost porting the annual Christmas Business their daughter, Jacqueline, to cancer. In Cares Food Drive. The initiative raised his daughter’s memory, Cherwaty decid- $56,000 in 2016, and during the past ed to sell golf balls from the front porch six years has raised a total of $285,338. of his central London home. Numerous “We keep raising the bar,” said Golfers not-for-profit groups has benefited from Care co-chair Kelly Roberts, one of the his philanthropy. To arrange a purchase, most decorated amateur golfers in Lon- contact Cherwaty at wallyndiana@cher- don’s history. Golfers Care grew out of waty.com or 519-433-7955. the men’s Christmas party at The Oaks, but soon moved to the London Club with direction from Roberts, NuBold Industries President Craig Jones, and Wayne Dunn of Business Cares. Dunn is a member of the London Business Hall of Fame who operated County Heritage Forest Products for 40 years, and co- chaired the Sunshine Dreams for Kids Charity Golf Classic for 13 years.

LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 43 Southwestern Ontario & area Golf Courses

MEMBERS: Three different LONDON membership levels are offered, MIDDLESEX RIVERBEND GOLF designed to suite each golfer’s COUNTY COMMUNITY needs available in Pro Shop. PRIVATE: (only guests of LEAGUES: Become a part of our WARDSVILLE GOLF AND members permitted) 1200 Sandy community and join one of our COUNTRY CLUB Somerville Dr., West on Oxford St. leagues. Visit our website for SEMI-PRIVATE. 1948 Longwoods extension, turn right at Kains Rd. details. Rd., on Hwy. 2, 35 minutes west of (extension of Commissioners Rd) YARDAGE/SLOPE RATING: London and 30 minutes east of YARDAGE: 18 holes. Par 72. 18 holes. Par 70. Chatham.Built in 1958. Yardage: Black 6,914, Gold 6,505, Yardage: Blue 6,040, White 5,710, YARDAGE: 27 holes: Par: 35/36/35 Blue 6,173, White 5,780, Red 4,688. Slope rating: Blue 113, Lengths: 2,946/3,172/2,908 yds Green 5,488, Red 5,165. White 109 Red 108. SIGNATURE HOLE: The par-four CLAIM TO FAME: Beautiful SIGNATURE HOLE: The 14th hole is eighth is 400 yards with Doug Carrick designed adult a very challenging and picturesque second shot over water and golf community. 185-yard par three which is all the tree carving of Simon, ADVANCE TEE TIMES: carry as there is a large pond from to an elevated green. Seven days for members. tee to green. Golfers must also CLAIM TO FAME: Mature course TEL: 519-657-4653 contend with a sand trap which exceptionally maintained with www.riverbendgolf.com guards the left side of the green. automated irrigation throughout. Visa/MasterCard/debit card CLAIM TO FAME: Facility preserves Home of Alvin, Simon and a relaxing and enjoyable country Theodore. Play two styles of EAST PARK GOLF GARDENS feel just minutes outside of golf in one day at one location: play nine more holes after PUBLIC.1275 Hamilton Rd., London. Club features a mature, playing 18 on the same day, between Clarke Road and beautifully maintained golf course Highbury Avenue. with many sand traps and for one Established in 1963. contoured fairways, most lined membership... YARDAGE: 18 holes. Par 62. with large, fully-grown trees. Relax PAY at three clubs! Yardage: White 4,146, after your round on our ‘famous’ PLAY Red 3,639. patio, which overlooks the 14th MEMBERSHIP RATES +HST SIGNATURE HOLE: The par-five hole. Adult Unlimited - $1350 18th is 477 yards with a sand trap FEES: Spring rates (until May 15): Senior Unlimited - $1199 in the middle of the fairway. $26 Contact Club for details. Student - $750 Junior - $325 CLAIM TO FAME: A popular Regular Partial Membership - $350 activity and entertainment season rates: $35-$24 Monday to Includes BONUS East Park Waterpark centre. Course was designed Friday, $37-$25 weekends & & other activities at half price for by Robbie Robinson. member and immediate family holidays. (some restrictions apply). FEES: $25-$17 any day, Twilight (after 4pm) $24 Monday- $20 (18 holes) after 4 p.m., Friday, $26 Weekends. Junior rates: TOURNAMENT PACKAGES $26-$21 weekends, $23 twilight $25-$18 Monday to Friday, STARTING AT $27 PER after 4 p.m. (prices before HST) $28-$19 weekends. HST is extra. GOLFER INCLUDING ADVANCE TEE TIMES: Seven days Weekend prices apply on holidays. MEAL. WE WELCOME ANY TEL. SIZE GROUPS. 