Compliments of Your Canadian Golf Professional golfindustrynetwork.ca Canadian publications mail product sales agreement 40021532 The Club House

Faced with a myriad of challenges, the sport professional rules at all times. same way, I’ll sink more putts.” of golf and those who play the game wrestle with Is traditional golf out of touch and does the Slow play is an issue that hurts the game at every ideas on how to grow the game. They also wrestle game need a radical overhaul? It seems as if it’s level and has a tendency to push people away with how to keep the existing core group of golfers more concerned with tradition than getting the from the game completely. Golfers who might be happy, and how to avoid circumstances that force most out of the game, and what makes more sense interested in taking up golf, or maybe playing more golfers to play less, or possibly leave the sport. for evolving tastes, lifestyles, and time constraints. rounds, might find it all but impossible because With a sluggish economy and aging We appreciate the rules when applied to a round at their local course takes six-plus hours demographic, shifts in demand occur for many professional golf, but for everyone else, is there to complete, which amounts to almost an entire reasons. People are finding it harder to find the a better way? weekend day. If rounds of golf were reasonable, time to commit to the sport. They prefer (or Ted Bishop PGA of America suggested, “golf like the three-and-a-half hours they used to take feel obligated) to spend time with their families. is at a point where two sets of rules should be in the not-so-distant past, more golfers might Some people may not have the same discretionary considered as a potential solution. The PGA take up the game. dollars and find the game too expensive. Still Tour didn’t exist when the USGA was founded There are many ways to speed up play and others find the etiquette rules obsolete and slow in 1894, and the Tour has a “powerful impact” if you are not sure, ask your golf professional. play difficult to accept. on the game.” Recreational golfers need to be educated on slow Mark King CEO of TaylorMade says: “If we don’t It appears the governing bodies focus on issues play. Be responsible for your own game and pay continue to take steps to make the game more that affect only a small percentage of the golfing attention to what is going on around you when inviting, more welcoming and more enjoyable, population. For example: anchored strokes — the you’re playing. Be aware of whose turn it is to in five years our participation numbers may be kind used with long putters and belly putters. Do play, help watch the ball of every other player half what they are today.” your buddies really care if you use a long putter? within your group, and keep an eye on where “To preserve the future of the game, we need to Maybe their time and efforts would be more it comes to rest. create an environment where people are welcome beneficial to the game if they dealt with issues that If you are using a cart, drop off your partner and enjoy the game,” said King. actually confront the majority of golfers. Slow Play! at his ball with three or four of the most likely Jack Nicklaus, the legendary player, says: “We Most players hate slow play and it’s regarded as clubs needed for the shot, before proceeding to need to introduce golf to people in a way that is one of the most effective ways to ruin the game. your own ball. Do not sit around waiting for the friendly and provides early success so they stay Slow play cannot be attributed to any one first player to obtain his yardage, select a club, with the game.” group. Are golfers being affected by the slow and hit his shot before proceeding. The R&A and the USGA, custodians of the rules play they see on the pro tours? Or are we, as a The key in keeping up a good pace on the book, do not control how golfers golf, just what society, less concerned about others? golf course is to focus on the group ahead of the rules are for ‘sanctioned events’. Slow play on the golf course is a bad habit you, not the one behind. Keep within a hole An independent survey conducted by Google that a golfer acquires over time and the result of of the forward players, and you will do fine. If Consumer Surveys finds 73 per cent of golfers the golfer never having been taught proper golf necessary, tell your buddy or group that you are admit to not following the rules, fewer than 15 per etiquette. That means a slow golfer can usually going slow, so you don’t have to wait for the cent keep a handicap, 78 per cent play solely for be “cured” of his malady. Of course, that golfer course marshal to warn you. fun, and 63 per cent would consider playing non- has to be aware that he is slow, and that’s where conforming equipment in an effort to maximize buddies come into play. Enjoy your season. their enjoyment of the game. Do you think high handicap golfers line The majority of golfers just want to play with up their putts for five minutes because they, their buddies; they appreciate the sport but don’t just out of the blue, came up with the idea Randy McDonald take it seriously, and have no interest in playing that this might somehow help them sink the Publisher/Editor amateur tournaments or having anything to do putt? No. The previous weekend, these golfers with antiquated golf associations. have watched professional golfers on TV look Golfing establishments are actually making over their putts from every angle imaginable the rules more unrealistic than they already and then sink the putt. The high handicapper are. They still think everyone should play by thinks: “Well, maybe if I line up my putts the Photo by John Gallaugher

golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 3 The Starter The Starter

By Randy McDonald ClubLink Troubles Garry McKay Beer Cocktails Rick Drennan Membership and revenue numbers were both Glen Phillips By Glenn Phillips, Regional Director of Hospitality Clublink Corp down in 2012 at Canada’s largest golf course owner. Nothing is more refreshing than a cold beer ClubLink reported that they had 678 fewer after a round of golf. Or is there? members last year than in 2011, and that operating What about a beer cocktail? Not sure what revenue was down by 0.4 per cent. a beer cocktail is? Well, it is exactly what it “We’re obviously concerned, as everyone else in sounds like - a beer-based cocktail, which is Hovercraft Speeds Up Play the private golf club or the membership business a beverage that takes the classic cocktail and is concerned, but we’re seeing some positive transforms it by replacing the alcohol with signs, also,” said Edge Caravaggio, vice-president your favourite beer. of operations for ClubLink. I must say I was a little reluctant about the “All you have to do is look at the membership idea when I first heard of it a few years ago, sales initiatives that local member clubs are but I guess when you think about it, we have advertising right now and you’ll see that they’re had beer cocktails before. I am sure we all obviously in similar, if not worse, positions. We remember the Shandy, right? have to become relevant in today’s world and Well, this is just taking it to a new level and we believe we’ve done that with a redefinition of perhaps with a bit of a modern twist. Maybe our membership status and that makes us more you have heard of a Rocket? This is Smirnoff attractive for sales, and more significantly, more Ice and beer mixed 50-50. attractive to our existing members.” A little high in alcohol for your taste? Well, Bubba Watson and his new Brent Miller, ClubLink’s executive director of maybe you should try a Sublime Shandy. sponsor have come up with a golf operations and member services, notes their Here, Molson 67 Sublime is combined with new way of getting around a golf fourth quarter numbers were actually up compared elderflower cordial and pink lemonade and course. The Masters Champion to the fourth quarter in 2011. garnished with fresh raspberries. and his clothes sponsor Oakley “We’ve added some new membership benefits Not strong enough for you, or perhaps a have teamed up to create the into the mix at ClubLink and we feel that this is a little too fruity? Then how about a Corona BW1, what they say is the world’s good direction to be going in,” said Miller. Find Your Beach Margarita? In this recipe first hovercraft golf cart. The Among the new programs that ClubLink is Corona is blended with tequila, lime, orange prototype has advantages over implementing are discounts for seniors who have syrup and crushed chilis, garnished with lime. an everyday golf cart that Watson been members for 10 years or more and are over Whatever your taste preference is, I am sure himself explained. “BW1 is a 70, pro-rated dues for members 25-35, and family you will soon find a Beertail that will suit you. prototype, our first one out. It twilight membership programs. takes you everywhere you want Caravaggio noted that the acquisition of golf to go through sand traps, through courses in Florida in the last two years has had a water, shortcuts into the woods, positive impact on ClubLink’s bottom line. Will The Price of equipment, snowboards, golf clubs and other out of the woods and my ball likes to go in and it is. I think it’s going to get really more people said its impact on a course would be far less than “It’s still very early for us in Florida,” he said. Golf Clubs Come Down? equipment, to promote physical fitness. out of the woods, so we got to get there the best involved, they’re going to just want to drive a that of a normal cart. “The biggest advantage of “We’re just getting Canadian Government Cuts “We congratulate the federal government for way and quickest way possible.” Watson believes hovercraft and not play golf, but that’s how I got the hovercraft is that it has a footprint pressure our feet wet in Tariff On Sports Equipment its leadership in addressing tariff discrepancies the attention the hovercraft has attracted will bring started, by driving a golf cart, but then golf got in of about 33 times less than the human foot, so streamlining between Canada and the United States that more people to golf. “I see a lot of stares, a lot of the way,” he said. The craft was constructed by the by hovering across a green you leave absolutely operations and Canadians should be able to pay less for golf sometimes cause Canadians to shop south of laughs and then they see actually how efficient President of Neoteric Chris Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald no trace,” he said. getting our clubs in the future. the border to benefit from cheaper prices,” said programs known In its most recent budget the federal government Duncan Fulton, chief marketing officer at Canadian to the public. announced a proposed $76 million in tariff relief Tire’s FGL Sports division which includes the Canadian Golfer Magazine Publisher / Editor: Randy McDonald And we’re doing for sports equipment, including golf clubs and Sport Chek and Nevada Bob’s chains. Art Director: John Gallaugher is a special edition of Pro Shop Magazine. Published by: LINKS Marketing Group Inc. some capital baby clothes. “As the cost of importing sporting goods begins Senior Writer: Rick Drennan 1371 Marshall Crescent improvements at some of our golf courses. The plan follows a Senate report that to come down we will certainly do our part to Equipment Editor: Ross MacDonald Milton, Ontario L9T 6N4 Copy Editor: Dawn Grimmer, Michele Aubie Tel: 905-636-1400 “It’s been positive for the bottom line but there’s investigated why Canadians pay up to 40 per make sure consumers see the benefit.” Art Associate: Gord Carruthers Fax: 289-878-3925 lots of potential there.” cent more for some consumer goods than their The government says removing the tariffs Email: [email protected] Contributing Writers: Garry McKay, Rick Drennan, Ross golfindustrynetwork.ca And the slight downturn in ClubLink’s numbers neighbours south of the border. In fact a Bank “comes with an expectation that wholesalers, MacDonald, Richard Zokol, Glenn Phillips, Rick Young Postmaster: Send address changes to: won’t affect their acquisition policy in Canada of Montreal report last year found that domestic distributors and retailers will pass these savings Photography: John Gallaugher, Randy McDonald Links Marketing Group Inc either. retail prices are about 14 per cent higher than on to consumers. The government, in consultation Advertising Sales: Randy McDonald, Howard Hamlin, 1371 Marshall Crescent, Milton, Ontario L9T 6N4 “We’ve just had some discussions as recently those in the United States. with the Retail Council of Canada and consumer Dave Honeywell, Brent McCord, Joe Korman Canadian publications mail product sales agreement 40021532 Circulation Manager: Chrystal Hardy as (mid March) with some high profile golf clubs Aside from baby clothes, the government groups, will monitor the impact of these tariff All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material. within our clusters in Canada,” said Caravaggio. plans to eliminate tariffs on ice skates, hockey reductions on Canadian retail prices.” The Starter continues on page 6

4 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 5 The Starter

A Golfers Dream Backyard

In the foothills of Austin Texas, short game guru Dave Pelz has developed and designed a fantasy backyard for any golfers Just outside his back door, Pelz can take dead aim at faithful reproductions of his favorite targets: the 12th green at Augusta, fronted by a creek and an alabaster bunker; the 17th at Sawgrass, ringed by water; and the 14th at Pebble Beach. The backyard also features tributes to the 17th at Pebble, the 13th at Augusta and the Road Hole at St. Andrews, along with enough practice greens, skewed at different angles, The short-game facility extends across two-acres of SYNLawn synthetic turf that never requires watering or mowing, and that features a special patent-pending underlayment that allows his putting surfaces to receive shots like real bent- and Bermuda grass greens.

Not So Skinny Bitch appreciated at our club.” California native and Florida resident. Fills Void In For more information you can visit their “In my brief experience in Canada, companies Women’s Golf Apparel website at www.notsoskinnybitch.com or don’t look at it necessarily the same way, be it email Anita at [email protected] from buying entertainment, or a brand exposure, Anita Skinner wants to help larger women to get or customer relations, or any of those types of out and enjoy golf and not feel so self-conscious Monday Monday things.” about their size. That’s why she came up with the “Hopefully what we’ll be able to do, through Not So Skinny Bitch line of women’s clothing. When he went to his bosses at the PGA Tour our expertise and experience, is show sponsors She believes the apparel will encourage larger last fall with the message that the Canadian that, yes, you’re spending money but you generate women to “get out there and play and enjoy Professional Golf Tour was worth saving, Jeff more money through that affiliation, and we’re activities that seem to be reserved for the skinny Monday undoubtedly prevented it from going going to work really hard at that. We know how bitches.” under. it can be done and we’re optimistic that that The St. Catharines, Ontario based company is The Canadian Tour (despite its history and the business model can translate.” quickly making inroads with 26 courses in the fact that so many players from the circuit have Monday says one of the things they won’t be province already signed up to carry her line. gone on to play on the PGA Tour, and have even doing is saying “here’s how it’s done in the United “Anita Skinner has identified a significant void in won on the PGA Tour) was drowning in red ink. States and you need to do this in Canada.” women’s golf apparel that needs to be addressed,” And most insiders agree that if the PGA Tour had “We need to find what a business’s objectives said Drew Smith, head pro at St. Catharines Golf not agreed to take over the ailing circuit last fall, are and what they want to accomplish, and work and Country Club. it would be no more. together with them to customize that experience,” “Plus sized women are often overlooked in And now Monday, who helped sway the PGA he says. And in that regard having, in essence, golf industry marketing yet they make up a large Tour to save the Canadian Tour, has been charged the PGA Tour in the boardrooms with them can percentage of the demographic. The unique sleeve with reviving it. be a big advantage. length of Not So Skinny Bitch golf shirts will be He is now president of the newly rebranded “We also have the TPC network. If companies very popular with larger women and those who PGA Tour Canada. want to do client entertainment in the United are uncomfortable showing their upper arms. The PGA Tour is one of the most successful States we can create some special experiences I’m happy to be one of Anita’s first customers.” sports brands in the world, and in his 24 years for them through our TPC system.” Rob Brandon, head pro at Cardinal GC near with the Tour, Monday has done almost every job Monday says the PGA Tour also has extensive Holland Landing, Ontario said golf professionals in the company. You can make a strong case that relationships with multinational companies, some have had difficulties up until now finding clothing that makes him uniquely qualified for the job. of which are currently involved in golf in the lines that will fit all women. First and foremost the newly branded PGA United States but not north of the border. “Not So Skinny Bitch provides golf specific Tour Canada will have to find a way to convince “We are absolutely going to have those levels apparel to larger women while paying Canadian companies, which traditionally sit on of conversations with lots of different companies,” close attention to style and quality,” he said. their wallets, that investing in golf is a good thing. says Monday. “Offering this type of clothing can only “Certainly sports marketing in the United States Beyond the boardroom, however, Monday says help to make everyone feel welcomed and is different than in Canada,” says Monday, a the new PGA Tour Canada, which will continue to The Starter continues on page 8

