Trivia: “True or false: Bobby Jones played in his first U.S. Amateur at the age of 14.” Answer below.
We’ll have some significant, and very positive, announcements, related to Parmasters KW of course, coming out shortly. We’re still finalizing the details. Otherwise, we’d be ready to make the announcement today.
I’ll be roughing out a related communications plan later this afternoon.
And speaking of communications, yesterday I received my April issue of Golf Canada from the RCGA. It’s a wonderful publication and a welcomed sign of spring! You can find past issues online via the RCGA website.
And the answer: “True. The 14-year-old played in 1916.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Snowy Conditions
Trivia: “Who was the first known golfer to own a set of custom-made clubs?” Answer below.
It’s that time of year again when golfers in southern Ontario are getting the itch to get outside with their clubs. I speak with several of them most days here at our Temporary Event Center at Market Square. They’re all curious as to when we’ll open the doors on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. We’re working on it, but all good things take time.
You can also find these golfers swarming the local golf retailers, be it Golf Town, Nevada Bobs, or others. I saw many on Saturday, which was a fairly warm day.
Unfortunately, we awoke this morning to a very heavy frost and a bit of snow. Coincidentally, I came across the following cartoon.
I also read the following quote from Golf News Now:
A Texan apparently was talking about how his town got hit with a freak storm that left about an inch of snow on the ground, causing panic among the townspeople who weren’t used to such conditions. The Texan put it all into perspective, however. “He said, `In Canada, they get an inch of snow, the golfers are happy because they can still see their golf balls,’” said DeCunha, who was telling this story with a purpose.
In a completely unrelated turn of events, I also saw this cartoon, and just thought it was funny. Enjoy!
And the answer: “King James IV of Scotland, who in 1502 had a bow-maker build him a set.”
It’s that time of year again when golfers in southern Ontario are getting the itch to get outside with their clubs. I speak with several of them most days here at our Temporary Event Center at Market Square. They’re all curious as to when we’ll open the doors on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. We’re working on it, but all good things take time.
You can also find these golfers swarming the local golf retailers, be it Golf Town, Nevada Bobs, or others. I saw many on Saturday, which was a fairly warm day.
Unfortunately, we awoke this morning to a very heavy frost and a bit of snow. Coincidentally, I came across the following cartoon.
I also read the following quote from Golf News Now:
A Texan apparently was talking about how his town got hit with a freak storm that left about an inch of snow on the ground, causing panic among the townspeople who weren’t used to such conditions. The Texan put it all into perspective, however. “He said, `In Canada, they get an inch of snow, the golfers are happy because they can still see their golf balls,’” said DeCunha, who was telling this story with a purpose.
In a completely unrelated turn of events, I also saw this cartoon, and just thought it was funny. Enjoy!
And the answer: “King James IV of Scotland, who in 1502 had a bow-maker build him a set.”
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Fifteen Minutes on the Most Difficult Task
Trivia: “What is the governing body for golf outside the United States and Mexico?” Answer below.
I’m in the office, our Temporary Event Center, at Market Square, this morning. I work here most Saturday mornings.
I’m working on a report this morning, which is a task I often find rather daunting. While I enjoy some writing, it can be extremely frustrating when it doesn’t come naturally or easily. I try to follow some of the old adages, such as just write something, anything, just write. And that helps.
I also follow something that friend and colleague, Jim Estill, likes to espouse. He maintains that he can do just about anything for fifteen minutes. So when a task seems daunting, just promise yourself that you’ll dive in and work on it for fifteen minutes. You’ll generally be amazed at what you accomplish in those fifteen minutes, and often be inspired to keep going for much longer.
Yesterday I read a brief blog entry on The Positivity Blog. The point of the message, “Start each day with doing the hardest/ most important/ most uncomfortable thing first.”
Well, time to get back to my report, for at least fifteen minutes.
And the answer: “The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews”
I’m in the office, our Temporary Event Center, at Market Square, this morning. I work here most Saturday mornings.
I’m working on a report this morning, which is a task I often find rather daunting. While I enjoy some writing, it can be extremely frustrating when it doesn’t come naturally or easily. I try to follow some of the old adages, such as just write something, anything, just write. And that helps.
I also follow something that friend and colleague, Jim Estill, likes to espouse. He maintains that he can do just about anything for fifteen minutes. So when a task seems daunting, just promise yourself that you’ll dive in and work on it for fifteen minutes. You’ll generally be amazed at what you accomplish in those fifteen minutes, and often be inspired to keep going for much longer.
Yesterday I read a brief blog entry on The Positivity Blog. The point of the message, “Start each day with doing the hardest/ most important/ most uncomfortable thing first.”
Well, time to get back to my report, for at least fifteen minutes.
And the answer: “The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews”
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Golf Network
Trivia: “From 1896 to 1914, Harry Vardon won a record six British Open [sic] titles. On which course did he win most of those? A) Muirfield B) St. Andrews C) Prestwick D) Royal St. Georges” Answer below.
I’d like to say the reason for my lack of blogging this week has been an overwhelming workload. And that is partially the case. But I must also admit I haven’t been sleeping well, and thus have not been as productive as is normally the case. However, I’m confident this will all change in the next few days.
I’ve recently mentioned the good work of Southwest Greens and aboutGolf, the suppliers of our short game area and golf simulators respectively. These are the industry leaders in their respective fields.
Today I’ll briefly highlight another component in our coming Parmasters golf training center. The Golf Network will broadcast from several screens throughout Parmasters KW.
The Golf Network provides golf-related content, along with additional localized information, to screens located in retail/service areas.
And the answer: “C) Prestwick. Vardon won four of his six titles there, including his final one in 1914, where, in an incredible comeback, he defeated J.H. Taylor by three strokes and at age 44 became the oldest man to put his name on the Claret Jug.”
I’d like to say the reason for my lack of blogging this week has been an overwhelming workload. And that is partially the case. But I must also admit I haven’t been sleeping well, and thus have not been as productive as is normally the case. However, I’m confident this will all change in the next few days.
I’ve recently mentioned the good work of Southwest Greens and aboutGolf, the suppliers of our short game area and golf simulators respectively. These are the industry leaders in their respective fields.
Today I’ll briefly highlight another component in our coming Parmasters golf training center. The Golf Network will broadcast from several screens throughout Parmasters KW.
The Golf Network provides golf-related content, along with additional localized information, to screens located in retail/service areas.
And the answer: “C) Prestwick. Vardon won four of his six titles there, including his final one in 1914, where, in an incredible comeback, he defeated J.H. Taylor by three strokes and at age 44 became the oldest man to put his name on the Claret Jug.”
