As many of you know, Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, is in the final stages of becoming a publicly traded company. They’re conducting a reverse takeover (RTO) of an existing capital pool company (CPC). This transaction involves many different jurisdictions, regulatory bodies and companies. As such, it’s complicated, and the process has been arduous.
The benefit at the end of the tunnel, of course, is Parmasters’ increased ability to raise capital and grow the entire business, to the benefit of all franchise owners and centers, including Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.
Avian Capital Inc. is the company that Parmasters is working with on the RTO. Avian issued the media release that follows back in early December.
Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so! The media release follows.
Source MARKET NEWS
Date 12/03/2009
Time 08:41:52 AM
Company Avian Capital Inc.
Title Avian
Receives Conditional Approval For Proposed
CDNX Symbol: AVA.P
Press Release
AVIAN CAPITAL INC ("AVA.P-V")
PARMASTERS GOLF TRAINING CENTERS INC ("PGFT-L")
- Avian Receives Conditional Approval For Proposed Merger
- With Parmasters
Avian Capital Inc. (AVA-P) is pleased to announce that on November 28, 2009 it received conditional approval for the completion of the proposed Merger with Parmasters Golf Training Centers, Inc. The Merger will constitute Avian's "Qualifying Transaction" under, and as defined in, the CPC Policy.
The Merger
On July 10, 2008, Avian and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avian Acquisition Corp., entered into a Merger Agreement with Parmasters which contemplates the acquisition of Parmasters by Avian by way of a triangular Merger under the Wyoming Business Corporations Act. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Avian Acquisition Corp. will merge with and into Parmasters, leaving Parmasters as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Avian. Each issued and outstanding common share of Parmasters will be surrendered by the holder to Avian in exchange for one fully paid and non-assessable common share of Avian, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. In addition, Avian will issue up to an aggregate of 2,083,944 common share purchase warrants in exchange for an equivalent number of outstanding common share purchase warrants of Parmasters, exercisable at an exercise price of either US$0.50 to US$1.25 per share until May 15, 2010 or March 31, 2012. The aggregate consideration to be paid by Avian upon the completion of the Merger will consist of the issuance of up to 39,316,807 Avian Shares.
Listing Approval is Conditional
Exchange approval of the Merger is subject to certain conditions including, among other things: (a) the filing of an Addendum to the Filing Statement that contains unaudited interim financial statements for the period ended July 31, 2009 and a pro forma consolidated balance sheet for the Resulting Issuer as of July 31, 2009; and (b) the closing of the previously-announced CDN $2,500,000 private placement by Parmasters of 5,000,000 shares at $0.50 per share.
About Parmasters
Parmasters was incorporated in the State of Wyoming in July, 2004. It has one predecessor, Parmasters Golf Training Centers LLC, a Nevada limited liability company formed in April, 2000 (the "Parmasters Predecessor"). In December, 2004, Parmasters purchased several assets from the Parmasters Predecessor, including the ownership of the Parmasters trademarks in Canada and the United States and the rights to use the intellectual property assets related to golf instruction and franchising. Parmasters has developed and currently markets the following types of golf-related franchises: Parmasters(r) Golf Training Centers, Links Golf CafsTM and Quantum Business GolfTM.
About Avian Capital
Avian, a capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange, was incorporated in October, 2006 and was listed on the Exchange in March, 2007. Avian does not have any operations and has no assets other than cash. Avian's business is to identify and evaluate businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the policies of the Exchange.
Trading in Avian Shares has been halted on the Exchange since April 9, 2008 and will resume trading on the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.
For further information, please contact:
Paul Cox
President
Avian Capital Inc.
207 - 1425 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B9
Ph: (778) 786-1285 Fax: (604) 926-5806
Email: paul@aviancapital.com
Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management filing statement or addendum thereto to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Canaccord Financial Inc., subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence, has agreed to act as sponsor in connection with the transaction. An agreement to sponsor should not be construed as any assurance with respect to the merits of the transaction or the likelihood of completion.
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information in this news release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to Avian's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions, such as Avian's acquisition of Parmasters by way of the Merger, the completion of the private placements by Parmasters and the activities of Avian and Parmasters after the Merger. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release describes Avian's expectations as of the date of this news release.
The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events. In addition, Parmasters' franchisees are independent businesses and, as a result, their operations may be negatively affected by factors beyond Parmasters' control which in turn may damage Parmasters' reputation and could negatively affect Parmasters' financial condition and performance. Revenues and earnings would also be negatively affected, and Parmasters' reputation could be harmed, if a significant number of franchisees were to: experience operational failures; experience financial difficulty; be unwilling or unable to pay Parmasters for any fees; or fail to enter into renewals of franchise agreements. Parmasters' brand recognition will be an important factor in developing and maintaining its competitive position. No assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially similar branding. In addition, Parmasters relies on one or more of the following to protect its proprietary rights: trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions. Despite Parmasters' efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that Parmasters regards as proprietary. Stopping unauthorized use of Parmasters' proprietary rights may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that Parmasters will be successful in protecting its proprietary rights and, if it is not, its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Parmasters' franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of provinces. Any new legislation or failure to comply with existing legislation may negatively affect operations, and could add administrative costs and burdens associated with these regulations, all of which could affect Parmasters' relationship with its franchisees. Parmaster's current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable in the aggregate amount of CDN$2,253,842 as of July 31, 2009 and the collection of such accounts receivable is required in order for the Resulting Issuer to remain solvent for the next 12 months.
