Trivia: “During a 1987 event Craig Stadler had to play a shot from under a low-hanging tree branch, which required him to play from his knees. To keep his pants from getting wet, he laid down a towel. What rule did he inadvertently break?” Answer below.
Another online putting game, found here.
Good luck!
And the answer: “Rule 13-3, which states that a player cannot build a stance. Breaking this rule results in a two-stroke penalty.”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Right To Play Fundraiser by NHL Players
Trivia: “Which was the shortest course to ever hold the U.S. Open? A) Newport Golf Club B) The Country Club at Brookline C) Shinnecock Hills D) Brae Burn” Answer below.
We have two news items for you today. One very significant. The other, very curious.
Several NHL hockey players are working together over the coming days to raise money for the cause that we also share, Right To Play. You can find the story here, and also included below.
You can also find more information on eBay here.
And from the United Kingdom we have a curious story about a golf ball swallowing tree! This cute story can be found here, and is also included below.
Ference, Chara make personal donations for Right to Play
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 am ET
Posted by Joe Haggerty
The Right to Play is a charity organization that includes a heavy dose of Boston Bruins involvement, as both Andrew Ference and Zdeno Chara have traveled over to Africa in the name of the Canadian organization. Twenty-two different NHL players are donating something of their own to raise in the next week, and that includes Ference putting his own Harley Davidson on auction to raise funds. The coolest part: the player get to do in the name of someone they care about or admire.
No word on whether Big Z is going to donate the Right to Play yellow toque he was sporting when he reared back and fired the NHL hardest slap shot during All-Star weekend in Montreal last month. Here’s the release from Right to Play:
Players from 22 National Hockey League teams are showing their support for the international humanitarian organization Right To Play by making personal donations over the Feb. 27 – March 1 weekend.
NHL superstars including Right To Play Athlete Ambassadors Alexander Ovechkin, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton and Daniel Alfredsson will be among at least 25 players donating to Right To Play based on minutes played in one of their team’s games Feb. 27 – March 1. While players celebrate their ability to play a game they love, they will be making donations to Right To Play in honour of coaches or role models who instilled in them the positive values of sport and helped them succeed — not just in hockey, but in life.
Funds raised will support Right To Play’s sport and play programs in 23 countries of operation across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. By training local community leaders as Coaches to deliver these programs, Right To Play provides similar growth opportunities and positive role models for 600,000 children in Right To Play activities every week.
“When I visited Right To Play projects in Mozambique last summer, I saw what an incredible impact Right To Play Coaches are having on children’s lives,” said Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. “I was inspired by their commitment and extremely impressed by the ability of just a few Coaches to create such happiness and amazing learning opportunities for literally hundreds of children. My father was a mentor for me and that is why I am honouring him with my donation. I know it is for an outstanding cause.”
The Garth Brooks Teammates For Kids Foundation is also joining in the players’ support of Right To Play by matching donation contributions from Teammates For Kids ‘Hockey Teammates’ up to $20,000.
In addition, players, teams, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association have all contributed to an online auction in benefit of Right To Play. The auction launches this evening at www.ebay.com/righttoplayand is highlighted by a 1999 Harley-Davidson motorcycle donated by Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference and a leather jacket from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.
Andrew’s video promoting the auction can be seen on the eBay site. Other items include a custom Steve Montador signature poker table, a signed 2009 ‘West’ NHL All-Star Game sweater, game-used sticks from Daniel Alfredsson, Garnet Exelby and Manny Malhotra, an Alex Ovechkin-autographed Right To Play tracksuit, signed jerseys and other merchandise. The auction closes on March 1.
“On behalf of all the children in our programs and the volunteer Coaches who work with them, I want to thank these NHL players and the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation for their outstanding leadership and support,” said Right To Play President and CEO Johann Koss. “This initiative is a great example of what can be achieved when athletes rally together around the best values of sport and play.”
Participating players are listed below and can also be found on a Coach Tribute Wall at righttoplay.ca or righttoplayusa.org. Fans are encouraged to join these NHL players by making online donations in honour of their own coaches or role models. For donations of $25 or more, donor and coach names will be inserted on the Coach Tribute Wall alongside the NHL players, and the donor will receive a personalized ‘Coach Tribute’ via email as a special thank you.
Right To Play 2009 ‘Donation for Minutes Weekend’ Participants
NHL Team Player Honoured Coach / Role Model Donation Game
Anaheim Ducks Steve Montador/Gisele Bourgeois Feb. 28 at Dallas
Chris Pronger/Ollie Bon Jovi / Hummer Feb. 28 at Dallas
Atlanta Thrashers Garnet Exelby Jude Boulianne Feb. 28 vs. Carolina
Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara/Zdenek Chara Feb. 28 vs. Washington
Andrew Ference/Brent Peterson Feb. 28 vs. Washington
Calgary Flames Robyn Regehr/All minor hockey coaches Feb. 27 vs. Minnesota
Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews/Thom Gross Feb. 27 vs. Pittsburgh
Columbus Blue Jackets Manny Malhotra/Scott Sones/Rob Honighan March 1 at Vancouver
Edmonton Oilers Ethan Moreau/Ab Moreau Feb. 28 vs. Minnesota
Florida Panthers Jay Bouwmeester/Dan Bouwmeester Feb. 28 at New Jersey
Greg Campbell/All minor hockey coaches Feb. 28 at New Jersey
Los Angeles Kings Anze Kopitar/Matjaz Kopitar Feb. 27 at Detroit
Minnesota Wild Nick Schultz Robert Schultz Feb. 27 at Calgary
Montreal Canadiens Mike Komisarek/Aleksey Nikiforov Feb. 28 vs. San Jose
Nashville Predators David Legwand/Dave and Carole Legwand Feb. 28 vs. Detroit
New York Islanders Josh Bailey/Mickey Renaud Feb. 28 vs. Buffalo
New York Rangers Wade Redden/Pat Redden Feb. 28 vs. Colorado
Ottawa Senators Daniel Alfredsson/Hasse Alfredsson Feb. 28 vs. Toronto
Philadelphia Flyers Mike Richards/Mark Richards/Matt Richards Feb. 27 vs. Montreal
Pittsburgh Penguins Eric Godard/Bill Higgins Feb. 27 at Chicago
San Jose Sharks Joe Thornton/Brian Muscat Feb. 28 at Montreal
Tampa Bay Lightning Matt Pettinger/Allan Neale Feb. 27 at Vancouver
Toronto Maple Leafs Dominic Moore/Brad Selwood Feb. 28 at Ottawa
Vancouver Canucks Kevin Bieksa/Scott Jess Feb. 27 vs. Tampa Bay
Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin/Zinetulla Bilyaletdinov Feb. 28 at Boston
About Right To Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Working in both the humanitarian and development context, Right To Play trains local community leaders as Coaches to deliver our programs in 23 countries affected by war, poverty and disease across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Right To Play is supported by an international team of top athletes from more than 40 countries. As role models, these athletes inspire children, raise awareness and promote opportunities for funding for Right To Play projects.
What a slice! Stray golf ball discovered buried inside felled tree
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:41 AM on 21st February 2009
Of all the flukes seen on a golf course, greenkeeper Richard Mitchell can claim one of the strangest.
As he took his chainsaw to a leylandii tree, he hit the exact spot where a ball was embedded in the wood and sliced through it.
The ball apparently lodged in a fork of the tree many years ago when a golfer hooked a drive on the first tee. The conifer grew around the ball and it remained hidden in the screen of 15 trees.
Trimmed, sanded and varnished, it is to become a rather unusual trophy board at Eaton Golf Club in Norwich.
We have two news items for you today. One very significant. The other, very curious.
Several NHL hockey players are working together over the coming days to raise money for the cause that we also share, Right To Play. You can find the story here, and also included below.
You can also find more information on eBay here.
And from the United Kingdom we have a curious story about a golf ball swallowing tree! This cute story can be found here, and is also included below.
Ference, Chara make personal donations for Right to Play
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 am ET
Posted by Joe Haggerty
The Right to Play is a charity organization that includes a heavy dose of Boston Bruins involvement, as both Andrew Ference and Zdeno Chara have traveled over to Africa in the name of the Canadian organization. Twenty-two different NHL players are donating something of their own to raise in the next week, and that includes Ference putting his own Harley Davidson on auction to raise funds. The coolest part: the player get to do in the name of someone they care about or admire.
No word on whether Big Z is going to donate the Right to Play yellow toque he was sporting when he reared back and fired the NHL hardest slap shot during All-Star weekend in Montreal last month. Here’s the release from Right to Play:
Players from 22 National Hockey League teams are showing their support for the international humanitarian organization Right To Play by making personal donations over the Feb. 27 – March 1 weekend.
NHL superstars including Right To Play Athlete Ambassadors Alexander Ovechkin, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton and Daniel Alfredsson will be among at least 25 players donating to Right To Play based on minutes played in one of their team’s games Feb. 27 – March 1. While players celebrate their ability to play a game they love, they will be making donations to Right To Play in honour of coaches or role models who instilled in them the positive values of sport and helped them succeed — not just in hockey, but in life.
Funds raised will support Right To Play’s sport and play programs in 23 countries of operation across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. By training local community leaders as Coaches to deliver these programs, Right To Play provides similar growth opportunities and positive role models for 600,000 children in Right To Play activities every week.
“When I visited Right To Play projects in Mozambique last summer, I saw what an incredible impact Right To Play Coaches are having on children’s lives,” said Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. “I was inspired by their commitment and extremely impressed by the ability of just a few Coaches to create such happiness and amazing learning opportunities for literally hundreds of children. My father was a mentor for me and that is why I am honouring him with my donation. I know it is for an outstanding cause.”
The Garth Brooks Teammates For Kids Foundation is also joining in the players’ support of Right To Play by matching donation contributions from Teammates For Kids ‘Hockey Teammates’ up to $20,000.
In addition, players, teams, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association have all contributed to an online auction in benefit of Right To Play. The auction launches this evening at www.ebay.com/righttoplayand is highlighted by a 1999 Harley-Davidson motorcycle donated by Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference and a leather jacket from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.
Andrew’s video promoting the auction can be seen on the eBay site. Other items include a custom Steve Montador signature poker table, a signed 2009 ‘West’ NHL All-Star Game sweater, game-used sticks from Daniel Alfredsson, Garnet Exelby and Manny Malhotra, an Alex Ovechkin-autographed Right To Play tracksuit, signed jerseys and other merchandise. The auction closes on March 1.
“On behalf of all the children in our programs and the volunteer Coaches who work with them, I want to thank these NHL players and the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation for their outstanding leadership and support,” said Right To Play President and CEO Johann Koss. “This initiative is a great example of what can be achieved when athletes rally together around the best values of sport and play.”
Participating players are listed below and can also be found on a Coach Tribute Wall at righttoplay.ca or righttoplayusa.org. Fans are encouraged to join these NHL players by making online donations in honour of their own coaches or role models. For donations of $25 or more, donor and coach names will be inserted on the Coach Tribute Wall alongside the NHL players, and the donor will receive a personalized ‘Coach Tribute’ via email as a special thank you.
