I’ve recently made a change to the way I organize and “intend” my day (each and every day), and it’s been a very positive adjustment.
I’m a very heavy user of Microsoft Outlook and my BlackBerry. (I tend to burn through BlackBerry’s at the rate of about one per year.) In both tools I list all of my outstanding Tasks, my Contacts, my Calendar, email of course, and other miscellaneous notes.
I generally sit down sometime each Sunday and organize my schedule for the coming week. I make sure I have ample time to travel from one meeting to another, I may adjust meetings to reduce travel, etc.
I also take this time each Sunday to review my outstanding Tasks, to ensure the list is accurate and, to the best of my knowledge, complete. All of my Tasks are categorized in two ways. First by the role in my life the Task pertains too (for example, Son, Father, Home Owner, Parmasters KW, S.H. Southern and Associates, etc.), and then also by urgency and importance.
Now for the change I’ve recently made.
In the past, each Sunday, I would allocate time throughout the coming week to tackle each Task. It’s very easy in Outlook to drag and drop a Task onto your Calendar. So, as a hypothetical example, I might allocate 8:00am to 9:00am on the Tuesday to updating the Parmasters KW website. And then I may allocate 9:00am to 10:00am to another Task. Etc.
I’ve now switched to a simple daily to-do list. I’m not sure why, but I’m finding this new (to me) approach both easier to organize (and re-organize as the day progresses), and also more productive.
I’m not sure if it’s the simple joy of crossing an item off my to-do list, or if it’s the fact that I can see my Tasks for the day in one very succinct view, or if there’s some other factor(s) at play. Regardless, the change has been positive, and thus has become habit.
So now, at the close of each day, I simply prepare my to-do list for the next day. Whether doing so on my BlackBerry or in Outlook, it’s quick and simple to drag existing outstanding Tasks onto my daily to-do list.
Oh, in addition, my daily to-do list includes a list of calls that I must place that day, emails I must initiate/send, and other activities.
Now I can revisit my to-do list and cross off the task “Write blog entry.”
Make it a great day!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Brief Article on Southwest Greens at Parmasters
Ah what a beautiful day. Of course, if you’ve read this blog much over the past years, you’ll understand that I do realize that EVERY day is a beautiful day. It’s a gift, as they say, the present.
Yesterday quickly became a day of many meetings, and today shall be of great resemblance.
My Tuesday hockey also starts today. I didn’t get out last year, but shall endeavour to make the most of it and seize the opportunities this year. One can’t make up for lost time, and I’m not even certain time is ever truly lost, but I am looking forward to hitting the ice once again.
I happened upon a brief article on the Parmasters KW short game area, written and offered forth by Peter Turkington of Strategic Communications Solutions on behalf of Parmasters Canada. I covered Southwest Greens in an early blog post here.
Here’s the article.
The chip and putt are two of the most important strokes in golf which only get better with practice. Parmasters Golf Training Centers make it possible to practice these strokes year round in their indoor golf centres.
Just ask players such as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Mike Weir and they'll tell you that improvement only comes through consistent training and practice. Few ever imagine reaching their playing level, but concede that any improvement would be a step in the right direction.
Whether professional, experienced, casual or new, all golfers agree with the old adage, that "practice makes perfect." And yet, it's actually perfect practice that makes perfect. And that means training in the ideal conditions. What's challenging for the average golfer is finding the time and place to practice year round.
"It's no wonder that professionals putt well when many of them, such as Vijay Singh, have professionally designed golf greens right in their own backyard," says Parmasters Chief Golf Professional and Co-Founder, Scott Hazledine. "To have one of these would be any golfer's dream."
"Having a surface this good to practice on is incredible," says Vijay Singh, 2004 PGA champion. "[It… performs like a tour green."
The putting greens are so realistic and play like real greens that a golfer can play the same stroke that's used on real grass. "We've found that pros and amateurs can greatly improve their putting strokes by being able to rely on consistent putts with a "true roll" from every position on the green," says Weston Weber, founder and owner of Southwest Putting Greens Technologies, Inc.
Over 25 PGA pros own these putting greens, and it is these same, quality greens that Parmasters are installing in each of their 12,000 to 15,000 square-feet golf centres.
Yesterday quickly became a day of many meetings, and today shall be of great resemblance.
My Tuesday hockey also starts today. I didn’t get out last year, but shall endeavour to make the most of it and seize the opportunities this year. One can’t make up for lost time, and I’m not even certain time is ever truly lost, but I am looking forward to hitting the ice once again.
I happened upon a brief article on the Parmasters KW short game area, written and offered forth by Peter Turkington of Strategic Communications Solutions on behalf of Parmasters Canada. I covered Southwest Greens in an early blog post here.
Here’s the article.
The chip and putt are two of the most important strokes in golf which only get better with practice. Parmasters Golf Training Centers make it possible to practice these strokes year round in their indoor golf centres.
Just ask players such as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Mike Weir and they'll tell you that improvement only comes through consistent training and practice. Few ever imagine reaching their playing level, but concede that any improvement would be a step in the right direction.
Whether professional, experienced, casual or new, all golfers agree with the old adage, that "practice makes perfect." And yet, it's actually perfect practice that makes perfect. And that means training in the ideal conditions. What's challenging for the average golfer is finding the time and place to practice year round.