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Moe Norman’s Story Coming to the Big Screen
Trivia: “What player had the most longevity, winning his final PGA TOUR event nearly 29 years after his first? A) Ray Floyd B) Sam Snead C) Tom Watson D) Jack Nicklaus” Answer below.
The simplified and more effective golf swing that we teach at Parmasters KW, called Straight-Line Golf (TM) stems partly from the vast amount of time our Co-founder and Director of Instruction, Scott Hazledine, spent with Moe Norman.
Thankfully, after many years, Moe’s story is to be immortalized on screen. Please see Lorne Rubenstein’s latest Globe and Mail column here, and included below.
Moe's swing coming to the big screen
LORNE RUBENSTEIN
March 18, 2009
Fifty years ago this month, Moe Norman tied for fourth in the New Orleans Open, his best finish in the 27 PGA Tour events he played during his career.
A half-century later, Barry Morrow, the Academy Award-winning writer of the 1988 film Rain Man, is ready to make a movie about Norman, the unconventional ball-striking wizard who died in September of 2004, nine years after being inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Morrow, an avid golfer and devotee of all things Moe - as everybody called the Kitchener, Ont., native - has wanted to make the film since reading a December, 1995, Golf Digest cover story by David Owen, titled Moe Knows. Morrow was interested in Moe for the same reasons that led to Rain Man, in which Dustin Hoffman played an autistic savant. Morrow completed his Norman script some time ago.
"It's a story about an underdog character you want to see protected against the slings and arrows of life," Morrow said this week from his home in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Morrow wrote to Moe c/o the Canadian PGA on July 31, 1997, hoping the letter would reach him.
"It's been nearly two years since I read about you in Golf Digest, and marvelled at your journey as a person and golf legend," Morrow wrote. "Since then, I've thought about you many times. I am a screenwriter, and I believe your story would make a terrific motion picture. I also believe I'm the person to write it."
Morrow eventually met Moe, and close friends such as Kitchener club pro Gus Maue and his wife, Audrey, and the late Canadian amateur Nick Weslock. They helped protect Moe, a famously shy and insecure man.
Morrow also met Todd Graves, a pro and instructor in Edmond, Okla., who believes Moe had the simplest and most effective swing. The American-born Graves played the Canadian Tour in 1995. He refers to himself as Little Moe and calls his website swinglikemoe.com.
The plan is for Graves teach the actor who plays Moe to emulate his swing. The film will focus on Moe's life in the late 1950s. Moe was in his late 20s then, and made the cut in each of the 14 PGA Tour events he played from 1958 to 1960.
Tiger Woods, who met Moe, told Golf Digest's Jaime Diaz: "Only two players have ever truly owned their swings, Moe Norman and Ben Hogan."
The actor who will play Moe has yet to be determined, while Morrow could have a director in place by next week. The film will have a budget of approximately $10-million (U.S.), and is being co-produced by Morrow, and BellTower Entertainment, based in Los Angeles with offices in Toronto and Shanghai. The intent is to film in Canada, starting this summer. Financing is in place.
The actor who plays Moe is, of course, of singular importance.
"Among the actors we considered a few years ago were Philip Seymour Hoffman and Heath Ledger," Morrow said.
Hoffman won a best-actor Oscar for his role in Capote. At 41, he's now too old to play a young Moe, while Ledger, an Oscar winner for his work in The Dark Knight, died last year. So who might play Moe?
How about Justin Timberlake, a single-digit golfer who, while better-known for his singing and songwriting, received positive reviews for his role in the 2006 film Alpha Dog?
Morrow thinks Timberlake, 28, could work. He's the right age, and is into golf so much that he is the host of the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The inaugural tournament was in Las Vegas last October. Timberlake is also known for his good looks, but the 1950s model Moe was a slimmer, blonder fellow than the Moe most people now remember.
"I enjoy every facet of the game," Timberlake once said of golf. "I'm a pretty athletic dude, a pretty athletic person, and I think this is the toughest game I've ever played."
Could Timberlake reflect Moe's debilitating discomfort in the white-bread world of professional golf of the 1950s, along with his antic mannerisms? Moe hit balls off Coke bottles, and shuffled off muttering to himself when somebody looked at him the wrong way. Some players didn't want Moe in their midst, and he wouldn't and probably couldn't conform.
The actor playing Moe would also need to get comfortable with Moe's technique, although a body double could be used. He would need to find the moves and sink into the character of what Golf World, which put Moe on its March 20, 1959, cover, called "the most colourful player to join the tour in a long time."
Fifty years have passed, and no more colourful player has emerged. Morrow has come to know Moe. If the film comes off as Morrow envisages it, it will help others know Moe.
rube@sympatico.ca
And the answer: “A) Ray Floyd, who won the first of his 22 titles in 1963 and the last in 1992.”
The simplified and more effective golf swing that we teach at Parmasters KW, called Straight-Line Golf (TM) stems partly from the vast amount of time our Co-founder and Director of Instruction, Scott Hazledine, spent with Moe Norman.
Thankfully, after many years, Moe’s story is to be immortalized on screen. Please see Lorne Rubenstein’s latest Globe and Mail column here, and included below.
Moe's swing coming to the big screen
LORNE RUBENSTEIN
March 18, 2009
Fifty years ago this month, Moe Norman tied for fourth in the New Orleans Open, his best finish in the 27 PGA Tour events he played during his career.
A half-century later, Barry Morrow, the Academy Award-winning writer of the 1988 film Rain Man, is ready to make a movie about Norman, the unconventional ball-striking wizard who died in September of 2004, nine years after being inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Morrow, an avid golfer and devotee of all things Moe - as everybody called the Kitchener, Ont., native - has wanted to make the film since reading a December, 1995, Golf Digest cover story by David Owen, titled Moe Knows. Morrow was interested in Moe for the same reasons that led to Rain Man, in which Dustin Hoffman played an autistic savant. Morrow completed his Norman script some time ago.
"It's a story about an underdog character you want to see protected against the slings and arrows of life," Morrow said this week from his home in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Morrow wrote to Moe c/o the Canadian PGA on July 31, 1997, hoping the letter would reach him.
"It's been nearly two years since I read about you in Golf Digest, and marvelled at your journey as a person and golf legend," Morrow wrote. "Since then, I've thought about you many times. I am a screenwriter, and I believe your story would make a terrific motion picture. I also believe I'm the person to write it."