Right To Play 2009 ‘Donation for Minutes Weekend’ Participants
NHL Team Player Honoured Coach / Role Model Donation Game
Anaheim Ducks Steve Montador/Gisele Bourgeois Feb. 28 at Dallas
Chris Pronger/Ollie Bon Jovi / Hummer Feb. 28 at Dallas
Atlanta Thrashers Garnet Exelby Jude Boulianne Feb. 28 vs. Carolina
Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara/Zdenek Chara Feb. 28 vs. Washington
Andrew Ference/Brent Peterson Feb. 28 vs. Washington
Calgary Flames Robyn Regehr/All minor hockey coaches Feb. 27 vs. Minnesota
Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews/Thom Gross Feb. 27 vs. Pittsburgh
Columbus Blue Jackets Manny Malhotra/Scott Sones/Rob Honighan March 1 at Vancouver
Edmonton Oilers Ethan Moreau/Ab Moreau Feb. 28 vs. Minnesota
Florida Panthers Jay Bouwmeester/Dan Bouwmeester Feb. 28 at New Jersey
Greg Campbell/All minor hockey coaches Feb. 28 at New Jersey
Los Angeles Kings Anze Kopitar/Matjaz Kopitar Feb. 27 at Detroit
Minnesota Wild Nick Schultz Robert Schultz Feb. 27 at Calgary
Montreal Canadiens Mike Komisarek/Aleksey Nikiforov Feb. 28 vs. San Jose
Nashville Predators David Legwand/Dave and Carole Legwand Feb. 28 vs. Detroit
New York Islanders Josh Bailey/Mickey Renaud Feb. 28 vs. Buffalo
New York Rangers Wade Redden/Pat Redden Feb. 28 vs. Colorado
Ottawa Senators Daniel Alfredsson/Hasse Alfredsson Feb. 28 vs. Toronto
Philadelphia Flyers Mike Richards/Mark Richards/Matt Richards Feb. 27 vs. Montreal
Pittsburgh Penguins Eric Godard/Bill Higgins Feb. 27 at Chicago
San Jose Sharks Joe Thornton/Brian Muscat Feb. 28 at Montreal
Tampa Bay Lightning Matt Pettinger/Allan Neale Feb. 27 at Vancouver
Toronto Maple Leafs Dominic Moore/Brad Selwood Feb. 28 at Ottawa
Vancouver Canucks Kevin Bieksa/Scott Jess Feb. 27 vs. Tampa Bay
Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin/Zinetulla Bilyaletdinov Feb. 28 at Boston
About Right To Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Working in both the humanitarian and development context, Right To Play trains local community leaders as Coaches to deliver our programs in 23 countries affected by war, poverty and disease across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Right To Play is supported by an international team of top athletes from more than 40 countries. As role models, these athletes inspire children, raise awareness and promote opportunities for funding for Right To Play projects.
What a slice! Stray golf ball discovered buried inside felled tree
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:41 AM on 21st February 2009
Of all the flukes seen on a golf course, greenkeeper Richard Mitchell can claim one of the strangest.
As he took his chainsaw to a leylandii tree, he hit the exact spot where a ball was embedded in the wood and sliced through it.
The ball apparently lodged in a fork of the tree many years ago when a golfer hooked a drive on the first tee. The conifer grew around the ball and it remained hidden in the screen of 15 trees.
Trimmed, sanded and varnished, it is to become a rather unusual trophy board at Eaton Golf Club in Norwich.
Mr Mitchell discovered the ball last month after he felled the 40ft trees, planted 37 years ago, and began cutting the timber into 4ft lengths for firewood.
The piece of wood with the half ball visible is being preserved and varnished by former club captain Jim Cook who is a skilled woodworker.
It will then be kept behind the bar and used to record the names of everyone who gets a hole-in-one on the 198-yard ninth hole.
Peter Johns, the manager of the £675-a-year club, said: 'It is just an incredible find. We think it came off the first tee. It must have lodged in a fork or embedded itself in the trunk and the tree grew round it.
'If Richard had cut the trunk an inch or two either way we'd never have known it was there.'
And the answer: “C) Shinnecock Hills. It was just 4,423 yards when it held the 1896 tournament.”
The piece of wood with the half ball visible is being preserved and varnished by former club captain Jim Cook who is a skilled woodworker.
It will then be kept behind the bar and used to record the names of everyone who gets a hole-in-one on the 198-yard ninth hole.
Peter Johns, the manager of the £675-a-year club, said: 'It is just an incredible find. We think it came off the first tee. It must have lodged in a fork or embedded itself in the trunk and the tree grew round it.
'If Richard had cut the trunk an inch or two either way we'd never have known it was there.'
And the answer: “C) Shinnecock Hills. It was just 4,423 yards when it held the 1896 tournament.”
Monday, February 23, 2009
Will the People be the Center?
Trivia: “Who has the most top-10 career finishes at 358? A) Byron Nelson B) Jug McSpaden C) Billy Casper D) Sam Snead” Answer below.
I was sitting in the airport in Calgary (last week) catching up on some email when I was reminded of a reality we'll face at Parmasters KW. A reality we must embrace and celebrate.
As I quoted last week, "All progress begins by telling the truth." -Dan Sullivan. We must embrace our truth.
As I looked up from my Blackberry I noticed a gentleman - perhaps early 60's - walking past, carrying a fairly new, seemingly well-made, ergonomically-designed backpack. This, in and of itself, would not have been significant. It was the way in which he was carrying said backpack.
I can only imagine the chagrin with which the backpack designers (and engineers) would have looked on, in utter disbelief, had they two witnessed this gentleman. I'm sure he was very nice, but his method of carrying a backpack was not what the ergonomics folks had in mind.
How can I describe this? He carried the pack by one strap, slung over one shoulder. (Not how you've seen before! Trust me!) The pack was slung perfectly horizontal from his right shoulder. The strap straddled his shoulder exactly in the middle of said strap. There was no padding on the strap there. The padded part of the strap was all behind his shoulder. The other strap hung loose, dangling below the pack. And because this felt rather precarious to the gentleman, he had his right arm wrapped firmly around the pack, holding it close to his right side, his right hand beneath the pack, in some sort of head/backpack lock grip.
This was not what the designers envisioned. At all!
And similarly, the thousands of members and other patrons that visit us at Parmasters KW will not always utilize their golf training center as we envision.
And that's great!
Shortly thereafter I was standing next to one of the large mobiles in the common area around gates D45 to D50. I think they're called "mobiles", like what one would suspend over a baby's crib, to entertain; only these were on a much larger scale.
Anyway, they were not moving, not going round and round. They were idle. I just assumed they were turned off. But that wasn't the case.
A young boy came running up, as excited as could be. He grabbed on to a large key, that I hadn't even noticed (three feet from where I stood), and he turned this key.
And the mobile began to turn.
And many of the tired, grown-up, serious travelers, a few hundred perhaps, looked up, and smiled, and enjoyed the sight of these simplistic machines going round and round.
That one child did all that.
I was reminded of a young man I'm getting to know. I was reminded of a young lady too. And of course, of my two sons.
And I was reminded of how people of all kinds are going to bring life to Parmasters KW. Perhaps the center will not truly be the center.
Perhaps the people will be the center.
And the answer: “D) Sam Snead”
I was sitting in the airport in Calgary (last week) catching up on some email when I was reminded of a reality we'll face at Parmasters KW. A reality we must embrace and celebrate.
As I quoted last week, "All progress begins by telling the truth." -Dan Sullivan. We must embrace our truth.
As I looked up from my Blackberry I noticed a gentleman - perhaps early 60's - walking past, carrying a fairly new, seemingly well-made, ergonomically-designed backpack. This, in and of itself, would not have been significant. It was the way in which he was carrying said backpack.
I can only imagine the chagrin with which the backpack designers (and engineers) would have looked on, in utter disbelief, had they two witnessed this gentleman. I'm sure he was very nice, but his method of carrying a backpack was not what the ergonomics folks had in mind.
How can I describe this? He carried the pack by one strap, slung over one shoulder. (Not how you've seen before! Trust me!) The pack was slung perfectly horizontal from his right shoulder. The strap straddled his shoulder exactly in the middle of said strap. There was no padding on the strap there. The padded part of the strap was all behind his shoulder. The other strap hung loose, dangling below the pack. And because this felt rather precarious to the gentleman, he had his right arm wrapped firmly around the pack, holding it close to his right side, his right hand beneath the pack, in some sort of head/backpack lock grip.
This was not what the designers envisioned. At all!
And similarly, the thousands of members and other patrons that visit us at Parmasters KW will not always utilize their golf training center as we envision.
And that's great!
Shortly thereafter I was standing next to one of the large mobiles in the common area around gates D45 to D50. I think they're called "mobiles", like what one would suspend over a baby's crib, to entertain; only these were on a much larger scale.
Anyway, they were not moving, not going round and round. They were idle. I just assumed they were turned off. But that wasn't the case.
A young boy came running up, as excited as could be. He grabbed on to a large key, that I hadn't even noticed (three feet from where I stood), and he turned this key.
And the mobile began to turn.
And many of the tired, grown-up, serious travelers, a few hundred perhaps, looked up, and smiled, and enjoyed the sight of these simplistic machines going round and round.
That one child did all that.
I was reminded of a young man I'm getting to know. I was reminded of a young lady too. And of course, of my two sons.
And I was reminded of how people of all kinds are going to bring life to Parmasters KW. Perhaps the center will not truly be the center.
Perhaps the people will be the center.
And the answer: “D) Sam Snead”
Sunday, February 22, 2009
We Were Blessed
It's been a year since my Dad died. I'm in my hometown today, with my Mother.
Thomas H. Southern - 1934-2008
http://shsouthern.blogspot.com/2008/03/thomas-h-southern-1934-2008.html
We were all so very blessed to share in my Dad's life.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
News from Orlando: Srixon Replaces the Z-UR Golf Ball Series
Trivia: “What two-time U.S. Open champ has a twin brother named Allen?” Answer below.
I returned on Thursday evening from my quick jaunt to Vancouver. I meant to blog Friday morning but simply got tied up with other items. And most of this entry was drafted on one of my return flights!
Thank you to Mike Allen, Parmasters Memphis, once again today for the following information. Mike and his partner, Mr. Mario Bertagna, recently attended the 56th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, USA. They returned home with a wealth of information, including this brief update from Srixon (R).
Here’s what Mike and Mario brought back from Orlando:
There was a lot of talk and buzz about some of the new golf balls introduced. Srixon will be releasing, next week, the Z-STAR (TM) and Z-STAR X (TM) lines of balls to replace the Z-UR series. These are high-end balls designed to compete with the Titleist (R) PRO V1 (R) and PRO V1X (R) respectively. (Titleist incidentally introduced new versions of their balls as well.) Vijay Singh won 57 times (including three majors), Boo Weekly has won twice and is a Ryder Cup champion and Harrison Frazar shot a 59 and was the low medalist at Q-School, all using the same golf ball brand. THEN THEY EACH MADE THE SWITCH TO THE SRIXON Z-STAR! That ought to tell you something! Srixon is so confident that you’ll love their balls, each one comes with a money-back guarantee. Visit www.srixon.com.
Thanks again Mike!
This is the weekend for the Cannington (my hometown) Dog Sled Races. I blogged earlier about this event here, and you can learn more here. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if the races are proceeding. There’s a discussion forum here that states that the races have been cancelled due to a lack of snow, which would of course make sense. I’m heading up to Cannington this evening, so I guess we’ll see.
And the answer: “Curtis Strange”
I returned on Thursday evening from my quick jaunt to Vancouver. I meant to blog Friday morning but simply got tied up with other items. And most of this entry was drafted on one of my return flights!
Thank you to Mike Allen, Parmasters Memphis, once again today for the following information. Mike and his partner, Mr. Mario Bertagna, recently attended the 56th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, USA. They returned home with a wealth of information, including this brief update from Srixon (R).
Here’s what Mike and Mario brought back from Orlando:
There was a lot of talk and buzz about some of the new golf balls introduced. Srixon will be releasing, next week, the Z-STAR (TM) and Z-STAR X (TM) lines of balls to replace the Z-UR series. These are high-end balls designed to compete with the Titleist (R) PRO V1 (R) and PRO V1X (R) respectively. (Titleist incidentally introduced new versions of their balls as well.) Vijay Singh won 57 times (including three majors), Boo Weekly has won twice and is a Ryder Cup champion and Harrison Frazar shot a 59 and was the low medalist at Q-School, all using the same golf ball brand. THEN THEY EACH MADE THE SWITCH TO THE SRIXON Z-STAR! That ought to tell you something! Srixon is so confident that you’ll love their balls, each one comes with a money-back guarantee. Visit www.srixon.com.
Thanks again Mike!
This is the weekend for the Cannington (my hometown) Dog Sled Races. I blogged earlier about this event here, and you can learn more here. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if the races are proceeding. There’s a discussion forum here that states that the races have been cancelled due to a lack of snow, which would of course make sense. I’m heading up to Cannington this evening, so I guess we’ll see.
And the answer: “Curtis Strange”
Thursday, February 19, 2009
PGA Tour Champion Chip Beck Joins the Parmasters Board of Directors
Trivia: "Who was the first American to win the British Amateur?" Answer below.