519-451-2950 Weekends, after 12 p.m., one junior EMAIL. [email protected] (age 8-16) can play for free when League Play Available, Mens, Ladies, www.eastparkgolf.com Seniors, Couples & More accompanied by one adult paying DRESS CODE: Standard, jeans allowed. regular price green fee. Visit our mapleridgegolf.com Visa/MasterCard/Amex/Debit website for online specials. Maple Ridge ADVANCE TEE TIMES: Six days. Golf Club 3950 Dundas E. 519-268-7704 LLYNDINSHIRE GOLF AND TEL. 519-659-5087 E-MAIL. COUNTRY CLUB westminstertrails.com SEMI-PRIVATE. Public welcome. [email protected] www.llyndinshire.com 2465 Westminster Dr. 14983 Medway Rd., between 519-668-6121 Adelaide Street and Highbury Visa/MasterCard/Debit Avenue. At the Northern edge eastparkgolf.com of the city limits of London, five 1275 Hamilton Rd. minutes from . 519-451-2950 44 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 with no extra green fee. ADVANCE TEE TIMES:9-14 Days bunkered and elevated. Wardsville’s Pace of Play is Out: Online Only ($2.49 fee per CLAIM TO FAME: Hilly natural generally much faster than any of player), 0-8 Days Out: Online Only landscape with Black Creek the city courses! (Free), 0-7 Days Out: Online or Call running through course. FEES: $21.23 anytime spring/fall Center (Free) Driving range. rate; $29.20 prime time weekends TEL. 1- 888-833-8787 or visit us at ADVANCE TEE TIMES: Two days and holidays; $25.66 Monday to www.golfnorth.ca for weekends Friday for 18 or all 27 holes; DRESS CODE: Appropriate golf TEL. 519-834-2552 Friday to Monday twilight special attire. DRESS CODE: Standard $22.12. 18 hole Senior Special Visa/MasterCard/Debit (age 50+) every non-holiday SAND HILLS GOLF CLUB Monday $21.23 Special Junior rates LAMBTON PUBLIC. 9767 Port Franks Road, Monday and Fridays, after 1 p.m., FOREST GOLF CLUB & INN Lambton Shores, Ontario N0M 2N0 excluding holidays. Group Golf PUBLIC. 102 Main Street South, MEMBERS:We are a public course, bookings of 12 or more players or Forest, Ontario, Canada N0N 1J0 but memberships are available for more may qualify for discounted MEMBERS: We are a public course, $995+ tax rates. Riding cart fees $6.64 per but memberships are available for CLAIM TO FAME:This exciting golf rider, per 9 holes.(All prices before $995+ tax facility has 18 challenging holes of taxes). Ultra competitive rates for CLAIM TO FAME: Hotel rooms at golf, an Old Western style Intermediate Adults (age under 30) the Forest Golf Club & Inn are open clubhouse. Sand Hills is the perfect and Junior (age up to 18) full year-round. We have a friendly golf course for the novice golfer as membership rates on sale. lounge, sauna, hot tub, pool & golf it is modest in length, but it offers ADVANCE TEE TIMES: Seven days shop. Next door, visit the conser- all of the challenges and hazards of TEL. 519-693-4921 vation area and tennis courts. a championship golf course. Play E-MAIL. [email protected] FEES: Starting at $20 from the back tees, and even the or text 519-495-3423 ADVANCE TEE TIMES: 9-14 Days advanced golfers will have their www.wardsvillegolfclub.ca Out: Online Only ($2.49 fee per work cut out for them. DRESS CODE: Proper golf player), 0-8 Days Out: Online Only FEES: Starting at $22 attire required. (Free), 0-7 Days Out: Online or ADVANCE TEE TIMES: 9-14 Days Visa/MasterCard/Debit Call Center (Free) Out: Online Only ($2.49 fee per Give us a try - Play great Golf. TEL. 1-888-833-8787 player), 0-8 Days Out: Online Only Play Wardsville and you’ll be or visit us at www.golfnorth.ca (Free), 0-7 Days Out: Online glad you did ! DRESS CODE: Appropriate golf or Call Center (Free) attire. TEL. 1- 888-833-8787 THE FOX GOLF CLUB or visit us at www.golfnorth.ca PUBLIC. 15058 Elginfield Road, R.R. BLACK CREEK GOLF COURSE DRESS CODE: Appropriate golf #3 Granton, Ontario N0M 1V0 SEMI-PRIVATE.One kilometre attire. MEMBERS:We are a public course, west of Oil Springs on Plank Road. but memberships are available for Built in 1983. $850+ tax. MEMBERS: CLAIM TO FAME:The Fox is a 125 beautifully maintained course YARDAGE/SLOPE RATING: 9 holes. where each hole offers groomed Par 34. Yardage: White 2,897; fairways, challenging rough and Yellow 2,556. Slope rating: undulating greens with water White: 122; Yellow 114. traps, grass traps, carefully placed SIGNATURE HOLE: The fourth trees and dog-leg fairways to test is a 584-yard par five. Players tee your golfing ability. off at the bottom of a hill to a FEES: Starting at $25 narrow fairway. Green is