Morrow eventually met Moe, and close friends such as Kitchener club pro Gus Maue and his wife, Audrey, and the late Canadian amateur Nick Weslock. They helped protect Moe, a famously shy and insecure man.
Morrow also met Todd Graves, a pro and instructor in Edmond, Okla., who believes Moe had the simplest and most effective swing. The American-born Graves played the Canadian Tour in 1995. He refers to himself as Little Moe and calls his website swinglikemoe.com.
The plan is for Graves teach the actor who plays Moe to emulate his swing. The film will focus on Moe's life in the late 1950s. Moe was in his late 20s then, and made the cut in each of the 14 PGA Tour events he played from 1958 to 1960.
Tiger Woods, who met Moe, told Golf Digest's Jaime Diaz: "Only two players have ever truly owned their swings, Moe Norman and Ben Hogan."
The actor who will play Moe has yet to be determined, while Morrow could have a director in place by next week. The film will have a budget of approximately $10-million (U.S.), and is being co-produced by Morrow, and BellTower Entertainment, based in Los Angeles with offices in Toronto and Shanghai. The intent is to film in Canada, starting this summer. Financing is in place.
The actor who plays Moe is, of course, of singular importance.
"Among the actors we considered a few years ago were Philip Seymour Hoffman and Heath Ledger," Morrow said.
Hoffman won a best-actor Oscar for his role in Capote. At 41, he's now too old to play a young Moe, while Ledger, an Oscar winner for his work in The Dark Knight, died last year. So who might play Moe?
How about Justin Timberlake, a single-digit golfer who, while better-known for his singing and songwriting, received positive reviews for his role in the 2006 film Alpha Dog?
Morrow thinks Timberlake, 28, could work. He's the right age, and is into golf so much that he is the host of the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The inaugural tournament was in Las Vegas last October. Timberlake is also known for his good looks, but the 1950s model Moe was a slimmer, blonder fellow than the Moe most people now remember.
"I enjoy every facet of the game," Timberlake once said of golf. "I'm a pretty athletic dude, a pretty athletic person, and I think this is the toughest game I've ever played."
Could Timberlake reflect Moe's debilitating discomfort in the white-bread world of professional golf of the 1950s, along with his antic mannerisms? Moe hit balls off Coke bottles, and shuffled off muttering to himself when somebody looked at him the wrong way. Some players didn't want Moe in their midst, and he wouldn't and probably couldn't conform.
The actor playing Moe would also need to get comfortable with Moe's technique, although a body double could be used. He would need to find the moves and sink into the character of what Golf World, which put Moe on its March 20, 1959, cover, called "the most colourful player to join the tour in a long time."
Fifty years have passed, and no more colourful player has emerged. Morrow has come to know Moe. If the film comes off as Morrow envisages it, it will help others know Moe.
rube@sympatico.ca
And the answer: “A) Ray Floyd, who won the first of his 22 titles in 1963 and the last in 1992.”
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Our Incredible aboutGolf Simulators
Trivia: “Why is Jesper Parnevik’s father famous in Sweden? A) He’s one of the country’s top comedians. B) He anchors the national evening news. C) He’s an award-winning character actor. D) He hosts a syndicated talk radio show.” Answer below.
Just as I shared some samples of the fine work of Southwest Greens a short while ago, I’ve been meaning to share some images of our aboutGolf golf simulators. They’re incredible. Have a look.
Just as I shared some samples of the fine work of Southwest Greens a short while ago, I’ve been meaning to share some images of our aboutGolf golf simulators. They’re incredible. Have a look.
You can find more images and information on the aboutGolf website, and also see a PDF brochure highlighting some of the world famous courses we’ll offer.
And the answer: “A) He’s one of the country’s top comedians.”
And the answer: “A) He’s one of the country’s top comedians.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
Golf Historical Society of Canada Event
Trivia: “Who was the first player to win both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur? A) Chick Evans B) Tiger Woods C) Jack Nicklaus D) Francis Ouimet” Answer below.
I managed to get a fair bit of work done over the weekend, and also some relaxing and recharging of the batteries, as they say. The weekend included some shopping with a friend (she did the shopping, I did the carrying), my eldest son’s weekly hockey game, some monopoly and scrabble, a cleaner car, etc.
Roughly two weeks from now the Golf Historical Society of Canada is hosting a special event, which I hope to attend. Here’s a quote from Ontario Golf Magazine’s most recent email newsletter, specifically the March 13, 2009 issue.
“The Golf Historical Society of Canada is having a show and sale March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum at 1333 Dorval Drive in Oakville. Bring your old golf stuff for appraisal (who knows, you may have a rare collectible sitting in storage) and participate in a golf collectibles auction.”
I managed to get a fair bit of work done over the weekend, and also some relaxing and recharging of the batteries, as they say. The weekend included some shopping with a friend (she did the shopping, I did the carrying), my eldest son’s weekly hockey game, some monopoly and scrabble, a cleaner car, etc.
Roughly two weeks from now the Golf Historical Society of Canada is hosting a special event, which I hope to attend. Here’s a quote from Ontario Golf Magazine’s most recent email newsletter, specifically the March 13, 2009 issue.
“The Golf Historical Society of Canada is having a show and sale March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum at 1333 Dorval Drive in Oakville. Bring your old golf stuff for appraisal (who knows, you may have a rare collectible sitting in storage) and participate in a golf collectibles auction.”
You can learn more via the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame section of the RCGA website, where it actually states that the auction begins at 2:00pm and the entire event runs until 4:00pm. Enjoy!
And the answer: “D) Francis Ouimet. He won the U.S. Open in 1913 and the U.S. Amateur the following year.”
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Right Tasks, Completed Effectively and Correctly
Trivia: “Who is considered the world’s first professional golfer? A) “Old” Tom Morris B) Willie Park Sr. C) Allan Robertson D) Andrew Strath” Answer below.
I’ve been working lately on many different projects, almost all related to coming grand opening of Parmasters KW. In talking to a close friend last night, I started to wonder, as I often do, whether I’m working on the correct priorities.
It’s quite healthy and natural, as an entrepreneur, to regularly consider these things.
Some people say managing is making sure all tasks are completed effectively and correctly. While leading is ensuring that the right (i.e. highest priority, highest leverage, etc.) tasks are being worked on. As an entrepreneur in such a small organization, I’m clearly both manager and leader.
(And also maintenance person, IT specialist, marketer, window cleaner, .... But that’s another story.)
This same friend is contemplating her next career move. She may have to decide whether she wishes to be a manager or a leader.
Getting back to my current projects and priorities, I will dedicate sometime over the next few days to once again revisit all priorities, strategic plans, etc., and ensure the right tasks are being worked on.