Avian cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Avian has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AVIAN AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE AVIAN MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME.
Capitalization Report for Avian Capital Inc
Shares Issued: 4050000
Shares Escrow: 2000000
TEL: (778) 786-1285 Paul Cox
FAX: (604) 926-5806 President
paul@aviancapital.com Avian Capital Inc.
____________________________________________________________
(c)2009 Market News Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Toronto:(416)366-8881 Vancouver:(604)689-1101 Fax:(604)689-1106
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Great Local Indoor Golf Options
There are some days when a home office offers up a distinct advantage. Perhaps today, given the nice white blanket of snow outside, is one of those days.
Golfers this year enjoyed quite a protracted outdoor golf season. I’m sure some were playing last week. Which of course is only fair, given the dismal spring and early summer sent our way earlier this year.
For now, it seems outdoor golf season has officially come to a close.
We’re blessed in Waterloo Region with several great indoor facilities. Of course, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will open soon and will no doubt add significant flair to the list of indoor golf venues. But, even so, the current offering is wonderful.
Golf Without Limits can be found at the top end of Waterloo, on Northfield Drive. They offer several simulators in an intimate setting. With a restaurant right next door, in the same plaza, this can make for a great local indoor golf destination.
Max’s Golf Dome also offers up an enjoyable and unique local option. In addition to time on the indoor driving range, they offer batting cages and mini-putt.
For now, it’s time for me to get back to raising the final portions of capital required to build and open Parmasters KW. We look forward to bringing more depth and an entirely new concept to the local indoor golf scene!
In the meantime, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!
Golfers this year enjoyed quite a protracted outdoor golf season. I’m sure some were playing last week. Which of course is only fair, given the dismal spring and early summer sent our way earlier this year.
For now, it seems outdoor golf season has officially come to a close.
We’re blessed in Waterloo Region with several great indoor facilities. Of course, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will open soon and will no doubt add significant flair to the list of indoor golf venues. But, even so, the current offering is wonderful.
Golf Without Limits can be found at the top end of Waterloo, on Northfield Drive. They offer several simulators in an intimate setting. With a restaurant right next door, in the same plaza, this can make for a great local indoor golf destination.
Max’s Golf Dome also offers up an enjoyable and unique local option. In addition to time on the indoor driving range, they offer batting cages and mini-putt.
For now, it’s time for me to get back to raising the final portions of capital required to build and open Parmasters KW. We look forward to bringing more depth and an entirely new concept to the local indoor golf scene!
In the meantime, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!
Monday, December 07, 2009
Parmasters Video on Corporate Memberships and New RCGA Role for Carroll
I’m once again running out the door to a series of meetings. But wanted to share another Parmasters video, and some news regarding golf leadership in this country.
This latest video focuses on the many benefits of a Corporate Membership at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Corporate Memberships allow up to five employees to enjoy the full benefits of membership... Well, it’s all covered in the video. You can find the video here.
And lastly, the former Executive Director of the Canadian PGA, Steve Carroll, has recently landed a new role with the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Golf News Now reported this last week, in their periodic newsletter. You can find the article on the GNN website here, and I’ve also included it below.
Carroll Lands Key Role With RCGA
November 26, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson
The timing of the announcement that Steve Carroll has been named director of membership and business development for the Royal Canadian Golf Association may lead to speculation that he had been recruited by the RCGA before announcing his resignation as executive director of the Canadian PGA.
The announcement of Carroll’s new position comes just a few weeks after his 22-year tenure with the Canadian PGA concluded at the end of October, but he says he didn’t even consider the RCGA job until his last few days at the CPGA.
“I resigned in August because I felt that I had done everything I could for the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll. “I looked very carefully with a career coach at opportunities inside and outside of golf and around the world. All of that activity was taking place in September and October.”
The turning point towards his new position, according to Carroll, came on October 19 at a National Allied Golf Association meeting that was being held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.
RCGA representatives, including chief operating officer Peter Beresford and Ron Gardner, managing director of membership strategy, were speaking to NAGA about the association’s business development strategy, which features the Golf Canada branding effort to consumers that will have a big push in 2010.
“I had known about it,” said Carroll, who had served as NAGA chairman and had consulted with the RCGA on the effort. “They had brought in outside experts from corporate Canada. It’s a very bold vision for the RCGA.”