Play a Great 27 Hole Course! Tuesdays & Thursdays .47+ HST Pay for 9 2018 $19 holes get the Regular Season Rates Green Fees FREE ~ April Special ~ O 9 holes walk $17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2nd 9 holes R power cart with $ Monday Senior 50+ Special 18 holes walk 23 $19.47 +HST valid Monday (Excludes Holidays) every 2 paid 9 holes/cart $25 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ $ NEW! Pay less, play twilight Friday thru green fees 18 holes/cart 32 Monday, green fee for 18 holes $23 +HST FREE! $ Foursome with carts 115 Junior (& Parent) Specials Mon. or Fri. after 3 pm 9 hole green fee $974+ HST per player (each Jr and Adult) DUTTON MEADOWS • Driving Range • Putting Green GOLF CLUB • Dining Lounge • Tournaments Wardsville Golf Club Patio Welcome! www.wardsvillegolfclub.ca 28411 Thomson Line, Dutton 4360 South Plank Road, Oil Springs 1948 Longwoods Rd. Wardsville, ON 519-762-3435 (519) 834-2552 T-Times Call 519-693-4921 • JOIN Text specials 519-495-3423 www.blackcreekgolfcourse.com Play GREAT GOLF - Play WARDSVILLE www.duttonmeadows.com LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 45 FEES: $23 for 18 holes, CHATHAM ELGIN $17 for 9 holes ; Seniors (60+) KENT DUTTON MEADOWS take $2 off above rates. Juniors (16 GOLF CLUB & under) $17 for 18 holes, $12 for 9 RIDGETOWN GOLF SEMI-PRIVATE. Twenty minutes holes (Jrs. 12 and under must be & CURLING CLUB from Wellington Road and Hwy. accompanied by paying adult). PUBLIC.12438 Golf Course Line, R.R. 401 to Dutton turnoff. Take 401 Juniors play Free Saturday #2, Ridgetown, Ontario N0P 2C0 west to Dutton, follow signs. afternoon after 3pm (with a paying MEMBERS:We are a public course, Built in 1990. adult). Pressed for time - Try our 6 but memberships are available for MEMBERS: 150 hole option! Just $17 with power $1195+ tax. YARDAGE/SLOPE RATING: cart ($11 walking). To book your CLAIM TO FAME: Established in Nine holes. Par 35. Yardage: 2,900. tee-time call us or visit us at 1923, Ridgetown Golf & Curling Slope rating: 115. www.edengolfclub.ca Club has been a golfing fixture in SIGNATURE HOLE: The seventh TEL. 519-866-3641 the Chatham-Kent area for over 90 is a 220-yard par three with a tree- Open Mon. to Sat. dawn years. With its rolling fairways and lined fairway and a pond till dusk. Closed Sundays. 6,099-yard layout, Ridgetown protecting the right side of the provides a challenging, yet fair, green. OXFORD experience that golfers have FEES: $17.70+HST (9 holes) or enjoyed for decades. $26.11+HST (18 holes) daily. COBBLE HILLS GOLF CLUB FEES: Starting at $19 Tuesdays and Thursdays - pay for PUBLIC.5714 Cobble Hills Road, ADVANCE TEE TIMES:9-14 Days 9 holes, get 2nd 9 FREE; OR for Thamesford, Ontario N0M 2M0 Out: Online Only ($2.49 fee per every 2 paid green fees, FREE MEMBERS: We are a public course, player), 0-8 Days Out: Online Only power cart included. Twilight Rate but memberships are available for (Free), 0-7 Days Out: Online or Call (starts @ 5:30 pm daily) - $15+HST $1050+ tax Center (Free) for 9 holes (walking) or $20+HST CLAIM TO FAME: This hidden gem TEL. 1- 888-833-8787 or visit us at for 9 holes with a cart. of Southwestern Ontario rests www.golfnorth.ca ADVANCE TEE TIMES: upon 110 acres of gently rolling DRESS CODE: Appropriate golf Recommended terrain, which weaves its way attire. TEL. 519-762-3435 through majestic pine forests. The DRESS CODE: No muscle shirts or property boasts spectacular views HURON cutoff shorts. Jeans acceptable. of London to the southwest and Visa/MasterCard/Debit stunning country vistas of Oxford IRONWOOD GOLF CLUB County to the southeast. PUBLIC.70969 Morrison Line, EDEN GOLF CLUB Conveniently located just minutes Exeter, Ontario N0M 1S1 PUBLIC. 9632 Culloden Rd., east of London, Cobble Hills is MEMBERS:We are a public course, 20 kilometres south of easily accessible but just far but memberships are available for Hwy. 401, half a kilometre enough away from the daily hustle $1100+ tax south of Hwy. 3. Built in 2005. to create a warm and inviting CLAIM TO FAME:Ironwood Golf YARDAGE: 9 holes. Par 32. atmosphere. Club offers you an excellent 18- Yardage: 2,069. FEES: Starting at $22 hole golf course in superb SIGNATURE HOLE: The 355-yard ADVANCE TEE TIMES:9-14 Days condition at a good value. Those third is a dogleg left with water Out: Online Only ($2.49 fee per are some of the reasons why and trees guarding the left side. player), 0-8 Days Out: Online Only golfers come from all over CLAIM TO FAME: With it’s narrow (Free), 0-7 Days Out: Online or Call southwestern Ontario and beyond fairways and small greens Eden Center (Free) to enjoy our scenic, challenging Golf Club has it’s emphasis on shot TEL. 1- 888-833-8787 or visit us at tree-lined fairways and course. making, which seems to be a lost www.golfnorth.ca FEES: Starting at $28 art these days. Average and long DRESS CODE: Appropriate golf ADVANCE TEE TIMES: 9-14 Days hitters will have no problem attire. Out: Online Only ($2.49 fee per reaching the greens, however, player), 0-8 Days Out: Online Only almost every tee shot will require (Free), 0-7 Days Out: Online or Call care. Wayward shots will see scores Center (Free) go up. The opportunities are there TEL. 1- 888-833-8787 or visit us at to go for the green, tempting the www.golfnorth.ca longer hitters to hit great shots, DRESS CODE: Appropriate golf and rewarding them with low attire. scores. Shorter straighter shots are the order of the day here. With it’s gently rolling fairways bordered by mature trees and scenic ravines this well maintained golf course will offer golfers young and old to test their game while enjoying a few hours in the great outdoors !