I'm mobile blogging again. Many thanks to RIM, makers of my Blackberry (R)!
Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, recently announced two new members of their team. Chip Beck has joined their board of directors while Robert Rudman takes on the Chief Financial Officer role.
And many thanks to Mike Allen of Parmasters Memphis for the two paragraphs below introducing Chip and Robert. I borrowed these from Mike's periodic update to the fine members of Parmasters Memphis.
Introducing Chip Beck: Chip has an amazing golf background. A three-time All-American in college, Chip went on to earn four victories on the PGA Tour and twenty runner-up finishes in more than 600 PGA Tour events. During the 1986 and 1989 US Open Championships, he tied for runner-up. In 1988, Chip won the Vardon Trophy for the PGA Tour leader in scoring average, one of only eleven golfers to earn that title since 1988. There has been a Chip Beck appearance three times on the Ryder Cup, with his 1991 Ryder Cup performance being the best. In 1993, he was the runner-up at the Masters. During the 1991 Las Vegas Invitational at the Sunrise Golf Club, Beck shot a round of 59 with 5 pars and 13 birdies including a three footer on the 18th hole, landing him in a tie for third in the tournament. Chip has spent 40 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings. In 2006, he became eligible for the Champions Tour and returned to his golf career, where he continues to golf today. Chip joins Parmasters as a Board Member, and will use his incredible golf experience, dynamic personality, and wide circle of contacts to assist the company in meeting and exceeding its goals.
Introducing Robert Rudman: Robert Rudman has a very diverse background and will be coordinating financial planning, capital raises, and working with the Board in Strategic Planning. His Vancouver roots and passion for golf, plus his partners at Aspen Capital and Pointe Atlantic bring a lot to the Headquarters team. To learn more about Robert and his team visit www.aspencp.com. Mario and I had a chance to break bread with Robert in Orlando and he's certainly a welcome addition to the team.
Now time to catch my flight to Calgary, and then Kitchener.
And the answer: "Walter J. Travis, in 1904"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vancouver, BC
Trivia: "What was the original name of the USGA [(United States Golf Association)] when it was founded in 1894?" Answer below.
I'm emailing this blog entry via my Blackberry. Blogging on the run!
I'm in Vancouver, BC today. The Westjet flights out of our local Waterloo-Wellington airport, and through Calgary, were very convenient. We're very lucky, and a large debt of gratitude to the community leaders, people of vision, that have brought Westjet, Northwest, and other flight options to our small community! Thank you!
I'm here for a full day of meetings that will run well into the evening. Since I don't do this often, I do find it a challenge to keep my energy up. I landed at 2:00am Eastern and was in bed by 3:00am Eastern. This after a short four hour night's sleep Monday night, and a 6:30am Eastern rise Tuesday morning. If I eat healthy I should be able to sleep well tonight and have the sufficient energy to be productive during the flights back to Ontario on Thursday.
Tuesday was highly productive on many fronts. We continue to make great progress towards the grand opening of Parmasters KW this coming summer. We're frustrated, as always, that the journey has taken so long, but also energized and enthused now that we're so close!
Every day, at our Temporary Event Center (TEC) at Market Square, we receive a few calls from "future members" interested in booking a tee time in one of our simulators, or practicing in our short game area, or seeking some club repair, or a meeting room, and the list goes on. It's always disheartening to tell them that we're not yet open. The sadness they express comes through the line, and echoes the frustration we feel. But, once again, we're almost there!
For now, I'm off to the first meeting.
And the answer: "The Amateur Golf Association of the United States"
I'm emailing this blog entry via my Blackberry. Blogging on the run!
I'm in Vancouver, BC today. The Westjet flights out of our local Waterloo-Wellington airport, and through Calgary, were very convenient. We're very lucky, and a large debt of gratitude to the community leaders, people of vision, that have brought Westjet, Northwest, and other flight options to our small community! Thank you!
I'm here for a full day of meetings that will run well into the evening. Since I don't do this often, I do find it a challenge to keep my energy up. I landed at 2:00am Eastern and was in bed by 3:00am Eastern. This after a short four hour night's sleep Monday night, and a 6:30am Eastern rise Tuesday morning. If I eat healthy I should be able to sleep well tonight and have the sufficient energy to be productive during the flights back to Ontario on Thursday.
Tuesday was highly productive on many fronts. We continue to make great progress towards the grand opening of Parmasters KW this coming summer. We're frustrated, as always, that the journey has taken so long, but also energized and enthused now that we're so close!
Every day, at our Temporary Event Center (TEC) at Market Square, we receive a few calls from "future members" interested in booking a tee time in one of our simulators, or practicing in our short game area, or seeking some club repair, or a meeting room, and the list goes on. It's always disheartening to tell them that we're not yet open. The sadness they express comes through the line, and echoes the frustration we feel. But, once again, we're almost there!
For now, I'm off to the first meeting.
And the answer: "The Amateur Golf Association of the United States"
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Truth
Trivia: “True or false: You should repair any damage to a green made by the impact of your ball, but damage left by players in a previous group can be left for the grounds crew.” Answer below.
It was a full weekend. I meant to blog yesterday, but focused on office work instead.
My eldest son was in a hockey tournament in London, ON on Friday evening and Saturday, which meant for a few trips back and forth from Kitchener, along with far too much restaurant food!
Their tournament should have continued into Sunday, and would have, if not for a few unfortunate incidents during their second game, which was their first on Saturday. Three or four teammates decided they didn’t want to win the game, which was very close and fast-paced throughout. The decided they’d rather take retaliatory penalties, along with misconducts for disrespecting the officials.
Admittedly, it was a little frustrating watching three or four players eliminate the team’s chances. Since they clearly had no interest at all in winning that second game, it might have been nice if they’d just stayed home.
The team has taken roughly 88 minutes in penalties throughout their entire season thus far. During that one game, they tallied up 68 penalty minutes, most of them going to those three or four players.
After the game my eldest wanted to blame the officials. After I challenged him to consider whether that was his opinion, or simply an opinion he inherited from his teammates and coaches, he changed his tune.
On Sunday I hiked along the Grand River with my two sons. That was nice.
It was a full weekend. I meant to blog yesterday, but focused on office work instead.
My eldest son was in a hockey tournament in London, ON on Friday evening and Saturday, which meant for a few trips back and forth from Kitchener, along with far too much restaurant food!
Their tournament should have continued into Sunday, and would have, if not for a few unfortunate incidents during their second game, which was their first on Saturday. Three or four teammates decided they didn’t want to win the game, which was very close and fast-paced throughout. The decided they’d rather take retaliatory penalties, along with misconducts for disrespecting the officials.
Admittedly, it was a little frustrating watching three or four players eliminate the team’s chances. Since they clearly had no interest at all in winning that second game, it might have been nice if they’d just stayed home.
The team has taken roughly 88 minutes in penalties throughout their entire season thus far. During that one game, they tallied up 68 penalty minutes, most of them going to those three or four players.
After the game my eldest wanted to blame the officials. After I challenged him to consider whether that was his opinion, or simply an opinion he inherited from his teammates and coaches, he changed his tune.
On Sunday I hiked along the Grand River with my two sons. That was nice.
And Monday was spent working, as usual.
I’m working at our Temporary Event Center at Market Square today. Wednesday and Thursday I’ll be out of town, returning to the TEC on Friday morning.
Given the team’s interest in blaming the officials for their choices on Saturday afternoon, this quote seems timely.
“All progress begins by telling the truth.” -Dan Sullivan
And the answer: “False. Proper golf etiquette states that players should repair any damage made by golf balls, whether or not the damage is from their ball.”
I’m working at our Temporary Event Center at Market Square today. Wednesday and Thursday I’ll be out of town, returning to the TEC on Friday morning.
Given the team’s interest in blaming the officials for their choices on Saturday afternoon, this quote seems timely.
“All progress begins by telling the truth.” -Dan Sullivan
And the answer: “False. Proper golf etiquette states that players should repair any damage made by golf balls, whether or not the damage is from their ball.”
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Fore-teen Below Zero! Perfect!
Trivia: “The first time the U.S. Open was played at a truly public course was in 2002. What was the course?” Answer below.
A special ‘thank you’ to Tina Malone-Wright for forwarding the following story. While we clearly offer an indoor, well-lit, and very warm golfing experience, devoid of both ice and snow, we definitely recognize the attraction and fun-factor noted in this article. The story can be found here, and below.
You don't have to fly south - give winter your best shot
The 'greens' may be stained with food colouring and the 'sand traps' made of snow, but flocks of duffers will soon be heading to ice-covered courses from Switzerland to PEI to hit 18 holes in the world's chilliest golf tourneys
DAVE MCGINN
From Friday's Globe and Mail
February 13, 2009 at 8:31 AM EST
Later this month, an 18-hole golf course that's sure to raise the eyebrows of most duffers will be built in the small town of Georgetown, PEI.
Like most courses in the province, it will be a full par 72. But the West Street Beach course will not be laid out on grass. It will be on the frozen surface of Georgetown Harbour.
Discarded Christmas trees will line the fairways to give golfers a much-needed sense of perspective in the snowy expanse. Putting greens will be painted onto the slippery surface using green food colouring. The course will even have "sand traps," although they'll be made of piles of snow.
"There's a lot of golfers in PEI and they want to play whenever they can," says Georgetown Mayor Peter Llewellyn of the town's venture into ice golf.
When the cold weather hits, most golfers in Canada must either pack away their bags for the season or pack their bags for Florida. And while some regular courses across the country let golfers play in the snow, ice golf offers a special opportunity to hit the links on frozen lakes and rivers.
Holes are dug with an auger, a tool usually used for ice fishing, and courses are often shorter than those on land, but the game is surprisingly like its fair-weather counterpart, players say.
Putting a tundra twist on the age-old game of golf is still a novelty, of course. But two years ago, Georgetown held its first International Ice Golf tournament in the hopes of boosting tourism. The event was based on the success of similar events around the world, such as the Chivas Snow Golf Championship in Switzerland and the World Ice Golf Championship in Greenland.
Georgetown's inaugural tourney attracted interest from players as far afield as Japan and the Caribbean. But last year, the tournament had to be cancelled for perhaps the most unlikely reason ever to nix a golf event - it was unseasonably warm.
"The harbour never froze," Mr. Llewellyn says.
The town decided to take a meteorological mulligan, and this year is pushing on with plans not only for a 16-team tournament to be held in March, but also to have the course open seven days a week for players to enjoy at their leisure.
"We'll keep it open for two or three weeks, depending on the weather," Mr. Llewellyn said. A round will cost about $10. "We expect to have golfers from all over PEI and we've got requests from Nova Scotia. They want to know when it's ready. Golfers want to come over and play."
Ice golf has taken off south of the border, too, with annual tournaments held in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Colorado.
Here in Canada, ice golf's two biggest hot spots - or cold spots - are Georgetown and Mulhurst Bay, Alta., where the Pigeon Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce has been holding an annual ice golf tournament since 1996. It regularly attracts more than 200 players from across the province.
"Most of our golfers are from Edmonton and Calgary," says Darlene Kobeluck, the event's organizer.
Greens there are made of outdoor carpeting. The holes are relatively short - most are about 120 yards - and players are allowed to use only two irons and a putter. But the game is still superior to the summer version in terms of sheer enjoyment, says Guy Gutenberg, a 44-year-old electrician.
"Fun-wise, there's no comparison," he says. Mr. Gutenberg, an avid golfer, has made the two-hour drive from his home in Sedgewick, Alta., to Pigeon Lake for the past seven years.
He learned of the tournament by chance. His son was in Cub Scouts at the time, and the chamber of commerce had asked the group to clean the grounds after the event. Mr. Gutenberg's wife signed up the family to help.
"We helped clean up and I said afterward, 'Don't expect me to do this next year.' " His wife wanted to know why. "I said, 'Because I'm going to be golfing. This looks like way too much fun.' "
He's been playing in the tournament ever since. And each year, he says, more friends who learn of the game are eager to join him.
"When I started, I went by myself. Now I've got eight people who come with me."
Derek Nicholson, a 52-year-old financial services adviser from Lower Montague, just south of Georgetown, had a similar reaction the first time he learned of the Georgetown ice golf tournament.
