S.H. Southern - Driving Business Forward

Would You Like to Play Unlimited Golf?

2011-01-12T06:47:00.001-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Would You Like to Play Unlimited Golf?

Sir Roger Bannister ran the first sub-4 minute mile on 6 May 1954, completing the full length in 3:59.4! What an incredible feat. In all the recorded history of human life and specifically track and field competition, never before had a single human being EVER ran a sub-4 minute mile. This was a truly “inspiring” – that’s in interesting word – accomplishment!

His record, one would think, must have survived for many, many years. It would be easy to think that perhaps he is still the only person to run a sub-4 minute mile. It is not so.

On 21 June 1954 Bannister’s arch rival, John Landy, ran the mile in 3:58.0. The feat was next accomplished in 1957, and again in 1958 and 1962. In fact, a simple search of the Internet has revealed at least 17 new world records since Bannister’s mark, accomplished by some 12 or so runners.

But how can this be? If the sub-4 minute mile was so incredibly difficult, if no one had accomplished the feat for the entire history of humankind, right up until 6 May 1954, how can it be that more than a dozen athletes have since met the challenge?

The answer, once again, in some ways, is found in the mind.

We’ve previously highlighted the power of the mind in your golf game, how you shape your shots and outcomes with your mind and your thoughts. Well, you also limit your golf accomplishments with your mind!

Golfers love to label themselves. More often than not we do so on or before the first tee! “I’m a fourteen.” “I usually finish up around bogey golf or so.” “My handicap is 27.” The list goes on and on, and we all do it, over and over again.

Even if we don’t announce our label to our playing partners, we still label ourselves in our thoughts. That label, that number, our handicap, sits in our thoughts constantly.

Here’s the thing. Why did it take so long to run the first sub-4 minute mile? Because no one believed it was possible. Bannister smashed that belief in 1954 and all of a sudden runners around the globe realized that their belief was incorrect, that the sub-4 minute mile was in fact possible. Wow! And then look what happened. The flood gates opened!

Do you believe you’re a 14, or 12, or 35, or 50? That number, whatever it is, is limiting your golf game! If you believe it’s (relatively) impossible for you to shoot below a certain number, then the chances of you doing so are close to zero. Your belief is like a wall that you simply cannot scale.

Stop limiting your golf game. Believe that anything is possible. Or, at the very least, deduct five or ten strokes from your label. If you think of yourself as a 25, start thinking and talking about yourself as a 20, or a 15 handicap. You’ll be amazed at the results!

And as you do so, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Your Thoughts as You Drive to the Course

2011-01-03T11:01:00.002-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Your Thoughts as You Drive to the Course

There’s a great moment in the movie The Replacements during which we find the replacement quarterback, Shane Falco, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, standing alone one evening on the football field in an empty stadium. (The professional players are on strike, and Falco and others have crossed the line to take their places.) The replacement coach steps into frame and asks Falco what he’s doing.

Falco shrugs, clearly he’s been lost in thought, and replies “Just watching the game.”

What do you think about as you drive to the course for a round of golf? Have you ever thought about what you think about? Maybe you should, think about it, that is.

We’ve explored in previous posts on this blog how our thoughts affect our shots and our game. This begins long before we pull out the big dog (aka driver) on the first tee!

Falco was visioning the game that he was to play the next day. He was watching the game in his mind, in his thoughts. He’s already spent countless hours preparing his body, working out. And he knows all the plays and has practised them all many times. Of equal importance, he’s now preparing his mind, his thoughts.

As you drive to the course for a round of golf, if you’re like most golfers, you’re likely thinking about just about anything EXCEPT your round of golf. Maybe you’re making some phone calls; hopefully doing so hands free! Maybe you’re thinking about other things you have to do, or humming along to a great tune. Or worrying about your finances, your children, your significant other, your pet, or hoping you have enough gas or time to get to the course!

Are any of these thoughts helping your game? Are you willing to invest a little time, the time it takes you to drive to the course, in a better round of golf?

Why not vision, or envision, the round of golf that you desire? Why not play each shot, exactly as you want it to occur, in your mind? Why not take this time, while also focusing upon your driving, of course, to focus some of your thoughts upon the targets you’ll pick as you play your round?

Your thoughts affect your shots and your game. It’s never too early to start focusing your thoughts on what you want in your next round of golf.