46 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 LONDON FREE PRESS GOLF GUIDE 2018 47 PASSION AND PERFORMANCE. THE LEXUS F SPORT EVENT

2018 RX 350 AWD LEASE APR BI-WEEKLY LEASE PAYMENT FROM 219 2.9%* $289* $5,330* 39 MONTHS DOWN PAYMENT $6,240* $3,980*

DELIVERY CREDITS OF UP TO $1,000^

PAYMENT INCLUDES $1,000* DELIVERY CREDIT.

^F SPORT Credits in March are available on the purchase/lease of select new 2017 and 2018 Lexus vehicles including 2017 Lexus RX 350 ($3,000 on suffixes G & H), 2017 Lexus RX 450h ($3,000 on suffix H), 2018 Lexus RX 350 ($2,000 on suffixes G & H), 2018 Lexus RX 450h ($2,000 on suffix H), 2017 Lexus NX 200t ($3,500 on suffixes F, G & H), 2018 Lexus NX 300 ($4,000 on suffix F; $3,000 suffixes G & H), 2017 Lexus IS 200t ($3,000 on suffix F), 2017 Lexus IS 300 AWD ($3,000 on suffixes F & G), 2017 Lexus IS 350 AWD ($3,000 on suffixes G & H), 2018 Lexus IS 300 RWD ($2,000 on suffix F), 2018 Lexus IS 300 AWD ($2,000 on all suffixes F & G), 2018 Lexus IS 350 AWD ($2,000 on suffixes G & H). F SPORT Credits will be deducted from the negotiated purchase/lease price after taxes. *Lease offers provided through Lexus Financial Services, on approved credit. *Representative lease example based on a 2018 RX 350 F SPORT sfx ‘G’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 2.9% and Complete Lexus Price of $67,972. Bi-weekly lease payment is $319 with $8,880 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first bi-weekly lease payment due at lease inception. Total of 84 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $35,868. *Representative lease example based on a 2018 IS 300 RWD F SPORT sfx ‘F’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 1.9% and Complete Lexus Price of $47,622. Bi-weekly lease payment is $219 with $5,800 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first bi-weekly lease payment due at lease inception. Total of 84 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $24,345. *Representative lease example based on a 2018 NX 300 sfx ‘F’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 1.9% and Complete Lexus Price of $54,122. Bi-weekly lease payment is $239 with $6,460 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first bi-weekly lease payment due at lease inception. Total of 84 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $26,692. 52,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres. Complete Lexus Price includes freight/PDI ($2,045), EHF Tires ($16.50), EHF Filters ($1), A/C charge ($100), Dealer Fees ($599), and OMVIC Fee ($10). Taxes, license, registration (if applicable), and insurance are extra. Lexus Dealers are free to set their own prices. Limited time offers only apply to retail customers at participating Lexus Dealers. Dealer order/trade may be required (but may not be available in certain circumstances). Offers are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Offers are subject to change or cancellation without notice. See Lexus of London for complete details.