"It's no wonder that professionals putt well when many of them, such as Vijay Singh, have professionally designed golf greens right in their own backyard," says Parmasters Chief Golf Professional and Co-Founder, Scott Hazledine. "To have one of these would be any golfer's dream."
"Having a surface this good to practice on is incredible," says Vijay Singh, 2004 PGA champion. "[It… performs like a tour green."
The putting greens are so realistic and play like real greens that a golfer can play the same stroke that's used on real grass. "We've found that pros and amateurs can greatly improve their putting strokes by being able to rely on consistent putts with a "true roll" from every position on the green," says Weston Weber, founder and owner of Southwest Putting Greens Technologies, Inc.
Over 25 PGA pros own these putting greens, and it is these same, quality greens that Parmasters are installing in each of their 12,000 to 15,000 square-feet golf centres.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weekend Full of Productive Meetings
We awoke here in KW this morning to a thunderstorm and a nice rain. The rain will help some plants I’ve been nursing along, and the storm simply provided some enjoyable sounds. Hopefully no damage was done by lightning or wind.
I’m just coming off a very busy weekend, full of meetings and children’s activities. The meetings occurred both within and outside of the region, and all were very productive. The activities with my boys were, of course, most memorable and enjoyable.
I’m blessed with two young lads that impress me and make me increasingly proud each and every day. They’re not perfect, by any means. None of us can claim that distinction. But they make good decisions, they’re kind and thoughtful, and they know how to embrace the fun in life.
Ice hockey season has officially started in my household which of course means an adjustment to the normal routine and schedules. My eldest has also started his high school football season, which I look forward to watching, pacing up and down the sidelines.
We’ve made some good progress with Parmasters KW over the past couple of weeks. Capital remains the primary focus, and indeed the focus of many meetings of late. We know where we’re going, and we know that Parmasters KW will begin construction and open for business as soon as humanly possible.
We’ve also had a few other developments which I’ll elaborate on another time, later this week.
For now, I’ll share a quote, new to me, that happily came my way this week.
“Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances --- to choose one's way." -Viktor Frankel, concentration camp survivor
I’m just coming off a very busy weekend, full of meetings and children’s activities. The meetings occurred both within and outside of the region, and all were very productive. The activities with my boys were, of course, most memorable and enjoyable.
I’m blessed with two young lads that impress me and make me increasingly proud each and every day. They’re not perfect, by any means. None of us can claim that distinction. But they make good decisions, they’re kind and thoughtful, and they know how to embrace the fun in life.
Ice hockey season has officially started in my household which of course means an adjustment to the normal routine and schedules. My eldest has also started his high school football season, which I look forward to watching, pacing up and down the sidelines.
We’ve made some good progress with Parmasters KW over the past couple of weeks. Capital remains the primary focus, and indeed the focus of many meetings of late. We know where we’re going, and we know that Parmasters KW will begin construction and open for business as soon as humanly possible.
We’ve also had a few other developments which I’ll elaborate on another time, later this week.
For now, I’ll share a quote, new to me, that happily came my way this week.
“Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances --- to choose one's way." -Viktor Frankel, concentration camp survivor
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Very Connected World
I’ve been flying a little under the radar this week, largely on a self-imposed quarantine. I’ve been fighting a cold. It hit quite seriously on Sunday and only abated yesterday.
One of the great aspects of this connected world in which we live – even though I and many others would argue that it’s ALWAYS been a very connected world – is the ability to work from just about anywhere. Well, at least in my line of work anyway. So it’s also been a fairly productive week.
And in the interests of some rest to recover, I’ve been devouring Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth. Almost done, and more to come on that another day.
Of course, I had to cancel quite a few meetings this week. I did attend one on Tuesday afternoon, but that was a mistake, and lead to a significant relapse in the cold.
For now I’m off to Hamilton and Oakville for some meetings. I’ll part with one of my favourite quotes.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” -Joseph Campbell
... because we’ve always lived in a very connected world!
One of the great aspects of this connected world in which we live – even though I and many others would argue that it’s ALWAYS been a very connected world – is the ability to work from just about anywhere. Well, at least in my line of work anyway. So it’s also been a fairly productive week.
And in the interests of some rest to recover, I’ve been devouring Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth. Almost done, and more to come on that another day.
Of course, I had to cancel quite a few meetings this week. I did attend one on Tuesday afternoon, but that was a mistake, and lead to a significant relapse in the cold.
For now I’m off to Hamilton and Oakville for some meetings. I’ll part with one of my favourite quotes.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” -Joseph Campbell
... because we’ve always lived in a very connected world!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Entrepreneurship Quote
I'm sitting in the Symposium Cafe as I type, blogging remotely. Lots of meetings today, and an early start.
I've been visited repeatedly by a rather persistent house (aka restaurant) fly. I wonder if he's a messenger of some sort.
I'm waiting for an old friend who will join me shortly. Bill and I met whilst enrolled in the MBA program at Wilfrid Laurier in the mid-1990's.
Last night I worked away on a mammoth bird house project with my two boys. This is no ordinary bird house, as it stands about two feet tall, with a foot print of some three sq. ft.
It's a good experience for the boys as they're learning about planning, materials lists, power tools, etc.
Last night we did the first assembly, putting up four exterior walls and the sun-floor as well. Exciting stuff!