"I just said, 'My gosh, this is a great idea,' " he recalls.
Surprisingly, playing golf on a frozen lake is not much different than playing on grass, with one or two obvious exceptions, Mr. Nicholson says.
"It's a little more challenging because you have a few more layers of clothes on. And there's a few more obstacles that you have to look out for, like frozen pieces of different things on the ice."
But, no, searching for white balls in a field of snow is not an issue. Georgetown has solved that particular problem.
"We give them black balls," Mr. Llewellyn says.
And the answer: “The Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York”
A special ‘thank you’ to Tina Malone-Wright for forwarding the following story. While we clearly offer an indoor, well-lit, and very warm golfing experience, devoid of both ice and snow, we definitely recognize the attraction and fun-factor noted in this article. The story can be found here, and below.
You don't have to fly south - give winter your best shot
The 'greens' may be stained with food colouring and the 'sand traps' made of snow, but flocks of duffers will soon be heading to ice-covered courses from Switzerland to PEI to hit 18 holes in the world's chilliest golf tourneys
DAVE MCGINN
From Friday's Globe and Mail
February 13, 2009 at 8:31 AM EST
Later this month, an 18-hole golf course that's sure to raise the eyebrows of most duffers will be built in the small town of Georgetown, PEI.
Like most courses in the province, it will be a full par 72. But the West Street Beach course will not be laid out on grass. It will be on the frozen surface of Georgetown Harbour.
Discarded Christmas trees will line the fairways to give golfers a much-needed sense of perspective in the snowy expanse. Putting greens will be painted onto the slippery surface using green food colouring. The course will even have "sand traps," although they'll be made of piles of snow.
"There's a lot of golfers in PEI and they want to play whenever they can," says Georgetown Mayor Peter Llewellyn of the town's venture into ice golf.
When the cold weather hits, most golfers in Canada must either pack away their bags for the season or pack their bags for Florida. And while some regular courses across the country let golfers play in the snow, ice golf offers a special opportunity to hit the links on frozen lakes and rivers.
Holes are dug with an auger, a tool usually used for ice fishing, and courses are often shorter than those on land, but the game is surprisingly like its fair-weather counterpart, players say.
Putting a tundra twist on the age-old game of golf is still a novelty, of course. But two years ago, Georgetown held its first International Ice Golf tournament in the hopes of boosting tourism. The event was based on the success of similar events around the world, such as the Chivas Snow Golf Championship in Switzerland and the World Ice Golf Championship in Greenland.
Georgetown's inaugural tourney attracted interest from players as far afield as Japan and the Caribbean. But last year, the tournament had to be cancelled for perhaps the most unlikely reason ever to nix a golf event - it was unseasonably warm.
"The harbour never froze," Mr. Llewellyn says.
The town decided to take a meteorological mulligan, and this year is pushing on with plans not only for a 16-team tournament to be held in March, but also to have the course open seven days a week for players to enjoy at their leisure.
"We'll keep it open for two or three weeks, depending on the weather," Mr. Llewellyn said. A round will cost about $10. "We expect to have golfers from all over PEI and we've got requests from Nova Scotia. They want to know when it's ready. Golfers want to come over and play."
Ice golf has taken off south of the border, too, with annual tournaments held in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Colorado.
Here in Canada, ice golf's two biggest hot spots - or cold spots - are Georgetown and Mulhurst Bay, Alta., where the Pigeon Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce has been holding an annual ice golf tournament since 1996. It regularly attracts more than 200 players from across the province.
"Most of our golfers are from Edmonton and Calgary," says Darlene Kobeluck, the event's organizer.
Greens there are made of outdoor carpeting. The holes are relatively short - most are about 120 yards - and players are allowed to use only two irons and a putter. But the game is still superior to the summer version in terms of sheer enjoyment, says Guy Gutenberg, a 44-year-old electrician.
"Fun-wise, there's no comparison," he says. Mr. Gutenberg, an avid golfer, has made the two-hour drive from his home in Sedgewick, Alta., to Pigeon Lake for the past seven years.
He learned of the tournament by chance. His son was in Cub Scouts at the time, and the chamber of commerce had asked the group to clean the grounds after the event. Mr. Gutenberg's wife signed up the family to help.
"We helped clean up and I said afterward, 'Don't expect me to do this next year.' " His wife wanted to know why. "I said, 'Because I'm going to be golfing. This looks like way too much fun.' "
He's been playing in the tournament ever since. And each year, he says, more friends who learn of the game are eager to join him.
"When I started, I went by myself. Now I've got eight people who come with me."
Derek Nicholson, a 52-year-old financial services adviser from Lower Montague, just south of Georgetown, had a similar reaction the first time he learned of the Georgetown ice golf tournament.
"I just said, 'My gosh, this is a great idea,' " he recalls.
Surprisingly, playing golf on a frozen lake is not much different than playing on grass, with one or two obvious exceptions, Mr. Nicholson says.
"It's a little more challenging because you have a few more layers of clothes on. And there's a few more obstacles that you have to look out for, like frozen pieces of different things on the ice."
But, no, searching for white balls in a field of snow is not an issue. Georgetown has solved that particular problem.
"We give them black balls," Mr. Llewellyn says.
And the answer: “The Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York”
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Great Golf Story and a Great Golfer
Trivia: “How many total major championships – both amateur and professional – has Jack Nicklaus won? A) 16 B) 18 C) 20 D) 22” Answer below.
I’ll start today with the story, and then continue with my rather boring musings thereafter. This story was borrowed from the New York Times blogs. Here it is:
----------
December 3, 2008, 10:44 am
The Best Golf Story Ever Told by an Economist
By Steven D. Levitt
An economist friend, who is also an accomplished golfer, recently told me the following story.
He and two friends had made a pilgrimage to the birthplace of golf: the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. They had managed to secure a tee time and were just about to tee off when the starter stopped them and told them to wait — he had a fourth player who would be joining them. The three friends were disappointed; what sort of schmuck were they going to get stuck with?
After brief introductions, the fourth player asked them what their handicaps were. A handicap in golf more or less corresponds to how many strokes you shoot over par on average. They told him their handicaps, which were three, four, and seven (which by the way, means they are exceptionally good recreational golfers).
The fourth player, who was standing on the tee with a set of right-handed clubs, said “O.K., great, I get my left-handed clubs” — the implication being that if he instead played left-handed, it would be a more even match. He headed back to his car, grabbed a set of left-handed clubs, and true to his word, proceeded to shoot a three over par 75.
Who was this mysterious fourth player? None other than the dashing Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. Golf fans everywhere have been saddened by Ballesteros’s shocking recent battle with a brain tumor.
Ballesteros, who retired last year, was a brilliant golfer who won three Open Championships, two Masters, and 82 other titles. He is best remembered for his flair and creativity: like hitting a shot from a car park in the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
My golfing friend conjectures that maybe playing left-handed on occasion helped Ballesteros learn to hit those creative shots which won him so many championships.
For instance, when your ball stops right next to a tree trunk, sometimes the only option is to flip a club around and try to swing left-handed. It is extremely difficult, because not only are you swinging left-handed, but you are using a club meant to be hit right-handed. My accomplished golfing friend has practiced this shot quite a bit, and says he once hit it 60 yards this way, but he averages about 20 yards.
He asked Seve that day how far he could hit it when in that situation. “About 150 yards,” Seve said. “It depends if I want a fade or a draw.”
----------
For all those of you who choose to give up on a round after an early double/triple/etc., and for all of you that prefer a defeatist, life-is-against-me attitude in any venture, I respectfully suggest you take a lesson at the feet of one of golf’s true greats, a true gentleman and an incredible battler. Seve has never quit. He’s never given up. And he’s never give in. Just search the web for stories of other golf greats that have faced this gritty Spaniard, a man who has received, and deservedly so, the utmost respect from his fellow competitors and spectators everywhere, and you’ll read about determination like you’ve never known before.
You can find Seve’s biography here, and his playing record here.
Unfortunately, as you may know, Seve is now facing the toughest battle of his life, the battle for his life. He’s taking on brain cancer this time round. Our hearts and prayers are with him. This terrible disease has never faced a more determined fighter. And once again, there’s a lesson for all of us in watching this man rage on against the fiercest competitor he’s ever faced, two titans going head to head.
The following message can be found on Seve's website.
I’ll start today with the story, and then continue with my rather boring musings thereafter. This story was borrowed from the New York Times blogs. Here it is:
----------
December 3, 2008, 10:44 am
The Best Golf Story Ever Told by an Economist
By Steven D. Levitt
An economist friend, who is also an accomplished golfer, recently told me the following story.
He and two friends had made a pilgrimage to the birthplace of golf: the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. They had managed to secure a tee time and were just about to tee off when the starter stopped them and told them to wait — he had a fourth player who would be joining them. The three friends were disappointed; what sort of schmuck were they going to get stuck with?
After brief introductions, the fourth player asked them what their handicaps were. A handicap in golf more or less corresponds to how many strokes you shoot over par on average. They told him their handicaps, which were three, four, and seven (which by the way, means they are exceptionally good recreational golfers).
The fourth player, who was standing on the tee with a set of right-handed clubs, said “O.K., great, I get my left-handed clubs” — the implication being that if he instead played left-handed, it would be a more even match. He headed back to his car, grabbed a set of left-handed clubs, and true to his word, proceeded to shoot a three over par 75.
Who was this mysterious fourth player? None other than the dashing Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. Golf fans everywhere have been saddened by Ballesteros’s shocking recent battle with a brain tumor.
Ballesteros, who retired last year, was a brilliant golfer who won three Open Championships, two Masters, and 82 other titles. He is best remembered for his flair and creativity: like hitting a shot from a car park in the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
My golfing friend conjectures that maybe playing left-handed on occasion helped Ballesteros learn to hit those creative shots which won him so many championships.
For instance, when your ball stops right next to a tree trunk, sometimes the only option is to flip a club around and try to swing left-handed. It is extremely difficult, because not only are you swinging left-handed, but you are using a club meant to be hit right-handed. My accomplished golfing friend has practiced this shot quite a bit, and says he once hit it 60 yards this way, but he averages about 20 yards.
He asked Seve that day how far he could hit it when in that situation. “About 150 yards,” Seve said. “It depends if I want a fade or a draw.”
----------
For all those of you who choose to give up on a round after an early double/triple/etc., and for all of you that prefer a defeatist, life-is-against-me attitude in any venture, I respectfully suggest you take a lesson at the feet of one of golf’s true greats, a true gentleman and an incredible battler. Seve has never quit. He’s never given up. And he’s never give in. Just search the web for stories of other golf greats that have faced this gritty Spaniard, a man who has received, and deservedly so, the utmost respect from his fellow competitors and spectators everywhere, and you’ll read about determination like you’ve never known before.
You can find Seve’s biography here, and his playing record here.
Unfortunately, as you may know, Seve is now facing the toughest battle of his life, the battle for his life. He’s taking on brain cancer this time round. Our hearts and prayers are with him. This terrible disease has never faced a more determined fighter. And once again, there’s a lesson for all of us in watching this man rage on against the fiercest competitor he’s ever faced, two titans going head to head.
The following message can be found on Seve's website.
And lastly, for all of you that can appreciate a finely crafted wrist watch, you might want to consider the Limited-Edition, Luxury Golf Watch from Seve Ballesteros’ Golf Clubs, specifically the irons he used to win the Chunichi Crowns Open in 1991. Very clever, unique and, pardon the pun, timeless.
And the answer: “C) 20. He won six Masters, four U.S. Opens, three British [sic] Opens, five PGA Championships, and two U.S. Amateurs.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Golfweek Article on aboutGolf Simulators
Trivia: “Which brothers have both won on the PGA TOUR? A) Mike and Dave Hill B) David and Kevin Sutherland C) Curt and Tom Byrum D) Both A and C” Answer below.
I missed blogging on Wednesday. I meant to post this article by Golfweek on aboutGolf, and the company’s leader Bill Bales. AboutGolf will supply the golf simulators for Parmasters KW. You can find the article here, and also included below.
I missed blogging on Wednesday. I meant to post this article by Golfweek on aboutGolf, and the company’s leader Bill Bales. AboutGolf will supply the golf simulators for Parmasters KW. You can find the article here, and also included below.