It was during that presentation that Carroll heard that the RCGA was looking for somebody to spearhead that effort, including the promotion of the Golf Canada initiative, which will feature merchandise with the maple leaf/golfer logo, to the golf industry.
“I thought to myself, I could be that guy. The next day, I called (RCGA executive director) Scott Simmons and I said, `Scott, I’d like to throw my hat in the ring for this person you’re looking for,’” said Carroll. “I’ve always had a great working relationship with Scott. It all came together very quickly.
“When we starting talking about the details of it, it just made nothing but sense to me to utilize all those contacts I have made in my 22 years, with not only golf pros, but throughout the industry, and not just in B.C. or Ontario, but throughout Canada.
“It just seemed like a really good fit,” he said.
Carroll, who spent 13 years as executive director of the British Columbia zone before taking the Canadian PGA executive director position five years ago, brings outstanding qualities to the position, according to Simmons.
”Steve demonstrated tremendous leadership during his tenure with the CPGA and, more recently, as NAGA chair and spokesperson for the recently announced Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study,” said Simmons.
“He holds a valuable knowledge of the RCGA, Canadian PGA and other golf associations in Canada and has gained an incredible level of respect through his proven record of career success in senior executive positions,” he added.
“We are confident that Steve is the right person to engage the Canadian golf industry and help create and articulate a bold new vision for the future direction of our sport in Canada,” said Simmons.
Carroll will assist with the development and execution of Golf Canada branded membership programs, as well as recruit, train and manage Golf Canada volunteers and increase the profile and awareness of Golf Canada/Team Canada in Ontario and Eastern Canada.
“What was also appealing to me was the idea that I wouldn’t have to, at this point in my career, be concerned with running an entire organization and just simply focus in on a cause and a project that’s a very exciting one and close to my heart,” said Carroll.
“I’ve always thought the RCGA could step into a role like Hockey Canada and like Basketball Canada and be the National Sports Organization in every way possible,” he added.
“Hockey Canada has done a great job in cementing that brand name in the consumer’s mind. There’s a good parallel here, that Hockey Canada is still technically the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, but nobody knows that anymore,” said Carroll.
This latest video focuses on the many benefits of a Corporate Membership at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Corporate Memberships allow up to five employees to enjoy the full benefits of membership... Well, it’s all covered in the video. You can find the video here.
And lastly, the former Executive Director of the Canadian PGA, Steve Carroll, has recently landed a new role with the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Golf News Now reported this last week, in their periodic newsletter. You can find the article on the GNN website here, and I’ve also included it below.
Carroll Lands Key Role With RCGA
November 26, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson
The timing of the announcement that Steve Carroll has been named director of membership and business development for the Royal Canadian Golf Association may lead to speculation that he had been recruited by the RCGA before announcing his resignation as executive director of the Canadian PGA.
The announcement of Carroll’s new position comes just a few weeks after his 22-year tenure with the Canadian PGA concluded at the end of October, but he says he didn’t even consider the RCGA job until his last few days at the CPGA.
“I resigned in August because I felt that I had done everything I could for the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll. “I looked very carefully with a career coach at opportunities inside and outside of golf and around the world. All of that activity was taking place in September and October.”
The turning point towards his new position, according to Carroll, came on October 19 at a National Allied Golf Association meeting that was being held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.
RCGA representatives, including chief operating officer Peter Beresford and Ron Gardner, managing director of membership strategy, were speaking to NAGA about the association’s business development strategy, which features the Golf Canada branding effort to consumers that will have a big push in 2010.
“I had known about it,” said Carroll, who had served as NAGA chairman and had consulted with the RCGA on the effort. “They had brought in outside experts from corporate Canada. It’s a very bold vision for the RCGA.”
It was during that presentation that Carroll heard that the RCGA was looking for somebody to spearhead that effort, including the promotion of the Golf Canada initiative, which will feature merchandise with the maple leaf/golfer logo, to the golf industry.
“I thought to myself, I could be that guy. The next day, I called (RCGA executive director) Scott Simmons and I said, `Scott, I’d like to throw my hat in the ring for this person you’re looking for,’” said Carroll. “I’ve always had a great working relationship with Scott. It all came together very quickly.
“When we starting talking about the details of it, it just made nothing but sense to me to utilize all those contacts I have made in my 22 years, with not only golf pros, but throughout the industry, and not just in B.C. or Ontario, but throughout Canada.
“It just seemed like a really good fit,” he said.
Carroll, who spent 13 years as executive director of the British Columbia zone before taking the Canadian PGA executive director position five years ago, brings outstanding qualities to the position, according to Simmons.
”Steve demonstrated tremendous leadership during his tenure with the CPGA and, more recently, as NAGA chair and spokesperson for the recently announced Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study,” said Simmons.
“He holds a valuable knowledge of the RCGA, Canadian PGA and other golf associations in Canada and has gained an incredible level of respect through his proven record of career success in senior executive positions,” he added.