For now, I must get back to work on my current task, ensuring, as a manager would, that it is completed effectively and correctly by day’s end.
And the answer: “C) Allan Robertson. Robertson, who was the first to score below 80 on the Old Course in Scotland, was also considered the premier ball- and club-maker of the mid-19th century.”
I’ve been working lately on many different projects, almost all related to coming grand opening of Parmasters KW. In talking to a close friend last night, I started to wonder, as I often do, whether I’m working on the correct priorities.
It’s quite healthy and natural, as an entrepreneur, to regularly consider these things.
Some people say managing is making sure all tasks are completed effectively and correctly. While leading is ensuring that the right (i.e. highest priority, highest leverage, etc.) tasks are being worked on. As an entrepreneur in such a small organization, I’m clearly both manager and leader.
(And also maintenance person, IT specialist, marketer, window cleaner, .... But that’s another story.)
This same friend is contemplating her next career move. She may have to decide whether she wishes to be a manager or a leader.
Getting back to my current projects and priorities, I will dedicate sometime over the next few days to once again revisit all priorities, strategic plans, etc., and ensure the right tasks are being worked on.
For now, I must get back to work on my current task, ensuring, as a manager would, that it is completed effectively and correctly by day’s end.
And the answer: “C) Allan Robertson. Robertson, who was the first to score below 80 on the Old Course in Scotland, was also considered the premier ball- and club-maker of the mid-19th century.”
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rubenstein’s Latest Column – “Go Unconscious”
Trivia: “What criterion does Tiger Woods, winner of more than 40 [sic] PGA TOUR events and eight majors, still need to meet in order to qualify for the World Golf Hall of Fame?” Answer below.
I’ve been including a lot of news items and other links and references lately. I guess that’s mostly because I haven’t felt my daily comings and goings have been all that blog-worthy. Just a lot of meetings and doing all we can to move Parmasters KW forward as quickly as possible. This blog-worthiness will likely change shortly.
Today I’m just working away on a few different projects. No meetings, per se. I’ll spend lunch with a dear friend and the evening with my two boys.
For now, before I get back to work, I’ll leave you with Lorne Rubenstein’s latest column, courtesy of the Globe and Mail. I found it quite interesting, and hope you will also. You can find it online here, and also included below, as usual.
Learn efficient technique, then go unconscious
LORNE RUBENSTEIN
March 11, 2009
MIAMI -- Successful tour golfers merge the psychological with the technical aspects of the game.
Sports psychologist Bob Rotella walked the back nine with Mike Weir yesterday at the Doral Golf Resort to help the Canadian with the mental side, while today, swing coach Justin Bruton will be at Doral to film top players so he can help golfers who visit his Total Performance Golf academy at the Biltmore Hotel in nearby Coral Gables, Fla.
Rotella has been working with Weir to help him "go unconscious."
The Bright's Grove, Ont., native will play in a group with Tiger Woods in the first two rounds of the CA Championship that starts tomorrow. He was doing pretty well along the conscious-unconscious spectrum.
On the 603-yard 12th hole, Weir hit the pin on one bounce from 100 yards. He then pitched a shot over a bunker in front of the green from 30 yards. The shot finished three feet from the hole.
"Pretty," Rotella said, and then Weir hit a few putts.
"I'm still feeling like I could have a bit more freedom in my stroke," Weir told Rotella.
On the final hole, Weir ripped a long iron over the corner of the lake in front of the green. The ball finished 15 feet left of the hole, pin-high.
"You get to the point where you know what you're trying to do [with the technical elements]," Weir said as he walked to the green. "I don't have to see Andy and Mike as much now. It's a matter of trusting myself."
Weir was referring to swing coaches Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett, who teach the stack-and-tilt approach. He said he knows the material. Now, it's about playing golf, not golf swing.
Meanwhile, he still gives plenty of thought to technique, but on the practice range rather than the course. He also enjoys talking about the swing, and on the last hole conversation turned to the Tour Striker, a new training club. Weir had joined Jim Furyk on the 17th hole, and they started talking about the club.
Canadian pro Martin Chuck, once part of George Knudson's and Ben Kern's top-notch junior program at the National Golf Club of Canada, developed the Tour Striker. It helps golfers achieve what teachers call "forward lean of the club shaft" at impact.
Chuck, director of golf at Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, Ore., has had some encouraging success with the anti-scoop club. Word is that PGA Tour pro David Toms asked for one, and Justin Leonard's coach, Randy Smith, picked one up recently.
Bruton, meanwhile, has been looking forward to visiting Doral today to continue his swing studies. The 31-year-old pro said during a recent interview at his academy that more players are going to what he called a "modern-day, short-arm, swing-big, body-turn motion."
Woods rarely gets his club to a parallel to the ground position at the top of his swing. But he's fully coiled behind the ball. "Tiger is the best iron player I've ever seen," Bruton said, which is in part because of the increased efficiency of his swing.
What about Weir and fellow Canadian Stephen Ames, who is also playing this week?
"They both have very rotary swings [one plane/stack-and-tilt types] where their heads do not move laterally as much on the backswing," Bruton said. "It appears Weir is letting his head move a little more laterally when he is swinging a driver, which I think is the correct move with the longer clubs as opposed to stack and tilt."
Then, there's South Korean player Y.E. Yang, who won last week's Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Bruton said Yang uses that short-arm, big-turn action.
"This is a more efficient way to swing the club," Bruton said, "because a person's rate of force can actually go up with a shorter stretch/shorten cycle as opposed to a big, long backswing that overstretches the body and causes the golfer to lose that quick contraction out of the muscle. All the load that is created is lost."
What's a golfer to do? Clearly, the way to improve is to learn efficient technique, and then to go unconscious.
Weir and Ames have the first part down, otherwise they wouldn't be on the PGA Tour. Either could win this week. They're here, right?
It's certain that neither Weir nor Ames is thinking about Woods making his first appearance in a stroke-play event since winning the U.S. Open last June. They're thinking about something else.
They're thinking about going unconscious.
rube@sympatico.ca
And the answer: “He still needs to reach his 40th birthday, which is the minimum age for eligibility.”
I’ve been including a lot of news items and other links and references lately. I guess that’s mostly because I haven’t felt my daily comings and goings have been all that blog-worthy. Just a lot of meetings and doing all we can to move Parmasters KW forward as quickly as possible. This blog-worthiness will likely change shortly.
Today I’m just working away on a few different projects. No meetings, per se. I’ll spend lunch with a dear friend and the evening with my two boys.