So if you’re driving to the course with a friend, and he/she asks you why you seem to be lost in thought, what you’re doing, you can reply, “Just watching the game.”

In the meantime, before you start making your next round of golf great, make today a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Five Great Exercises to Focus Your Thoughts on Your Target

2010-12-21T15:32:00.001-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Five Great Exercises to Focus Your Thoughts on Your Target
Have you ever driven home on autopilot? We’ve all done so. After a long day on the job, we put the car in drive and our mind wanders. We’re paying very little conscious attention to the task of driving! And by some miracle, we arrive home, with very little memory of the drive we’ve just completed.

(This is a very dangerous habit by the way, and not recommended!)

We play golf the same way! (This is not nearly as dangerous, but also not as much fun as it could be.) We wander through most rounds on autopilot, exerting very little control over the direction of our thoughts. And by some miracle, we eventually hole the ball 18 times and then wonder what went wrong.

We established in previous posts that the ball will usually follow the direction of our thoughts. We shape our shots, bend the ball, with our thoughts. Even though we may focus our eyes on a very specific target in the fairway, if we’re thinking about the out of bounds along the left, our ball will likely head left.

To be more successful, we must focus both our eyes AND our thoughts on our intended target!

This is easier said than done, so here are a few exercises, off course and/or off season, to help hone these skills. These are progressively more difficult.

SIMPLY FOCUS YOUR EYES AND THOUGHTS ON AN OBJECT

Simply sit alone in a quiet room and focus both your eyes and your thoughts on any particular object. This sound simple doesn’t it. It’s not! Set an alarm for one minute, just 60 seconds, and try to focus your thoughts. You’ll find lots of other thoughts – what’s for supper, when do I have to pick up the children, did I leave that report on my boss’s desk, etc. – will drift into your mind. Each time this happens, just let those other thoughts go, and then bring your mind back to focusing, your thoughts, on just that one object. Keep trying.

ADD YOUR GOLF STANCE

Repeat the above exercise, but this time do so holding a golf club, in your stance, as if you’re about to hit a shot. Repeat this as often as you like.

PRACTICE THINKING AND PUTTING

In this exercise, you’re actually going to hit some putts. Set up your target and then get into your stance. Take one last look at your target. While doing so, focus your mind as well; focus your thoughts, on the intended target. Then bring your eyes back to the ball, while holding the thought of the target in your mind. And putt. Repeat this as often as you like.

FOCUS YOUR THOUGHTS IN A BUSY ROOM/AREA

It’s one thing to focus your thoughts when you’re all alone. It’s quite another to do so with some distractions. On a golf course, our partners generally respect the fact that we’re taking a shot by standing still, quietly. But they’re still there. They’re still watching. We’ve all experienced those first-tee jitters. And sometimes they’re not so quiet, or so still. Sometimes a group in another fairway causes a distraction.

In this exercise, repeat the first exercise, focusing your eyes and your thoughts on one particular object, but do so in a busy, noisy, distracting environment. Repeat as often as you like.

FOCUS YOUR THOUGHTS WHEN UNDER STRESS

Lastly, let’s introduce some stress. Most of us face times, often daily or weekly, when the stress of our job or other aspects of life are simply getting to us. This is a great opportunity to again repeat the first exercise. Just as in life, on the golf course there are times when we feel stress. The ability to focus both your eyes and your mind/thoughts on one particular object, even when under a great deal of stress, will definitely improve your golf game.

We’ll continue to explore the mind in future posts. For now, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Focus Your Thoughts, Not Simply Your Eyes

2010-12-13T16:23:00.002-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the second for Want Better Golf.

Focus Your Thoughts, Not Simply Your Eyes

We’ve all heard for years, ‘focus on a very specific target’ for each golf shot. The middle of the fairway isn’t good enough. Teaching professionals tell us to select a particular blade of grass, or a target line delineated by a specific tree trunk in the distance, or some other extremely narrow landmark!

Time and time again, we focus our eyes on some bizarrely narrow target and swing away. And time and time again, our ball slices right – for all you right-handed players – into the woods, or hooks left, into the rough. What’s gone wrong?

In an article last week we learned how our thoughts actually shape our golf shots. While the magician uses trickery to bend a spoon, every golfer uses his/her mind to shape each shot! This truly is magic!