“We are confident that Steve is the right person to engage the Canadian golf industry and help create and articulate a bold new vision for the future direction of our sport in Canada,” said Simmons.
Carroll will assist with the development and execution of Golf Canada branded membership programs, as well as recruit, train and manage Golf Canada volunteers and increase the profile and awareness of Golf Canada/Team Canada in Ontario and Eastern Canada.
“What was also appealing to me was the idea that I wouldn’t have to, at this point in my career, be concerned with running an entire organization and just simply focus in on a cause and a project that’s a very exciting one and close to my heart,” said Carroll.
“I’ve always thought the RCGA could step into a role like Hockey Canada and like Basketball Canada and be the National Sports Organization in every way possible,” he added.
“Hockey Canada has done a great job in cementing that brand name in the consumer’s mind. There’s a good parallel here, that Hockey Canada is still technically the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, but nobody knows that anymore,” said Carroll.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Straight-Line Golf (TM) Video
I’m just about to head out for a day full of meetings, but wanted to share another of the new Parmasters videos.
I shared the first of these last week, in a previous blog post.
This video focuses on the golf swing teaching system we use, called Straight-Line Golf (TM). You can find the video here.
I shared the first of these last week, in a previous blog post.
This video focuses on the golf swing teaching system we use, called Straight-Line Golf (TM). You can find the video here.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Canadian Roots for World Cup of Golf
Ontario Golf carried a wonderful reminder last week of the Canadian roots out of which last week’s World Cup of Golf was born. As Canadians, we’re notoriously humble. And as a golfing nation, we often minimize our importance within the world of golf. This is unfortunate.
Canada did indeed spawn the World Cup of Golf. I’ve included the article below, or you can find it on the Ontario Golf website.
Congratulations to Brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari who captured Italy's first World Cup title!
Congratulations also, of course, to the Canadian Football League’s 2009 Grey Cup Champions, the Montreal Alouettes! It was another fantastic, tight Grey Cup finish.
Here’s the OG article on the World Cup.
World Cup of Golf Was Born in Canada
Twenty-eight teams are teeing it up this week at the World Cup of Golf at the massive Mission Hills Resort in China. Canadians Stuart Anderson (Calgary) and Graham Delaet (Weyburn, Sask.)-each a three-time winner on the Canadian Tour-are tied for fourth after Round One.
Three years into its 12-year tenure at Mission Hills, the World Cup has recovered much of its old stature and romance. Dr. David Chu, Mission Hills' chairman, has rekindled the event's early ideals and made it unique on the world golf calendar. Chu's vision clearly jibes with that of the late John Jay Hopkins (photo [above]), the founding father of the World Cup-known as the Canada Cup from 1953 to 1966. The Santa Ana, California-born Hopkins, who was president of General Dynamics (which created the world's first atomic submarine), saw golf as "a civilized and civilizing" pursuit and one which could promote international goodwill.
In 1957, defending champions Ben Hogan and Sam Snead brought immense crowds to Tokyo. But the Japanese team, relative newcomers to the sport, stole the show when Koichi Ono and Pete Nakamuru came out on top. Hopkins passed away shortly before the event, but Fred Corcoran, the World Cup's tournament director, knew exactly what he'd have thought about the results.
"If," said Corcoran, "I had any doubts about Hopkins' sincerity and the soundness of his doctrine, Tokyo erased them. It was hard to believe, watching the teams chatting easily on the first tee, that many of these nations had been at war only a few years earlier."
Overnight, Japan became a nation of golf fanatics and Ono and Nakamuru became national heroes. In 1956 alone, no fewer than 20 new courses were rolled out across the country and the first double-decker driving range shot up in Tokyo.
When Argentina won in 1953 at Beaconsfield GC, just outside Montreal, it was one of only seven two-man teams. The event would gain steam through the 1960s and '70s, becoming a "must play" tournament for the world's best players. However, its status soon began to dwindle.
Today there are 28 teams eagerly vying to place their names on the original John Jay Hopkins trophy (18 of whom qualified automatically, while another nine were drawn from qualifying events in Europe, Asia and Latin America). The field is rounded out by the host nation, China.
By offering the event a spectacular 12-year home at Mission Hills, Dr. Chu has made his own distinct contribution to its storied lore. Twelve, he explains, is a special number in China, one that signifies the 12 years in the Chinese horoscope and the completion of a cycle.
Meanwhile, his picture of the world swinging in unison is evolving all the time. When YE Yang, who is competing in this year's event, became the first Asian player to capture a major at the 2009 PGA Championship, the festivities were not confined to Asia. Over in Montreal, there was a day-long celebration that attracted in excess of 200 golfers from the city's South Korean community.
Where was it held? At Beaconsfield GC, the World Cup's original home.
Canada did indeed spawn the World Cup of Golf. I’ve included the article below, or you can find it on the Ontario Golf website.
Congratulations to Brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari who captured Italy's first World Cup title!