AboutGolf: More than fun and games
By DAN MIROCHA
Assistant Editor
Bill Bales admits he was a skeptic [sic]at first. A self-proclaimed “stuck-up golf traditionalist,” he once dismissed indoor golf simulators as nothing more than an expensive novelty, an oversized video game at best.
But that was seven years ago, and Bales has turned 180 degrees. He became so consumed by simulators, he made them his livelihood. His company, AboutGolf, is a leading manufacturer of the devices and this year ranked No. 72 in Inc. magazine’s “Top 100 Consumer Products Companies.”
Now, AboutGolf hopes to fuel success with its latest model, the SimSurround, which advances the notion of a virtual environment to new heights. And with state-of-the-art ball-tracking technology, it provides golfers with data about their swing much like a launch monitor.
Bales, however, won’t be content just selling more units. What he really wants is respect. Not just for himself or for AboutGolf – for the entire golf simulator category. At a time when participation is stagnant, he says, golf can benefit from indoor simulators, which Bales describes as multi-purpose tools that can introduce newcomers to the sport, help players improve their swings and increase demand to play the real game.
But for the most part, Bales complains he’s a lone voice, receiving little support from the industry establishment, which he says isn’t creatively tackling age-old obstacles that keep people away from golf.
“The business of golf more than any business I’ve seen doesn’t understand the concept of the customer,” Bales says. Indoor golf, he argues, resolves troubling issues such as lack of time, poor weather and pace of play.
“You can play year round, play at night and play in the rain,” Bales says. “You can play 36 holes in two hours or one hole in two hours, and there’s nobody ever behind you or in front of you.”
Simulators also can provide a friendlier setting for newcomers, many of whom feel intimidated stepping up to the first tee on a real course or overwhelmed by the game’s many rules and protocols. Most important, rather than steal consumers from golf courses, simulators will spur play for all, Bales says.
Industry leaders don’t necessarily disagree with Bales, but few, if any, have endorsed simulators as grow-the-game tools or incorporated them into participation or instruction programs.
“Anything we can do to get a club in someone’s hands, if it’s in a simulator, it’s a little cliché, but it’s better than nothing,” says Bob Baldassari, a PGA of America teaching professional and general manager of PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Without widespread industry and consumer acceptance of simulators, AboutGolf’s long-term growth prospect is uncertain. But, thus far, lacking grass-roots support hasn’t hindered the Maumee, Ohio-based company.
AboutGolf – which launched in 2002 and was spawned from Bales’ software company that produced the computer game Microsoft Golf in the ’90s – has increased revenue from $2.8 million in 2004 to $10.7 million in 2007, earning its “Top 100” recognition from Inc.
Bales says new technology has been a key factor in selling to retail stores that use the product for club fitting. AboutGolf simulators recently upgraded from a radar-based system and now incorporate a three-dimensional, high-speed photography technology called 3Trak that provides a greater level of accuracy in tracking trajectory, velocity and spin.
“It’s more accurate than anything I’ve seen,” says Bill Baraban, director of instruction and club fitting for PGA Tour Superstore, which purchased 70 AboutGolf simulators for 10 of its retail stores. “It just makes our job easier to convince the customer that they’re on the right track. We don’t have a large number of returns because they go outside and the clubs work like they do inside.”
AboutGolf simulators also have been sold to about 60 Golf Galaxy locations that have opened since January 2003, according to Ron Hornbaker, the retail chain’s senior vice president of sales and operations. Bales says sales distribution in North America breaks down to 40 percent retailers, 40 percent indoor golf centers, 15 percent residential, and the balance to pro shops and other commercial enterprises.
At this year’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., AboutGolf debuted the SimSurround, a 25-foot-long-by-10-foot-high model that uses three screens to give players an enhanced viewing experience. In March, the company began shipping the SimSurround, which sells for $60,000. Bales says it has accounted for 30 percent of unit sales so far this year. (The company’s simulators start at $45,000.)
To reach the next growth plateau, Bales is considering creating his own retail business to showcase AboutGolf simulators. His “indoor golf facility of tomorrow,” he promises, will be unlike anything available today. His vision: Think part shooting range, part practice range, part video game. Perhaps, even an environment recreated from a movie scene.
“By traditional golf standards, you might consider it radical,” he says.
Bales acknowledges that traditionalists may frown upon his approach. But he insists simulators can “sell” the game in an exciting new way.
“The whole world of indoor golf reaches people that would never otherwise get out to the course,” Bales says. “If you’re executing a golf swing, you’re growing the game of golf.”
Dan Mirocha is a Golfweek assistant editor. To reach him e-mail dmirocha@golfweek.com.
Posted: 9/15/2008
And the answer: “D) Both A and C. The Hill brothers and the Byrum brothers have both won PGA TOUR events. Dave Hill has won 13 times, while Mike has won three times. Curt and Tom Byrum have each won once.”
By DAN MIROCHA
Assistant Editor
Bill Bales admits he was a skeptic [sic]at first. A self-proclaimed “stuck-up golf traditionalist,” he once dismissed indoor golf simulators as nothing more than an expensive novelty, an oversized video game at best.
But that was seven years ago, and Bales has turned 180 degrees. He became so consumed by simulators, he made them his livelihood. His company, AboutGolf, is a leading manufacturer of the devices and this year ranked No. 72 in Inc. magazine’s “Top 100 Consumer Products Companies.”
Now, AboutGolf hopes to fuel success with its latest model, the SimSurround, which advances the notion of a virtual environment to new heights. And with state-of-the-art ball-tracking technology, it provides golfers with data about their swing much like a launch monitor.
Bales, however, won’t be content just selling more units. What he really wants is respect. Not just for himself or for AboutGolf – for the entire golf simulator category. At a time when participation is stagnant, he says, golf can benefit from indoor simulators, which Bales describes as multi-purpose tools that can introduce newcomers to the sport, help players improve their swings and increase demand to play the real game.
But for the most part, Bales complains he’s a lone voice, receiving little support from the industry establishment, which he says isn’t creatively tackling age-old obstacles that keep people away from golf.
“The business of golf more than any business I’ve seen doesn’t understand the concept of the customer,” Bales says. Indoor golf, he argues, resolves troubling issues such as lack of time, poor weather and pace of play.
“You can play year round, play at night and play in the rain,” Bales says. “You can play 36 holes in two hours or one hole in two hours, and there’s nobody ever behind you or in front of you.”
Simulators also can provide a friendlier setting for newcomers, many of whom feel intimidated stepping up to the first tee on a real course or overwhelmed by the game’s many rules and protocols. Most important, rather than steal consumers from golf courses, simulators will spur play for all, Bales says.
Industry leaders don’t necessarily disagree with Bales, but few, if any, have endorsed simulators as grow-the-game tools or incorporated them into participation or instruction programs.
“Anything we can do to get a club in someone’s hands, if it’s in a simulator, it’s a little cliché, but it’s better than nothing,” says Bob Baldassari, a PGA of America teaching professional and general manager of PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Without widespread industry and consumer acceptance of simulators, AboutGolf’s long-term growth prospect is uncertain. But, thus far, lacking grass-roots support hasn’t hindered the Maumee, Ohio-based company.
AboutGolf – which launched in 2002 and was spawned from Bales’ software company that produced the computer game Microsoft Golf in the ’90s – has increased revenue from $2.8 million in 2004 to $10.7 million in 2007, earning its “Top 100” recognition from Inc.
Bales says new technology has been a key factor in selling to retail stores that use the product for club fitting. AboutGolf simulators recently upgraded from a radar-based system and now incorporate a three-dimensional, high-speed photography technology called 3Trak that provides a greater level of accuracy in tracking trajectory, velocity and spin.
“It’s more accurate than anything I’ve seen,” says Bill Baraban, director of instruction and club fitting for PGA Tour Superstore, which purchased 70 AboutGolf simulators for 10 of its retail stores. “It just makes our job easier to convince the customer that they’re on the right track. We don’t have a large number of returns because they go outside and the clubs work like they do inside.”
AboutGolf simulators also have been sold to about 60 Golf Galaxy locations that have opened since January 2003, according to Ron Hornbaker, the retail chain’s senior vice president of sales and operations. Bales says sales distribution in North America breaks down to 40 percent retailers, 40 percent indoor golf centers, 15 percent residential, and the balance to pro shops and other commercial enterprises.
At this year’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., AboutGolf debuted the SimSurround, a 25-foot-long-by-10-foot-high model that uses three screens to give players an enhanced viewing experience. In March, the company began shipping the SimSurround, which sells for $60,000. Bales says it has accounted for 30 percent of unit sales so far this year. (The company’s simulators start at $45,000.)
To reach the next growth plateau, Bales is considering creating his own retail business to showcase AboutGolf simulators. His “indoor golf facility of tomorrow,” he promises, will be unlike anything available today. His vision: Think part shooting range, part practice range, part video game. Perhaps, even an environment recreated from a movie scene.
“By traditional golf standards, you might consider it radical,” he says.
Bales acknowledges that traditionalists may frown upon his approach. But he insists simulators can “sell” the game in an exciting new way.
“The whole world of indoor golf reaches people that would never otherwise get out to the course,” Bales says. “If you’re executing a golf swing, you’re growing the game of golf.”
Dan Mirocha is a Golfweek assistant editor. To reach him e-mail dmirocha@golfweek.com.
Posted: 9/15/2008
And the answer: “D) Both A and C. The Hill brothers and the Byrum brothers have both won PGA TOUR events. Dave Hill has won 13 times, while Mike has won three times. Curt and Tom Byrum have each won once.”
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monthly News and Chamber BA5
Trivia: “Why was Willie Anderson’s win at the 1902 Western Open so significant?” Answer below.
We issued another update to Parmasters KW members and “future members” yesterday. These updates go out monthly. If you haven’t already done so, you can register here. Personally, I believe yesterday’s golf tip and golf-related joke were well worth the effort!
Yesterday was a full day, start to finish. Most of it was spent on the monthly update and also a presentation to be delivered later this week.
We also had a life changing event yesterday. It’s a private matter, for all involved, and thus I won’t get into any details. I will say though, that I believe at times like this it’s so very important to remember that “life changing” can mean “life enhancing.” One never knows!
I’ll be working at a local Williams Coffee Pub this morning, while the afternoon will be spent in some offsite meetings as well as back in the Temporary Event Center at Market Square later in the afternoon. I will also likely attend that Greater KW Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event late this afternoon.
For now, I’ll get back at it, and leave you with some favoured quotes.
“Treat people as if they were what they should be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“Lord, grant me the courage to change those things I can,
Grant me the patience to accept those things I cannot change,
And grant me the wisdom to know the difference.”
-unknown
“If you focus on labeling people you make strangers of them. You never know the full half of their glass.”
-Robert L. McKnight (Northwestern U.)
And the answer: “Anderson, who scored 299, was the first to shoot under 300 in a 72-hole event in the United States.”
We issued another update to Parmasters KW members and “future members” yesterday. These updates go out monthly. If you haven’t already done so, you can register here. Personally, I believe yesterday’s golf tip and golf-related joke were well worth the effort!
Yesterday was a full day, start to finish. Most of it was spent on the monthly update and also a presentation to be delivered later this week.
We also had a life changing event yesterday. It’s a private matter, for all involved, and thus I won’t get into any details. I will say though, that I believe at times like this it’s so very important to remember that “life changing” can mean “life enhancing.” One never knows!
I’ll be working at a local Williams Coffee Pub this morning, while the afternoon will be spent in some offsite meetings as well as back in the Temporary Event Center at Market Square later in the afternoon. I will also likely attend that Greater KW Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event late this afternoon.
For now, I’ll get back at it, and leave you with some favoured quotes.
“Treat people as if they were what they should be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“Lord, grant me the courage to change those things I can,
Grant me the patience to accept those things I cannot change,
And grant me the wisdom to know the difference.”
-unknown
“If you focus on labeling people you make strangers of them. You never know the full half of their glass.”
-Robert L. McKnight (Northwestern U.)
And the answer: “Anderson, who scored 299, was the first to shoot under 300 in a 72-hole event in the United States.”