6 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca The Starter

A ‘Charming’ New Golf Kenny’s golf offerings are created in sterling silver and antiqued Accessory For Club Members to give them a traditional look. They also come with inspirational engravings that are both a celebration of golf and life. Sayings like: ‘Find your sweetspot in life,’ ‘Stay on Course,’ or ‘Follow Golf accessories run the gamut, from sunglasses to belts to through on your dream.’ hats, gloves, and even watches. This added touch is the outward “The sayings have a nice duality about them that reminds us manifestation of who in their heart a golfer really thinks he or she is – both on that both life and golf interact all the time,” says Kenny. and off the course. Each piece of jewellery can be custom designed for each course, and she’ll But until now, jewellery wasn’t much of an add-on. Most of it was the cheap, work directly to create special pieces for the club championships, a specific costume type. It wasn’t wearable on or off the course. Deborah Kenny wants tournament, etc. All items can include clubs logos. to change that. The new golf line of necklaces and bracelets is mostly geared towards The owner of Deborah Kenny Jewellery in Brampton, Ontario, has recently women, but a men’s line is also in production. The women’s bracelets also introduced a line of Inspirational Golf Jewellery that is stylish, elegant, come with collectable charms, all engraved with inspirational sayings. New By Rick Drennan sophisticated, practical, wearable, and hand-made. charms can be unveiled throughout the summer months. “Why not have a piece of jewellery that helps define you as a member of your Kenny knows that golf attracts the kind of demographic that visits her store club, or as an individual with extra special tastes?” asks Kenny. and her website: www.deborahkennyjewellery.com.

continued from page 6 want there to be a charitable component to every “We want to elevate the stature of golf in have its head office at Golf House at Glen Abbey tournament that can have a positive impact on Canada,” Monday explains. “Ours will always Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, will be working the community.” be open competitions because that’s the essence to enhance the fan experience at all of its events. Their goal is to expand the Tour from coast to of golf, but if we can help create more popular “We want it to be a community event and not coast over the next few years and to also work Canadian players, that’s good, not just for PGA just a golf tournament,” says Monday. “And we closely with Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada. Tour Canada but for the sport itself.” CG

Pin High, Head Office 5481 Trafalgar Rd., Suite #1 Hornby, Ontario, L0P 1E0 Canada

Mailing Address A12-1250 Eglinton Ave West Suite #150 Mississauga, Ontario L5V 1N3 Canada

Southwestern Ontario Corporate Sales GTA and Northern Ontario Brent Gordon - Logo Wear Meagan Hannan 519.770.5309 705.241.2853 When I was a schoolboy I loved to play word games – limericks, word quizzes and meretricious rhymes. [email protected] [email protected] I especially liked a game called 20 Questions. I used to play it with my history teacher. She’d pick a Southwestern Sales Fred Schmidt Western Canada B.C. A.B., S.K. subject – the War of 1812, for example – and grill me with questions until my little head hurt. It was fun, 519.637.8284 Dean Walker Professional Golf Inc. informative, and a unique training tool. I’ve retained a lot of the information, too. Did you know that Dean Walker Southern Ontario Captain Cook lost 41 of his 98-member crew to scurvy on his first voyage to the South Pacific in 1766? Peter Grant 403.238.4135 905.335.3332 [email protected] In this issue of Canadian Golfer Magazine, I’d love to Morrison, senior managing director and Canadian Country do 20 Questions with two of the biggest executives in Head of OMERS Private Equity (owners of Golf Town), and the golf industry, but they don’t want to play. Sue Gove, the former COO and CFO of Golfsmith. She is Last month, I phoned and emailed and even sent out a now president and COO of the merged companies, Golf series of questions to the media representatives for Don Town and Golfsmith, now called Golfsmith International. continued on page 10

8 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 9 Golf Town

return to the halcyon days of 2007. Besides, Pellucid says you can expect a “declining consumer base in 2013. The golfing base is increasingly concentrated in slow, no-growth demographics.” Which makes you question why Golf Town would want to firm its grip on the retail portion and stick a very large toe into the U.S. market through Golfsmith, which has lost money over the past five years. The National Golf Foundation reports that almost half of all golf stores in the U.S. closed in the last decade. Still, Keith McIntyre, CEO of K. Mac & Association, a Burlington, Ont. based sports marketing agency, is bullish on the move. “The merger (purchase) of Golfsmith makes sense – gives the growth potential in the U.S. and increases the buying power with manufacturers.”

Okay, maybe it’s time for a little perspective.

If Tim Hortons is the go-to place for coffee- mad Canadians, Golf Town is its golf equipment equivalent, both in soft and hard goods. I wanted to ask both how the sale in May of seemingly undervalued? The company’s meteoric rise under founder 2012 (Golf Town acquiring Golfsmith) might affect Whatever, the buy drastically reshapes the Stephen Bebis began in 1998 and big box stores the golf retail business in Canada and the U.S. landscape for consumers, suppliers, buyers, and began sprouting up everywhere. Its growth sent going forward – especially in light of news that employees in the golf business on both sides of shockwaves through the green grass industry, and the head office will be relocating from Markham, the 49th parallel. changed the buying patterns of players. Ontario to Austin, Texas in September. The purchase got considerable ink when it was With little room for further expansion in Canada, Both times I was turned down for interviews. first announced, and both Morrison and Gove were Golf Town stuck a tentative toe into the giant U.S. OMERS is the huge pension chatty about the consolidation. retail pool, opening up outlets in the Boston area. plan ($60 billion in assets) of the Did OMERS think a major acquisition was a Ontario Municipal Employees If Golf Town has been Morrison: “This is a unique better way to grow its footprint in North America? Retirement System. Its equity and strategic opportunity to That’s another question that’s never been arm owns retailers like Golf strengthened by its build on a proven business answered. Town and a vast number of model.” Like Tim Hortons, Golf Town was a made-in- shares in Shoppers Drug Mart. purchase of Golfsmith, Canada success story. Both became retail icons. According to the National Post, Gove: “Our business strategy But before warbling O Canada, remember that it purchased Golfsmith, the U.S. will focus on leveraging our Tim’s was eventually sold to Wendy’s, the giant golf retailer for $92 million. one thing is very clear: scale, deploying best practices U.S. burger chain. That deal was later reversed At the time, Golf Town had for both companies.” and Hortons is now widely held but controlled 54 stores across Canada and the big box retail by Canadians. seven in the Boston area, and If they want to clam up now, Is Golf Town poised to do the same thing? the purchase seemed to follow philosophy is being that’s fine, but the purchase and Another question that might need an answer, the company’s strategic plan of subsequent announcement of or at least a strong denial. consolidating the “fragmented jettisoned by the move south, has the rest No doubt, Golf Town is quickly wrapping itself but burgeoning golf retail of the golf industry talking, or in the Stars and Stripes. Corporate headquarters market,” said the Post. puzzling over what’s going to for the combined companies will move to Austin, Combined they check in other retailers. happen next. Texas in the fall, while Gove strides in as president. at 151 retail outlets in North No doubt, the golf industry Why? Isn’t a Canadian as qualified to run the show? America. Golf Town retains its name in Canada. has changed dramatically in both the U.S. and My first question might have been: Why did Canada - driven by the numbers. No answer. OMERS originally pay $214 million for 32 Golf At the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Town outlets and a whole lot less for Golfsmith’s this winter, the Pellucid ‘State of the Industry This has stirred up a ton of speculation that bigger portfolio? And here’s a follow up: If Golf Report’ noted that while spending for equipment many of the Canadian Golf Town buyers will not Town costs so much (too much?) why is Golfsmith was up, after bottoming out in 2009, it will never be making the trip to Longhorn country. Will other

continued on page 12

10 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 11 Golf Town Golf Town

and I found them to be some of the best buyers I have ever worked with,” he said. “I had thought it would make complete sense for them to remain in Canada.” How will Golf Town’s competitors in Canada respond to the new-look company?

“It’s business as usual,” said Dax Brewster, Sue Gove, manager of special business for the Forzani President and CEO of Group. At one time Nevada Bob’s, owned by Golfsmith International Forzani, the giant Canada-wide sports retailer, tried to match Golf Town - big box store for big including CTC. But manufacturers are always box store. That proved unsustainable, and the concerned about putting too much of their product retailer soon remade itself by embracing the “store in one basket, so to speak, especially the big one within a store” concept - moving golf operations Golf Town now provides. Manufacturers might into many Sport Chek franchises across Canada. be forced to look for additional retail operations Then, a while back, the Forzani Empire was or upgrade their green grass sales. There’s even gobbled up by the granddaddy of all sporting chatter that a large manufacturer is looking at goods outlets, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC). selling directly to consumers from its own retail CTC retained the store within a store philosophy. outlets. Nevada Bob’s is flourishing, says Brewster, a 20- But what about the green grass competitors, the year veteran of the retail wars. pro shops across Canada gutted by the creation of He says there are now 129 outlets, and 15 more Golf Town? Can they win back lost business? One coming this year, capping off a great 2012 when major supplier told Canadian Golfer Magazine it it recorded double-digit growth. might be a good chance for them to re-establish head office employees get their walking papers this continue with buyers from the U.S.? If there While the footprint is smaller, Nevada Bob’s is themselves in the marketplace. market, but it’s leading to some unease amongst the golf market. Will it? on September 1, 2013, as well? is a strong demand for a particular product and making some significant inroads, and that includes Canada is in the midst of a $4 million golf suppliers. That was the last of my 20 Questions that I It has certainly furrowed the brow of a few of inventory is limited, will Canada be shut out a spot in the Canadian Tire outlet location in the invasion from retailers south of the border. There’s even speculation that the purchase was going to ask Morrison. Golf Town’s major suppliers, many of whom talked and Golfsmith ensure that U.S. stores are looked heart of Toronto’s shopping district at Yonge Target has targeted Canada big time, and all the of Golfsmith will eventually see OMERS divest to Canadian Golfer Magazine after first? and Eglinton. Canadian retailers are bracing for a fight, including itself of its retail operations altogether, and exit Too bad he didn’t want to play. CG but didn’t want to be quoted – See. It doesn’t take long to Canadian Tire has breadth and billions in sales Canadian Tire. yet. They simply want some It’s probably compile 20 Questions. and the Golf Town-Golfsmith merging “doesn’t Dick’s Sporting Goods has been eyeing up clarification. change what we’re doing at all,” says Brewster. the Canadian market, say industry experts, and Many small distributors only a good idea Which begs one of the most If Golf Town has been strengthened by its perhaps that has fuelled Golf Town’s desire to Reach Your Most Important have rights for Canada while important ones: Isn’t it a bit purchase of Golfsmith, one thing is very clear: the cover its flank by purchasing Golfsmith. another company has the rights to let customers ironic that a pension plan big box retail philosophy is being jettisoned by McIntyre thinks Canuck retailers are poised to TARGETS in Golf ! in the U.S. If Golfsmith ships (OMERS) which represents other retailers. In March, Rona closed 10 big box fend off the challenge, especially in sporting goods. directly to Golf Town stores many unionized workers in stores and converted 13 others into concept stores. “The sports retail biz has evolved to an oligopoly Golf Professionals, Course Owners and will the Canadian distributor and suppliers know Canada, is actually shedding The company declared the big box store dead. where the buying power is consolidated to just Managers, Retailers, Superintendents, Food and Beverage Managers and be compensated? Is there really its Canadian skin (and perhaps a few,” he said. the Canadian golf industry. a need for a Canadian office/ what the heck many of its executives) to move A Toronto Star story published earlier this year There’s no doubt the Canadian retail market

FALL 20 warehouse now and to only operations south? Furthermore, led with this headline: “Big Trouble for Big-Box is in flux. 12 have a small sales staff to service is going on how many employees’ jobs Stores.” Stephen Taylor, the president and CEO of With 1 Publication and Digital Program we stores and sell to green grass in the Canadian stores (or Even Walmart is now building smaller “urban” Morguard Investments Ltd., with a $9 billion provide a direct connection to the most shops? Canadian companies serving sized stores. portfolio, says the Canadian market is “under important people in the golf industry. Pro both here, and Shop Magazine is the ONLY golf industry I was hoping Morrison, Golf Town) might be impacted Will Golf Town-Golfsmith peel back? stored.” publication to reach all the key golf target Another good question that goes unanswered. And the stores that are here are changing maybe even Gove, would help negatively by the consolidation? markets via print, digital, online and now in the U.S. clear the air here. Already a few vendors have Its recent move in Atlanta, Georgia, would rapidly. the new Ontario Golf Industry Expo event. Here’s three more. Will the expressed concern that there suggest no. The confluence of smartphones, 3D printers, customers on both sides of the border see prices might not be much business left for them once the A new Golfsmith “Xtreme” store has an parametric technology and other digital technology Contact us today and start promoting go up, or down? Will the deals between Golf mega-golf retailer sets up shop in the sunny south. expansive and “experiential” layout “that changes will change the sector as we now know it. your brands and services in our Town and its vendors remain in place, or will they Paul Greenglass, president of Old Skool Golf the paradigm for golf retail.” E-retailing will shorten checkout lines. Summer, Fall and Winter issues. be reworked? Will some vendors be eliminated Inc., said he was “very surprised” to find out If Canadian Tire decides to use its mammoth Yes, silence is golden, but not when you’re

ations mail product sales agreement 40021532 Links Marketing Group

because of this economy of scale? that Golfsmith was taking over the management financial leverage in the sports goods business to talking about retail. It’s probably a good idea to Canadian public Tel: 905-636-1400 BUYING SHOW FOR ADDITIONALGUIDE 2 0 1 2 INFORMATION AND STORIES VISIT • PRO SHO Over the years Golf Town and its buyers were of Golf Town. push more (or upscale) golf product, will former let customers and suppliers know what the heck P WWW.GOLFINDUSTRYNETWORK.CA Email: [email protected]

golfindustrynetw friendly to local and Canadian manufacturers “For the past eight years, I had the privilege Golf Town vendors slide their way? is going on both here, and in the U.S. ork.ca Web: golfindustrynetwork.ca

and distributors, and would stock product. Will to work with a number of buyers at Golf Town No one is talking about that at this time, Photo by John Gallaugher Consolidation might be good for the consumer