Congratulations also, of course, to the Canadian Football League’s 2009 Grey Cup Champions, the Montreal Alouettes! It was another fantastic, tight Grey Cup finish.
Here’s the OG article on the World Cup.
World Cup of Golf Was Born in Canada
Twenty-eight teams are teeing it up this week at the World Cup of Golf at the massive Mission Hills Resort in China. Canadians Stuart Anderson (Calgary) and Graham Delaet (Weyburn, Sask.)-each a three-time winner on the Canadian Tour-are tied for fourth after Round One.
Three years into its 12-year tenure at Mission Hills, the World Cup has recovered much of its old stature and romance. Dr. David Chu, Mission Hills' chairman, has rekindled the event's early ideals and made it unique on the world golf calendar. Chu's vision clearly jibes with that of the late John Jay Hopkins (photo [above]), the founding father of the World Cup-known as the Canada Cup from 1953 to 1966. The Santa Ana, California-born Hopkins, who was president of General Dynamics (which created the world's first atomic submarine), saw golf as "a civilized and civilizing" pursuit and one which could promote international goodwill.
In 1957, defending champions Ben Hogan and Sam Snead brought immense crowds to Tokyo. But the Japanese team, relative newcomers to the sport, stole the show when Koichi Ono and Pete Nakamuru came out on top. Hopkins passed away shortly before the event, but Fred Corcoran, the World Cup's tournament director, knew exactly what he'd have thought about the results.
"If," said Corcoran, "I had any doubts about Hopkins' sincerity and the soundness of his doctrine, Tokyo erased them. It was hard to believe, watching the teams chatting easily on the first tee, that many of these nations had been at war only a few years earlier."
Overnight, Japan became a nation of golf fanatics and Ono and Nakamuru became national heroes. In 1956 alone, no fewer than 20 new courses were rolled out across the country and the first double-decker driving range shot up in Tokyo.
When Argentina won in 1953 at Beaconsfield GC, just outside Montreal, it was one of only seven two-man teams. The event would gain steam through the 1960s and '70s, becoming a "must play" tournament for the world's best players. However, its status soon began to dwindle.
Today there are 28 teams eagerly vying to place their names on the original John Jay Hopkins trophy (18 of whom qualified automatically, while another nine were drawn from qualifying events in Europe, Asia and Latin America). The field is rounded out by the host nation, China.
By offering the event a spectacular 12-year home at Mission Hills, Dr. Chu has made his own distinct contribution to its storied lore. Twelve, he explains, is a special number in China, one that signifies the 12 years in the Chinese horoscope and the completion of a cycle.
Meanwhile, his picture of the world swinging in unison is evolving all the time. When YE Yang, who is competing in this year's event, became the first Asian player to capture a major at the 2009 PGA Championship, the festivities were not confined to Asia. Over in Montreal, there was a day-long celebration that attracted in excess of 200 golfers from the city's South Korean community.
Where was it held? At Beaconsfield GC, the World Cup's original home.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Busy Week in Parmasters KW and Canadian Golf News
It’s been a busy week so far, in more ways than one. Lots of fun though, which I believe is really the only reason we’re all here!
As mentioned, my meeting schedule is ramping up significantly, both with respect to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, which is gaining some great momentum, and also on the consulting side of my business, through S.H. Southern and Associates.
There seemed to be a separate activity just about every evening this week so far. Monday evening I was in meetings near Pearson Airport in Toronto. Tuesday my eldest played hockey. Wednesday I did relax at home with my lads. Thursday evening was the annual football banquet at my eldest son’s school. And last night I had the pleasure of attending the Guelph Storm vs. Erie Otters tilt at the Sleeman Centre. An old friend had rented a box for the evening.
Tonight, I think I’ll just stay in and read, or maybe watch a movie.
It’s been a busy week in golf news as well. I won’t touch upon the news de jour regarding young Mr. Woods and his unfortunate incident. As is the case with everything Woods does, this too shall be over-analyzed from every conceivable angle.
No, let’s focus on Canadian golf news!
For example, Golf News Now ran a great story this week noting that the overall purse on the 2010 Canadian Tour could increase by as much as $650,000. This is great news for the Tour, for Canadians, and for Canadian Tour players, such as our very own Ryan Kings. You can find the entire article here, and also included below.
Continuing with the great Canadian golf news, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame this weekend. This, of course, was widely reported. I’ve included an Ontario Golf blog entry by Robert Thompson below, and it can also be found here.
Tour Schedule Will Be “Unprecedented”: Commissioner
November 22, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson
The finishing touches are still being applied, but the 2010 Canadian Tour schedule could be “unprecedented” in terms of prize money, according to commissioner Rick Janes, who says the raise in overall purse on the season could be as much as $650,000.
“The real highlight of (the 2010) schedule and what we’re working on right now is prize money increases that are really going to be quite unprecedented,” said Janes.