Monday, February 09, 2009
Busy Week Just Starting
Trivia: “When did Scotland form its Royal & Ancient (R&A) Golf Club’s Rules of Golf Committee? A) 1597 B) 1697 C) 1797 D) 1897” Answer below.
It’s another late night, unfortunately. It’s very late on Sunday evening as I write this, even though it won’t be posted until Monday morning. Well, I guess it’s technically very early on Monday morning as I write.
I mentioned Christopher Robson’s efforts related to the Nadia Gehl homicide. You can learn more on Facebook within the group titled “Gehl Homicide. KW residents lend your support!” Christopher is planning an event for this evening. I hope to attend but have several other commitments.
Sunday was fairly productive. I started with some writing and then segued to a decent workout and a reasonable, if short, run. I’ve been suffering with some right knee pain and my runs have been shorter of late. I have no idea what the problem is. After the run I worked a little more, primarily crafting a PowerPoint presentation to be delivered mid-next week, and then a few other odd jobs.
I took Sunday afternoon off, along with the evening of course, and just relaxed with my sons. For some reason they wanted to eat supper in the garage, so we did.
Later today we’ll issue another monthly update to Parmasters KW members, future members, shareholders and stakeholders. If you'd like to receive these brief email updates, please simply register here.
It’s going to be a busy week. So much work to do, it seems quite daunting a times. But then, as evidenced by my working at this bizarre hour, I’ve never been more energized or driven.
My eldest also plays hockey two evenings this week, before heading to London for a three-day hockey tournament. My youngest son will tag along as we travel from rink to restaurant to rink to restaurant to rink to ... Well, you get the idea. And Wednesday I have to be out of town. Hopefully that presentation will be ready. Add in a few workouts, household chores, possibly the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event Tuesday evening, some writing, and I just may sleep a little better one week from now, on Sunday evening.
I’ll be working in the TEC today, Thursday and Friday, but not on Saturday. The expected hours are posted on the front door.
For now, time to get this week started!
And the answer: “D) 1897”
It’s another late night, unfortunately. It’s very late on Sunday evening as I write this, even though it won’t be posted until Monday morning. Well, I guess it’s technically very early on Monday morning as I write.
I mentioned Christopher Robson’s efforts related to the Nadia Gehl homicide. You can learn more on Facebook within the group titled “Gehl Homicide. KW residents lend your support!” Christopher is planning an event for this evening. I hope to attend but have several other commitments.
Sunday was fairly productive. I started with some writing and then segued to a decent workout and a reasonable, if short, run. I’ve been suffering with some right knee pain and my runs have been shorter of late. I have no idea what the problem is. After the run I worked a little more, primarily crafting a PowerPoint presentation to be delivered mid-next week, and then a few other odd jobs.
I took Sunday afternoon off, along with the evening of course, and just relaxed with my sons. For some reason they wanted to eat supper in the garage, so we did.
Later today we’ll issue another monthly update to Parmasters KW members, future members, shareholders and stakeholders. If you'd like to receive these brief email updates, please simply register here.
It’s going to be a busy week. So much work to do, it seems quite daunting a times. But then, as evidenced by my working at this bizarre hour, I’ve never been more energized or driven.
My eldest also plays hockey two evenings this week, before heading to London for a three-day hockey tournament. My youngest son will tag along as we travel from rink to restaurant to rink to restaurant to rink to ... Well, you get the idea. And Wednesday I have to be out of town. Hopefully that presentation will be ready. Add in a few workouts, household chores, possibly the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event Tuesday evening, some writing, and I just may sleep a little better one week from now, on Sunday evening.
I’ll be working in the TEC today, Thursday and Friday, but not on Saturday. The expected hours are posted on the front door.
For now, time to get this week started!
And the answer: “D) 1897”
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Person of Interest Sought in Nadia Gehl Homicide
Trivia: “Which of the following is not considered a loose impediment? A) Pinecones B) Animal droppings C) Soda cans D) Twigs” Answer below.
It was another productive day yesterday, and today (Saturday) so far. Also a quite a day in news.
It seems I’m including a lot of news items lately. But then, it seems there have been a lot of blog-worthy news items lately.
Today we offer the good, the bad and the good. And the “bad” is sad beyond all belief. But, if we can help at all. We should.
The first “good”...
Whistle Bear has announced its 2009 Junior Performance Team. This was reported in the Waterloo Region Record here, and I’ve also included the article below. Congratulations to all!
And the “bad”...
A young Kitchener woman, Nadia Gehl, 28 years young, was found deceased on Monday morning of this week. The incident happened not far from my home.
It was another productive day yesterday, and today (Saturday) so far. Also a quite a day in news.
It seems I’m including a lot of news items lately. But then, it seems there have been a lot of blog-worthy news items lately.
Today we offer the good, the bad and the good. And the “bad” is sad beyond all belief. But, if we can help at all. We should.
The first “good”...
Whistle Bear has announced its 2009 Junior Performance Team. This was reported in the Waterloo Region Record here, and I’ve also included the article below. Congratulations to all!
And the “bad”...
A young Kitchener woman, Nadia Gehl, 28 years young, was found deceased on Monday morning of this week. The incident happened not far from my home.
Police are looking for the man pictured below, describing him as a “person of interest.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Gehl’s family and friends.
And lastly, the other “good”...
Christopher Robson, whom many of you met while he ran Membership Preview Events here at Parmasters KW, is doing all he can to help police crack this case. We’re proud of Christopher’s work, as reported by the Waterloo Region Record here, and reprinted below. Good work Chris!
GOLF Selections
February 07, 2009
THE RECORD
Whistle Bear Junior Performance Team Head Coach Dave Smallwood is happy to announce the following Juniors who have been selected to the 2009 team: Matthew Chiasson, Cambridge; Dylan Hamara, Cambridge; Taylor Prilisauer, Cambridge; Dylan Smallwood, Cambridge; Jason Watchorn, Waterloo; Jordan Williamson, Cambridge; Max Clift, Kitchener; Kirsten Degutis, Waterloo; Connor Doucette, Waterloo; Sterling Emery, Orangeville; Brett Kennedy, Kitchener; Stan McElroy, Kitchener.
The program is entering its third season and will consist of 12 junior players who receive weekly instruction from CPGA Professionals Dave Smallwood and Mike Skimson. The team members will also receive funding to participate in events throughout 2009.
Hunt for Nadia's killer moves into cyberspace
Search for suspect spreads through Facebook pages
February 6, 2009
April Robinson
Record Staff
Waterloo Region
And lastly, the other “good”...
Christopher Robson, whom many of you met while he ran Membership Preview Events here at Parmasters KW, is doing all he can to help police crack this case. We’re proud of Christopher’s work, as reported by the Waterloo Region Record here, and reprinted below. Good work Chris!
GOLF Selections
February 07, 2009
THE RECORD
Whistle Bear Junior Performance Team Head Coach Dave Smallwood is happy to announce the following Juniors who have been selected to the 2009 team: Matthew Chiasson, Cambridge; Dylan Hamara, Cambridge; Taylor Prilisauer, Cambridge; Dylan Smallwood, Cambridge; Jason Watchorn, Waterloo; Jordan Williamson, Cambridge; Max Clift, Kitchener; Kirsten Degutis, Waterloo; Connor Doucette, Waterloo; Sterling Emery, Orangeville; Brett Kennedy, Kitchener; Stan McElroy, Kitchener.
The program is entering its third season and will consist of 12 junior players who receive weekly instruction from CPGA Professionals Dave Smallwood and Mike Skimson. The team members will also receive funding to participate in events throughout 2009.
Hunt for Nadia's killer moves into cyberspace
Search for suspect spreads through Facebook pages
February 6, 2009
April Robinson
Record Staff
Waterloo Region
Christopher Robson broke down and cried when he heard what happened to Nadia Gehl.
He never met the 28-year-old Gehl, but her violent death Monday morning affected him -- and he felt driven to help.
So Robson, who works with troubled youth, hopped online.
He stayed up until 2 a.m. Wednesday, posting links to news stories on his Facebook profile and sending emails and instant messages to all his friends.
With Gehl's killer still at large, Robson, 25, felt desperate to share the information.
"Even if I'm not directly helping -- it's something I need to do as a community member," he said yesterday. "I just want to be able to put it out there."
Hundreds of other felt the same. By mid-afternoon yesterday, nearly 700 members had joined "Justice for Nadia Gehl," a Facebook group encouraging members to change their profile pictures to the sketch of a "person of interest" wanted by police and to pass on any information investigators.
Police say the man in the sketch was seen running from the scene about the time Gehl was shot to death on a path she took to catch the bus to work.
Another Facebook group, "In Loving Memory of Nadia Gehl," had more than 1,300 members yesterday afternoon.
It is a place where friends and family share condolences and memories. It's also a way to spread information, which can help the police investigation, said Insp. Steve Beckett of Waterloo Regional Police.
"The more knowledge of the incident that's out there, the more likely somebody may come forward and provide us with information," he said. "It's certainly helpful."
Large Facebook groups popped up after the 2005 Boxing Day shooting of Jane Creba on Yonge Street in Toronto and during the hunt for triple-killer Jesse Imeson in July 2007.
"You see a lot more of that now," Beckett said.
"It's a mechanism that people look for to be able to share their fears, their feelings, their grief and to be able to comfort other people."
Jaclyn Jacobs, who lives on Wilderness Drive, a few houses away from where Gehl was shot, said she invited 100 of her Facebook friends to join the "Justice for Nadia Gehl" group.
She also used the police sketch as her profile picture in hopes someone might recognize it.
"Any help I can do as someone who cares, I'm there," said Jacobs, 44.
Like more than 150 million people around the world, Jacobs uses the social networking site to keep in touch with family and friends. It makes sense it be used to help police in their search, she said.
There is also a healing effect knowing you might make a difference, said Ashley Meyer, a 20-year-old cashier who worked with Gehl at Toys "R" Us. She, too, changed her Facebook picture to the police sketch.
"It helps," she said, still shaken by the loss. "I want people to recognize the picture and help us find him."
arobinson@therecord.com
And the answer: “C) Soda cans. Loose impediments are defined as naturally occurring objects and are considered part of the course.”
So Robson, who works with troubled youth, hopped online.
He stayed up until 2 a.m. Wednesday, posting links to news stories on his Facebook profile and sending emails and instant messages to all his friends.
With Gehl's killer still at large, Robson, 25, felt desperate to share the information.
"Even if I'm not directly helping -- it's something I need to do as a community member," he said yesterday. "I just want to be able to put it out there."
Hundreds of other felt the same. By mid-afternoon yesterday, nearly 700 members had joined "Justice for Nadia Gehl," a Facebook group encouraging members to change their profile pictures to the sketch of a "person of interest" wanted by police and to pass on any information investigators.
Police say the man in the sketch was seen running from the scene about the time Gehl was shot to death on a path she took to catch the bus to work.
Another Facebook group, "In Loving Memory of Nadia Gehl," had more than 1,300 members yesterday afternoon.
It is a place where friends and family share condolences and memories. It's also a way to spread information, which can help the police investigation, said Insp. Steve Beckett of Waterloo Regional Police.
"The more knowledge of the incident that's out there, the more likely somebody may come forward and provide us with information," he said. "It's certainly helpful."
Large Facebook groups popped up after the 2005 Boxing Day shooting of Jane Creba on Yonge Street in Toronto and during the hunt for triple-killer Jesse Imeson in July 2007.
"You see a lot more of that now," Beckett said.
"It's a mechanism that people look for to be able to share their fears, their feelings, their grief and to be able to comfort other people."
Jaclyn Jacobs, who lives on Wilderness Drive, a few houses away from where Gehl was shot, said she invited 100 of her Facebook friends to join the "Justice for Nadia Gehl" group.
She also used the police sketch as her profile picture in hopes someone might recognize it.
"Any help I can do as someone who cares, I'm there," said Jacobs, 44.
Like more than 150 million people around the world, Jacobs uses the social networking site to keep in touch with family and friends. It makes sense it be used to help police in their search, she said.
There is also a healing effect knowing you might make a difference, said Ashley Meyer, a 20-year-old cashier who worked with Gehl at Toys "R" Us. She, too, changed her Facebook picture to the police sketch.