12 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 13 DickLee TrevinoGrimm

Nicklaus’s Captains Club at Muirfield Village in every Canadian Open, either as an advisor, Ohio, which chooses the honouree each year at as tournament chairman or as the director of the Memorial Tournament. professional tournaments for the RCGA. That’s He has become an institution in Canadian golf how he became known as Mr. Canadian Open. which led to him being inducted into both the He was also a driving force behind the RCGA’s Ontario and Canadian Golf Halls of Fame.“I really decision to work with a British Company called didn’t know much about Canada when my dad Abbey Glen to hire Jack Nicklaus to build a asked me to go up,” said Grimm. “I’d only been permanent home for the Canadian Open in to Canada once and that was to visit my aunt in Oakville. Of course that was Glen Abbey Golf Club Toronto and I was only about 13. which the RCGA purchased All I could remember was that in 1981 for $3 million and my uncle took me to a hockey Through my travels eventually sold to ClubLink game at the newly opened Maple in 1998 for $40 million. Leaf Gardens.” Glen Abbey has hosted the I’ve had a chance Dick Grimm It didn’t take Grimm long, Canadian Open 25 times, more however, to realize that he liked to see a lot than any other club in Canada, the country a lot and wanted to and although it’s no longer his name, is involved with Golf Association of make it his permanent home. the permanent home of the Ontario which has an award in his honour, and “The people were nice and of this great country PGA Tour event, it continues works with the Golf Journalists Association of the pace of life seemed about to be part of Golf Canada’s Canada which also has an award in his name. 40 percent of what it was in and I wish rotation for it. “I’ve been damn lucky to be involved in this By Garry McKay Chicago and I liked that,” said In fact, the 2013 RBC great game,” he says. Grimm. “I’m not a great hustle more people Canadian Open will be played Now here are a few things that you may not and bustle guy.”The company at Glen Abbey the week of know about Dick Grimm. was called Argo Block because appreciated what July 22. Glen Abbey is also several of the other principals the home of Golf Canada, and • In 1998, following a routine dental examination were former Toronto Argonaut PGA Tour Canada, and the he was diagnosed with jaw and throat cancer. In players. Grimm was eventually they have here. Canadian Golf Hall of Fame 2003 he had part of his jaw removed in a 12-hour joined by two of his brothers in and Museum. operation. “They told me before the operation that the business. Grimm joined Royal Canadian Golf Association I might not be able to speak or eat afterwards. I “We merged with Joe Primeau’s company in as a staff member in 1982 following the sale of haven’t stopped talking since and I eat anything 1962 to become Primeau Argo and we were the concrete block company and became their I can get,” he says. partners until 1982 when we sold to Lake Ontario director of professional tournaments. That meant • He’s been married twice and has been with Cement,” said Grimm. he oversaw the Canadian Open, as well as the his second wife Karen since 1974. He has 12 A golfer since an early age, Grimm joined the RCGA’s LPGA Tour event and Senior (Champions) grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in 1953 and Tour event. spread across North America. has been a member there ever since. He’s also In 1993 he left to take on a new challenge.“I had • Early this past April Grimm attended an a member at Bayview Golf and Country Club, is the opportunity to become Commissioner of the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to celebrate the an honourary member at the Cherry Hill Club Canadian Tour and I wanted to help get Canadian fact that he hasn’t had a drink in 50 years. He outside Fort Erie and Coppinwood, northeast of golfers up where they belong,” explained Grimm. admits that in his twenties it was a disease that It was, as it turned out, the best advice anyone ever gave Toronto. He also has playing privileges at Wooden He held the position for four years. ‘damn near killed me.’ Happy 90th Sticks and Muirfield Village in Columbus, Ohio. “It was both a good experience and frustrating, • Although he’s been called Mr. Canadian Open Dick Grimm. And if he hadn’t listened to what his father Dick Grimm , In 1964 he was approached at Mississaugua to and still is because we can’t get a following for for longer than he can remember, Grimm wasn’t even Canadian until two years ago. “People didn’t told him, golf in Canada might be very different today. from your take on the chairmanship of the 1965Canadian Canadian players. We travelled from Victoria to Open which the club was hosting.“That’s where PEI and we had, at one time, 12 tournaments but know I wasn’t Canadian and I didn’t correct them, Friends at it started and I got hooked,” he says. “One of we couldn’t get people to come out and watch. but I did feel guilty,very much so,” he says. “I Richard “Dick” Grimm was born in Chicago on “I can still remember my dad calling me into his Canadian Golfer the things that I love about tournament golf, One of my biggest regrets is that we couldn’t get wasn’t comfortable with it and neither was my April 28, 1923 (and if your math isn’t good that office and saying that he wanted meto go up to Magazine ! unlike many of the things that you do in life, is the support.” wife, who also wasn’t Canadian, so we decided means he just turned 90). His father, Richard Canada because he had a part interest in a concrete that it has a beginning and an end. On Sunday Grimm retired from golf at the end of that 1996 to become citizens together,” he states. senior, was the president of American Distilling block company in Cooksville,” Grimm recalls. night it’s over.” Canadian Tour season, or so he thought. Company. When Dick was 25 he was struggling “He said ‘you can treat it as a bit of a vacation After Bobby Nichols hoisted the Seagrams Almost immediately he was asked to help run “It’s a remarkable day when you swear to find a career path. He’d been a student at Yale, but I want you to have a look at the company and Trophy that Sunday afternoon in 1965, Grimm the Toronto Star Amateur Championship and, allegiance and become citizens. Canada has been served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, see what you think.’ So, I went up, and basically later a staff member with the Royal Canadian Golf knew that somehow, some way, he wanted to naturally, he agreed. marvellous to me. Through my travels I’ve had toyed with the idea of becoming a journalist, and I never came home.” Association, and later the Canadian Professional be part of the Canadian Open. And for the next In fact, since his retirement Grimm has acted a chance to see a lot of this great country and I had tried a few jobs, including a brokerage firm Grimm, who came to be known as Mr. Canadian Golf Tour. Even at age 90 he still sits on a number 28 years he was. as an advisor to Wooden Sticks Golf Club, helps wish more people appreciated what they have and real estate, but nothing really impressed him. Open, had a long career, at first as a volunteer and of golf boards and committees, including Jack From 1965 to 1993 Grimm was involved with organize a golf tournament at Coppinwood bearing here. We just take this country for granted.” CG

14 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 15 Your Equipment Find Your Ball at By Ross MacDonald Bridgestone Golf

The rules of golf say ball. Their ball speed and launch angle may be and lowered the spin rate. “Fourteen extra yards” low. Back spin and side spin may be too high. were the only results Taylor needed to hear. you can’t spend more The highs and lows add up to a loss of distance. Kyle Scott, assistant professional at the The goal of a Bridgestone ball fitting, which is Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ontario, says than five minutes looking done with a sophisticated computer system called a fitting session can be a great way for a club to for a ball. Not so, says the Science Eye Launch Monitor, is to optimize increase ball sales, build customer loyalty and ball speed launch angle and spin rates. There’s no help players improve their games. Bridgestone Golf. charge for a fitting, which Bridgestone conducts “We had one last year,” Kyle says, “and I’d in either an indoor simulator at a retailer, or at recommend one for any club. Bridgestone is They have their own set of rules for finding a an outdoor range. our number two ball and the e6 is an especially ball. First, they’ll give you more than five minutes. big seller.” Second, they’ll pretty much guarantee you’ll find Here’s how it works. Golfers who can’t get to a fitting session can your ball. get fit in a few ways through Bridgestone’s We’re talking about Bridgestone Golf’s ball The player hits a series of shots with their innovative Golf Ball Selection Guide at www. fitting, of course. The Bridgestone name has current ball of choice. The high-speed cameras bridgestonegolf.com become synonymous with its promise to every capture multiple measurements and use that Golfers with swing data from a launch monitor golfer to “find the ball that fits your game.” data to calculate specific launch characteristics. can input that data and get a ball recommendation Based on those ball based on similar data entered by other golfers. flight characteristics, the There’s also a question and answer option. technician will either A computer tabulates the golfer’s answers and confirm that the player’s searches against Bridgestone’s industry-leading current ball is still their database of live ball fittings to find a ball that best choice, or recommend has been recommended for other golfers with a Bridgestone/Precept ball similar swing numbers. that might work better. Another component is the B-Fit program. If the fitter recommends Available 24 hours a day, it connects the golfer a Bridgestone ball, the with a Bridgestone technician either online or by player will hit another phone. And late this summer Bridgestone will series of shots with that launch a Skype platform in retail locations that will ball. The data from those answer a golfer’s ball questions via an iPad kiosk. shots are then compared All the data Bridgestone collects provides the to the launch angle, spin information they need to create new models of rate and distance results balls or improve current models. produced by their own Bridgestone has plenty of ball solutions. They ball. The technician started with one model in 2005 and have since Bridgestone can now boast over 200,000 live then walks the player through a side-by-side added nine others plus the Precept Lady IQ. In ball fittings. And it’s the only ball company doing comparison of all data, which shows why the 2012, the e6 became the number one surlyn-cover fittings that allows golfers to test their own ball Bridgestone ball can help the player maximize ball in North America. The RX line is number five. against Bridgestone’s. performance. Says Pollock: “Ball fitting is basically the Coke What’s more, consider this statistic from Gary Harvey Taylor became a believer at a recent and Pepsi challenge in the golf ball category. It Pollock, national sales manager at Tournament fitting session. A 19-handicap at Deer Ridge Golf allows us 15 minutes to talk to the consumer and Sports in Waterloo, Ontario. The company is the in Kitchener, Ontario, Taylor’s numbers with his explain our story, and provide them with product Canadian distributor for Bridgestone balls. Of all own ball were less than optimal for his swing that will make their game better and maximize golfers that go through a Bridgestone ball fitting, speed. Ball speed and launch angle were low, their potential.” 85 per cent switch from the current ball they’re while backspin and sidespin were high. Verdict: Bridgestone conducts ball fittings in a number of playing to a Bridgestone product. loss of distance. provinces across Canada. For more information A Bridgestone ball fitting more often than not The technician recommended a B330-RX, about booking a Bridgestone ball fitting at your reveals that a golfer may be playing the wrong which upped the ball speed and launch angle, club, contact Pollock at 1-800-265-2454. CG

16 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca Bruce Simmonds

Bruce Simmonds

By Garry McKay

Kapolei Golf Course

Bruce Simmonds chuckles when he’s told that his newest him to play ClubLink courses. He’d been up courses in interesting locations like Hawaii and the medium term. to Muskoka and to all of the ClubLink courses Las Vegas,” said Simmonds. “Canada would be a secondary market for business venture acific inks is being called lub ink The South Shore Golf Course , P L , C L in Southern Ontario and he understood how “The idea is to develop a membership product, us,” he says. on steroids. ~ Simmonds, after all, was the co-founder of ClubLink operated.” ClubLink-style, as well as appeal to Chinese The initial Chinese focus will be followed by They are also working on establishing Du was looking to buy some property in the travellers who would use this membership to a push for members from Japan and Korea and relationships with, but not owning, courses in lub ink in was their until and remained a C L 1993, CEO 2004 exclusive Bridle Path area of Toronto and ended come over and play high quality courses in places eventually North America. Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, since director until 2009. To this day he still has what he calls up looking at a home owned by the parents like Hawaii, Las Vegas and California.” ClubLink buys golf courses in clusters to the Chinese like to travel there as well. And they of Jack Winberg, Simmonds’s former business When Simmonds was first approached about the encourage the members to play their courses already have a working agreement with the TPC a few shares an emotional investment in the company ‘ , ’ . partner at ClubLink. project he felt he had to look before he leaped. within a tight geographic area. Simmonds says courses in the United States. “Through that process he got connected to me “I wanted to see what he was all about so I went the cluster philosophy is also part of Pacific Pacific Links basically has two types of For the last three plus years, however, he’s “I wasn’t looking for it but the founder and and told me he was interested in starting a golf to China and spent a week with him in January Links’ outlook as well, but in their case it’s as memberships: their domestic (club) members been working with Chinese Canadian business CEO of Minacs, which was a public company, was business, buying up distressed golf properties in of 2010,” Simmonds said. “I was immediately much, or more about their members travelling play out of the clubs they’ve purchased, and entrepreneur Sha Du getting Pacific Links up dying of cancer and the board needed someone the U.S., and would I help him,” said Simmonds. captivated by his vision and his personality and to a destination to play their cluster of courses. their national and international memberships are and running. to come in and stabilize the company, assume To understand Pacific Links, Simmonds says his entrepreneurial success, and of course the “We have five courses on Oahu and we’re aimed at the travelling golfers. Those are being It is, Simmonds admits, loosely based on the the leadership of it, and they approached me in you have to know about Sha Du. opportunities that China presented. So I came working on getting as many as 10, and we’re also rolled out this spring in Asia and later in the fall ClubLink model. 2005 and I came out of retirement to do that.” “He was an economics professor at one of the on board (as CEO) and put together a team and looking at Maui,” Simmonds explains. “We have in North America. “We’re a long way from 50 golf courses like Simmonds was there until 2007 when he helped leading universities in China and 20 years ago he we developed the brand, the logo, the website two in Las Vegas and we’d like as many as six Simmonds knows that to make Pacific Links a ClubLink has,” says Simmonds. “I guess the the board sell the company to an outfit in India. was hand-picked by the Communist government and all the support material.” or eight. We’re also close to announcing our first success he has to treat this like a marathon, not ‘steroids’ part is that we have a much bigger “And then the same thing happened in 2008 with to help with the effort to introduce free enterprise That team, interestingly enough, includes a one in Southern California, in the LA market and a sprint, and it helps when the company’s sole playing field.” a company called Resolve based in Mississauga,” to China,” Simmonds explained. number of former ClubLink staffers. we expect to have six or eight there.” shareholder is completely committed. “ClubLink is pretty much just Ontario and says Simmonds. “They had just fired the CEO “He had no experience as an entrepreneur Initially Pacific Links is being geared towards Simmonds says they currently have nine target “He’s a very long term strategic thinker,” Quebec, although they’ve now expanded into and the CFO on the same day and they needed but through that process he realized there was a China’s business professionals who love to travel areas where they hope to have course clusters. Simmonds says of Du. “He’s put a significant Florida. With Pacific Links we’re going to be all a new CEO and a restructuring, turnaround type huge opportunity in China to get into the retail and play golf. They are Hawaii, Southern California, Northern chunk of his own money into this. From a capital over the U.S., plus a number of major international of situation.” business and he started two different retail chains.” “You have 1.4 billion people there and over California, Las Vegas, South Florida, Washington standpoint I have committed capital from him markets like China, Japan, Korea, with affiliations Simmonds joined Resolve in November of 2008 Both of those chains of big box stores were the next 20 years it’s projected that 300 million of D.C., Toronto and Vancouver. that’s equivalent to what I had at ClubLink after in places like Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and by the summer of 2009 he’d helped the board successful and as the Chinese economy rocketed them will migrate from the country to the cities “We’re not too interested in the middle part of 15 years. That tells you a lot,” he states. Vietnam, Thailand, and all through Southeast Asia. sell the company. to become one of the fastest growing in the world, in China,” Simmonds explains. the United States,” says Simmonds. “We’re more “We have the money. We have resources and So from that point I guess you could call it ‘on The opportunity to get back into golf came Du became the largest retailer, and one of the “People need to eat and live and be entertained interested in the coasts and particularly the west we have the commitment from the shareholder steroids’ because the scope of the whole thing along in December of 2009 basically as a bolt wealthiest men in Northern China. and that leads to this rising middle class. We’re coast and Hawaii. For whatever reason the Chinese to think on a long-term basis. He’s doing lots of is so much bigger.” out of the blue. In 2006 Du sold all of his Chinese assets except aimed at the professional, the entrepreneur, and prefer to go to where there’s mountains and water, investment spending.” When he retired as CEO of ClubLink at the end “I hadn’t known Mr. Du but one of his close one 36-hole golf course near Beijing. they’ve been making a lot of money and now as opposed to places like Texas or Missouri.” That investment spending includes hiring Greg of 2004, Simmonds had no plans to get back into associates here in Toronto was a member at “He decided he wanted to get into the golf they want to spend it,” he says. Although many of the Pacific Links senior Norman and Annika Sorenstam to be company the golf business, no plans even to get back into Emerald Hills, and over the years, every time business in the U.S., that the time was right, and “We’re positioning this as a western brand. If management is based in Toronto, and Simmonds spokespersons, and sponsoring a PGA Champions the business world. he visited Toronto his friend here would take he had a vision for buying up high quality golf you go over there it’s all about western brands.” says expansion here is in their plans, it’s in Tour event this year in Hawaii. CG

18 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 19 Slow Play Your Golf Course Is Not The Place By Ross MacDonald To Take Life Slow

Ohhh man this What is going to Get off the Just hit are they take all day !!! #*@ phone! the damn doing? ball!