Increases are expected at existing events such as Times Colonist Open in Victoria, the Players Cup in Winnipeg and the Canadian Tour Championship. An announcement about an event in Alberta is expected later this week, but Janes wouldn’t elaborate.
Another announcement coming soon is expected to outline a rebranding of the tour’s Montreal event.
“I think people are going to be quite surprised at what this looks like, particularly in a tough economy, and it will only get better,” said Janes.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s probably the best schedule in terms of prize money – and that’s the operative, in terms of prize money – that the Canadian Tour’s ever had. There’s a bit of risk in this, risk in the sense that we still have a lot of work to do in terms of sponsorship,” he added.
“My board is supporting what we’re doing here. It is a bold effort,” said Janes, adding that as many as 17 Canadian events could take place in 2010, but will more likely be around the 13 mark compared to 10 in 2009.
New markets being considered include Fort McMurray, Alta., the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Thunder Bay, Ont., and possibly Vancouver.
Janes went on to say that rumours of the demise of the tour’s swing through Latin America have been greatly exaggerated in recent media reports. Last year at this time, the tour was making stops in Chile, Argentina and Costa Rica, tournaments that were part of the 2009 schedule despite being played in ’08.
Janes stresses, however, that the tour has not severed ties with Latin America.
“I really don’t know where that came from. No, we’re not giving up on Latin America at all,” he said. “The fact of the matter is that they couldn’t create a schedule of consecutive events. We really wanted that on the circuit, but they just couldn’t put it into the rotation of events.
“What we’re doing is looking now towards a series of events in the spring right now in Argentina and Colombia,” said Janes, adding that those events, played towards the end of March, would be co-sanctioned by the European Challenge Tour and Tour de las Americas.
Even though the swing through South American is still developing, Janes believes there is a strong upside to continuing.
“The reason why we’re in South America and the reason why we’re in Mexico is that we can’t play in Canada at that time of year and I’m very happy with the results of South America,” he said.
“One of the byproducts of it was that we attracted players like Hugo Leon (Chile), who joined us in South America,” said Janes, also pointing to players such as Mauricio Molina and Rafael Gomez, both from Argentina and both two-time winners over the past season.
Janes adds that his isn’t the only tour eyeing South America these days.
“What you’re going to see is PGA Tour expansion into South America, no doubt about it,” said Janes. “You will see, in all probability, on the Nationwide schedule another South American event, most likely in Colombia, in the coming year.
“The reason we’re in South America is to, first and foremost, give our players these international opportunities, to expose some of the top young players from South America to our tour and to bring them to Canada to play.”
All Roads Lead to Brights Grove: Mike Weir and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
November 27th, 2009 by Robert Thompson
This weekend in Brights Grove , Ont., a little suburb of Sarna, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at the age of 39. I’m heading down with Ian Andrew, Weir’s design partner. It’ll be the second HOF induction I’ve attended, having given the introduction speech for Jim Barclay two year’s ago at St. George’s.
Of course this is premature — and everyone, including Weir recognizes it. During a conference call about the induction earlier this week, the point was made that the plaque, which will be at the Golf Hall of Fame in Oakville, can be altered should Weir win again.
Weir was nominated for the accolade by Ian Hutchison, the golf writer at the Toronto Sun, among other places. We’ve had a good discussion about how I think it was wrong — but within the current standards of the HOF, Ian had every right to put Mike up. He was always destined for the place — it just seems odd to do it now. Talking with Richard Zokol the other day, I asked why he wasn’t in the BC Sports Hall of Fame. His answer was simple: “I’m not 50 and you have to be 50 to get in.”
Regardless, Weir was as reflective as I’ve seen him while discussing the honor. I particularly liked his discussion of putting after dark on the practice green at Huron Oaks, where the ceremony will take place:
“There was a little flood light that came from clubhouse that gave a little light on the putting green and I’d put there until my mom made me come home,” he said. ”I found a little corner with some light on it and I’d spend all my time there.”
In my experience Weir isn’t a very reflective man. He doesn’t think about his past accomplishments all that often. This award has surely given him a time to consider what he’s done — which is more than anyone, himself included, expected — but he’s still looking forward.
“I definitely feel like there’s a lot of business to take care of in my years going forward,” he says. ”Where that leaves me when it is all done, I’m not sure. Hopefully my impact is awareness of the game in this country and that we can produce quality, world-class players. Hopefully I’m doing it the right way – all across the board.”
Interestingly, initially the proceedings were scheduled for the Canadian Open. Then in LA at the Northern Trust Open, I had the chance to ask Weir about the HOF announcement, specifically when and where it would take place. Weir said the plan was to hold it in Oakville in July, which I mentioned was odd since the entrant’s home club was usually the place where the reception took place. Score’s Bob Weeks, who was standing behind me, chimed up that this wasn’t the case — that some had been done at LPGA Tour stops, for example — but he agreed the home club was the normal route. Mike seemed surprised. I think people forget he hasn’t lived in Canada with any regularity since he was 19, and he’s never attended a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame induction and didn’t know the protocol for such events.