The problem lies in communication, or, as is mentioned in the epic film Cool Hand Luke, ‘a failure to communicate!’

It’s not enough to focus our EYES on that very specific, very particular target. We must also focus our thoughts on that very same target! Teaching professionals say focus, and so we focus, with our eyes. That’s not enough. We must also focus our thoughts!

Let’s illustrate with another example. For me, this is a painful example, borrowed from many rounds of golf I’ve played on my home course. The front nine includes a fair share of challenges, but for the most part I generally find myself in good position off the tee and make my way around nicely (for me). I then move on to holes 10 and 11, and the fun begins.

Ten is a long, straight par 5 with OB left and a massive forest to the right. Try as I might, I’ve found it very difficult to focus my thoughts on this hole. I can focus my eyes very specifically on a target in the right-middle portion of the fairway. But my thoughts always seem to include ‘OB’. And often, my ball hooks dead left, out of bounds.

Eventually I limp on to the 11th. And yes, you guessed it, OB right and a world of hurt – trees skirted by sand bunkers and punishing rough – up the left on this mostly straight, long, uphill par 4. Once again I focus my eyes on my target, and try as I might, quite often, once again ‘OB’ creeps into my thoughts. I pull the trigger and watch helplessly as my ball slices into the great beyond, OB.

That’s back to back holes, with a hook left OB on 10 and a slice right OB on 11! Repeatedly! In the middle of an otherwise great round of golf!

It’s not mechanics. It’s my thought patterns. Once again, I’m bending the ball with my thoughts.

We’ll continue to explore this topic in future articles and we’ll suggest some off-course exercises to help. This stuff isn’t easy. Believe me, I know!

For now, just be honest with yourself, and evaluate how well you focus both your eyes and your thoughts on your intended target.

And of course, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Bending Golf Balls with Your Mind

2010-12-06T11:33:00.003-05:00

I've been asked to write a series of articles for Want Better Golf. It's a great blog that all golfers should consider following. The article below is the first for Want Better Golf.

Bending Golf Balls with Your Mind

Have you ever seen a magician bend a spoon with nothing more than the power of his mind? Incredible, wasn’t it?

Actually, no, it wasn’t incredible at all. It was likely just a trick, not magic. But do you know that you can and do accomplish the very same feat with your golf ball! You bend your shots left and right, simply with the power of your mind! And that’s far more magical than the spoon trick.

Yes, I’m treading into the great unknown. I’m exploring the power of the mind. Let me share just one study with you.

This study has been repeated hundreds of times, by many different researchers, using thousands of study volunteers, in many different countries, over many different decades. (And by the way, yes, this is just the tip of the iceberg in this field of research!) This will get technical for just a moment, but trust me; we’ll get back to golf soon!

So picture this. A volunteer is left alone in a small room. There’s a chair in which she’s seated, a small table in front of her, and a computer monitor on the table. The computer monitor is hooked up to a computer in another room. The computer is programmed with a random number generator. Every few seconds a “1” or a “0” will appear on the screen. By definition, because it’s a RANDOM number generator, there will be roughly an equal number of 1’s and 0’s.

The volunteer is then asked to pick a number, either 1 or 0, and to then focus her mind, her thoughts, on that number. Are you ready for the punch line?

If the volunteer focuses on 1, the RANDOM number generator generates more 1’s. If she focuses on 0’s, more 0’s appear. Over and over and over again, this same result appears.

The study volunteers affect the RANDOM number generator, with nothing more than their minds! Kind of makes you think – excuse the pun – doesn’t it. I wonder if my mind affects my golf shots in a similar way.

The answer, of course, is YES!

Have you ever stood on the tee and focused on the danger. You tee up your ball, take your stance, fully aligned right down the middle. Your physical body is set up perfectly. But then you steal a glance at the water along the right. Oh, and there’s all those deep sand bunkers down the left. You think, just for a split second, ‘well, sand is better than water!’ You continue the thought, ‘no water.’ And you swing....

And you watch helplessly as your ball slices or draws directly for the water.

We’ll continue on this subject in the near future. Watch for more posts!

For now though, whether you’re actively playing or in your offseason, maybe think about your thought patterns as you play a typical round. What do you think about? Be honest with yourself. You might be surprised.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Great Wayne Dyer Quote

2010-06-07T10:47:00.001-04:00

I came across a quote this morning that I simply had to share.