And lastly, I came across this quote the other day and found it both telling and a little tongue-in-cheek.
"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't." -An entrepreneurship student of Warren G. Tracy
Make it a great day!
I've been visited repeatedly by a rather persistent house (aka restaurant) fly. I wonder if he's a messenger of some sort.
I'm waiting for an old friend who will join me shortly. Bill and I met whilst enrolled in the MBA program at Wilfrid Laurier in the mid-1990's.
Last night I worked away on a mammoth bird house project with my two boys. This is no ordinary bird house, as it stands about two feet tall, with a foot print of some three sq. ft.
It's a good experience for the boys as they're learning about planning, materials lists, power tools, etc.
Last night we did the first assembly, putting up four exterior walls and the sun-floor as well. Exciting stuff!
And lastly, I came across this quote the other day and found it both telling and a little tongue-in-cheek.
"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't." -An entrepreneurship student of Warren G. Tracy
Make it a great day!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kipling Wrote About Life... and Golf
I was reading a few poems the other night, and it struck me that many of them apply not only to life, but to golf as well.
As I’ve often mentioned, and as many agree, a round of golf forms a wonderfully telling metaphor for life. A season of golf similarly brings forth the ups and downs, the easy times and the tough times, both for you and for your fellow golfers. As we handle the many emotions brought forth during a round/season of golf, so we also navigate life.
And so, as I read “IF” by Joseph Rudyard Kipling, and then re-read it several times, it struck me that he could easily have been writing about the sport we all love, golf.
IF.....
IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
By Joseph Rudyard Kipling
As I’ve often mentioned, and as many agree, a round of golf forms a wonderfully telling metaphor for life. A season of golf similarly brings forth the ups and downs, the easy times and the tough times, both for you and for your fellow golfers. As we handle the many emotions brought forth during a round/season of golf, so we also navigate life.
And so, as I read “IF” by Joseph Rudyard Kipling, and then re-read it several times, it struck me that he could easily have been writing about the sport we all love, golf.
IF.....
IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
By Joseph Rudyard Kipling
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Parmasters KW To Seek Talks With RCGA and Kavelman-Fonn Foundation
Several of you have rightfully pointed out that we at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, and indeed all of Parmasters Canada, should consider involvement in Canada’s national amateur golf championships. Thank you!
As mentioned previously in this blog, both here and here, “Research In Motion (RIM) executive Dennis Kavelman, along with a Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundable Capital Partners, have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada. ... The BlackBerry leader, along with McCarthy, have committed to “help finance a five-year RCGA initiative to elevate Canada’s national amateur championships to ‘best in class.’””
Kavelman’s involvement comes via his Kavelman-Fonn Foundation.
We will indeed seek discussions with the RCGA, Kavelman and McCarthy, to see what role, if any, Parmasters might play in these worthy initiatives.
As mentioned previously in this blog, both here and here, “Research In Motion (RIM) executive Dennis Kavelman, along with a Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundable Capital Partners, have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada. ... The BlackBerry leader, along with McCarthy, have committed to “help finance a five-year RCGA initiative to elevate Canada’s national amateur championships to ‘best in class.’””
Kavelman’s involvement comes via his Kavelman-Fonn Foundation.
We will indeed seek discussions with the RCGA, Kavelman and McCarthy, to see what role, if any, Parmasters might play in these worthy initiatives.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Local Golfer Ryan Kings Earns Non-Exempt Status
I’m coming off another crazy and most enjoyable weekend, and have had a great start to the day. I spent some nice time with friends and also with my Mother, my children, etc. Great weekend!
I started reading Eckhart Tolle’s latest book, A New Earth on the weekend. More to report later.
And there’s some great news from the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School. Ryan Kings finished T14, which was good enough to get him non-exempt status for the 2010 campaign! Congratulations to Ryan!
You can learn more via the leader board here, the list of qualifiers here, and a final wrap up article by John Berkovich, published on the Canadian Tour website here, and also included below for your enjoyment.
Graduation Day At Q-School
Saturday, September 12, 2009 – Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
BURLINGTON, Ont. – Johnny Bloomfield fired a three under par 68 and ran away with medalist honors at the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School by seven strokes over Will Strickler.
Bloomfield finished the tournament at 14 under par 270.
Sharing third spot at 278 are Robbie Greenwell who closed with a 65, Daniel McCarthy (69) and Michael Gligic who managed a one over 72.
Finishing tied for eight and earning exempt cards at 280 are Dan Buchner (71) and Peter Laws who shot 73.
Australian amateur Adam Stephens closed with a 68 to grab a share of tenth with Devin Carey (68), Jeff Puska (72) and Derek Oakey who had a 74.
Louis–Pierre Godin struggled home with a 77 but he and Marc Peterson (67) survived the four man playoff to grab the final exempt spots over Tyler Matthews and Ryan Kings.
“I came here to get status and winning is a bonus,” said Bloomfield, who pocketed $2,000.
“I just waited to see if there was a chance for me to win and made sure I was playing consistently today.
“Coming down the line, I didn’t know what the scores were but I felt I had a chance to win with the way I was playing.
“This is a big boost for me,” continued Bloomfield. “To win in a large field like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m going to the European Tour Fall Qualifying School and this will help.