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Leupold is proud to support Birdies For The Brave,® a military outreach program serving the unique psychological, physical, educational, and fi nancial needs of wounded warriors and military families. Imagine if life moved at the same snail’s pace as a typical round of golf. ~ rhetoric, actually – to deal with it and eradicate it. A number of years ago I heard a story that The fast food drive-through would take 20 minutes. The eight-items-or- magnified how desperate the battle against slow play had become. Apparently a course in the less checkout at grocery stores would seem like 25 or less. And getting southern U.S. had come up with the novel idea of Contact Korth Group Ltd. » www.korthgroup.com through customs at the airport? We don’t even want to think about that. giving its cart batteries limited life. At four hours and change, the battery would die. Well, we no longer have to agonize over golf’s game. Potential newcomers with limited leisure Slow players beware. Play with some purpose biggest albatross: slow play. time will look elsewhere for their entertainment. or risk having your cart die on the 17th tee. I’ve got the long sought-after, holy grail of “Having the course to yourself” will no longer be A good ride spoiled. solutions. just a figure of speech. What a great idea I thought at the time. Not Do nothing. Point is, the pace at which we play an already to mention a tragicomedy of sorts, the vision of The best way to get rid of slow play is to ignore taxing game remains painfully, dreadfully slow. slowpokes lugging tour bags to the clubhouse –

it. More and more frustrated players will leave the And it seems to get worse despite lots of talk – continued on page 22 Photo by John Gallaugher

20 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.caUse of Department of Defense image does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 21

L245-030170 GX-3i Brand Print Ad Canada Trim: 9.625" W x 13" H Bleed: 9.75" W x 13.125" H Live: 8.875" W x 11.75" H 4/C Swanson Russell

ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 3% A 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 40 40 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 3 10 25 50 75 90 100

B 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0 0 0 0 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 Slow Play Slow Play

The Top 20 (Fast) Play List

There’s no shortage of slow play antidotes. Try any or all of these:

• Play from tees that match your skills. • Quit emulating tour players. • Shut off the smartphone or leave it in the car. • Putt out instead of marking that tap in. • Take enough clubs to your ball if it’s cart-path-only. • Consider a GPS or rangefinder just deserts for simply not understanding that a day-long chain reaction of frustrated players and and ask players to play from the correct tee for a friendlier manner.” Club in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. “We have to calculate yardage. golf course isn’t the place to make a day of it. frazzled marshalls. their skill level. While Leblanc cites several causes of slow play, another great course in our area but it’s famous • Spend minimal time at beverage But then it dawned on me: what about courses Trouble is, as clubs look to maximize business “You should have advanced tees for beginners, one for him stands out. for painfully slow rounds, so we benefit from where you could still walk? Would marshalls armed cart or halfway house. in these uncertain times, it’s tempting to overbook. shorter hitters and kids, and maximum number of “Personally I think it is lack of attention and those that go there and are frustrated.” with cattle prods descend on the stragglers and • Clear the green quickly. But create gridlock and the same players clubs are strokes on a hole. We have forward tees on some readiness to play when it is your turn. Sure, long Chambers is clear on what he feels are the give them a jolt if necessary? • Head to your ball only – every shot. “squeezing in” may not come back. It doesn’t take courses as close as 150 yards from the green.” rough can increase time looking for your ball and root causes of slow play – excessive drinking on While many in the game feel it should be up • Hit a provisional ball if you a course long to get a reputation for slow play. Players on the wrong tees or emulating tour cart path only does make for a long day sometimes. the course, players learning the game, the tour to governing bodies like the USGA and R&A to think the first one is lost. The quick answer is having the right course players can be bad for business, Brotchie says. But if you are aware of your surroundings and player influence, cart rules and the proliferation deal with the issue, I’m not so sure. Too often • Limit time spent looking for a lost ball. marshall, says Chris Miranda, director of golf at “Taking longer to play can have an impact on can recognize you are out of position, then the of smart phones. their decisions are wishy-washy and slow to take • Wave a group through if you the public Cambridge Golf Club in Cambridge, rounds played, may reduce the time after the round problem would be a lot less prevalent.” But as a well-known proponent of growing the effect. For example, the 2011 ban on square- insist on looking for a ball. Ont. Confrontational types need not apply. available to socialize or use food and beverage, And what about punishment for repeat game from the bottom up, Chambers certainly grooved wedges doesn’t affect the average amateur • Read the green as you approach it. “No-nonsense marshalls only add to the etc., and may affect whether someone returns.” offenders? “I think a three-strike rule is fair to realizes how important beginners are to the game. until 2024. And the recent anchoring issue did • Mark the scores on the next tee. frustration,” Miranda says. “And someone who’s The first groups off need to set the pace, says guests of the club who have paid to play that “Beginners know they are slow and are trying little more than create confusion, backlash and • Park the cart adjacent to a little too friendly can be more of a detriment Brotchie. If things get behind, there’s no turning day,” Leblanc says. “If, after three attempts they their hardest already,” Chambers says. “If we lots of speculation. Getting rid of slow play is a or behind the green. than a benefit. back. “It’s essential since they control those that have not made significant efforts to maintain their notice beginners out on the course, we help them far more complicated and urgent issue than the • Save the coaching of others “The best marshalls are non-verbal. They stay play behind them. Once the course reaches a pace of play, I would ask them to either pick up by mentioning when our slow times are at the aforementioned ones. Having either of these for the practice area. 200 yards ahead of groups and help them locate certain time, say 4.75 hours to play, it is hard to their ball to catch up with the group in front of course so they can come then and actually take typically slow-moving bodies involved would • Let a short hitter play if he or she stray balls. Three minutes looking for a ball is really do anything to improve times.” them, or offer them a pass to come back and their time to enjoy.” surely be ironic, if not futile. can’t reach the group ahead. a long time; seven minutes for a new Pro V1 is Slow play isn’t a major issue at the Westfield play another day. I would much rather upset four For anyone who thinks cart rules – paths only Nonetheless, the USGA recently revealed some • Hit when ready if order doesn’t matter. even longer. If the group arrives at the ‘lost ball’ Golf & Country Club in Grand Bay-Westfield, NB. golfers than a whole field of golfers.” or 90-degree rule – don’t affect slow play, think initiatives to address a problem that it says is a • Walk briskly if you’re not in a cart. location and the marshall says it went in right Why? Education. It’s about protecting the field, so to speak. again. Brotchie says the 90-degree will add roughly threat to the health of the game. If the USGA • Prune a long pre-shot routine here, the player will likely throw down a ball “It’s the best approach for my members,” Failure to deal with slow play offenders can 30 minutes to a round. Chambers is even blunter considers this finding a revelation, then obviously and move on.” says head professional Steve Leblanc. “We have leave the rest of the field frustrated, and looking in his assessment. to something concise. it’s been devoting too much time to the anchoring Topping Miranda’s slow play solutions are a pamphlet on maintaining pace of play that elsewhere to play their golf. “Cart paths only are a huge slow play factor and square grooves issues. reasonable tee-time intervals to prevent course members receive in the spring, and we address But, as Jeff Chambers says, one club’s loss can and even the 90-degree rule is a pain. We charge In a nutshell, the USGA plans to examine the overload and golfers playing from tee decks that it in the monthly newsletters. If members and be another club’s gain. good money to ride the carts so they should be causes of slow play, develop a pace of play model, being one of them. Amateurs love to emulate their match their ability. guests know it won’t be tolerated, then I believe “Frustrated golfers leave,” says Chambers, head able to go directly to their ball and in return it improve the pace rating system based on the heroes. But until the PGA Tour finds a backbone Says Miranda: “If you can’t shoot even par from we are able to approach them on the subject in professional at the Elmwood Golf & Country will speed up play without rushing the players.” model and educate players on how to play faster. to punish its own, these players will continue to the shortest tee deck, why do you play a longer Which begs the question – why do so many So it’s come to this: a scientific study to find be a bad influence. You know, plumb bobbing, course. New courses being built and courses doing courses implement these rules when course out how to move four players 6,200 yards in backing off shots ad nauseum, throwing up grass construction make the courses too long. In 2010 conditions suggest they’re not necessary? four hours. to check wind conditions, stalking a putt from we added 14 tee decks. All were constructed in The smart money says we may never get rid of Short of a scientific breakthrough, what is the several angles, and so on and so on. Get behind a front of our longest tees to encourage players to slow play. But clubs I spoke to are keenly aware real answer? If we can make golf balls go farther, Kevin Na or Jim Furyk wannabe and you can only play up a set. Result? Faster rounds.” of the issue and doing what they can to prevent it. why can’t we make golfers play in four hours, hope you didn’t make any other plans that day. If there’s a consensus among pros and owners While it’s up players themselves to take the lead, four and a half at the absolute max? Unfortunately, the list is much longer, with as to a major cause of and solution to slow play, Chambers says it all starts at the top. The solutions are many, at least on paper. everything from cart-path-only rules to excessive it’s a player’s choice of tees. For Harry Brotchie, “Get the pros playing faster! Don’t let them Collectively applied, they’d all but eliminate slow smartphone usage a culprit. president of Lakeland Golf Management, it’s an take five minutes to hit a shot on TV. play. But as slow as play has become, even slower So where does a club start to keep slow play in area of focus for the nine courses in Manitoba “Tour players are taking way too long, and they has been the discovery of a definitive remedy. check? Doing so is critical to course management, and Saskatchewan that fall under the Lakeland are the ones our golfers are watching and trying For as long as I can remember everyone from especially on days when the tee sheet is booked umbrella. to copy. The leaders have to lead by example, professional tours to the local nine-hole course solid. Course overload, often the result of poorly “Players playing from tees beyond their skill so slow play issues start with the tour players. have been bemoaning the five-hour round. spaced tee-time intervals, is a recipe for disaster. level,” says Brotchie when asked about the biggest “Until they fix the tours, golf courses don’t

Fingers point in many directions, tour players One slow group can wreak havoc and set off a causes of slow play. “We’ve added forward tees Photo by John Gallaugher have a chance.” CG

22 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 23 Golf Business

golf industry is starting to rally around. “Water is the greatest issue we will face in the Quenching Golf’s future,” says Canadian course designer/renovation specialist Ian Andrew. “Clubs have done a great job creating storage and collection systems to Thirst Responsibly ensure they have enough, but in the future I expect some will have to reduce or even stop irrigating By Rick Young roughs to meet future restrictions. Our access to potable water has to decline as communities expand because it is largely a finite resource.” Water used to be golf’s back room issue. ~ It’s the one people The water summit’s benchmark for irrigated didn’t like talking about. The one that when mentioned made turf reduction is noteworthy. Pinehurst # 2, host course for the upcoming general managers and professionals cringe. A problem golf’s 2014 United States Opens (men’s and women’s), stakeholders broached but most often behind closed doors. recently went through an extensive renovation administered by the Crenshaw/Coore design team. Politically it’s a powder keg. Environmentally it superintendents, who spoke candidly on the issue Returning the historic North Carolina sand is another ‘cause’ for hard-line activists with no of water and its relationship with the game at large. hills layout to Donald Ross’ original vision has data or research but whose voices speak loudest Aptly titled “Golf’s Use of Water: Solutions for accomplished two things. It re-exposed the unique with the media and with municipal, provincial a More Sustainable Game,” the summit provided sandy outcropping contrasts that once dominated and federal government agencies. not only a showcase for how proactive golf is at Pinehurst # 2, but also turned the historic course There is, however, no side-stepping what is on water, but also an overview of the task that into a sustainability showcase for irrigating only at hand – or at stake. Going forward into this lies in prospect. what is absolutely necessary. century water will ultimately be this game’s Case in point: more than 40 acres of ‘rough’ defining challenge. Dealing with it at every level were removed. In its place are the natural sand is becoming not only necessary but an absolute areas, wire grass, pine straw, native grasses and requirement for the entire industry. hardpan Ross himself incorporated into the “It’s not a threat only for Canada or America; original design. water is a problem the game will face globally,” The changes coincide with a reduction of said Ben Crenshaw, a former Masters Champion sprinkler heads from 1,100 to 450. Only two cuts who now teams with Bill Coore to comprise one of grass will be in play during those United States of the game’s most successful course design teams. Opens - greens and everything else. “We must continue to find ways to work towards “The end result is dramatic,” Crenshaw said. a sustainable industry while managing water and “Instead of maintaining the turf wall-to-wall, turf efficiently and productively. That has to be the centre water line will ultimately define the part of golf’s future mission statement.” fairways, while the rest of # 2 will be distressed The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association’s Turfgrass research, for example, remains a major turf that will take on only natural water. There use of water and its management policy of it, initiative. Over the past 30 years the USGA has is no rough. It’s gone. By doing this we were while perhaps not visionary, is both practical invested over $40 million as it seeks new grass able to widen the fairways to give all golfers, not and responsible. types that rely on less water. The University of just the best golfers, more playing options tee to The CGSA has made a forthright effort in Guelph carries on similar turfgrass development green. When you see and feel it you know its working to promote awareness and wise water for the industry here in Canada. Those investments something different.” practices within the golf industry, while it remain ongoing. The consensus amongst summit attendees is heightens education with respect to water quality “We understand that water management and the renovation of Pinehurst # 2 and the ensuing and its use. sustainability are long-term issues and the path U.S. Opens there in 2014 could serve the entire It also seeks continued R&D for best practices forward won’t be easy,” said USGA President industry as a sustainability model for the future. in water management and conservation while Glen Nager during his opening comments at the With research into best practices methodology engaging in discussions about water with various summit. “The USGA is taking substantive steps for recycling water continuing in earnest, the levels of government. The CGSA is not afraid to to move the golf industry toward a healthier, industry’s job, now it seems, is to further educate put itself out there on water. sustainable future and a more sustainable game.” consumers of golf in North America that the Neither is the United States Golf Association. The two day conference produced one central ‘Augusta mentality’ of everything being green and This past November in Grapevine, Texas, the USGA theme – golf’s most effective way to lower water lush on a golf course must change. convened golf’s first ever water summit. It was a use is by reducing irrigated turf requirements. By Non-golfers that tune in for the novelty and the gathering of industry leaders from across North facilities stringently maintaining only ‘required’ event that the Masters is, are probably awed by America, in conjunction with expert agronomists, turf, water consumption goes down dramatically. the Augusta syndrome. But the blue collar golfer

researchers, developers, course designers and A ‘less is more’ approach to water is one the entire likes it firm and fast.” CG Photo by John Gallaugher

24 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca Advertorial Advertorial

Bring the Clubs, Bring the Family ... Kids Play Free!