For now, before I get back to work, I’ll leave you with Lorne Rubenstein’s latest column, courtesy of the Globe and Mail. I found it quite interesting, and hope you will also. You can find it online here, and also included below, as usual.
Learn efficient technique, then go unconscious
LORNE RUBENSTEIN
March 11, 2009
MIAMI -- Successful tour golfers merge the psychological with the technical aspects of the game.
Sports psychologist Bob Rotella walked the back nine with Mike Weir yesterday at the Doral Golf Resort to help the Canadian with the mental side, while today, swing coach Justin Bruton will be at Doral to film top players so he can help golfers who visit his Total Performance Golf academy at the Biltmore Hotel in nearby Coral Gables, Fla.
Rotella has been working with Weir to help him "go unconscious."
The Bright's Grove, Ont., native will play in a group with Tiger Woods in the first two rounds of the CA Championship that starts tomorrow. He was doing pretty well along the conscious-unconscious spectrum.
On the 603-yard 12th hole, Weir hit the pin on one bounce from 100 yards. He then pitched a shot over a bunker in front of the green from 30 yards. The shot finished three feet from the hole.
"Pretty," Rotella said, and then Weir hit a few putts.
"I'm still feeling like I could have a bit more freedom in my stroke," Weir told Rotella.
On the final hole, Weir ripped a long iron over the corner of the lake in front of the green. The ball finished 15 feet left of the hole, pin-high.
"You get to the point where you know what you're trying to do [with the technical elements]," Weir said as he walked to the green. "I don't have to see Andy and Mike as much now. It's a matter of trusting myself."
Weir was referring to swing coaches Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett, who teach the stack-and-tilt approach. He said he knows the material. Now, it's about playing golf, not golf swing.
Meanwhile, he still gives plenty of thought to technique, but on the practice range rather than the course. He also enjoys talking about the swing, and on the last hole conversation turned to the Tour Striker, a new training club. Weir had joined Jim Furyk on the 17th hole, and they started talking about the club.
Canadian pro Martin Chuck, once part of George Knudson's and Ben Kern's top-notch junior program at the National Golf Club of Canada, developed the Tour Striker. It helps golfers achieve what teachers call "forward lean of the club shaft" at impact.
Chuck, director of golf at Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, Ore., has had some encouraging success with the anti-scoop club. Word is that PGA Tour pro David Toms asked for one, and Justin Leonard's coach, Randy Smith, picked one up recently.
Bruton, meanwhile, has been looking forward to visiting Doral today to continue his swing studies. The 31-year-old pro said during a recent interview at his academy that more players are going to what he called a "modern-day, short-arm, swing-big, body-turn motion."
Woods rarely gets his club to a parallel to the ground position at the top of his swing. But he's fully coiled behind the ball. "Tiger is the best iron player I've ever seen," Bruton said, which is in part because of the increased efficiency of his swing.
What about Weir and fellow Canadian Stephen Ames, who is also playing this week?
"They both have very rotary swings [one plane/stack-and-tilt types] where their heads do not move laterally as much on the backswing," Bruton said. "It appears Weir is letting his head move a little more laterally when he is swinging a driver, which I think is the correct move with the longer clubs as opposed to stack and tilt."
Then, there's South Korean player Y.E. Yang, who won last week's Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Bruton said Yang uses that short-arm, big-turn action.
"This is a more efficient way to swing the club," Bruton said, "because a person's rate of force can actually go up with a shorter stretch/shorten cycle as opposed to a big, long backswing that overstretches the body and causes the golfer to lose that quick contraction out of the muscle. All the load that is created is lost."
What's a golfer to do? Clearly, the way to improve is to learn efficient technique, and then to go unconscious.
Weir and Ames have the first part down, otherwise they wouldn't be on the PGA Tour. Either could win this week. They're here, right?
It's certain that neither Weir nor Ames is thinking about Woods making his first appearance in a stroke-play event since winning the U.S. Open last June. They're thinking about something else.
They're thinking about going unconscious.
rube@sympatico.ca
And the answer: “He still needs to reach his 40th birthday, which is the minimum age for eligibility.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
RBC and RCGA name Mike Weir Foundation as national charity partner for RBC Canadian Open
Trivia: “What two courses share the record for being the longest to play host to the U.S. Open?” Answer below.
We heard some fantastic news out of the Canadian Open and the Mike Weir camp yesterday. You can find the media release here, and also included below.
RBC and RCGA name Mike Weir Foundation as national charity partner for RBC Canadian Open
Mike Weir Charity Classic to be held Monday of RBC Canadian Open tournament week;
RBC expands relationship with Canadian golf icon;
PGA TOUR stars confirm their intent to compete for Canada's national Open championship
TORONTO, ON (RCGA), March 9 /CNW/ - RBC and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) today announced the Mike Weir Foundation as a national charity partner for the RBC Canadian Open, welcoming the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to the lineup of tournament week activities for the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
The Mike Weir Charity Classic will take place on Monday, July 20 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The high-profile charity fundraiser will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries including two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash as well as several notable players on the PGA TOUR. This star-studded event will be a true highlight of event week.
"A critical component of our being title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open is to ensure we are generating charitable legacies in our communities," said Gordon M. Nixon, RBC president and CEO. "Creating the Mike Weir Charity Classic during tournament week is an important step towards this objective and will help improve children's wellness across Canada."
The Mike Weir Foundation supports numerous worthwhile causes in support of the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children. All net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic will benefit children's charities through the Foundation.
"Supporting children's wellness is the main goal of the Mike Weir Foundation and I am pleased to have RBC and the RCGA as partners in realizing this vision," said Mike Weir. "I'm looking forward to the RBC Canadian Open and hosting the Charity Classic. It's for a great cause and part of the RBC Canadian Open's commitment to the community. It'll be a lot of fun."
The opportunity to add a philanthropic component to the RBC Canadian Open aligns with the RCGA's and RBC's long term strategic plan for the event.
"We are extremely proud to partner with the Mike Weir Foundation and welcome the Mike Weir Charity Classic to tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open," said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. "Adding a significant charitable element to Canada's national Open championship is a major focus of our strategic vision for the event and together with RBC, we feel that aligning our philanthropic efforts with the Mike Weir Foundation is an ideal fit and to be in a position to announce the type of talent we have secured is very fulfilling for everyone involved."
As part of today's announcement, RBC also announced it is expanding its marketing relationship with Mike Weir to include all of its financial service categories. Last week, RBC announced it had established a relationship with Stephen Ames and his foundation's work with youth in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.