“My game is consistency. What gets you in golf is your nerves and your emotions.
“If I do start getting a little bit excited, I tell myself, ‘Trust in your natural ability.’ I was a good player as a youngster but over the years that trust became a problem.
“I’ve learned that what matters is not perfection but hitting the ball solidly and knowing that it is going in the vicinity that you want it to.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing the Canadian Tour next year.”
Having struggled through his rookie season, Michael Gligic earned an exempt card for 2010 with his T-3 finish.
“I was confident for the first eight holes, especially after the birdie at the fourth,” said Gligic (pictured).
“Starting early with a birdie instead of a bogey was a good feeling and then I got another one at the eighth."
One behind at that point and aiming for the win; Gligic double-bogeyed No. 9 and could only watch as Bloomfield continued his methodical game of fairways and greens.
“I don’t know what the word is, but I guess I wanted it too bad and made a bad swing on nine,” continued Gligic.
“I pulled it a touch and thought it was going to fly the bunker but it ended up way back. I think it hit the tree nearby and rolled back.
“I chipped it on (the green) and three putted. That was pretty much the end of my day.”
Although he reacquired exempt status, Gligic was disappointed with his final round performance.
“It was tough to get it back after that double-bogey,” he added.
“Johnny was playing so steady that I knew I had to keep making birdies. I didn’t do it, though, and kept missing putts.
“I knew he (Bloomfield) had me the last couple of holes and I turned the switch off. I was playing to win this.
“But I’m back next year and that is what counts in the long run.”
2009 Fall Qualifying School
Exempt Status
Pos - Name
1 - Johnny Bloomfield
2 - Will Strickler
3 - Robbie Greenwell
4 - Daniel McCarthy
5 - Michael Gligic
6 - Mathieu Rivard
7 - David Markle
8 - Dan Buchner
9 - Peter Laws
10 - Adam Stephens
11 - Devin Carrey
12 - Jeff Puska
13 - Derek Oakey
14 - Louis-Pierre Godin
15 - Marc Peterson
Non-Exempt Status
1 - Ryan Kings
2 - Tyler Matthews
3 - Barry O'Neill
4 - Jason Humphrey
5 - Chase Cronk
6 - Tyler Martin
7 - Nick Cullen
8 - Jeff Lai
9 - Randall Hutchinson
10 - Andrew Jensen
11 - Jacob Scriven
12 - Danny Sahl
13 - Roger Sloan
14 - Lindsay Renolds
15 - Ju Young Park
I started reading Eckhart Tolle’s latest book, A New Earth on the weekend. More to report later.
And there’s some great news from the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School. Ryan Kings finished T14, which was good enough to get him non-exempt status for the 2010 campaign! Congratulations to Ryan!
You can learn more via the leader board here, the list of qualifiers here, and a final wrap up article by John Berkovich, published on the Canadian Tour website here, and also included below for your enjoyment.
Graduation Day At Q-School
Saturday, September 12, 2009 – Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
BURLINGTON, Ont. – Johnny Bloomfield fired a three under par 68 and ran away with medalist honors at the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School by seven strokes over Will Strickler.
Bloomfield finished the tournament at 14 under par 270.
Sharing third spot at 278 are Robbie Greenwell who closed with a 65, Daniel McCarthy (69) and Michael Gligic who managed a one over 72.
Finishing tied for eight and earning exempt cards at 280 are Dan Buchner (71) and Peter Laws who shot 73.
Australian amateur Adam Stephens closed with a 68 to grab a share of tenth with Devin Carey (68), Jeff Puska (72) and Derek Oakey who had a 74.
Louis–Pierre Godin struggled home with a 77 but he and Marc Peterson (67) survived the four man playoff to grab the final exempt spots over Tyler Matthews and Ryan Kings.
“I came here to get status and winning is a bonus,” said Bloomfield, who pocketed $2,000.
“I just waited to see if there was a chance for me to win and made sure I was playing consistently today.
“Coming down the line, I didn’t know what the scores were but I felt I had a chance to win with the way I was playing.
“This is a big boost for me,” continued Bloomfield. “To win in a large field like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m going to the European Tour Fall Qualifying School and this will help.
“My game is consistency. What gets you in golf is your nerves and your emotions.
“If I do start getting a little bit excited, I tell myself, ‘Trust in your natural ability.’ I was a good player as a youngster but over the years that trust became a problem.
“I’ve learned that what matters is not perfection but hitting the ball solidly and knowing that it is going in the vicinity that you want it to.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing the Canadian Tour next year.”
Having struggled through his rookie season, Michael Gligic earned an exempt card for 2010 with his T-3 finish.
“I was confident for the first eight holes, especially after the birdie at the fourth,” said Gligic (pictured).
“Starting early with a birdie instead of a bogey was a good feeling and then I got another one at the eighth."
One behind at that point and aiming for the win; Gligic double-bogeyed No. 9 and could only watch as Bloomfield continued his methodical game of fairways and greens.
“I don’t know what the word is, but I guess I wanted it too bad and made a bad swing on nine,” continued Gligic.
“I pulled it a touch and thought it was going to fly the bunker but it ended up way back. I think it hit the tree nearby and rolled back.
“I chipped it on (the green) and three putted. That was pretty much the end of my day.”