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

The TPC at Myrtle Beach By Rick Drennan

New direct flights and some old-style southern fried service continue to make this the No. 1 destination for golf-mad Canadians Tidewater Golf Club

Henry Ford: cars. and for golf starved Canadians, this four-season only does the Grand Strand offer some of the best Myrtle Beach International Airport, strategically outings and bachelor parties, as men would make Thomas Edison: the light bulb. vacation destination is an all-round, all-year golf courses, there are more than 1,700 restaurants, timed to connect with 97 per cent of its operations the annual trip for a weekend of golf while leaving Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: golf, golf and GOLF! getaway. superb shopping complexes, and lively nightlife. at Toronto Pearson. Flights will operate on the wife and kids back at home. Today, more and Over four million rounds are played in the Each year nearly one million golfers from Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 2. more families are selecting Myrtle Beach as their Some names are simply synonymous with great immediate area each year, and it’s simply the No. around the world visit the region, and Canadians Golden called Canada a “wonderful market” vacation destination with golf as just one of the products. 1 golf destination in the United States. top the list. during his trip to the Toronto Golf Show in March. activities in which the entire family can participate. Golf is writ large in Myrtle Beach, along its Chris King with Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday King is bracing for a larger influx now that He was there to unveil “75 things to do in Myrtle.” Since opening its doors in 1967, Myrtle gorgeous stretch of seaside, dubbed the Grand (www.golfholiday.com) doesn’t just crunch these WestJet and Porter Airlines have pinpointed it as But what makes it even more wonderful is the Beach Golf Holiday has established itself as the

Strand. numbers, he pulverizes them into submission. a direct draw for golf mad Canadians. World Amateur Handicap Championship (August predominant golf destination marketer in the Wayne Gretzky & For Canadians this is the golfing source of the He points out that of the Top 15 Golf “About 95 per cent of all Canadians are just 26-30), a 72-hole tournament open to young, United States, and has been Dustin Johnson Nile, a 15.5-hour drive from Central Canada, but Destinations among core Canadian golf travellers one stop away from flying to Myrtle Beach,” old, women, men and youth. It’s a multi-flight the driving force behind Myrtle only a short flight if you hop aboard Spirit Airlines to the U.S., Myrtle Beach tops all at 15.2 per cent. explains King. “Airlines like WestJet and Porter event that attracts amateurs from all over the Beach’s growth as the world’s Joining him in the lead out of Niagara Falls, New York, or even better, He points out that there are approximately 425 will increasingly make Canada a fertile golf planet, including China, Ireland, Portugal, and most popular golf destination. group was none other than Porter Airlines or WestJet flights out of Toronto. hotels and 89,000 rooms in the Myrtle Beach area. market for us.” of course, Canada. Golf Holiday invented the golf No. 99, Wayne Gretzky. The native carriers provide non-stop passage to But the numbers that really interest chilled-out “WestJet’s decision to offer non-stop flights to It’s 30 years old and attracts about 3,000 golfers package and, in recent years, the With an airport a city that offers 102 championship-calibre courses Canucks are these: the average temperatures here Myrtle Beach provides us a golden opportunity to every year. organization continues to be on the cutting edge expansion completed by late March, and the with names like Caledonia, Long Bay, The River (in Fahrenheit) are, as follows: winter: 56°-60°; attract golfers from not only Toronto, but across The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is open of golf travel marketing, assuring the continued extended May to October summer season already Club, Pine Lakes or the TPC at Myrtle Beach. One spring: 68°-83°; summer: 88°-91°; and fall: 69°-85°. Canada,” said Bill Golden, Myrtle Beach Golf each night during the tourney, and King calls health of the Grand Strand market. upon us, Myrtle Beach is waving the red and white is certain to whet your golfing appetite. King isn’t finished. He notes that the Myrtle Holiday’s president. it the world’s largest 19th hole. He says the Myrtle Beach has virtually adopted Canadian Canuck flag that signals the South Carolina city The thing about Myrtle Beach is this: about one Beach area is a 60-mile stretch of white sandy “Canadians take more than 1 million golf trips camaraderie is special “and you never know who visitors. The green carpet (as in grass) was rolled can’t wait for more and more Canadians to touch million people from all over North America visit beaches stretching from Pawleys Island, S.C. annually, and WestJet’s entry into the market will they’ll be teed up with. You might be playing out at the 52nd annual Can-Am Days (March 9-17). down for a visit. CG it each year to play golf. But that’s only 1/15th to Southport, N.C. Many of its courses boast make the Grand Strand an even more attractive with three people from North Carolina one day, The city was also “Canadianized” of the total vacationers. the design influences of golf’s greatest names, destination. Non-stop flight service is vital to then someone from Italy, California and China, on the day after the 2013 Masters, For more info, on Myrtle Beach: In other words, Myrtle Beach has a whole including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom the future growth of the market, and we look the next,” he says. “It’s a wonderful experience when the annual ‘Hootie & lot to offer, including one of the biggest water Fazio, Rees Jones, Pete Dye and others. forward to helping WestJet succeed in Myrtle for all participants.” The Blowfish Monday After Twitter: http://twitter.com/mymyrtlebeach hazards in the world immediately to the east - the With courses along saltwater marshes, the Beach,” he said. Check out www.worldamgolf.com for details. the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitmyrtlebeachsc Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic Ocean, beautiful native forests and historic WestJet will introduce twice weekly service Years ago, Myrtle Beach was the number one Tournament’ was held, hosted YouTube: www.YouTube.com/VisitMyrtleBeach Each course in Myrtle has its own special look, plantations, the area’s diversity is unmatched. Not between Toronto Pearson International Airport and venue for all-male buddy trips, corporate executive by native son Dustin Johnson.

26 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 27 GolfSt and Country Club, George’s Etobicoke GolfSt and Country Club, George’sEtobicoke

By Rick Drennan Some courses have a river that runs through it. How about a major thoroughfare? has hosted five national championships, including the RBC Canadian Open in 2010. That’s right, Islington Avenue dissects St. George’s Golf and Country Club in mid-town Time seems to stand still at St. George’s, and you can be lulled in a comely state by its Toronto. Yet in separating the magnificent clubhouse with its lofty spires, and the course meandering fairways framed with mature trees. But you get an early wake-up call when exactly a surprise. Runner up was The National itself, it only adds to the course’s charm. confronted with its severely titled greens. They add that extra bite that makes St. George’s Everybody loves a list. ~ David Letterman’s Top 10 List is a highlight Golf Digest and Golfweek magazines rank St. George’s No. 10 in the world outside the the best of the best. But this is an ultra modern facility that, over the years, has been Golf Club in Woodbridge, Ontario, another world- of his late-night talk show. ~ The golf industry is no different. ~ Each United States and No. 1 in Canada. stretched out to a par 71, 7,025 yards. PGA pros continue to heap praise on it for its duality renowned layout. year, different publications get feedback from industry insiders and pull Adding another gem to its crown with the No. 1 ranking by the PGA of Ontario is com- of design – both traditional and modern. It’s best known for its four outstanding finishing But little gems are sprinkled throughout the Top pelling because it’s a list compiled by the province’s top professional golfers. holes. Toronto has grown up around this sublime piece of golfdom, and lovely, high-end together their op and op course lists T 50 T 100 . 50, said Zecchino, who likes the fact that many Professionals have been bewitched and bedazzled by this parkland beauty since 1929 estate properties frame many of its outsides, but only adds to its luster. The course is lost younger pros participated in the survey. That when fabled architect Stanley Thompson designed this Canadian masterpiece. The club in its own quiet reveries, far from the buzz of traffic on Islington Avenue. They seek to be semi-scientific, and many send prints it here. meant some fresh eyes went into the calculations. out designated emissaries called ‘course raters’ This magazine’s publisher, Randy McDonald, PGA of Ontario members had to send in their to help compile these lists. formerly Group Publisher at Score Golf Magazine Top 10 courses minimum, and were encouraged The granddaddy of them all is Golf Digest, where he “Canadianized” the Golf Digest-type of to send up to 25 in order to gather more input, with multiple categories, including the best of listing, isn’t a big fan of ‘courses raters.’ break ties, etc. Courses were awarded points (1st in the ‘U.S.’, ‘International,’ and ‘New courses.’ “They just don’t have the street cred of a pro,” place vote 10 pts.) on a sliding scale. The results are, in some ways, unsatisfactory, and he said. “In many cases, they are hired to compile Said Zecchino: “Everyone who voted is rooted supremely subjective. information and draw conclusions when they have in the game and bring a wealth of knowledge, and The PGA of Ontario has tried to be different. a limited understanding of the game and what passion, to the process. I like the fact they took Way different. Good different. makes a course truly great. Pros come at it with this seriously, and this will become a template It went right to the source at the course to a jaundiced eye. They know all about playability, for future surveys.” compile its own list of Ontario’s top playpens. which should be the No. 1 factor when talking Kevin Purcell, Executive Director of the PGA That meant tapping into the expertise of its about a world-class course.” of Ontario agrees. Golf Club, Woodbridge membership, the golf professionals. Zecchino said it was way past time that the “Our pros know better than most why a certain The National “Panels in the past have been all over the place,” information gathering was put into the hands course is a cut above the rest,” he said. “We’re says Mark Zecchino, a former golf professional, of the pros. “To my knowledge, it’s never been quite thrilled with the final list, and with hundreds and host/executive producer of Golf Talk Canada done before,” he said, “and I don’t know why.” of great courses not on the list, it just shows the on TSN Radio, the only nationally syndicated golf McDonald said Ontario is one of the great rich portfolio of courses in Ontario. I love the fact show in the country. golfing destinations in the world, and soliciting courses like Oviinbyrd (Foots Bay) and Lakeview Zecchino is also the marketing and information from a survey completed by pros (Mississauga) are on our list.” communication executive with the PGA of Ontario. simply adds heft and credibility to it. McDonald said Canadian courses don’t get Criteria for the OGA list are simple: Zecchino said the list provided a few surprises, their due in the world rankings, and Ontario is, in and Mother Nature had a lot to say about the final many ways, Golf Central in Canada. The Muskoka 1. You must be a member of 50. He’s a big fan of beautiful vistas. He also loves region in cottage country north of Toronto has The National Golf Club is a relative baby when compared to St. George’s. Tom Fazio built something else: patience. This is a course where focus is needed every step of the way. The PGA of Ontario to vote. a course with elevation changes. really raised the bar in this province,” he said. 2. You must not be affiliated with the it in 1974. But there’s nothing baby-like about the design, and the challenge it offers up. The par 4s at The National – especially the 11th and 16th – are some of the best in St. George’s, host to five Canadian Opens, It helps that many of them are situated on course you vote for in any way, This par 72, 7000+ layout is the ultimate test of shotmaking. No wonder Ontario’s pros the country, and if the teeing areas are generous, things get a little tighter and harrier the placed it No. 2 on their list. closer you get to the greens. work for, ambassador, member, etc. including the 2010 RBC event, has both – in spectacular pieces of property. Added McDonald: spades. The mid-town Toronto course opened I’m glad we’ve finally compiled a list that is free of So how tough is it? Lee Trevino still holds the course record with a 67, fired on his way This course isn’t for beginners, or even those with a low to mid handicap – especially 3. You must have played the course to winning the 1979 Canadian PGA Championship. Holding a course record for 34 years is from the back tees. Located on some of the finest parkland in Ontario, The National is a in 1929 and was designed by fabled architect bias, and really accentuates a course’s playability.” in order to vote for it. virtually unheard of in the golf world. But hey, we’re talking The National here. The Merry private club with a penchant for bringing out the best or the worst in those that play it. It Stanley Thompson. It’s a perennial favourite of Pin Hi golf apparel is partnering with the PGA Mex still calls it one of the toughest tracts he has ever encountered. was named No. 17 in Golfweek’s listing of the Top 100 Outside the U.S. From its gentle Zecchino unveiled the list on his talk show anyone who has had the privilege of playing of Ontario to produce ‘Top 50’ product to be sold The course is a magical matrix and the sloping greens offer big problems for even the opener, a dogleg right par 4, to the lofty vistas from the 18th tee box, The National remains earlier in May and Canadian Golfer Magazine there, and its selection as numero uno isn’t at all the honoured clubs this summer. most accomplished low handicapper. It’s takes nerve and talent to tackle The National, and an urban golf legend in Canada – a course with a target on its back: Trevino’s improbable 67.

28 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 29 Photo by Clive Barber

Hamilton Golf Club, Ancaster Devil’s Paintbrush, Caledon Mississaugua Golf & Country Coppinwood Golf Club, Uxbridge Club, Mississauga

English architect Harry Colt left his indelible imprint on golf clubs in Ontario, including the Hall of Fame golf writer Lorne Rubinstein loves the one-two punch provided by Devil’s Mississaugua might be the only 20-hole course of this list. (The extra holes are used It’s new, its dramatic, and it’s quickly becoming one of Ontario’s best golf courses. Coppinwood Hamilton Golf and Country Club, located in Ancaster, Ontario. The Club was founded in Pulpit and Devil’s Paintbrush, both magnificent layouts in the Caledon Hills northwest sparingly, to ease play). But whatever 18 you get to play, you’ll never forget holes is a golfer’s delight located on 357 acres of rolling terrain with stunning elevation changes, in 1894 and has played a significant role in Canadian and International golf since that time. of Toronto. He calls it the best “two-course club in the world.” The Par 72, 6800 ‘Brush 7, 8, and 9, that cross, and run parallel to the Credit River, which makes this one of the midst of quiet farm country 30 minutes northeast of Toronto. Designed by Tom Fazio, the The Club sits on a 300-acre site and consists of three championship nines, a nine-hole is dramatically different from its sister. This is inland link’s-like golf, on tumbledown Ontario’s most memorable parkland courses. Six times this private facility has hosted par 72 layout features five sets of tees to provide members of all skill levels with an excep- short course (another Colt masterpiece) and full practice facilities. The Club has hosted fairways to superb greens dotted with pot bunkers, some as deep as any in Canada. the Canadian Open, and every time there’s a memorable shot made (or not made) that tional golfing experience. Blue grass rough frames superbly manicured bent grass fairways numerous national and international amateur and professional tournaments, including Yet there’s a subtle elegance to this layout that makes it a fan favourite of the pros. makes for real drama. Jack Nicklaus’s splashdown in the water in front of the Big Chief, and fescue grasses. Subtly contoured greens are inviting and reward well hit shots. Bunkers five RBC Canadian Opens. The original 18 holes was designed by Colt and is consistently The deceptive first hole (take enough club off the tee) leads you lovingly into this the Par 5, 12th, cost him the 1965 title. This near 7,000 yard layout is one of the most are minimalist, dramatic, and remarkably consistent in their playability. The par threes are as ranked in the top courses in Canada and internationally. The last Open was played here mid-Ontario gem. playable courses in the country, and it two-tiered fairway on No. 2, makes it one the unique as they are picturesque. This is Fazio at his finest, a dramatic, walkable, modern classic, in 2012, won by Scott Piercy. oddest driving experiences in golf. playable for novice and serious golfers alike, sure to surprise and challenge on every round.