"Building partnerships with some of the most recognizable players on the PGA TOUR helps us enhance the RBC Canadian Open and drives our business objectives," said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. "We want to leverage our deepening role in golf to build brand experiences for our clients and golf fans in Canada as well as enhance brand awareness for RBC in the U.S. and internationally. In partnership with the RCGA, the PGA TOUR and other sponsors, we are revitalizing the RBC Canadian Open and restoring it to its rightful place as one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR."
Following the conclusion of the 2008 RBC Canadian Open, officials from RBC and the RCGA sat down as part of its ongoing dialogue with Team Weir to discuss the concept of adding a new event that would address two key objectives. Beyond simply raising charity dollars, the intent was to formalize the role Weir could play in helping to engage fellow PGA TOUR players to support the philanthropic mission of The Mike Weir Foundation, while helping to enhance the Field of the RBC Canadian Open.
Led in part by Weir's input, rapport and dialogue with his peers, the RBC Canadian Open is thrilled to announce that marquee names have already committed to play in the Mike Weir Charity Classic and challenge for the 100th playing of Canada's national Open championship, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The following collection of emerging PGA TOUR superstars, world-class international players and proven veterans will be in attendance:
Anthony Kim
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2008 Ryder Cup hero
Trevor Immelman
- 2008 Masters champion
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Camilo Villegas
- 2008 TOUR Championship winner
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Luke Donald
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
- Two-time Ryder Cup team member
Fred Couples
- 15-time PGA TOUR winner, 5-time Ryder Cup team member
- 4-time President's Cup team member, 2009 President's Cup Captain
Mark Calcavecchia
- 13-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2005 RBC Canadian Open champion
- 4-time Ryder Cup team member
Stephen Ames
- Three-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2006 The PLAYERS Championship winner
Chez Reavie
- 2008 RBC Canadian Open champion
Mike Weir
- Eight-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2003 Masters champion
- 4-time President's Cup team member
- 2009 inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Additional PGA TOUR players and notable celebrities taking part in the Mike Weir Charity Classic will be announced in coming months as the 2009 RBC Canadian Open shapes up to be one of the highest profile events in recent history.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA's mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada's national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada's most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women's Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Pino, Director, Media and Public Relations, Royal Canadian Golf Association, t: (905) 849-9700 ext. 406, c: (416) 434-5525 (cell), e: dpino@rcga.org; Jackie Braden, Manager, Media Relations, RBC, t: (416) 974-2124, c: (416) 318-7950 (cell), e: Jackie.braden@rbc.com
And the answer: “The Black Course at Bethpage State Park and Pinehurst No. 2, which both measure 7,214 yards. They held the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2005 respectively.”
We heard some fantastic news out of the Canadian Open and the Mike Weir camp yesterday. You can find the media release here, and also included below.
RBC and RCGA name Mike Weir Foundation as national charity partner for RBC Canadian Open
Mike Weir Charity Classic to be held Monday of RBC Canadian Open tournament week;
RBC expands relationship with Canadian golf icon;
PGA TOUR stars confirm their intent to compete for Canada's national Open championship
TORONTO, ON (RCGA), March 9 /CNW/ - RBC and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) today announced the Mike Weir Foundation as a national charity partner for the RBC Canadian Open, welcoming the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to the lineup of tournament week activities for the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
The Mike Weir Charity Classic will take place on Monday, July 20 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The high-profile charity fundraiser will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries including two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash as well as several notable players on the PGA TOUR. This star-studded event will be a true highlight of event week.
"A critical component of our being title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open is to ensure we are generating charitable legacies in our communities," said Gordon M. Nixon, RBC president and CEO. "Creating the Mike Weir Charity Classic during tournament week is an important step towards this objective and will help improve children's wellness across Canada."
The Mike Weir Foundation supports numerous worthwhile causes in support of the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children. All net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic will benefit children's charities through the Foundation.
"Supporting children's wellness is the main goal of the Mike Weir Foundation and I am pleased to have RBC and the RCGA as partners in realizing this vision," said Mike Weir. "I'm looking forward to the RBC Canadian Open and hosting the Charity Classic. It's for a great cause and part of the RBC Canadian Open's commitment to the community. It'll be a lot of fun."
The opportunity to add a philanthropic component to the RBC Canadian Open aligns with the RCGA's and RBC's long term strategic plan for the event.
"We are extremely proud to partner with the Mike Weir Foundation and welcome the Mike Weir Charity Classic to tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open," said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. "Adding a significant charitable element to Canada's national Open championship is a major focus of our strategic vision for the event and together with RBC, we feel that aligning our philanthropic efforts with the Mike Weir Foundation is an ideal fit and to be in a position to announce the type of talent we have secured is very fulfilling for everyone involved."
As part of today's announcement, RBC also announced it is expanding its marketing relationship with Mike Weir to include all of its financial service categories. Last week, RBC announced it had established a relationship with Stephen Ames and his foundation's work with youth in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.
"Building partnerships with some of the most recognizable players on the PGA TOUR helps us enhance the RBC Canadian Open and drives our business objectives," said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. "We want to leverage our deepening role in golf to build brand experiences for our clients and golf fans in Canada as well as enhance brand awareness for RBC in the U.S. and internationally. In partnership with the RCGA, the PGA TOUR and other sponsors, we are revitalizing the RBC Canadian Open and restoring it to its rightful place as one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR."
Following the conclusion of the 2008 RBC Canadian Open, officials from RBC and the RCGA sat down as part of its ongoing dialogue with Team Weir to discuss the concept of adding a new event that would address two key objectives. Beyond simply raising charity dollars, the intent was to formalize the role Weir could play in helping to engage fellow PGA TOUR players to support the philanthropic mission of The Mike Weir Foundation, while helping to enhance the Field of the RBC Canadian Open.