Although he reacquired exempt status, Gligic was disappointed with his final round performance.
“It was tough to get it back after that double-bogey,” he added.
“Johnny was playing so steady that I knew I had to keep making birdies. I didn’t do it, though, and kept missing putts.
“I knew he (Bloomfield) had me the last couple of holes and I turned the switch off. I was playing to win this.
“But I’m back next year and that is what counts in the long run.”
2009 Fall Qualifying School
Exempt Status
Pos - Name
1 - Johnny Bloomfield
2 - Will Strickler
3 - Robbie Greenwell
4 - Daniel McCarthy
5 - Michael Gligic
6 - Mathieu Rivard
7 - David Markle
8 - Dan Buchner
9 - Peter Laws
10 - Adam Stephens
11 - Devin Carrey
12 - Jeff Puska
13 - Derek Oakey
14 - Louis-Pierre Godin
15 - Marc Peterson
Non-Exempt Status
1 - Ryan Kings
2 - Tyler Matthews
3 - Barry O'Neill
4 - Jason Humphrey
5 - Chase Cronk
6 - Tyler Martin
7 - Nick Cullen
8 - Jeff Lai
9 - Randall Hutchinson
10 - Andrew Jensen
11 - Jacob Scriven
12 - Danny Sahl
13 - Roger Sloan
14 - Lindsay Renolds
15 - Ju Young Park
Friday, September 11, 2009
Kitchener’s Ryan Kings T5 Midway Through Canadian Tour Q-School
I’m following the progress of Ryan Kings this week as he competes in the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School event. Ryan is youngest the son of good friends Mary and Marty Kings.
The event, taking place at Burlington’s Hidden Lake Golf Club, started Wednesday morning. Apparently 127 players are vying for 15 exempt and 15 non-exempt tour cards.
Ryan, who tees it up at 1:50pm this afternoon, currently sits tied for 5th (T5) at -5 or 137 for the tournament. He was even par 71 on Wednesday and then went low to 66 – tying the two round s posted by tournament leader Louis-Pierre Godin who has shot 66-66 (-10) – on Thursday.
You can find the full leader board on the Canadian Tour website here, as well as the Fall Qualifying School main website here.
I’ve also included below a recent article, found below, on the event, written by John Berkovich, and posted on the Canadian Tour website here.
Halfway Home For Tour Applicants
Thursday, September 10, 2009 - Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
BURLINGTON, Ont. – Louis-Pierre Godin fired his second consecutive five under 66 to hold a one stroke lead after two rounds of the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School.
Godin is at ten under par 132, one ahead of Jamaica’s Johnny Bloomfield who came in with a 67.
Sharing third spot at 136 are Jacob Scriven (68) and Randall Hutchinson (pictured) who fired a four under 67.
Both Peter Laws and Robbie Greenwell shot 67 to share fifth spot at 137 alongside Ryan Kings who had a 66.
Tyler Martin followed his opening 67 with an even par 71 and sits alone in eighth at four under 138.
“I had a shaky start with a three-putt at the first hole but I gathered myself up and made a bunch of birdies,” said Godin, who made eight birdies against three bogeys.
I’ve been driving the ball really well and my distance control is good."
Although Godin played solid golf under the brilliant sunshine, he feels he left a few shots on the course.
“I hit a couple of wedge shots close but the pace of my putts was actually a bit off,” continued Godin. “I left some short and hit a few too hard at the beginning.”
“Then I bogeyed 10 and 11 but made birdies at 14, 15, 17 and 18 coming in.”
His best birdie of the day was at the par-3 17th where he drained a 25-footer.
“That was a good one,” said Godin. “It was a pretty straightforward putt but making a putt of that length feels good.”
Splitting the fairway with his tee shot at the par-5 18th, Godin came up just short with his second.
Chipping to within three feet, he calmly rapped home the birdie to grab the lead.
“You always want to play good golf and that thinking doesn’t change at a qualifying school,” said Godin. “You still want to win the tournament no matter what it is.
“But we’re not done yet; we’re only half way through so I have to keep doing what I am doing.”
One stroke behind Godin is Jamaica’s Johnny Bloomfield.
Bloomfield, 30, is attending his first Canadian Tour Q-School but has plenty of international experience.
“I’ve played all over the Caribbean, the Tour de Las Americas, the Golden Bear Tour, the Nationwide Tour, you name it,” said the soft-spoken pro.
“I made a couple of bogeys but I played well. It was just steady golf of hitting down the fairway and then putting it on the green.”
Bloomfield had three birdies on his opening nine but stumbled in the middle of his round, making bogeys at both 11 and 13.
Bearing down, however, he came right back with a birdie at the par-5 14th and picked up additional birdies at 16 and 18.
Recently married and with his wife walking every step of the way with him, Bloomfield credits his bride with a sharp improvement in his game.
“Melissa is the girl of my dreams,” said Bloomfield. “She has been the real steadying influence in my life.”
There is no 36-hole cut this week.
The event, taking place at Burlington’s Hidden Lake Golf Club, started Wednesday morning. Apparently 127 players are vying for 15 exempt and 15 non-exempt tour cards.
Ryan, who tees it up at 1:50pm this afternoon, currently sits tied for 5th (T5) at -5 or 137 for the tournament. He was even par 71 on Wednesday and then went low to 66 – tying the two round s posted by tournament leader Louis-Pierre Godin who has shot 66-66 (-10) – on Thursday.