The RCGA now seem to see the folly of the initial decision.
“We’re happy to take it to the location best suited to the inductee,” said Karen Hewson, director of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and one of the truly helpful people in the Canadian golf industry, the conference call earlier this week.
Truthfully, Brights Grove is the right place for this. Huron Oaks, where Weir visits a couple of times a year, is the course in Canada most affiliated with the golfer, who was never connected to Toronto/Oakville with the exception of his link to IMG Sports.
“We talked about having it at the Canadian Open – but it was such a busy week. The more I thought about it – when I heard that I could have it where I wanted to have it and that other inductees had it at their home clubs – I thought it made sense to have it at Huron Oaks. Originally I didn’t know I could have it there,” Weir says.
“It is where it all kind of began for me and it is an opportunity to share this moment with a lot of friends and family and people who have been supportive of my career,” he added. “In that regard I thought it was the right thing to do.
As mentioned, my meeting schedule is ramping up significantly, both with respect to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, which is gaining some great momentum, and also on the consulting side of my business, through S.H. Southern and Associates.
There seemed to be a separate activity just about every evening this week so far. Monday evening I was in meetings near Pearson Airport in Toronto. Tuesday my eldest played hockey. Wednesday I did relax at home with my lads. Thursday evening was the annual football banquet at my eldest son’s school. And last night I had the pleasure of attending the Guelph Storm vs. Erie Otters tilt at the Sleeman Centre. An old friend had rented a box for the evening.
Tonight, I think I’ll just stay in and read, or maybe watch a movie.
It’s been a busy week in golf news as well. I won’t touch upon the news de jour regarding young Mr. Woods and his unfortunate incident. As is the case with everything Woods does, this too shall be over-analyzed from every conceivable angle.
No, let’s focus on Canadian golf news!
For example, Golf News Now ran a great story this week noting that the overall purse on the 2010 Canadian Tour could increase by as much as $650,000. This is great news for the Tour, for Canadians, and for Canadian Tour players, such as our very own Ryan Kings. You can find the entire article here, and also included below.
Continuing with the great Canadian golf news, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame this weekend. This, of course, was widely reported. I’ve included an Ontario Golf blog entry by Robert Thompson below, and it can also be found here.
Tour Schedule Will Be “Unprecedented”: Commissioner
November 22, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson
The finishing touches are still being applied, but the 2010 Canadian Tour schedule could be “unprecedented” in terms of prize money, according to commissioner Rick Janes, who says the raise in overall purse on the season could be as much as $650,000.
“The real highlight of (the 2010) schedule and what we’re working on right now is prize money increases that are really going to be quite unprecedented,” said Janes.
Increases are expected at existing events such as Times Colonist Open in Victoria, the Players Cup in Winnipeg and the Canadian Tour Championship. An announcement about an event in Alberta is expected later this week, but Janes wouldn’t elaborate.
Another announcement coming soon is expected to outline a rebranding of the tour’s Montreal event.
“I think people are going to be quite surprised at what this looks like, particularly in a tough economy, and it will only get better,” said Janes.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s probably the best schedule in terms of prize money – and that’s the operative, in terms of prize money – that the Canadian Tour’s ever had. There’s a bit of risk in this, risk in the sense that we still have a lot of work to do in terms of sponsorship,” he added.
“My board is supporting what we’re doing here. It is a bold effort,” said Janes, adding that as many as 17 Canadian events could take place in 2010, but will more likely be around the 13 mark compared to 10 in 2009.
New markets being considered include Fort McMurray, Alta., the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Thunder Bay, Ont., and possibly Vancouver.
Janes went on to say that rumours of the demise of the tour’s swing through Latin America have been greatly exaggerated in recent media reports. Last year at this time, the tour was making stops in Chile, Argentina and Costa Rica, tournaments that were part of the 2009 schedule despite being played in ’08.
Janes stresses, however, that the tour has not severed ties with Latin America.
“I really don’t know where that came from. No, we’re not giving up on Latin America at all,” he said. “The fact of the matter is that they couldn’t create a schedule of consecutive events. We really wanted that on the circuit, but they just couldn’t put it into the rotation of events.
“What we’re doing is looking now towards a series of events in the spring right now in Argentina and Colombia,” said Janes, adding that those events, played towards the end of March, would be co-sanctioned by the European Challenge Tour and Tour de las Americas.
Even though the swing through South American is still developing, Janes believes there is a strong upside to continuing.
“The reason why we’re in South America and the reason why we’re in Mexico is that we can’t play in Canada at that time of year and I’m very happy with the results of South America,” he said.
“One of the byproducts of it was that we attracted players like Hugo Leon (Chile), who joined us in South America,” said Janes, also pointing to players such as Mauricio Molina and Rafael Gomez, both from Argentina and both two-time winners over the past season.