"It helps," she said, still shaken by the loss. "I want people to recognize the picture and help us find him."
arobinson@therecord.com
And the answer: “C) Soda cans. Loose impediments are defined as naturally occurring objects and are considered part of the course.”
Friday, February 06, 2009
Mike Weir Creates a Great Week!
Trivia: “Which two golf courses have most often played host to the U.S. Open? A) Baltusrol and Oakmont B) Baltusrol and Winged Foot C) Olympia Fields and Inverness D) Oakmont and Oakland Hills” Answer below.
My productivity on Thursday was comfortably up and into the zone where I’d prefer it always remain. Put simply, I got a lot done. And since I try to begin each day with a clear perspective on the most appropriate tasks for the day, I got a lot of the right things done. (My apologies. That’s terrible manipulation of the Queen’s English. While I do believe that the point hath been duly conveyed, I’m equally certain that my dearly departed high school English grammar teacher, Mrs. Ballard, is none too pleased.)
I was able to, for the most part, create my day yesterday, which is always quite satisfying. And also, always quite within our grasp.
It seems one Mr. Mike Weir has created his days quite often in the past, both recent and distant, landing him this past week firmly into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame! Fantastic news! You can read recent National Post coverage, titled “Weir gets an early call from the hall of fame”, both here and included in this entry below.
My productivity on Thursday was comfortably up and into the zone where I’d prefer it always remain. Put simply, I got a lot done. And since I try to begin each day with a clear perspective on the most appropriate tasks for the day, I got a lot of the right things done. (My apologies. That’s terrible manipulation of the Queen’s English. While I do believe that the point hath been duly conveyed, I’m equally certain that my dearly departed high school English grammar teacher, Mrs. Ballard, is none too pleased.)
I was able to, for the most part, create my day yesterday, which is always quite satisfying. And also, always quite within our grasp.
It seems one Mr. Mike Weir has created his days quite often in the past, both recent and distant, landing him this past week firmly into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame! Fantastic news! You can read recent National Post coverage, titled “Weir gets an early call from the hall of fame”, both here and included in this entry below.
It was nice to see that Weir’s induction also rated coverage in the International Herald Tribune in their “Names in the Game” composite column, found here and included below.
Earlier this week Weir’s winery, Mike Weir Wine, announced a five-year partnership with distributor Diageo Canada, making Weir’s firm one of the very few Ontario VQA wineries to have distribution across all of Canada. You can find the press release here, and also included below.
So while Weir was busily heading off the Hall of Fame, I was back here dealing with more pressing matters. OK, maybe “pressing” is a bit of a stretch. Maybe “matters” is even a stretch. But I did manage to cull a few blog entries from the past and plop them into the top of the right hand column on this blog. This Featured Blog Posts section will evolve over time.
I’m now wondering about changing the background template for this blog again. I’d simply prefer to include more relevant links, news, etc., all on the first screen or two. I’ll add the task to my to-do list and pursue it during some needed fun/frivolous down time in the future.
Weir gets an early call from hall of fame
'He's Done A Lot'
Jeremy Sandler, National Post
Published: Friday, February 06, 2009
Early February is a slow time at Huron Oaks Golf Course in Bright's Grove, Ont.
Snow covered the tee boxes and greens outside the windows for the few paying customers sipping beer and playing euchre inside the clubhouse bar yesterday.
But the weather belied the warm news that the club's former employee and junior star Mike Weir had been inducted into Canada's Golf Hall of Fame.
"Most of the members have been long-time members and most of them knew Mike, or knew of Mike if not knew him personally, way back when," said Jay Peters, who bought the club in 2003, the same year Weir's victory at The Masters made him the first Canadian to win a major golf tournament. "He's done a lot for the game of golf in Canada."
Including his playoff win over Len Mattiace at Augusta, Weir owns eight PGA Tour wins.
That ties the 38-year-old with fellow Hall of Famer George Knudson for the most ever by a Canadian on the PGA Tour.
"I would have been shocked and stunned if he didn't get that honour at some point in time, given his career to date," Peters said. "He's certainly, if not the greatest Canadian golfer, he's certainly right up there."
According to former PGA professional Richard Zokol of Vancouver, there is no question about that.
"Those eight tournaments were in an era where the competition was significantly greater than when George played, number one," said Zokol, the winner of the 1992 Greater Milwaukee Open. "Number two, and foremost, is that he won The Masters and was the first Canadian to ever win a professional major."
Karen Hewson, the director of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and historian for the RCGA, agreed with Zokol.
"You always need some perspective before you can pass judgment," she said. "I'm comfortable saying his impact is equal to or probably exceeding anybody else that's probably been on either [the PGA or the LPGA] Tour from Canada at this point."
Hewson said Weir's Masters win coupled with expanded media coverage has given the left-hander a profile beyond any other golfer in Canadian history.
"I don't think too many Canadians wouldn't know who Mike Weir is," she said. "There haven't been a lot of Canadian golfers you can say that about."
In addition to his PGA Tour success, Weir has also represented Canada on the international team for the Presidents Cup four times and played on three World Cup teams for Canada.
A two-time winner on the Canadian Tour, Weir also won the Ontario Amateur championship and was a runner-up in the Canadian Amateur before he turned pro in 1992.
"I am extremely honoured to share a place in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame with the many names who have done so much for golf in Canada," he said in a statement sent out by the RCGA. "I have so much that I still want to accomplish both on the course and in helping to continue to grow the game in Canada, but this honour will always rank as one of the greatest of my career. I'd like to thank the RCGA, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, and Canadian fans for this honour and their support."
Zokol said Weir becoming the 20th player and 64th member inducted into the Hall of Fame should not be seen as an end for Weir, who two weeks ago opened his 2009 season with a tie for third at the Bob Hope Classic.
He pointed to golfers like world No. 5 Vijay Singh and ninth-ranked Kenny Perry, both of whom are well into their forties.
"I think Mike's right in the middle of his prime, he's not there yet," Zokol said. "I think of Vijay who's won most of his tournaments above 40. I think Mike's best performances could still be in front of him."
jsandler@nationalpost.com
CANADIAN PGA WINNERS
Mike Weir -8
Air Canada Championship, 1999; WGCAmerican Express Championship, 2000; The Tour Championship, 2001; Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, 2003; Nissan Open, 2003; The Masters, 2003; Nissan Open, 2004; Fry's Electronics Open, 2007
George Knudson -8
Coral Gables Open Invitational, 1961; Portland Open, 1963; Fresno Open, 1964; Greater New Orleans Open Invitational, 1967; Phoenix Open Invitational, 1968; Tucson Open Invitational, 1968; Robinson Open Golf Classic, 1970; Kaiser International Open Invitational, 1972
Al Balding -4
Stephen Ames -3
Stan Leonard -3
Dave Barr -2
Dan Halldorson -1
Ian Leggatt -1
Richard Zokol -1
Names in the Game
The Associated Press
Published: February 5, 2009
OAKVILLE, Ontario: Former Masters champion Mike Weir, whose eight PGA Tour victories matches a record for Canadian golfers, has been elected to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Weir will be inducted during the week of July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club during the 100th edition of the RBC Canadian Open.
"I have so much that I still want to accomplish both on the course and in helping to continue to grow the game in Canada, but this honor will always rank as one of the greatest of my career," Weir said.
Weir is tied with George Knudson for most PGA Tour wins by a Canadian. He is the only Canadian to capture a major, winning the 2003 Masters in a sudden-death playoff.
The 38-year-old played on four Presidents Cup teams, beating Tiger Woods in a singles match two years ago at Royal Montreal.
Attention Wine/Food & Beverage Writers/Lifestyle Editors:
Mike Weir announces partnership with Diageo Canada for national representation
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON
Feb. 2 /CNW/
Legendary Canadian golf icon and burgeoning winemaker Mike Weir announced details today of a representation agreement with Diageo Canada. Under the distribution agreement, Diageo Canada will add the award-winning Mike Weir Wine to its portfolio of international brands.
With a focus on superior quality, Mike Weir Wines have become a critical and consumer success story since their inception, and one of the fastest growing VQA wines in Canadian history.
"I have always considered myself an Ambassador for Niagara wines and have proudly served my wines all over the world", says Mike Weir. "Partnering with Diageo Canada will allow us to grow brand awareness and value, gain greater access for Ontario wineries and also benefit my Foundation".
Proceeds from the sale of Mike Weir Wine have always gone to the Mike Weir Foundation, which was started in 2004 by Mike and his wife Bricia.
"We are pleased to be working with Mike Weir VQA Wines, and confident this partnership will compliment everyone involved", says Debra Kelly-Ennis, President and CEO, Diageo Canada. "This is a really strong addition to our wines portfolio and a good strategic fit, with our shared focus of growth and opportunities."
This five-year distribution agreement is specific to Canada, and will make Mike Weir one of the few Ontario VQA wineries to have distribution across Canada.
"We were very impressed by Diageo Canada's commitment to excellence and the quality of their staff and portfolio", says Barry Katzman, President, Mike Weir Wine Inc. "This is an arrangement that will open doors for our wines, and VQA products in general. We are thrilled to be included amongst Diageo'sportfolio of world class brands".
"We are confident Mike Weir wines will continue to grow and benefit from our sales, distribution and execution expertise, as well as support the communities in which we work and do business", adds Kelly-Ennis.
About Mike Weir Wines
Mike Weir Winery was established in 2005 with 5000 cases of VQA wine. The wine is currently available in every Province in Canada and current production is 30,000 cases made in partnership with Chateau des Charmes winery in Niagara-on-the-lake. The company unveiled plans in November for the building of a new Winery and Hospitality Centre in conjunction with the Niagara Parks Commission adjacent to Whirlpool Golf Course in Niagara Falls.
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
Diageo is a global company, trading in some 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly
For further information: Barry Katzman, President, Mike Weir Wines, bkatzman@mikeweirwine.com, (905) 651-5506, www.mikeweirwine.com; Jim Weir, Mike Weir Foundation, jweir@imgworld.com, (519) 384-0833; Alanna Stone, Manager, PR & Communications, Diageo Canada Inc., alanna.stone@diageo.com, (416) 626-2000 ext. 6662
And the answer: “A) Baltusrol and Oakmont at seven times each”
And the answer: “A) Baltusrol and Oakmont at seven times each”
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Why Are Golf Balls Dimpled?
Trivia: “Who owns the all-time record for the most consecutive PGA TOUR victories? A) Ben Hogan B) Byron Nelson C) Tiger Woods D) Jack Nicklaus” Answer below.
I stumbled across this article recently, and found it quite interesting. This may help the next time you have some time to kill on the tee box, or you find a lull in the conversation at a soiree of some sort. You can wow your audience with your vast golf ball knowledge! Good luck!
The article is included below and can also be found here.
Why Are Golf Balls Dimpled?
The dimples, paradoxically, do increase drag slightly. But they also increase "Magnus lift", that peculiar lifting force experienced by rotating bodies travelling through a medium. Magnus lift is present because a driven golf ball has backspin. The same Magnus effect can cause a ball to hook or slice if it has sideways spin.
Contrary to simple ideas of trajectories in a vacuum, golf balls do not travel in inverted parabolas. They follow an "impetus trajectory":
I stumbled across this article recently, and found it quite interesting. This may help the next time you have some time to kill on the tee box, or you find a lull in the conversation at a soiree of some sort. You can wow your audience with your vast golf ball knowledge! Good luck!
The article is included below and can also be found here.
Why Are Golf Balls Dimpled?
The dimples, paradoxically, do increase drag slightly. But they also increase "Magnus lift", that peculiar lifting force experienced by rotating bodies travelling through a medium. Magnus lift is present because a driven golf ball has backspin. The same Magnus effect can cause a ball to hook or slice if it has sideways spin.