You can find the full leader board on the Canadian Tour website here, as well as the Fall Qualifying School main website here.
I’ve also included below a recent article, found below, on the event, written by John Berkovich, and posted on the Canadian Tour website here.
Halfway Home For Tour Applicants
Thursday, September 10, 2009 - Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
BURLINGTON, Ont. – Louis-Pierre Godin fired his second consecutive five under 66 to hold a one stroke lead after two rounds of the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School.
Godin is at ten under par 132, one ahead of Jamaica’s Johnny Bloomfield who came in with a 67.
Sharing third spot at 136 are Jacob Scriven (68) and Randall Hutchinson (pictured) who fired a four under 67.
Both Peter Laws and Robbie Greenwell shot 67 to share fifth spot at 137 alongside Ryan Kings who had a 66.
Tyler Martin followed his opening 67 with an even par 71 and sits alone in eighth at four under 138.
“I had a shaky start with a three-putt at the first hole but I gathered myself up and made a bunch of birdies,” said Godin, who made eight birdies against three bogeys.
I’ve been driving the ball really well and my distance control is good."
Although Godin played solid golf under the brilliant sunshine, he feels he left a few shots on the course.
“I hit a couple of wedge shots close but the pace of my putts was actually a bit off,” continued Godin. “I left some short and hit a few too hard at the beginning.”
“Then I bogeyed 10 and 11 but made birdies at 14, 15, 17 and 18 coming in.”
His best birdie of the day was at the par-3 17th where he drained a 25-footer.
“That was a good one,” said Godin. “It was a pretty straightforward putt but making a putt of that length feels good.”
Splitting the fairway with his tee shot at the par-5 18th, Godin came up just short with his second.
Chipping to within three feet, he calmly rapped home the birdie to grab the lead.
“You always want to play good golf and that thinking doesn’t change at a qualifying school,” said Godin. “You still want to win the tournament no matter what it is.
“But we’re not done yet; we’re only half way through so I have to keep doing what I am doing.”
One stroke behind Godin is Jamaica’s Johnny Bloomfield.
Bloomfield, 30, is attending his first Canadian Tour Q-School but has plenty of international experience.
“I’ve played all over the Caribbean, the Tour de Las Americas, the Golden Bear Tour, the Nationwide Tour, you name it,” said the soft-spoken pro.
“I made a couple of bogeys but I played well. It was just steady golf of hitting down the fairway and then putting it on the green.”
Bloomfield had three birdies on his opening nine but stumbled in the middle of his round, making bogeys at both 11 and 13.
Bearing down, however, he came right back with a birdie at the par-5 14th and picked up additional birdies at 16 and 18.
Recently married and with his wife walking every step of the way with him, Bloomfield credits his bride with a sharp improvement in his game.
“Melissa is the girl of my dreams,” said Bloomfield. “She has been the real steadying influence in my life.”
There is no 36-hole cut this week.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Comments from Author on How Great Golfers Think
I recently read and reviewed Bob Skura’s book, How Great Golfers Think. My original post is here. Bob was kind enough to send some comments. The rest of this post is the note from Bob.
Steve:
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed reading How Great Golfers Think and I want to congratulate you for not being afraid to get into it. The feedback I get from some people is that they don't want to think about the mental game. They say things like: 'Don't get into my head. I don't want to think of anything when I'm on the course.' As you found out from reading the story, if you learn to think the right way you'll actually accomplish the goal of thinking less because your goals and your reasons why will be streamlined to eliminate all the unproductive thoughts that most people carry around with them.
Another reason why golfers should spend more time on the mental game is because it completes a two-pronged approach. Body builders know that to develop muscles a person must work the flexors in opposition to the tensors. You need to work the triceps to increase the strength of the biceps. In a similar fashion golfers need to develop their mental games in conjunction with their physical games or they'll plateau very quickly regardless of their handicap. How Great Golfers Think gives them a chance to do this and I think that's why leading instructors like Henry Brunton, Dr. Jim Suttie and David Glenz are using it in their programs.
You were asking if I've had any interesting experiences since publishing the book. There have been many but one that was a lot of fun was meeting two of the Big Break P.E.I. contestants when I spoke last week at the Canadian Tour stop in Seaforth. I met Derek Gillespie and Eugene Smith. Eugene was the guy on the show with the quirky swing but I can tell you from watching him that he has very good ball flight. He's proof positive that there's more to the game than mechanics. Not only that but he's a student of David Glenz and read my book so he wanted to meet me which was an interesting turn around.
Until next time.
Bob Skura
Steve:
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed reading How Great Golfers Think and I want to congratulate you for not being afraid to get into it. The feedback I get from some people is that they don't want to think about the mental game. They say things like: 'Don't get into my head. I don't want to think of anything when I'm on the course.' As you found out from reading the story, if you learn to think the right way you'll actually accomplish the goal of thinking less because your goals and your reasons why will be streamlined to eliminate all the unproductive thoughts that most people carry around with them.