Janes adds that his isn’t the only tour eyeing South America these days.
“What you’re going to see is PGA Tour expansion into South America, no doubt about it,” said Janes. “You will see, in all probability, on the Nationwide schedule another South American event, most likely in Colombia, in the coming year.
“The reason we’re in South America is to, first and foremost, give our players these international opportunities, to expose some of the top young players from South America to our tour and to bring them to Canada to play.”
All Roads Lead to Brights Grove: Mike Weir and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
November 27th, 2009 by Robert Thompson
This weekend in Brights Grove , Ont., a little suburb of Sarna, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at the age of 39. I’m heading down with Ian Andrew, Weir’s design partner. It’ll be the second HOF induction I’ve attended, having given the introduction speech for Jim Barclay two year’s ago at St. George’s.
Of course this is premature — and everyone, including Weir recognizes it. During a conference call about the induction earlier this week, the point was made that the plaque, which will be at the Golf Hall of Fame in Oakville, can be altered should Weir win again.
Weir was nominated for the accolade by Ian Hutchison, the golf writer at the Toronto Sun, among other places. We’ve had a good discussion about how I think it was wrong — but within the current standards of the HOF, Ian had every right to put Mike up. He was always destined for the place — it just seems odd to do it now. Talking with Richard Zokol the other day, I asked why he wasn’t in the BC Sports Hall of Fame. His answer was simple: “I’m not 50 and you have to be 50 to get in.”
Regardless, Weir was as reflective as I’ve seen him while discussing the honor. I particularly liked his discussion of putting after dark on the practice green at Huron Oaks, where the ceremony will take place:
“There was a little flood light that came from clubhouse that gave a little light on the putting green and I’d put there until my mom made me come home,” he said. ”I found a little corner with some light on it and I’d spend all my time there.”
In my experience Weir isn’t a very reflective man. He doesn’t think about his past accomplishments all that often. This award has surely given him a time to consider what he’s done — which is more than anyone, himself included, expected — but he’s still looking forward.
“I definitely feel like there’s a lot of business to take care of in my years going forward,” he says. ”Where that leaves me when it is all done, I’m not sure. Hopefully my impact is awareness of the game in this country and that we can produce quality, world-class players. Hopefully I’m doing it the right way – all across the board.”
Interestingly, initially the proceedings were scheduled for the Canadian Open. Then in LA at the Northern Trust Open, I had the chance to ask Weir about the HOF announcement, specifically when and where it would take place. Weir said the plan was to hold it in Oakville in July, which I mentioned was odd since the entrant’s home club was usually the place where the reception took place. Score’s Bob Weeks, who was standing behind me, chimed up that this wasn’t the case — that some had been done at LPGA Tour stops, for example — but he agreed the home club was the normal route. Mike seemed surprised. I think people forget he hasn’t lived in Canada with any regularity since he was 19, and he’s never attended a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame induction and didn’t know the protocol for such events.
The RCGA now seem to see the folly of the initial decision.
“We’re happy to take it to the location best suited to the inductee,” said Karen Hewson, director of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and one of the truly helpful people in the Canadian golf industry, the conference call earlier this week.
Truthfully, Brights Grove is the right place for this. Huron Oaks, where Weir visits a couple of times a year, is the course in Canada most affiliated with the golfer, who was never connected to Toronto/Oakville with the exception of his link to IMG Sports.
“We talked about having it at the Canadian Open – but it was such a busy week. The more I thought about it – when I heard that I could have it where I wanted to have it and that other inductees had it at their home clubs – I thought it made sense to have it at Huron Oaks. Originally I didn’t know I could have it there,” Weir says.
“It is where it all kind of began for me and it is an opportunity to share this moment with a lot of friends and family and people who have been supportive of my career,” he added. “In that regard I thought it was the right thing to do.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
New Series of Informative Videos from Parmasters HQ
My meeting volume has been climbing significantly lately. It’s still manageable, and a productive use of my time, but I do keep an eye on these things. As Lou Gerstner, former CEO of IBM Corp. once said, “Never confuse activity with results.”
Over the next few blog entries I’m going to share some videos. In my opinion, this series of videos is fantastic and basically speaks for itself.
The videos to which I refer all feature Parmasters HQ President and CEO, Tom Matzen, presenting information on one particular aspect of Parmasters. They all feature background footage of Parmasters Memphis.
Again, I’ll share them over the course of the next several blog entries.
This first video focuses on Parmasters Golf Training Centers in general.
You can find the video here.
Over the next few blog entries I’m going to share some videos. In my opinion, this series of videos is fantastic and basically speaks for itself.
The videos to which I refer all feature Parmasters HQ President and CEO, Tom Matzen, presenting information on one particular aspect of Parmasters. They all feature background footage of Parmasters Memphis.
Again, I’ll share them over the course of the next several blog entries.
This first video focuses on Parmasters Golf Training Centers in general.
You can find the video here.
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