Led in part by Weir's input, rapport and dialogue with his peers, the RBC Canadian Open is thrilled to announce that marquee names have already committed to play in the Mike Weir Charity Classic and challenge for the 100th playing of Canada's national Open championship, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The following collection of emerging PGA TOUR superstars, world-class international players and proven veterans will be in attendance:
Anthony Kim
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2008 Ryder Cup hero
Trevor Immelman
- 2008 Masters champion
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Camilo Villegas
- 2008 TOUR Championship winner
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Luke Donald
- Two-time PGA TOUR winner
- Two-time Ryder Cup team member
Fred Couples
- 15-time PGA TOUR winner, 5-time Ryder Cup team member
- 4-time President's Cup team member, 2009 President's Cup Captain
Mark Calcavecchia
- 13-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2005 RBC Canadian Open champion
- 4-time Ryder Cup team member
Stephen Ames
- Three-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2006 The PLAYERS Championship winner
Chez Reavie
- 2008 RBC Canadian Open champion
Mike Weir
- Eight-time PGA TOUR winner
- 2003 Masters champion
- 4-time President's Cup team member
- 2009 inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Additional PGA TOUR players and notable celebrities taking part in the Mike Weir Charity Classic will be announced in coming months as the 2009 RBC Canadian Open shapes up to be one of the highest profile events in recent history.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA's mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada's national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada's most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women's Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Pino, Director, Media and Public Relations, Royal Canadian Golf Association, t: (905) 849-9700 ext. 406, c: (416) 434-5525 (cell), e: dpino@rcga.org; Jackie Braden, Manager, Media Relations, RBC, t: (416) 974-2124, c: (416) 318-7950 (cell), e: Jackie.braden@rbc.com
And the answer: “The Black Course at Bethpage State Park and Pinehurst No. 2, which both measure 7,214 yards. They held the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2005 respectively.”
Friday, March 06, 2009
The Fine Work of Southwest Greens
Trivia: “Who won 10 or more times during two separate seasons?” Answer below.
It’s been a busy day thus far, and obviously I didn’t get to this blog first thing.
I’ve been meaning to share some photos from the fine folks at Southwest Greens. They will create our incredible short game area, coming soon to your Parmasters KW golf training center!
You can find more photos on their Canadian site and their main/USA site. I’ve included a few below to whet your appetite!
It’s been a busy day thus far, and obviously I didn’t get to this blog first thing.
I’ve been meaning to share some photos from the fine folks at Southwest Greens. They will create our incredible short game area, coming soon to your Parmasters KW golf training center!
You can find more photos on their Canadian site and their main/USA site. I’ve included a few below to whet your appetite!
And the answer: “Ben Hogan, who had 13 victories in 1946 and 10 in 1948”
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Twelve Things I Can’t Play Without
Trivia: “Why did Jesper Parnevik name his son Phoenix?” Answer below.
I came across this article, found both here and below, the other day and thought, with the outdoor season fast approaching, it may be helpful and timely. A special thank you to GolfPutterReviews.com.
12 Things I Can’t Play Without
A lot of us unwrapped golf-related presents during the holidays. Books, clothes, DVDs, club cleaners — the kind of stuff we enjoy but would rarely buy for ourselves. It made me start to think about what I absolutely, positively never want to play golf without. Here are my essentials:
1. Properly Marked Balls. For me, this means six that are marked and ready for play before each round. I use a green Sharpie and make a single dot under the ball’s number, then a line along the seam of the ball so I can align putts on my intended target line. If I’m playing on a course with lots of high rough or water, I’ll bring three extra.
2. Free Tees. I think white look the best, but honestly, whatever is free at the starter’s hut works for me. I hate the idea of buying tees.
3. Coins with good years. In pursuit of positive karma, lots of pros use coins minted in the 60s as ball markers. Pennies are fine, but nickels, dimes and quarters work too. Like tees, I can’t bring myself to pay for a ball marker.
4. A divot repair tool. If everyone repaired his pitch mark, and another nearby, we’d all be putting on smoother greens. (I put one in my pocket, along with a coin, on the first tee.)
5. Pencils. I’m constantly losing the pencil I start my round with, so I stock several.
6. A towel. I keep one corner damp to help me keep the grooves of my irons and wedges clean.
7. A water resistant top. If the forecast calls for steady rain, I’ll wear a water-proof top to the course. If the forecast calls for the possibility of rain, I rely on a compressible, water-resistant, breathable top that I keep in my bag at all times. My RLX Stratus V-Neck Wind Shirt is perfect for the job.
8. Sunscreen. Playing golf in the sun is great. Skin cancer is terrible. Coppertone makes a great spray bottle of SPF-30 sunscreen that is sweatproof and non-greasy.
9. Granola bars. When it’s hot, energy bars melt and get sticky. Nuts make me thirsty. Granola bars are easy to store, provide lasting energy and taste good.
10. Two gloves. One to wear, another as a back up.
11. A water bottle. There is nothing worse than getting thirsty on the course, and I never depend on either a beverage cart or a cooler to be just around the corner. I fill a Nalgene bottle with ice at home and fill it with water before starting my round.
12. A laser range finder. Yes, this is a splurge, but instead of finding a sprinkler head and pacing off yardages, my laser range finder tells me exactly how far I am from the flag or a hazard in about two seconds. It only weighs a few ounces, and on the tee box on par 3s it’s funny how everyone looks to me to see what the magic number is.
And the answer: “Because he won his first PGA TOUR title at the 1998 Phoenix Open.”
I came across this article, found both here and below, the other day and thought, with the outdoor season fast approaching, it may be helpful and timely. A special thank you to GolfPutterReviews.com.
12 Things I Can’t Play Without
A lot of us unwrapped golf-related presents during the holidays. Books, clothes, DVDs, club cleaners — the kind of stuff we enjoy but would rarely buy for ourselves. It made me start to think about what I absolutely, positively never want to play golf without. Here are my essentials:
1. Properly Marked Balls. For me, this means six that are marked and ready for play before each round. I use a green Sharpie and make a single dot under the ball’s number, then a line along the seam of the ball so I can align putts on my intended target line. If I’m playing on a course with lots of high rough or water, I’ll bring three extra.
2. Free Tees. I think white look the best, but honestly, whatever is free at the starter’s hut works for me. I hate the idea of buying tees.
3. Coins with good years. In pursuit of positive karma, lots of pros use coins minted in the 60s as ball markers. Pennies are fine, but nickels, dimes and quarters work too. Like tees, I can’t bring myself to pay for a ball marker.
4. A divot repair tool. If everyone repaired his pitch mark, and another nearby, we’d all be putting on smoother greens. (I put one in my pocket, along with a coin, on the first tee.)
5. Pencils. I’m constantly losing the pencil I start my round with, so I stock several.
6. A towel. I keep one corner damp to help me keep the grooves of my irons and wedges clean.
7. A water resistant top. If the forecast calls for steady rain, I’ll wear a water-proof top to the course. If the forecast calls for the possibility of rain, I rely on a compressible, water-resistant, breathable top that I keep in my bag at all times. My RLX Stratus V-Neck Wind Shirt is perfect for the job.
8. Sunscreen. Playing golf in the sun is great. Skin cancer is terrible. Coppertone makes a great spray bottle of SPF-30 sunscreen that is sweatproof and non-greasy.