Another reason why golfers should spend more time on the mental game is because it completes a two-pronged approach. Body builders know that to develop muscles a person must work the flexors in opposition to the tensors. You need to work the triceps to increase the strength of the biceps. In a similar fashion golfers need to develop their mental games in conjunction with their physical games or they'll plateau very quickly regardless of their handicap. How Great Golfers Think gives them a chance to do this and I think that's why leading instructors like Henry Brunton, Dr. Jim Suttie and David Glenz are using it in their programs.
You were asking if I've had any interesting experiences since publishing the book. There have been many but one that was a lot of fun was meeting two of the Big Break P.E.I. contestants when I spoke last week at the Canadian Tour stop in Seaforth. I met Derek Gillespie and Eugene Smith. Eugene was the guy on the show with the quirky swing but I can tell you from watching him that he has very good ball flight. He's proof positive that there's more to the game than mechanics. Not only that but he's a student of David Glenz and read my book so he wanted to meet me which was an interesting turn around.
Until next time.
Bob Skura
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Read The Conference of the Birds
I’m in the middle of another busy day, but have a few moments for a quick blog entry. I’ve met with three Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo shareholders so far today, including a breakfast meeting. These are just informal updates with relatively active shareholders.
Here in southern Ontario we enjoyed some fantastic weather this past weekend, the last long weekend of the summer. I was lucky enough to spend most of it outside, including a bunch of lawn work, pool maintenance, tossing a football with my children and also, of course, some golf. The weekend was jam packed with lots of progress and enjoyment!
I read a book over the weekend called Conference of the Birds. I thought it was an interesting title. And to be honest, I don’t recall when or where I purchased it. The copy I have is new. (Many of my books come from used book stores and sales.) I think perhaps I picked it up in a little town around KW sometime last summer, but I can’t say for sure.
I won’t try to provide a review here, beyond stating that it’s an English translation of a 12th century poem by Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar, and it’s really about the journey of life, from individual, to becoming one with God.
You can find the Wikipedia entry here. The book also exists on Google Books here. I read the abridged version found here.
I also received a nice blog comment from a lady named Susan:
Thank you Susan. That’s very kind. I’m glad you enjoy.
Here in southern Ontario we enjoyed some fantastic weather this past weekend, the last long weekend of the summer. I was lucky enough to spend most of it outside, including a bunch of lawn work, pool maintenance, tossing a football with my children and also, of course, some golf. The weekend was jam packed with lots of progress and enjoyment!
I read a book over the weekend called Conference of the Birds. I thought it was an interesting title. And to be honest, I don’t recall when or where I purchased it. The copy I have is new. (Many of my books come from used book stores and sales.) I think perhaps I picked it up in a little town around KW sometime last summer, but I can’t say for sure.
I won’t try to provide a review here, beyond stating that it’s an English translation of a 12th century poem by Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar, and it’s really about the journey of life, from individual, to becoming one with God.
You can find the Wikipedia entry here. The book also exists on Google Books here. I read the abridged version found here.
I also received a nice blog comment from a lady named Susan:
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Thank you Susan. That’s very kind. I’m glad you enjoy.
Friday, September 04, 2009
How Great Golfers Think: Improving Your Mental Game
As I mentioned earlier this week, I’ve just finished reading Bob Skura’s book, How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game. I wanted to let the message sink in for a few days before I tackled a brief review.
Bob is a local golfer, businessman and resident. Apparently he also enjoys juggling while riding his unicycle. I’m not sure if he integrates any of that into a typical round of golf. Perhaps I’ll have to ask someday.
How Great Golfers Think, as may be obvious from the title, urges golfers to strengthen the mental side of their game, and importantly also offers a complete tool set for doing so. I found it to be well organized, highly informative, and also easy to revisit.
This is not a book you read once and then put on your shelf. To get any value from How Great Golfers Think, you must work through the exercises and integrate the many approaches and tools into your golf routine. And the rewards will be well worth the effort!
The book follows the summer-long journey of a regular four-some, comprised of four very different individuals, as they sit in on bi-weekly lessons offered by their mentor, Doc. It’s written in novel/story form, much like Dave Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. Bob has kindly bolded many important passages throughout the book, making it easy to refer back and review specific sections.
As I read a book, I tend to turn over the corner of any given page that I really want to easily find again. In this book I’ve done so to well over 20 pages!
The vast majority of golfers, those that rarely or never compete, and even some that do compete, are notorious for playing far too much, and practicing and training far too little. And those that do practice and/or train, are often found pounding balls on a driving range, thus working on less than half of their game. Very few spend more than half of their practice/training time on their short game.
And what’s worse, VERY few ever focus on a huge part of golf, their mental game. Have you ever played a round that was an emotional roller coaster? Ever lost your temper or composure on a course? Ever given up on a round because you felt you blew it on the first few holes? Has your game ever plateaued, such that you just couldn’t improve no matter what you tried? Ever lost your determination to get better? Have these questions touched any nerves?
You can learn far more about How Great Golfers Think at the books website, http://www.howgreatgolfersthink.com/.
You can also sign up for Bob’s monthly newsletter, ForeThought.
The book and author have received many accolades and high praise from countless renowned golf instructors, players and coaches.
If you’re at all serious about your golf game...
No, let me correct that. If you enjoy golf, and think it might be nice to get even MORE enjoyment out of golf, I urge you to pick up a copy of How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game.