Beacon Hall, Aurora Westmount Golf Club, Kitchener Muskoka Bay Club, Gravenhurst Rocky Crest Golf Club, MacTier

There’s a strange (and lovely) duality about Beacon Hall Golf Club, situated just north of Stanley Thompson was at the top of his game when he laid out this bucolic beauty Pristine lakes. Towering forests. Crystal clean air. And a vitality that sweeps through Again, this is Muskoka beauty, writ large. Since it opened in 2000, this spectacular Toronto. Perhaps Robert Cupp, the course architect sums it up best when he said: “I wish in southwestern Ontario. Like an artist with a perfect palette, Thompson crafted this the trees and makes its way into your soul. This is the Muskoka Bay Club. And topping Thomas McBroom design is presided over by an imposing pine-log lodge-style it were mine to play every day.” For lucky members, it is. For the rest of us, we can only 18-hole championship layout from some of the prettiest land in Ontario. The vistas it off is the 17,000 square foot Clifftop Clubhouse. The Doug Carrick designed 18- clubhouse and incorporates all the spine-tingling qualities of the Muskoka golf dream of an invite to this luscious par-72 layout that now plays up to 7,001 yards from at Westmount have a way of lulling you into losing track of just how challenging hole championship golf course drinks in the natural features that frame it - mammoth experience. With tees stretching from 6,936 yards down to 5,131, Rocky Crest is a the back tees. What sets the club apart is the dramatic change in nines. The front nine this Par 73 of nearly 7,000 yards. It’s a rollicking ride around Westmount with its rock ridges, wetlands and beaver ponds. The course is hemmed in by forest - and delight for golfers of all abilities. The Canadian Shield makes its appearance on no is tree-lined, and parkland style; the back is wide-open, and links style. It’s like playing uneven fairways that make it a shotmaker’s delight. No wonder it was home to the delivers a golf course with dramatic elevation changes, breathtaking vistas and a rare less than 15 holes, including No. 6, a par 5 measuring 569 yards from the back tee and Augusta National and St. Andrews in the same 18– a refreshing change of pace that sets 1957 Canadian Open, and produced one of Canada’s greatest players, U.S. Amateur combination of playability and challenge. The par 72 can play to almost 7,400 yards, an immediate carry over a smooth and beautiful granite ravine. What could be more this club apart from others in Ontario. Champion Gary Cowan. if you’ve got the game. beautiful, or challenging?

30 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 31 #11 Bigwin Island Golf Club, Baysville

#28 Rosedale Golf Club, Toronto #44 Osprey Valley Resorts, Caledon Photo by John Gallaugher Photo by John Gallaugher

The Next 40

11. Bigwin Island Golf Club, Baysville 12. London Hunt and Country Club, London 13. The Toronto Golf Club, Mississauga 14. Devils Pulpit, Caledon Village 15. Summit Golf Club, Richmond Hill 16. Westin Golf and Country Club, Toronto 17. Eagles Nest Golf Club, Maple 18. Georgian Bay Club, Clarksburg 19. Cherry Hill Club, Ridgeway 20. Mad River Golf Club, Creemore 21. Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville 22. Oviinbyrd Golf Club, Foots Bay #29 Whirlpool Golf Course, Niagara Falls 23. Brantford G&CC, Brantford 30. Wyndance Golf Club, Uxbridge 44. Osprey Valley Resorts, Caledon 31. King Valley Golf Club, King City 45. Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, Huntsville 32. Bayview Golf and Country Club, Thornhill 46. Look Out Point Country Club, Fonthill 33. Lakeview Golf Course, Mississauga 47. Credit Valley G&CC, Mississauga 34. Rideau View Country Club, Manotick 48. Cataraqui G&CC, Kingston 35. Thornhill G&CC, Thornhill 49. Copper Creek Golf Club, Kleinberg

#21 Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville 36. Taboo Resort, Golf and Spa, Gravenhurst 50. Heron Point Golf Links, Alberton 37. The Club at Bond Head (South), Bond Head 24. Redtail Golf Course, Port Stanley 38. Eagle Creek Golf Club, Dunrobin 25. The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club, McKellar 39. The Rock, Minett 26. Cobble Beach Golf Course, Kemble 40. Goodwood Golf Club, Goodwood 27. Greystone Golf Club, Milton 41. Burlington G&CC, Burlington 28. Rosedale Golf Club, Toronto 42. Deer Ridge Golf Club, Kitchener 29. Whirlpool Golf Course, Niagara Falls 43. Grandview Golf Club, Huntsville

#14 Devils Pulpit, Caledon Village 32 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 33 To Say The Least Im p r essi v e,

host both small and the very large tournament “The Valley nine plays up and down the plebiscite that received about 88 percent approval groups. Our trade centre allows us to seat as Nottawasaga River, winding alongside the banks and he got his liquor license.” many as 1,000 people.” following the river both in an out of the valley” A good friend of my father bet him a bottle At the heart of the expansive golf course is says Heesen. of Canadian Club that he couldn’t get a liquor the Nottawasaga River. Playing in and out of the “Often golfers are surprised when they learn that license. Not one to easily lose a bet, he organized valley, alongside, and across the course the river we offer 45 holes of golf here. We often receive a petition for a liquor plebiscite. In about six By Garry McKay lends itself to both a challenging and picturesque feedback from both first and long-time visitors months time he had collected enough names to round of golf. about how good the courses are.” make the plebiscite valid. It went to vote and he “We have 45 holes with two pro shops and The Nottawasaga Resort offers golf getaway won with an 81.5% approval.” Nottawasaga Resort, Ontario two driving ranges,” explains Ron Heesen who packages including an unlimited Stay and Play Within week the elder Biffis began construction is in his seventh season as Director of Golf and golf option. on the inn, which opened after 8 months of Grounds Operations. “We have many guests who have been coming construction with forty guestrooms, a dinning “There’s three nines that make up the back for 10, 15, 20 years for our golf packages,” room, coffee shop and one banquet room. That’s generally the sentiment of a first time facilities isn’t a surprise to those who live in one of offer 36 meeting rooms and more than 60,000 Nottawasaga 27 as well as another 18 holes offered says Heesen. “They like the golf courses, they like That was in 1968. The first 18 holes of golf visitor to the Nottawasaga Resort. the two on-site active lifestyle communities, or to square feet of meeting space” says Biffis. on the Ridge Course. The Ridge is a standalone. the hotel and amenities as well as the fact that were added to the resort in the 1980s with the last Not only does this sprawling resort offer a the regulars who have been returning throughout And those are just the indoor facilities. Outdoors, It’s a little newer, a little longer and has a little our golf package is available with both breakfast course expansion taking place in 2000. multitude of activities and amenities; it’s also not the years, some since the Nottawasaga Resort was the Nottawasaga Resort offers 45 holes of golf, more challenge to it.” and dinner included.” Plus with 45 holes of golf “Our resort has had a rich history over the past nearly as far away as you might have thought. first founded in 1968. two driving ranges, two soccer fields, bocce The Ridge course plays to 6,625 yards from available they can mix and match which courses 45 years” Sylvia Biffis explains. “We continue to “Some people assume, because of the name First-timers, however, are amazed by all that ball, horseshoe pits, a swimming pool, and a the tips and has three sets of tees. they play to keep things interesting.” expand and grow our offering so that we can Nottawasaga (Resort) that we’re in Wasaga Beach the modern 269-room resort has to offer. nature trail. “All of our courses are basically parkland The resort also has an interesting history and provide both new and return guests with an or somewhere up in Muskoka, but we’re actually “We have expansive indoor recreation facilities “We attract a very diverse crowd,” says Biffis. style,” Heesen explains. “They’re challenging yet dates back to when its founder, Lou Biffis, was ultimate getaway destination.” CG so close and easy to get to - “We’re just 45 minutes with our indoor pool, 18-hole indoor mini-putt, “We have everyone from convention groups fair and forgiving. The original 18 holes are the operating a sod farm in the area from Toronto,” says Sylvia Biffis, Director of games and arcade area, an arena with two NHL to leisure and family travelers as well as golf Green Briar Nine and the Valley Nine. The Briar in the 1960s. To find out more about Nottawasaga Resort’s Convention Sales. size ice pads, three indoor tennis courts that enthusiasts coming for an unlimited golf weekend. Hill nine was added later.” “At the time the county was many getaway packages, including the In fact, the Nottawasaga Resort is 20 minutes can be converted to a 21,000 square foot trade We also do a lot of professional sports training on The Green Briar nine is 3,074 yards from the dry explains Sylvia Biffis’. unlimited stay and play golf package or to south of Barrie, on Highway 89 about 10 minutes centre, three squash courts, fitness centre, indoor our world class international sized soccer pitch.” tips while the Valley is 3,159 yards from the back “One of them bet my father a book a round, visit their website at west of Highway 400. swimming pool with a 100-foot waterslide, and “Golf tournaments are very popular at the tees. The Briar Hill nine is the shortest and can bottle of CC that he couldn’t get a www.PlaytheNott.ca or call 1-800-669-5501 The sprawling complex and its myriad of three restaurants. For business travelers we also resort and because we have 45 holes, we can be stretched out to 3,019 yards.” liquor license. So he organized a

34 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 35 Private Clubs

By Rick Drennan

The golf industry has done a lousy job of keeping its eye on the ball over aged men, women and youth are simply not playing the game, or joining private clubs. the past few years. ~ So said Jim Koppenhaver and Stuart Lindsay, the men It’s created a stinging vacuum, and these private who rolled out Pellucid’s 10th annual ‘State of the Industry’ Report to clubs are starting to show their age spots. a roomful of golf journalists, at the 60th annual PGA Merchandise Show Private golf club membership shrank from 6 million in 1995 to 2 million today. Although those in Orlando, Florida earlier this year. numbers are U.S. based, just throw in the 10 per Sure, golf basked in the glow of record revenues capricious and cruel, and sure enough, 2013 has cent rule, and you’ll see what is happening in in 2012. But that can be attributed to the bountiful turned out be the bone chilling opposite. Canada. weather that swept across North America, and Yet bad weather shouldn’t affect the health It’s estimated that Canadian private clubs lost plumped up, and distorted the numbers. of Canada’s private clubs, right? They’re not upwards of 5 million rounds played since 1995. Koppenhaver, the founder of Pellucid, the dependent on revenue-per-rounds to drive There’s a “lost generation” of players, aged 25 game’s statistical conscience, and Lindsay of business. Yet, storm clouds are piling up like to 44. They’re in their prime working and child- Edgehill Golf Advisors (Pellucid’s “alter-ego”), folds on a hippo’s neck. rearing years. A membership is too expensive, said the good weather was an aberration. About 72 per cent of golfers are now over the too restrictive, and just too damn time consuming.

They added that Mother Nature can be age of 45, and a lost generation of intermediate- Ian Scott, the general manager of the 92-year-old Photo by John Gallaugher continued on page 38

36 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca Private Clubs Equipment Buyers 2013 Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ontario, services and amenities like manicures, said it’s crucial that private club owners pedicures, massages, hair salons, concierge recognize the trends. services, etc. “Don’t give current members a reason to That sounds like Vancouver’s Shaughnessy leave, or potential new members a reason Golf and Country Club. Its General Manager not to join,” he said. Jason Sigurdson notes that while eastern That, in fact, is what many are doing. Canadian private clubs struggle mightily, Choking initiation fees, restrictive in-house the host of the 2011 RBC Canadian Open Six Degrees dress codes and arcane cellphone-use still has an expanding waiting list. policies are bad enough, but some clubs have The club checks in with 2,000 total of a crappy bedside manner when it comes to members, including 620 full-fledge golfers, attracting youth, women, and ethnic groups. and, at $70,000 a pop for initiation, it seems The Pellucid Report states that the golfing the exception, not the rule. Its fluidity is also base is increasingly concentrated in no- surprising since the club is on the clock – its growth demographics: old, white, and male. lease is expiring in 20 years. reparation Participation levels in the U.S. are down by Despite all the success, Sigurdson said, P nearly two million in just a year. It said the “anyone in the industry not worried about intermediate age group has dipped from 11 what’s happening (at the private club level) to 6.5 million in a decade. Beacon Hall has new offerings. Corporations can is living on another planet.” That “lost generation” By Ross MacDonald, Equipment Editor The economic collapse has seriously shrunk pre-purchase rounds – following the model used of players could come back to haunt the industry, disposable incomes, a key driver for private clubs. at the famous East Lake Golf Club near Atlanta, even the “A” list clubs, he added. But some clubs are weathering the storm, and Georgia. Beacon Hall’s corporate catchment area Shaughnessy has pushed back the age for full Well, the world, at least the golf version of it, didn’t end when the U.S. lost hybrids in the Adams Idea Tech V4 hybrid-iron responding in hurry-up time. is more restricted, so it has introduced a new intermediate membership, and its median age is set promise 13 yards more than the previous V3 the Ryder Cup. In fact, there’s a buzz about this year, what with you-know- Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario, ‘intermediate’ membership for the 30-39 age still high: 55. Its “active ladies’ membership” helps hybrid. The Titleist AP1 is more forgiving yet better is one of the most celebrated in Canada. It’s a group. There’s an up-front payment of annual new women members slide more comfortably who back in full swing, and a ravenous media drooling over the possibility looking as well. Callaway’s X Hot irons are their hybrid club, with equity members, that marked its dues, with full membership financing to follow. into the club. But even it has a new ‘membership longest ever, thanks in part to the use of driver of an appetizing rivalry with his new BFF from Northern Ireland. Yes, we’re 25th anniversary this year by unveiling a public “It’s all still new to us,” said Hardy, one of the development director.’ and fairway wood technology. And Tour Edge awareness campaign (mostly most admired administrators Of course, “trending” is far more difficult for settling into what some are calling a new and exciting era, even as the winds could be a player in the players iron category through radio ads) in hopes of in Canada. His club’s caddy “B” list clubs, like Brampton. That doesn’t mean with its Exotics CB Xtreme forged irons. To get of hyperbole threaten to blow the whole thing way out of proportion. attracting “the next generation Many private clubs program (in many ways a its veteran GM isn’t keenly aware of it, and how those approach yardages just right, the Bushnell of members.” scholarship program) is a model to be more value-added. Everything is on the Z6 and Leupold GX-3i rangefinders are big-time Phil Hardy, its longtime for other private clubs, and could, table, said Scott, including cross marketing to the Though the exhaustive analysis of McIlroy’s ball direction adjustments. Loft on some drivers pin hunters in small packages. director of golf, has added a are instituting if instituted at other clubs, act surrounding community. equipment change is now pretty much behind can be changed by as much as 4 degrees, and face With the annual equipment talk usually focused new title to his duties, director as a future feeding system for Maybe some of this will help win back the 90 us, or so we hope, it once again heated up the angle, loft and lie can be changed independently. on drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, of membership. It’s a sign of a flex membership the game. million players in North America that have drifted subject about what new equipment can or can’t The TaylorMade R1 offers a dozen different other game essentials can get lost in the shuffle. growing trend at private clubs But let’s look back again to away from the game over the past 20 years? do for someone’s game. But one thing is certain: face-angle and loft options between 8 and 12 Last year all the talk was about belly and long in Canada. packages, and this year’s PGA Merchandise Many private clubs are instituting flex if that someone isn’t a tour player, then today’s degrees. The Cobra AMP Cell has six loft/trajectory putters. This year it looks like short putters with Hardy believes clubs have Show. Michael Leemhuis, CEO membership packages, and lowering or eliminating equipment is a must for anyone looking for the settings, and it comes in four hot colours. Nike long grips and perhaps ones like Odyssey’s to go one step further and of the well-heeled Congressional killer initiation fees. They are also adopting and game-improvement trifecta – forgiveness, distance offers 15 adjustable-loft positions with its VR_S Metal-X Arm Lock putter, which is designed to create a ‘marketing director.’ lowering or Country Club in Washington, adapting to the new social media – using it as a and accuracy. Covert. Tour Edge has jumped into the game with work around the anchoring issue. Basically the It’s all about refreshing the D.C., home to the 2011 U.S. retention and recruitment tool. It all starts with the big stick, of course, and this the Exotics XCG6, Callaway has the X Hot and design involves stabilizing the putter against the membership pool, he said. eliminating Open, ran a seminar outlining Brampton is instituting ‘Get Ready Golf,’ and a year the common theme among manufacturers RAZR Fit Xtreme, Cleveland the Classic XL, Ping golf’s extended arm, a la Matt Kuchar. On the Beacon Hall’s “pro-active” ap- the ‘Private Club Trends.’ ‘Tee it Forward’ program to give kids, the elderly, might be: if you think you’re well-adjusted, think the G25, and the list goes on and on. shorter side is the always underrated SeeMore proach to membership sits in A hefty survey of other clubs and new golfers some fun yardages to play. It has again. As in, one driver can now pretty much On the iron side, the technological revelations, FGP putter, which Payne Stewart used to win stark contrast to the business killer initiation fees. reported on everything from graduated initiation fees and is bent on connecting accommodate any swing or skill level. while tending to be overshadowed by those the 1999 U.S. Open and Zach Johnson the 2007 model a generation ago. the changing diets and food with the burgeoning South Asian population that Okay, so you still have to make a hosel- in drivers, are nonetheless revealing new (and Masters. I’m surprised this face-balanced, easy- Back then, private meant preferences of today’s members, literally surrounds the club. wrenching decision. But with the move to a reinventing old) ways to make the ball go higher to-align blade model isn’t in more bags. Nancy private, and clubs were bastions of manicured to the increased interest in fitness and yoga. The The Pellucid Report notes that at best, the one-driver-fits-all approach (which you’ll also find and farther and land softer, all without sacrificing Lopez Golf leads the way with its flagship Torri privilege. Many boasted long waiting lists, trend is towards a more tailored membership golfer base will stabilize in 2013. The private in fairway woods and hybrids), it’s safe to say you accuracy or the club’s cosmetic appeal. Companies 212 Series in the increasingly popular package restrictive dress codes, and inflexible membership package/fee structure, as well as a demand for a clubs simply have to grow their core. Refresh no longer have to labour over which loft of driver continue to mine the possibilities – and forgiveness sets for women. packages, that actually discouraged people from more “casual club environment.” and retain is the new mantra. to pick off the rack. With even more adjustment – generated by thinner faces, lower CG, higher For providing the means to get clubs around joining. Back then, the game (and the economy) Clubs have to recognize the popularity of non- Will many private clubs become clichéd possibilities at your disposal, you’re another step COR, wider soles, strategically positioned cavities, the course, few do it better than Sun Mountain. was on the ascendency. Baby boomers bloated golf activities (tennis, for example), said Leemhuis. irrelevancies – too stubborn or stupid to change? closer to being more prepared than ever. larger heads and so on. Their new H2NO carry bag is stylish, easy to adjust the lists. His study also showed a trend towards family As Scott said: It’s all about understanding the Companies have taken the adjustable hosel to It’s all about ball speed as it leaves the face, and carry, and fully waterproof if the rain hood “The old ‘build it and they will come’ era is programming (child care, children’s clinics, sports trends, keeping an eye firmly fixed on the ball, another level, allowing for even more dramatic which is why TaylorMade has added a slot in is used in conjunction with the bag. over,” said Hardy bluntly. camps, etc.). Members also want non-traditional and following through on your business plan. CG changes to facilitate launch angle, spin rate and the 3 to 7 iron of their RocketBladez irons. The Now, let’s go play!