9. Granola bars. When it’s hot, energy bars melt and get sticky. Nuts make me thirsty. Granola bars are easy to store, provide lasting energy and taste good.
10. Two gloves. One to wear, another as a back up.
11. A water bottle. There is nothing worse than getting thirsty on the course, and I never depend on either a beverage cart or a cooler to be just around the corner. I fill a Nalgene bottle with ice at home and fill it with water before starting my round.
12. A laser range finder. Yes, this is a splurge, but instead of finding a sprinkler head and pacing off yardages, my laser range finder tells me exactly how far I am from the flag or a hazard in about two seconds. It only weighs a few ounces, and on the tee box on par 3s it’s funny how everyone looks to me to see what the magic number is.
And the answer: “Because he won his first PGA TOUR title at the 1998 Phoenix Open.”
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
A Very Special Day
Trivia: “Who was the first American captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews?” Answer below.
I found today’s trivia item quite surprising, as I wasn’t aware the non-Brits ever occupied the Captaincy. I try to ask my children daily questions about what they learn each day, and what they can do with their newfound knowledge. I too now have newfound knowledge. But I’m not sure what I can do with it.
Today is a very special day in the life of this blogger. Four years ago my life changed in incredible ways. Many people experience life-changing events. Not all of us do, but many do. We often don’t realize the event is life-changing until much time has passed. I’m not sure I realized right away, but I’m also not sure that, on some level, I didn’t realize. One thing’s for sure, that this world is incredible, this life is incredible, and it will surprise you and delight you in ways you cannot possibly imagine, if you just relinquish a little control and let things happen!
There’s been some wonderful news out of RBC and the Stephen Ames camp. This is great news for the future of our grand game! You can read a snippet here, and also below. Thank you to Golf News Now for this information.
Stephen Ames Cup Gets RBC Support
March 3, 2009 by GNN
RBC, the title sponsor of the Canadian Open, has extended its golf sponsorships to include the Stephen Ames Cup, an international Ryder Cup format played between juniors from Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.
I found today’s trivia item quite surprising, as I wasn’t aware the non-Brits ever occupied the Captaincy. I try to ask my children daily questions about what they learn each day, and what they can do with their newfound knowledge. I too now have newfound knowledge. But I’m not sure what I can do with it.
Today is a very special day in the life of this blogger. Four years ago my life changed in incredible ways. Many people experience life-changing events. Not all of us do, but many do. We often don’t realize the event is life-changing until much time has passed. I’m not sure I realized right away, but I’m also not sure that, on some level, I didn’t realize. One thing’s for sure, that this world is incredible, this life is incredible, and it will surprise you and delight you in ways you cannot possibly imagine, if you just relinquish a little control and let things happen!
There’s been some wonderful news out of RBC and the Stephen Ames camp. This is great news for the future of our grand game! You can read a snippet here, and also below. Thank you to Golf News Now for this information.
Stephen Ames Cup Gets RBC Support
March 3, 2009 by GNN
RBC, the title sponsor of the Canadian Open, has extended its golf sponsorships to include the Stephen Ames Cup, an international Ryder Cup format played between juniors from Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.
“From a player’s perspective, RBC’s leadership role in revitalizing the Canadian Open has had immediate impact and I look forward to supporting them in their efforts to elevate the national championship in the future,” said Ames, a Canadian citizen who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago.
“I am especially delighted to have their support for the Stephen Ames Cup and, more importantly, junior golf,” added the three-time PGA Tour winner.
“Every year, I look forward to watching these young people develop the skills and confidence they will use for the rest of their lives and I am excited that RBC will be there to share the experience.”
Ames founded the Stephen Ames Foundation in 2005 to provide funding for junior golf programs and created the Stephen Ames Cup, which will be played for the fifth time this August in Calgary. Each country hosts the event in alternate years.
And the answer: “Francis Ouimet received that honor [sic] in 1951.”
“I am especially delighted to have their support for the Stephen Ames Cup and, more importantly, junior golf,” added the three-time PGA Tour winner.
“Every year, I look forward to watching these young people develop the skills and confidence they will use for the rest of their lives and I am excited that RBC will be there to share the experience.”
Ames founded the Stephen Ames Foundation in 2005 to provide funding for junior golf programs and created the Stephen Ames Cup, which will be played for the fifth time this August in Calgary. Each country hosts the event in alternate years.
And the answer: “Francis Ouimet received that honor [sic] in 1951.”
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Mr. Bobby Jones
Trivia: “What event signalled golf’s status as a global sport? A) The creation of the Grand Slam B) British golfer Harry Vardon’s participation in the U.S. Open C) The late 19th-century formation of the R&A and the USGA D) Golf’s designation as an Olympic sport in 1900” Answer below.
It’s been a pretty crazy several days, and that has obviously impacted my blogging. Happily, this blip is over and things are once again settling down to the incredible life we can all lead!
Speaking of incredible lives, I stumbled across this brief biography on one of the greatest golfers, and greatest gentlemen, of all time, the one and only Mr. Bobby Jones.
It’s been a pretty crazy several days, and that has obviously impacted my blogging. Happily, this blip is over and things are once again settling down to the incredible life we can all lead!
Speaking of incredible lives, I stumbled across this brief biography on one of the greatest golfers, and greatest gentlemen, of all time, the one and only Mr. Bobby Jones.
You can find the full biography on mobile wiki-like encyclopaedia, Wapedia, here.
And here’s an excerpt that appears below the title “Sportsmanship”.
“Jones was not only a consummately skilled golfer, but he also exemplified the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. Early in his amateur career, he was in the final playoff of the 1925 U.S. Open at the Worcester Country Club. During the match, his ball ended up in the rough just off the fairway, and as he was setting up to play his shot his iron caused a slight movement of the ball. He immediately got angry with himself, turned to the marshals, and called a penalty on himself. The marshals discussed among themselves and questioned some of the gallery if anyone had seen Jones' ball move. Their decision was that neither they nor anyone else had witnessed any incident, so the decision was left to Jones. Bobby Jones called the two-stroke penalty on himself, not knowing that he would lose the tournament by one stroke. When he was praised for his gesture, Jones replied, "You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank." The USGA's sportsmanship award is named the Bob Jones Award in his honor [sic].”
The image is a painting by Thomas E. Stephens, Welsh-American (1885-1966), oil on canvas. It was found on The Fine Arts Conservancy website.
And the answer: “D) Golf’s designation as an Olympic sport in 1900. That inaugural year and the following 1904 Olympics, however, were the only times golf was included in the Games.”
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