Oh, I must add one last point. This book isn’t simply about golf. We all know that any round of golf is a wonderful metaphor for life itself. Similarly, this book is really, ultimately, about life. If you’ve read just a few blog entries here, you know that I’m a firm believer in intentionality, focus, belief, and all else that is noted in the movie The Secret.
Bob’s book could easily be re-titled, How Great People Think: Improving Your Mental Life.
Enjoy!
How Great Golfers Think, as may be obvious from the title, urges golfers to strengthen the mental side of their game, and importantly also offers a complete tool set for doing so. I found it to be well organized, highly informative, and also easy to revisit.
This is not a book you read once and then put on your shelf. To get any value from How Great Golfers Think, you must work through the exercises and integrate the many approaches and tools into your golf routine. And the rewards will be well worth the effort!
The book follows the summer-long journey of a regular four-some, comprised of four very different individuals, as they sit in on bi-weekly lessons offered by their mentor, Doc. It’s written in novel/story form, much like Dave Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. Bob has kindly bolded many important passages throughout the book, making it easy to refer back and review specific sections.
As I read a book, I tend to turn over the corner of any given page that I really want to easily find again. In this book I’ve done so to well over 20 pages!
The vast majority of golfers, those that rarely or never compete, and even some that do compete, are notorious for playing far too much, and practicing and training far too little. And those that do practice and/or train, are often found pounding balls on a driving range, thus working on less than half of their game. Very few spend more than half of their practice/training time on their short game.
And what’s worse, VERY few ever focus on a huge part of golf, their mental game. Have you ever played a round that was an emotional roller coaster? Ever lost your temper or composure on a course? Ever given up on a round because you felt you blew it on the first few holes? Has your game ever plateaued, such that you just couldn’t improve no matter what you tried? Ever lost your determination to get better? Have these questions touched any nerves?
You can learn far more about How Great Golfers Think at the books website, http://www.howgreatgolfersthink.com/.
You can also sign up for Bob’s monthly newsletter, ForeThought.
The book and author have received many accolades and high praise from countless renowned golf instructors, players and coaches.
If you’re at all serious about your golf game...
No, let me correct that. If you enjoy golf, and think it might be nice to get even MORE enjoyment out of golf, I urge you to pick up a copy of How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game.
Oh, I must add one last point. This book isn’t simply about golf. We all know that any round of golf is a wonderful metaphor for life itself. Similarly, this book is really, ultimately, about life. If you’ve read just a few blog entries here, you know that I’m a firm believer in intentionality, focus, belief, and all else that is noted in the movie The Secret.
Bob’s book could easily be re-titled, How Great People Think: Improving Your Mental Life.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
GNN Reports NAGA Canadian Golf Economic Impact
The August 19, 2009 issue of the Golf News Now (GNN) email newsletter reported on a massive economic impact study focused on Canadian golf. The National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) released the study, conducted by Strategic Networks Group Inc.
According to the GNN article, the study was conducted in 2008 and was “designed to provide new evidence of the economic significance of the sport.” The study included “more than 4,000 golfers and 350 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories.”
I’ve included the entire article below, within which some of the key findings are noted in bullet form. You can also find it online at the GNN website here.
According to the GNN article, the study was conducted in 2008 and was “designed to provide new evidence of the economic significance of the sport.” The study included “more than 4,000 golfers and 350 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories.”
I’ve included the entire article below, within which some of the key findings are noted in bullet form. You can also find it online at the GNN website here.
NAGA Unveils Economic Impact Study
August 18, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson
The National Allied Golf Association has released its findings from a nationwide study conducted by the Strategic Networks Group Inc. that included more than 4,000 golfers and 350 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories.
The study, conducted in 2008, was designed to provide new evidence of the economic significance of the sport to the Canadian, provincial and territorial economies.
The findings include all goods and services that are directly and indirectly related to the game and other spin-off economic impacts such as employment and household income at the national, provincial and territorial levels.
The study of golfers is considered accurate to within 1.55 percentage points 19 times out of 20 and the data is adjusted based on an estimated 5.9-million golfers in Canada, according to SNG. The golf course results are considered accurate to within 4.76 per cent 19 times out of 20 and adjusted to the roughly 2,397 courses in Canada.
An executive summary of the study reveals these annual numbers:
Golf accounts for $11.3-billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, including 341,794 jobs, $7.6-billion in household income, $1.2-billion in property and other taxes and $1.9-billion in income taxes.
Canadian golf generates an estimated $29.4-billion in gross direct, indirect and induced spending, while the total direct sales from the industry is $13.6-billion, including $4.7-billion directly from golf courses, facilities, and driving ranges, which is comparable to all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined.
Over 200,000 hectares of green space are managed by golf course operators, including 41,000 hectares of unmanaged wildlife habitat being under golf course stewardship.
Approximately 70-million rounds were played in 2008, a numbers that is as much as 10 per cent lower than the average from previous years.
The Canadian golf industry provides opportunities with 43 per cent of those employed at golf courses being students.
Golf offers higher home values with houses located on golf courses higher than those not adjacent to courses. The total impact on home values in Canada is $1.4-billion.
Each year, there are at least 25,000 charitable events at Canadian golf courses that raise more than $439-million for charity.
Golf is a part of more than 1-million trips by Canadians who spend an estimated $1.9-billion annually on golf-related travel within this country.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