"As you think so shall you be! Since you cannot physically experience another person, you can only experience them in your mind. Conclusion: All of the other people in your life are simply thoughts in your mind. Not physical beings to you, but thoughts. Your relationships are all in how you think about the other people of your life. Your experience of all those people is only in your mind. Your feelings about your lovers come from your thoughts. For example, they may in fact behave in ways that you find offensive. However, your relationship to them when they behave offensively is not determined by their behavior, it is determined only by how you choose to relate to that behavior. Their actions are theirs, you cannot own them, you cannot be them, you can only process them in your mind." -Wayne Dyer

I hope you enjoyed this insight.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

An Evening in Celebration of My Mom

2010-04-26T08:51:00.001-04:00

On Saturday evening I had the pleasure of accompanying my Mom to an event in her honour. For many years now she’s been a dedicated member of the Eastern Star. Roughly a year ago she accepted the duties and honour of being the District Deputy Grand Matron. On Saturday evening, Eastern Star members, family and friends, from far and wide, gathered to celebrate her year of service.

We walked through a processional/receiving line before I accompanied Mom up on stage. We sat there through many speeches, jokes, presentations and performances. Mom received many gifts and accolades.

My two boys sat in the audience, just in front of the stage, with other family members, snapping pictures of the entire event. Many other photographers were also quite noticeably busy.

Nearing the end of the formal portion of the evening, the emcee offered me the opportunity to stand at the microphone and say a few words. An opportunity I readily accepted, of course. I happily explained how proud we all are of Mom’s achievement and dedication. Of course, I also took the opportunity to do a little roasting, and to tell a few jokes, and to offer much thanks to all attendees.

The formal portion of the evening wrapped up with my Mom at the microphone, thanking the many, many people that supported her as she fulfilled her duties.

Afterwards we all retired to the basement of the town hall for refreshments and more laughter. My boys continued taking photographs, except now while one of them took each shot, the other somehow randomly popped up in the background of EACH and EVERY picture. Good fun.

Mom has worked very hard this past year. She’s worked long hours, driven great distances to attend so many meetings, and made countless phone calls and trips to see others. All without a dime of remuneration. She did so because she loved what she was doing.

I couldn’t help but think, as I sat there on stage beside my Mom throughout the evening, what would our businesses be like, what would our retail experiences be like, what would our economy and our lives be like, if everyone, if every single worker, thoroughly enjoyed his/her vocation?

Can you even begin to imagine?

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Astounding Tax-Advantaged Services for Those Buying or Selling Businesses

2010-03-18T09:11:00.001-04:00

I met with a friend and colleague yesterday morning. He works in the field of investment vehicles and life insurance products, and along with his partner and their great team, provides fantastic service and value. He’s also, quite simply, one of the finest gentlemen that I’ve ever known.

I’m excited for him. He’s recently launched a new service entrepreneurs that are either buying or selling a business.

Through various mechanisms he helps buyers use pre-tax dollars, rather than post-tax dollars, to complete the transaction. He’s also developed strategies that ensure the seller realizes the entire purchase price largely tax-free.

He’s reviewed these mechanisms with CRA and has received their stamp of approval. This is all entirely in full compliance with all tax laws. As I mentioned, he’s one of the finest gentlemen I know. He would never assemble nor offer services that were shady in any manner.

If you’d like to learn more, let me know. Since I don’t have his permission to do so, I have not mentioned his name.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

My Role Emerges

2010-03-16T10:15:00.001-04:00

I’ve been quiet of late, on this blog at least, as I seem to have lost my voice. I haven’t lost my actual voice, my real voice. My sons have come close to that experience in the past few weeks, fighting colds and pneumonia in fact. But that’s not been the case with me. Rather, I’ve lost my blogging voice.

In a more positive light, perhaps I’ve just temporarily misplaced my blogging voice.

The process of developing our first Parmasters golf training center locally, and also developing four more similar centers across southwestern Ontario, has been life changing. I’ve grown and evolved, learned a great deal about many aspects of the business and learned a great deal about myself as well.

It’s become clear to me that my role does not lie within one particular golf training center. Indeed, my role in life, the value that I bring, and my passion, does not lie within any one particular business.

I enjoy working with entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses. I have many skills, and a wealth of knowledge and experience, that allow me to bring great value to entrepreneurs in many different ways.