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Adams Golf Callaway Cobra

The Speedline Super LS driver has adjust- The RAZR Fit Xtreme driver has a greater Cobra and colourful have become synonymous. able loft, length and lie angle. One head, three range of face angle options, CG positions and But there’s also plenty of substance, as in innova- lofts. The hot SUPER LS fairway is available in loft options than the RAZR Fit. It can be adjusted tive technology, like the AMP CELL line of drivers, three lofts. Crown and sole slots in the Super LS to open, square or closed face positions, while fairway woods, hybrids and irons. hybrid enhance ball speed. Available in six lofts. movable 13- and one-gram weights can shift MyFly technology allows for six loft/trajec- All Super LS clubs have a matte white crown. the clubhead’s CG to the lowest of any fully tory settings in the driver, fairways and hybrids, The Speedline Super S adjustable-loft driver adjustable driver. Men’s is available in four lofts while SmartPad technology in all three delivers is also three lofts in one. The Super S fairway in right-handed and two in left-handed; women’s a square face at address regardless of loft set- features slots in the sole and crown and comes come in 11.5 and 13.5. ting. The fairways are available in two models, in three lofts. The Super S hybrid has a new sole Incorporating driver and fairway wood technol- the hybrids in three, and all clubs come in four slot and a redesigned crown. Available in six ogy, the X Hot irons are Callaway’s longest ever. colours – Silver, Directoire Blue, Barbados Red lofts. All Super S clubs have a matte white crown. CG has been repositioned to maximize ball speed, and Vibrant Orange. The Idea SUPER S Hybrid irons’ half hollow and a dual material medallion has been added The AMP CELL irons feature a metalwood construction and thin clubface increase ball to fine-tune sound and produce a crisp feel at construction in the 4 through 7 irons, a progres- speed. Available in 3-LW. impact. A lightweight shaft promotes higher swing sive face and cavity design to optimize individual The Idea Tech V4 all-hybrid set (4H through and ball speeds. Available in men’s 3-9, PW, AW, iron performance, internal cell weighting for GW) features hybrids with velocity slots in the sole SW, LW; women’s 3-9, PW, AW, SW, LW. precise CG and high MOI, and a V-Skid sole that and crown to create more speed. Also available The Odyssey Versa putter features visionary is versatile for better players, yet forgiving for is a Forged set that features 3, 4 and 5 hybrids alignment, a black and white contrast alignment higher handicappers. They’re available in 3-LW, and 6-PW forged irons. system that highlights the proper face angle at and 4-GW sets are also available. They also come The Idea a12 OS complete set for seniors address, through the stroke and at impact. It’s in four colours. includes a driver, two fairway woods, three hybrids available in multiple head shapes, two different The women’s AMP CELL driver has the MyFly 7-SW, a mallet putter and a lightweight cart bag. colour combinations and two inserts – Metal-X and SmartPad technology and can be adjusted and a new and improved White Hot insert. to six different lofts. It’s available in three colours.

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Nancy Lopez Golf TaylorMade Titleist Cleveland Golf Mizuno Nike

Number one at Cleveland Golf is actually The MP-H4 is three iron sets in one: the two- The Covert operation at Nike is no longer number 588. The 588 RTX wedge features 16 through-four irons have maximum COR and a such – the word is out on the hot looking VR_S per cent larger grooves for maximum spin. The deep COG for long, consistent distance and high Covert driver, fairway woods and hybrids. All in- 588 MT Mid Trajectory irons have a full hollow launch. The five-through-seven are hollow and corporate three proprietary technology platforms: construction and blade height that progressively offer medium-level COR and a very large sweet High Speed Cavity Back, a non-visible sole cavity increases in the higher-lofted irons. The 588 TT spot for controlled distance and forgiveness. The that increases forgiveness and more distance on Tour Trajectory irons have a modest cavity back half-cavity design in the eight iron through pitching off-centre hits; FlexLoft adjustability (Tour models and progressive blade length, which promotes wedge produces precision accuracy and trajectory only), which allows for preferred loft and face more forgiveness in the long irons and a controlled, control. The new JPX-825 driver, fairway woods angles; and NexCOR face technology, designed penetrating trajectory in the short irons. Both can and hybrids complement the long and forgiving to deliver faster ball speed and longer shots from be interchanged with the 588 Altitude hybrid irons. JPX-825 irons. a wider area of the face. The Torri 212 Series is NLG’s ultimate cus- The adjustability pioneers blaze a new The loft and lie on Titleist’s new fairway tomizable offering for women of all playing abilities. trail with the R1 driver. It’s all about choice. woods, the 913F and 913F.d, can be indepen- It’s also available in a package set. A player can Seven face angle positions. Seven standard and dently adjusted to tune launch, spin and trajectory, start with a 430cc titanium driver, available in five upright loft options between eight and 12 and ball flight for more or less fade or draw. Loft Orlimar Ping Tour Edge 14-degrees (right-or left-handed) or 11- and degrees. And two ways to position the movable and lie can be independently adjusted. The 913F, weights to promote a straight flight or a draw. available in five lofts, is more forgiving, while the 16-degrees, right-handed only. Also available Improved aerodynamics and the contrasting black 913F.d, available in three lofts, delivers less spin. are fairway woods in 3, 5, 7 (right-handed and clubface set against the colourful crown round The AP1 and AP2 irons have new designs left-handed) and 9, 11, 13 and 15 (right-handed out a powerful new driver. that enhance the look at address. The AP1s only); 5 and 6 hybrid irons and 7, 8, 9, PW and SW The RocketBallz Stage 2 driver is “RocketBallz- add forgiveness without sacrificing shot control in conventional irons. The driver, fairway woods and ier.” Improved aerodynamics and increased or the traditional appearance. The blade length hybrids are all offset and feature cut-away crown clubface make it faster and longer than the progresses throughout the set. Even with their technology, which increases launch, reduces spin previous RocketBallz driver. The thick-thin crown traditional blade length and sole width, the new and stabilizes the clubhead. allows for a lower CG and the resulting high launch AP2s have increased forgiveness without sacrific- All clubs come with ultra-light graphite shafts angle, low spin rate and faster ball speed. It also ing shot workability. and a choice of three different shaft flexes, shaft has 12 loft options to add or subtract 1.5 degrees The MB Forged 712 is a traditional forged With its soft feel, wide sole, deep cavity Ping’s latest G series is sure to get another It’s “twist to fit and dial in the distance” lengths and grip sizes. The package set includes: from the three available standard lofts. blade. New for 2013 are a narrower sole and back and tear drop shape, the TourGroove wedge G-whiz reaction. The G25 line of adjustable driver, for the new XCG6 Series Exotics driver, the first a driver, two fairway woods, two hybrid irons, five The RocketBladez irons feature the Speed a non-glare, brushed-chrome finish. They also combines a classic look with extreme playability. fairway woods, irons and hybrids focuses on Exotics driver to feature an adjustable hosel. Two deep milled-face putters are also new. The distance, control and accuracy. Their first adjust- Four face-angle/loft settings optimize launch, conventional irons, a Lopez putter, Torri 212 cart Pocket, a 2mm-wide slot in the sole of the three feature a traditional muscle back design with short through seven irons. It creates faster ball speed, blade lengths and minimal progressive offset. Makena is a classic face-balanced blade putter, able driver has the company’s largest-profile, four hexahedron weight pads deliver a higher bag and matching head covers. NLG wedges offer a higher launch angle and a steeper ball descent. The 712U is a forged utility iron that provides with two five-gram heel-toe weights to stabilize most forgiving head design. The irons have a MOI for greater distance, and a multi-level face a classic look and are available in RH 52°, 56°, Improved Inverted Cone technology in the back high speed, traditional blade iron players with off-centre hits and a single alignment line in tuning port and cavity badge for higher shots design maximizes the spring-like effect from more 60°, and in LH 56°, 60°. The Lopez Chipper has the cavity to enhance accuracy. The Malibu is a and responsive feel. The fairway woods feature points on the face. It’s available in 9˚, 10.5˚ and of the clubface also promotes higher ball speed improved playability and shot control. It will be a 7-iron loft and putter lie to help promote more flanged three-bend, heel-shafted mallet that also the thinnest face of any Ping fairway wood, while 12˚ lofts, and each can be adjusted to closed, and helps to control the angle at which the ball available by custom order in 2-iron (18º), 3-iron has the heel-toe weighting and alignment line. the hybrids strategically place CG slightly forward neutral, open or upright positions. consistent, low-spin chips. leaves the face. (21º) and 4-iron (24º) lofts. in higher lofts to lower spin.

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Bridgestone TaylorMade Lethal

Innovative core and dimple technologies drive Bridgestone’s B330 The Lethal, which replaces the Penta TP5, lives up and e-Series lines of balls. The Tour B330-RX and Tour B330-RXS are to its name. A number of tour pros are already playing it. It has for swing speeds less than 105 mph. The B330-RX produces a slightly a five-layer construction — cover, core and three mantles in higher trajectory to maximize carry and distance. It’s also available in between – that promotes optimum spin and launch in five key Optic Yellow. The higher-spin B330-RXS has a slightly firmer core, which shot categories: driver, long-irons, middle-irons, short-irons and increases ball velocity. partial wedges. The soft core minimizes driver spin; an inner mantle The four-piece Tour B330 and Tour B330-S are for swing speeds over reduces long-iron spin for a penetrating flight; a middle mantle 105 mph. The B330 produces faster ball speed and longer distance; layer works with the outer layers to combine controllable spin and the B330-S has superb feel and added spin. It also has a thinner and softer feel; and the outer mantle promotes a low-launch, high- softer cover than the previous version, and a larger core. spin performance for short irons and wedges. Finally, the durable The popular e6 is the softest multi-layer ball on the market. Because it urethane cover promotes optimum feel and creates added spin reduces sidespin, it’s ideal for players who want more accuracy without around the green. Top it off with a 332-dimple pattern, and the sacrificing distance. It’s also available in Optic Yellow and Orange. Lethal is what TaylorMade says is its most wind-defying golf ball.

Callaway Hex Hot TaylorMade RocketBallz Urethane

The three-piece Hex Hot has re-engineered aerodynamics, a tri-blend The RocketBallz Urethane, which replaces the Penta TP3, has a ionomer cover to maximize ball speed and lower spin, and a fast-tech inner mantle three-piece construction – soft urethane cover, a soft core to promote fast ball speed and lower driver spin, and a mantle that promotes high designed to convert energy into distance. The cover promotes lower driver spin spin off the irons. Lower driver spin means a more penetrating flight, for longer, straighter drives, as well as maximum ball speed off every club in the while higher iron spin makes for a higher flight and softer landing. bag. The highly resilient mantle acts as the perfect intermediate layer between Around the greens it delivers the superior feel and spin that tour the high-tech core and tri-blend cover, the three working together to make the players want and that average players can benefit from. It’s ball jump off the face. The hex-shaped dimples produce an aerodynamic effect engineered to generate fast ball speed off every clubface, that offers just the right balance between a stable, penetrating ball flight and and the dimple pattern promotes improved distance on even better liftoff at lower speeds. driver mishits. With its splashy packaging, you won’t be It all adds up to a ball that takes off quickly, flies high and maintains a able to miss the RocketBallz Urethane – it will stand out penetrating flight. The Hex Hot is available in traditional white or optical yellow. on shelves. Also interesting to note is the ball numbering – 00, 11, 22, etc.

Nike Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1X

Nike Golf’s revolutionary RZN technology remains at the core of its new You wouldn’t hire a house painter to touch up a Picasso, yet Titleist 20XI and 20XI-Xballs. But this year there’s two times more of it. This larger, continues to tinker with its Pro V1 and Pro V1X. The new versions, says the company, are softer, longer and longer lasting. The three-piece Pro V1’s increased softer RZN core improves feel off all shots while maximizing driver distance and spin and more consistent flight come from a multi-component construction that stabilizing ball flight even more. The added RZN mantle produces longer shots utilizes ZG process core technology, a responsive ionomeric cas- off irons while providing a softer short game feel. ing layer, an improved high-performance Urethane Elastomer™ While both of these four-piece balls deliver faster speed and high levels of cover, and a 352-dimple pattern with five different dimple sizes MOI, the 20XI ball is designed to improve feel and enhance short game control. and three axes of symmetry that promote a penetrating ball flight. It offers maximum distance for players who tend to produce lower spin. The Though it also has many of the Pro V1’s construction features, 20XI- X is the longest tour model Nike has made. It features faster initial velocity the four-piece Pro V1X produces less spin on full shots. It flies for maximum distance, while at the same time producing improved feel and slightly lower and with a tighter ball flight than the previous reduced spin for greater accuracy off the tee. Pro V1X, thanks in part to the spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design.