Contrary to simple ideas of trajectories in a vacuum, golf balls do not travel in inverted parabolas. They follow an "impetus trajectory":
This is because of the combination of drag (which reduces horizontal speed late in the trajectory) and Magnus lift (which supports the ball during the initial part of the trajectory, making it relatively straight). The trajectory can even curve upwards at first, depending on conditions! Here we see a golf ball in flight, with some relevant vectors:
A golf ball leaves the tee with a speed of about 70 m/s and a backspin of at least 50 rev/s. The Magnus force can be thought of as due to the relative drag on the air on the top and bottom portions of the golf ball: the top portion is moving slower relative to the air around it, so there is less drag on the air that goes over the ball. The boundary layer is relatively thin, and air in the not-too-near region moves rapidly relative to the ball. The bottom portion moves fast relative to the air around it; there is more drag on the air passing by the bottom, and the boundary (turbulent) layer is relatively thick; air in the not-too-near region moves more slowly relative to the ball. The Bernoulli force produces lift. (Alternatively, one could say that "the flow lines past the ball are displaced down, so the ball is pushed up.")
A difficulty comes near the transition region between laminar flow and turbulent flow. At low speeds, the flow around the ball is laminar. As speed is increased, the bottom part tends to go turbulent first. But turbulent flow can follow a surface much more easily than laminar flow.
As a result, the laminar flow lines around the top break away from the surface sooner than otherwise, and there is a net upward displacement of the flow lines. The Magnus lift becomes negative.
The dimples aid the rapid formation of a turbulent boundary layer around the golf ball in flight, giving more lift. Without them the ball would travel in more of a parabolic trajectory, hitting the ground sooner (and not coming straight down). This was discovered by accident in the early days of golf when golfers noticed that old roughened golf balls went further.
Despite the drag, a dimpled golf ball can even go farther in air than it would in vacuum given the same initial velocity and low angle. However, a golf ball shot at 45° and 70 m/s in vacuum would go 500 metres to the first bounce, which exceeds all records.
References:
Lord Rayleigh, "On the Irregular Flight of a Tennis Ball", Scientific Papers I, pg 344.
Briggs Lyman J., "Effect of Spin and Speed on the Lateral Deflection of a Baseball; and the Magnus Effect for Smooth Spheres", Am. J. Phys. 27, 589 (1959). Briggs was trying to explain the mechanism behind the "curve ball" in baseball, using specialized apparatus in a wind tunnel at the NBS. He stumbled on the reverse effect by accident, because his model "baseball" had no stitches on it. The stitches on a baseball create turbulence in flight in much the same way that the dimples on a golf ball do.
R. Watts and R. Ferver, "The Lateral Force on a Spinning Sphere Aerodynamics of a Curveball", Am. J. Phys. 55, 40 (1986).
Steve Haake, "Physics and Golf? You must be joking!" Physics World 10, 76 (1997).
Journal of Applied Physics 20, 821 (1949) by Davies.
American Journal of Physics 56, 933 (1988) by McPhee and Andrews.
"The Physics of Golf" by Theodore P. Jorgensen
And the answer: “B) Byron Nelson, who won 11 straight victories in 1945”
A difficulty comes near the transition region between laminar flow and turbulent flow. At low speeds, the flow around the ball is laminar. As speed is increased, the bottom part tends to go turbulent first. But turbulent flow can follow a surface much more easily than laminar flow.
As a result, the laminar flow lines around the top break away from the surface sooner than otherwise, and there is a net upward displacement of the flow lines. The Magnus lift becomes negative.
The dimples aid the rapid formation of a turbulent boundary layer around the golf ball in flight, giving more lift. Without them the ball would travel in more of a parabolic trajectory, hitting the ground sooner (and not coming straight down). This was discovered by accident in the early days of golf when golfers noticed that old roughened golf balls went further.
Despite the drag, a dimpled golf ball can even go farther in air than it would in vacuum given the same initial velocity and low angle. However, a golf ball shot at 45° and 70 m/s in vacuum would go 500 metres to the first bounce, which exceeds all records.
References:
Lord Rayleigh, "On the Irregular Flight of a Tennis Ball", Scientific Papers I, pg 344.
Briggs Lyman J., "Effect of Spin and Speed on the Lateral Deflection of a Baseball; and the Magnus Effect for Smooth Spheres", Am. J. Phys. 27, 589 (1959). Briggs was trying to explain the mechanism behind the "curve ball" in baseball, using specialized apparatus in a wind tunnel at the NBS. He stumbled on the reverse effect by accident, because his model "baseball" had no stitches on it. The stitches on a baseball create turbulence in flight in much the same way that the dimples on a golf ball do.
R. Watts and R. Ferver, "The Lateral Force on a Spinning Sphere Aerodynamics of a Curveball", Am. J. Phys. 55, 40 (1986).
Steve Haake, "Physics and Golf? You must be joking!" Physics World 10, 76 (1997).
Journal of Applied Physics 20, 821 (1949) by Davies.
American Journal of Physics 56, 933 (1988) by McPhee and Andrews.
"The Physics of Golf" by Theodore P. Jorgensen
And the answer: “B) Byron Nelson, who won 11 straight victories in 1945”
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Traditional Golf Swing Simplified
Trivia: “What father-son tandem won their respective PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events on the same day in 1999?” Answer below.
Thanks to Jay Paterson again for this insightful summary!
(I do not currently have an original author citation. I believe this is public domain.)
So now that you understand the traditional golf swing, and have mastered its many subtleties, if you have any interest in playing at least 25% better – yes, twenty-five percent! – as measured by your handicap improvement (or your scores relative to par), come see us at Parmasters KW the very moment we open our doors.
We GUARANTEE results! You will be 25% better, or your money back, or we’ll work with you until you achieve that 25% improvement. Period.
You can read more about Straight-Line Golf on the Parmasters website or in this previous blog entry.
To follow along as we work to open Parmasters KW, please register for monthly email updates!
And the answer: “Bob and David Duval. David won THE PLAYERS Championship the same day his father won the Emerald Coast Classic: March 28, 1999.”
Thanks to Jay Paterson again for this insightful summary!
(I do not currently have an original author citation. I believe this is public domain.)
So now that you understand the traditional golf swing, and have mastered its many subtleties, if you have any interest in playing at least 25% better – yes, twenty-five percent! – as measured by your handicap improvement (or your scores relative to par), come see us at Parmasters KW the very moment we open our doors.
We GUARANTEE results! You will be 25% better, or your money back, or we’ll work with you until you achieve that 25% improvement. Period.
You can read more about Straight-Line Golf on the Parmasters website or in this previous blog entry.
To follow along as we work to open Parmasters KW, please register for monthly email updates!
And the answer: “Bob and David Duval. David won THE PLAYERS Championship the same day his father won the Emerald Coast Classic: March 28, 1999.”
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Whether you think you can...
Trivia: “Who was the first player to break 80 at The Old Course at St. Andrews?” Answer below.
I’m taking a different tact today. I was simply too exhausted last night to work very productively, and yet had a few things left in the day that I had hoped to accomplish. Instead of working into the night, I slotted those tasks into an early rise this morning. So far, so good.
Yesterday was full of much work and also some good conversation. As I took my eldest son to his orthodontic appointment, he learned that his braces will likely come off in March. I enjoyed some wonderful conversation over lunch and in the early evening, the latter occurring as I watched Tina Malone-Wright’s son both learn and teach some complex skating moves. I thought it very kind, the way he offered to help his skating lesson classmates.
I also passed along a business idea to my two sons. As the idea is theirs now, not mine, I shall not share it here. This despite my firm belief that ideas are a dime a dozen. Execution is the key! With March break just around the corner, they have ample time to get started, should they choose. We’ll see. You can lead a horse to water...
My eldest son at one point said something to the effect, “Well, I’ll try it. But I don’t think it’s going to work.”
This of course led me to quote Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Later in the evening I enjoyed a brief workout and then some reading. The reading brought me to the following poem, which seemed more than worthy of sharing.
If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win, but you think you can’t,
It is almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will –
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!
Borrowed from The New Think and Grow Rich, by Ted Ciuba and Napoleon Hill, p. 38.
Tomorrow... we’ll show you all you’ll ever need to know about the traditional golf swing. Thanks to Jay Paterson in advance!
And the answer: “Allan Robertson, who shot 79 in 1858”
I’m taking a different tact today. I was simply too exhausted last night to work very productively, and yet had a few things left in the day that I had hoped to accomplish. Instead of working into the night, I slotted those tasks into an early rise this morning. So far, so good.
Yesterday was full of much work and also some good conversation. As I took my eldest son to his orthodontic appointment, he learned that his braces will likely come off in March. I enjoyed some wonderful conversation over lunch and in the early evening, the latter occurring as I watched Tina Malone-Wright’s son both learn and teach some complex skating moves. I thought it very kind, the way he offered to help his skating lesson classmates.
I also passed along a business idea to my two sons. As the idea is theirs now, not mine, I shall not share it here. This despite my firm belief that ideas are a dime a dozen. Execution is the key! With March break just around the corner, they have ample time to get started, should they choose. We’ll see. You can lead a horse to water...
My eldest son at one point said something to the effect, “Well, I’ll try it. But I don’t think it’s going to work.”
This of course led me to quote Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Later in the evening I enjoyed a brief workout and then some reading. The reading brought me to the following poem, which seemed more than worthy of sharing.
If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win, but you think you can’t,
It is almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will –
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!
Borrowed from The New Think and Grow Rich, by Ted Ciuba and Napoleon Hill, p. 38.
Tomorrow... we’ll show you all you’ll ever need to know about the traditional golf swing. Thanks to Jay Paterson in advance!
And the answer: “Allan Robertson, who shot 79 in 1858”
Monday, February 02, 2009
Six (or Seven) More Weeks of Winter
Trivia: “When did golf begin in St. Andrews, Scotland?” Answer below.
Apparently several furry subterranean dwellers spotted their respective shadows this morning. I was fully aware of the American rodent, and of course our own Wiarton Willie. But I was not in the know, until this morning, that there is a third prognosticator living, and burrowing perhaps, somewhere in our Canadian Maritimes. I’m glad to have learned something new today!
The shadow spotting begets a prediction of six more weeks of winter. Of course, since we technically have SEVEN more weeks of winter remaining, we can’t be all that upset with the furry weather-persons.
I’m also told there was a bit of a football game on last night. My eldest wanted to watch it, and so we did, for the most part. I’m more of a CFL guy myself. I did enjoy Mr. Springsteen and his on-again, off-again partners, the E Street Band at halftime. Although it did seem that Bruce was a little out of breath for most of the performance.
I don’t have any meeting scheduled today. Just lots of work and some errands to run this morning. I’ll be working at our Temporary Event Center at Market Square this afternoon.
I found today’s trivia item to be both inspiring and humbling. We do operate within a truly GRAND OLD game. While we hope to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for the masses, it’s also clear that we’re merely a blip in the golfing ocean, both in terms of today’s huge industry, and in the historical context. But, as always, we strive to do what we can, each and every day, doing all that we can in a successful and professional manner. Which reminds me, that I should get back to that...
And the answer: “The earliest surviving reference to the game is in Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter in 1552, which gave St. Andrews residents the right to play golf on the linksland.”
Apparently several furry subterranean dwellers spotted their respective shadows this morning. I was fully aware of the American rodent, and of course our own Wiarton Willie. But I was not in the know, until this morning, that there is a third prognosticator living, and burrowing perhaps, somewhere in our Canadian Maritimes. I’m glad to have learned something new today!
The shadow spotting begets a prediction of six more weeks of winter. Of course, since we technically have SEVEN more weeks of winter remaining, we can’t be all that upset with the furry weather-persons.
I’m also told there was a bit of a football game on last night. My eldest wanted to watch it, and so we did, for the most part. I’m more of a CFL guy myself. I did enjoy Mr. Springsteen and his on-again, off-again partners, the E Street Band at halftime. Although it did seem that Bruce was a little out of breath for most of the performance.
I don’t have any meeting scheduled today. Just lots of work and some errands to run this morning. I’ll be working at our Temporary Event Center at Market Square this afternoon.
I found today’s trivia item to be both inspiring and humbling. We do operate within a truly GRAND OLD game. While we hope to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for the masses, it’s also clear that we’re merely a blip in the golfing ocean, both in terms of today’s huge industry, and in the historical context. But, as always, we strive to do what we can, each and every day, doing all that we can in a successful and professional manner. Which reminds me, that I should get back to that...
And the answer: “The earliest surviving reference to the game is in Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter in 1552, which gave St. Andrews residents the right to play golf on the linksland.”
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