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adizero

Greg Norman Eyewear The adizero from adidas Golf has a revolutionary fit, feel and shape. The design philosophy is that you start with zero and add only what’s needed Eyewear is a brand new category for the Greg Norman Collection for 2013. This spring 2013 season is the official launch to maintain stability. That translates into a shoe that features the company’s across Canada in public, private and resort golf clubs. The Greg Norman Performance Eyewear Collection has an emphasis on sophisticated style with function, resulting in sunwear that performs superbly during outdoor sports, and transfers comfortably thinnest outsole ever, and ultra-light materials that provide for a superior fit and to leisure activities. The collection includes men’s, women’s and unisex styles featuring four lenses, including a selection of ensure no water uptake, and long lasting durability. Also new are the extremely polarized lenses. Great for your tournament needs with customization as an option. One size fits all. light six-cleat adizero Tour model for women, and the six-cleat adizero Sport for men and women. The latter are lightweight, breathable and have a sneaker-like Leupold GX-4i Golf 4 Yards More Tee feel. All adizero shoes are available in various colourways. Rangefinder The 4 Yards More Tee is the With Leupold precision optics, proprietary laser first and only tee proven in both technology that ranges the pin easily, even at extended “robotic” and “field” tests to range, and a scan mode available at any time, Leopold’s improve distance. The flexible, engineers combine precision glass, cutting edge coating Crocs Golf six-prong tips reduce resistance and allow better contact, and technology and rugged structural components, to create will last up to 100 drives. This the most desired optical products on the market. You What a Croc! The company that took clog-style comfort and design to another tee conforms to USGA and R&A can expect bright, clear optics, accurate ranging, low specifications. glare and scratch resistance. Leupold’s proprietary Club level is making its mark on the course. Crocs Golf, endorsed by Hank Haney, Selector allows you to set the GX-4i to your individual hitting strength. To do this, you enter your personal features a number of styles of men’s and women’s shoes for everyone from striking distance for the 8, 6 and 4 irons. In conjunction the most serious golfer to the most discerning fashion types. As fashionable as with TRG, the GX-4i then recommends the appropriate club for your hitting strength, ensuring a reliable shot to reach your intended they are functional – they can be worn on or off the course – Crocs give new target. For more information, visit: www.leupold.com meaning to comfort and style. They’re as light a shoe as you’ll find, and the foot-shaping cushioning will take the weight off any round. The new junior version of the driver Rickie Fowler plays on Tour, features the same game-changing technology that Rickie has, including MyFlyTM, SmartPadTM and CELL weighting – and it comes in Vibrant Orange. Besides the higher lofts in FootJoy TaylorMade the youth version, the head of the AMP CELL Junior “Counterbalanced” Driver is the same engineered settings as the adult Putters driver. The best part? The Driver grows with you. FootJoy’s M Project gives players a new option – lightweight, ultra- Junior golfers can register their purchased The “Daddy Long Legs” and “Spider Blade” driver and receive one free upgrade to a flexible, minimally constructed footwear delivering maximum feel and real-time – two “counterbalanced” putters engineered longer, firmer shaft when needed, even feedback. It’s targeted to players seeking lower profile, minimalist-type footwear with heavier weight at the grip-end to increase if it is the standard adult AMP CELL that lets them get a better feel of the ground. The thin but strong leather allows the MOI of the entire club to promote a consistent “on Fujikura Fuel shaft. path” stroke. Daddy Long Legs is the newest member for a supple and comfortable feel, complemented by a high performance mesh of TaylorMade’s renowned line of Spider putters. A COBRA that’s lightweight, breathable and comfortable. They’re waterproof, with a two- “performance mallet,” its 8500+ MOI head -- highest ever AMP Cell year limited warranty, and the abrasion-resistant toe will keep the shoe looking for a TaylorMade putter -- is exceptionally stable and Junior resistant to twisting on off-center hits. The Spider Blade, good in a high-wear area. The M Project is available in seven style options, four is a heel-toe weighted blade that provides a similar leap cleated and three spikeless. in stability and forgiveness with an astounding 5200 MOI – the most in any blade ever created by TaylorMade. “The higher the head’s MOI, the more resistant it is to twisting on off-center hits, helping you roll the ball your desired distance. The Daddy Long Legs and Spider Blade PUMA heads makes them a terrific choice for golfers seeking forgiveness in a putter.” Though it weighs in at only 6.5 oz., the PUMA Faas Lite Mesh is heavy on comfort, performance and design features. A proprietary foam enhances Bridgestone e6 ball Bridgestone TOUR B330–RX comfort and weight, a single-layer mesh enhances breathability and reduces weight even further, and corrugated flex grooves provide optimal flexibility and The e6 is the softest multilayer golf ball on the market Bridgestone technology offers Tour performance optimized for and in 2013 it is softer than its predecessor. Designed to amateur swing speeds less than 105 mph with a preference for ground contact. Bonded overlays and internal suede forefoot structure provide help players eliminate slices and hooks, it reduces spin maximum tour distance. The TOUR B330-RX offers a reformulated support where it’s needed, while SmartQuill traction technology adds directional for straighter distance. A three per cent softer surlyn mantle layer and Dual Dimple Technology. The reformulated cover and low compression core improve feel, while mantle reduces spin on full shots and promotes a higher launch, grip elements that enhance ground contact for improved stability and traction. an anti-side spin inner layer helps keep the ball in the resulting in greater accuracy and distance. The Dual Dimple pattern Evertrack carbon rubber in forefoot and heel make for long- lasting durability. short grass. Currently the top-selling e-Series model offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced wind performance. worldwide, the new e6 ball is available in white, yellow The B330-RX continues to feature a soft core design that allows and orange. For more information call: 1-800-265-2454 maximum compression for moderate swing speed players. For more or visit www.tournament-golf.ca information call: 1-800-265-2454 or visit: www.tournament-golf.ca

46 CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE golfindustrynetwork.ca golfindustrynetwork.ca CANADIAN GOLFER MAGAZINE 47 Over the Border Over the Border

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL Oneida County: The Getaway Destination! Play, Stay, Shop & Eat on the Mercer County Golf Trail Oneida County, New York, is ideally itself to be: the “Getaway Destination.” Golf Club in Utica, to the Turning Stone Bateman and his friends. situated to feed the needs of golfers in Oneida County is about three and half Resort in Rome. It was ranked one of the Around Utica are seven lovely courses: The Mercer County Golf Trail (MCGT) is one of the U.S.’s most populous states, hours east of Buffalo, in the Utica-Rome Top 100 Best Resort Courses by Golfweek Barker Brook Golf Club, Domenico’s Golf located at the crossroads of Interstate 79 and its northern neighbours right across area of the Empire state. It’s a pretty magazine. Course, Sulphur Springs Golf Course, and 80 in Pennsylvania between Erie and the border. area of the state whatever time of year The Resort sports five golf courses, and Valley View Municipal Golf Course, Pittsburgh. “It’s the model for the service sector you choose to travel there, but during three championship ones, created by Crestwood Golf Club, Hidden Valley, Almost every Canadian that has travelled economy,” says Allan Bateman, an Ottawa the height of golf season, the weather noted designers Robert Trent Jones and Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club and Interstate 79 in Pennsylvania knows the businessman who has been travelling to is perfect, the courses are lush, and the Rick Smith. Woodgate Pines Golf Course. area best for the Grove City Premium the region to golf with his mates for the famous American customer service is at During Bateman’s recent eight-man For history buffs, taking a train ride from Outlets, which are visible from the past 30 years. its finest. trip to the region, his group played four Utica Station to the Adirondack State Park interstate. Bateman says the golf in the area is There is everything from luxury resorts different courses, including Timber Banks is like turning back time. It allows you to The area is also home of the world luxurious rooms include fireplaces and some of the best he’s ever played, and with the latest amenities, to waterfront in Baldwinsville, a Jack Nicklaus design slowly savour all the lovely panoramic famous Daffin’s Candy Store, Reyers Shoe Jacuzzis. legendary course architects like Donald cottages on Oneida Lake, the largest beauty that cost them less than $40, vistas in this lovely centre of the state. Store and The Winner Department Store, The hotels are very accommodating, Ross, Robert Trent Jones and even Jack within the state. There are about 27,000 with cart. Stay and play golf packages are some of the largest and most unique some with full restaurants and bars. If the Nicklaus dot the area with courses guest rooms in all price ranges, and the “I’ve always loved to travel around and readily available and everything can be shopping experiences in the United States. hotel does not include a full restaurant and that are both fun to play and extremely golf courses are all within a half-hour of find those tiny gems, and the region is booked through Oneida County Tourism The Golf Trail includes twelve great golf bar, you can be sure those amenities are affordable. each other. just full of them,” says the York University (1-800-426-3132, or www.oneidacoun- courses with excellent accommodations very close by. In fact, with 29 courses and a wide vari- The golf offerings are as wide ranging grad, now working in the development tycvb.com). including five mansions, top rated hotels, All accommodations include breakfast in ety of post-golf entertainment attractions, as you’d ever want, everything from the industry in Ottawa. A trip to Oneida If you like to mix a little gambling with the golf package. Oneida County is exactly what it boasts Robert Trent Jones beauty, Valley View County is only a short hop south for your golf, there are casinos at Turning Canadian golfers always enjoy Stone and Vernon Downs. The latter also the 19th hole after a round of sports harness racing. For more: visit oneidacountytourism.com or getawayregion.com golf and many of the golf courses have a restaurant and bar on the property. The Golf Trail is also known for some of America’s favourite franchise restaurants, as well as many of its unique one of a kind restaurants and bars, and on course lodging with outstanding where the price of beer is about 60 per dining experiences. Combine many great cent less than in Canada. options for golf, lodging, shopping and dining, and you get the Mercer County Golf Trail – the number one destination to “Play, Stay, Shop & Eat”. The Mercer County Golf Trail has been on the radar of Canadian players for quite some time, and it gained real notoriety in 2003 when the Golf Digest called it one of the “Best Little Golf Towns in America.” All of the Mercer County Golf Trail proper- ties are within 25 minutes of each other. The MCGT courses range from a fun, The options available to Canadian visitors well groomed track of 6,050 yards, to a are one of a kind. magnificent challenging Pete Dye course Many golfers enjoy staying in one of that can play over 7,200 yards. the five mansions on the golf trail. The Several courses have hosted regional mansions can hold upwards of 20 people, PGA and USGA tournaments and are rated giving the group the entire manor for in Western Pennsylvania’s top 10 courses. themselves. These mansions feature hot Two of the courses have hosted events on tubs, ping-pong, poker tables and large the LPGA Tour. double rooms for the golfers. So, if you’re looking for a great golf get- Many couples enjoy staying in the away, the Mercer County Golf Trail is where romantic mansions as a twosome. These you want to “Play, Stay, Shop & Eat.”

For more information visit us at www.MercerCountyGolfTrail.com

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Johnny Miller and Dan Hicks on NBC’s final round telecast of the Honda Classic. When Jack speaks, The Battle the golf world listens and he brought a level of comfort to the very tense situation when he said, “it would disturb me if the Tour would oppose for in the USGA’s final decision.” Golf The first basic set of rules of golf was written at Leith, Scotland, in 1744 by the Gentlemen Golfers the of Edinburgh. The set of regulations called the Kingdom “Articles & Laws in Playing at Golf,” were the original 13 basic rules. As the game and rules of golf evolved into the early nineteenth century Fore please ! ~ One only needs to project forward a little to recognize a few golf clubs sprang up and each golf club the possible disruption that will ensue if the world’s best golfers are drew up various rules of play. prohibited from using the anchored stroke in the U.S. Open, the Masters In 1897 the Rules of Golf were consolidated and the R&A was given the responsibility to and the Open Championship, but then are permitted to use this method in manage golf so the game was played under one the PGA Championship and all PGA Tour events. set, which it first published in 1899. The USGA, which was founded in 1894, adopted the R&A’s After a simple scratch of the head, the next ban, if ratified, would commence in January 2016. Rules of Golf that same year. logical question would soon follow: what set PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem went Two centuries later, we are at the point, once of rules will apply in Ryder Cup competition? on NBC’s telecast during the final round of the again, where reconciliation of golf’s power brokers The European team will want to play by the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship in is in order. The 90-day period has come and gone Rules of Golf and the American team will want February announcing the Tour’s position on this and the USGA will finalize its decision at some to compete with their amended rules that allow contentious issue. Finchem’s TV appearance point in the spring. The ball is now clearly in the the anchored stroke. accelerated tension in what could be interpreted USGA’s court. If the USGA and the R&A rescind This is the precise collision course golf is on as passive-aggressive behaviour. Some sports their proposal on the anchored stroke, it would at the moment if the USGA and R&A, the two writers have referred to Finchem’s actions as not only be a shock to the golf world, it would governing bodies of golf who are responsible bully tactics. effectively neuter their position of influence over for the Rules of Golf, stay on course with their It certainly wasn’t necessary for Finchem the rules and in the game. proposed ban and if the PGA Tour continues to to upstage Accenture, an important PGA Tour The USGA and R&A are in a fight for their oppose the rule alteration. This confrontation is sponsor. He could have simply chosen to express existence and purpose. The speculation is, the causing an industry mess and, as the saying goes, the Tour’s position in a press release two days USGA and R&A will not back away from their something has to give. later. But we all know that would not have proposed ban nor will they be intimidated by On November 28, 2012 the USGA and R&A been as impactful. The art of influencing public the PGA Tour. If that’s the case, the PGA Tour announced a 90-day comment period to hear opinion is a strategy. This action triggered endless will then have to decide how to move forward. industry feedback before deciding to adopt the speculation among the golf media and is making Could the PGA Tour actually institute its own proposal to prohibit the anchored stroke from everybody in golf nervous. set of rules? That’s the question. The PGA Tour the rules of golf. The PGA Tour is the modern face of golf with can huff and puff all they want, but I don’t think An anchored stroke is defined as when a player immense star power and industry leverage. On they will be able to blow this house down. braces his/her hand or club against any part of the other hand, the USGA and the R&A are the History always finds a way of repeating itself, his/her body while making a golf stroke. The world’s governing bodies that make the Rules of but who would have thought it would take USGA and R&A’s essential principle being that Golf and have been doing so for a long time. The over 200 years for a rules clash to fracture this anchoring the golf club to a fixed pivot-point PGA Tour is a private association of professional gentlemanly game? CG (typically one’s belly or chest) is not a stroke golfers that compete for enormous prize money of golf. The governing bodies emphasize the and chooses to play by the Rules of Golf. Now Predator Ridge’s Executive Director, Golf anchored stroke does not conform to the free they are at loggerheads. Development, Richard Zokol is a life member swing of the golf club, and is therefore not The Sunday after Finchem’s appearance on of the PGA Tour, in addition to being a congruent with all other strokes in golf. The the NBC golf telecast, Jack Nicklaus spoke with member of Canada’s Golf Hall of Fame.

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