It’s become clear to me that I’m meant to build – and help build – businesses.

On a daily basis I work to develop Parmasters KW. I also work to develop my other businesses. And I also work with other local entrepreneurs to develop their businesses.

There’s much happening, on all of these fronts. There are new developments within Parmasters KW and within the effort to develop centers across all of southwestern Ontario. We’re also considering broadening our efforts into the GTA. There’s much happening within my other business interests. And my consulting clients – current, past and future – are all growing and evolving their businesses in exciting new ways.

For more than 15 years, I’ve worked with many different entrepreneurs, many different clients, consulting on various projects. I’ve always done so as a sideline, during weekends and evenings. The only change, now, is that I’m now working in this realm full-time.

As time goes by, perhaps I’ll share more on these various businesses, mine and my clients. As time goes by, perhaps I’ll share more about my growth and development into this new role in life.

And as time goes by, perhaps I’ll regain my blogging voice.

In the meantime, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Alfred Adler Quotes

2010-03-06T09:25:00.001-05:00

I’ve been away the past two weekends, traveling. The trips didn’t take me far, but still disrupted my normal weekend routines. While both weekends were very well spent, and I wouldn’t change a thing, it is nice to enjoy a little free, unstructured time.

My work weeks – and it’s likely the same for everyone reading this – tend to be quite structured, quite busy, and often quite hectic. I thus look to weekends for a little breathing space, a little unstructured time, time that affords more strategic and exploratory thinking.

I came across the following quote, which I found quite interesting, a while ago. It comes from late 19th-century / early 20th century psychologist, Alfred Adler.

“What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning – and some of them many times over – what do you find? That you can swim? Well – life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!” -Alfred Adler

And in looking into Adler a little further, I came across a few more quotes that also resonated.

“Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations.” –Alfred Adler

“There is a law that man should love his neighbour as himself. In a few hundred years it should be as natural to mankind as breathing or the upright gait; but if he does not learn it he must perish.” –Alfred Adler

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Aegis Announces Indianapolis Facility to be Corporate Store

2010-02-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Parmasters HQ, now Aegis Investment Management, issued the following media release today.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Aegis announces grand opening of Parmasters Golf Training Center in Noblesville, Indiana

VANCOUVER, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - Aegis Investment Management (Golf) Inc. ("Aegis" or "the Company") (TSV-V:AIM) announced today the opening of its Parmasters Golf Training Center in Noblesville, Indiana. The facility will be open to the public in April with Grand Opening ceremonies to be held May 1st, 2010.

"Spearheaded by our team at corporate headquarters in Vancouver, we have signed a six unit Area Development Agreement for Greater Indianapolis, Indiana," said Tom Matzen, President and CEO of Aegis. "As part of that agreement, our Noblesville facility becomes the first Parmasters Center in the Indianapolis area and our second fully operating Parmasters Center in the U.S."

The Company has appointed Aegis' Director of Business Golf, Allen Bonk, to lead the Noblesville project and to hire the on-site Indiana-based team. Working alongside Allen will be Greg Keller who has been appointed General Manager of the facility and Sam Foley who has been appointed Director of Golf. As a corporately run center, the Noblesville facility will provide Aegis with direct sales revenues, along with valuable opportunity to showcase what makes Parmasters revolutionary in the world of golf training.

"We look forward to the formal opening of the Noblesville Parmasters Center. Our center is unlike any other indoor golf facility in the state of Indiana, highlighted by the 2,500 square foot short game area, along with state of the art corporate meeting rooms with world-class audio and visual technology to ensure any meeting or presentation is a resounding success," said Allen Bonk, Director of Business Golf for Aegis Investment Management. "As part of our marketing efforts prior to the facility's opening, we have signed up 515 promotional short-game memberships in the first month of offering them. That sets a new record for Parmasters. We have had an excellent response from the general public who are interested in becoming members at this beautiful facility, and from local businesses keen to participate in joint community-based marketing initiatives, including our Community Partners Program."

About Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc.

Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc. is a Vancouver-based company focused on developing and marketing golf-related franchises. Aegis' current brands include; Parmasters Golf Training Centers, the world's first franchised year-round indoor golf training centers; Links Golf Cafes, housed in each full-sized Parmasters Golf Training Center, along with selected stand-alone locations; and Quantum Business Golf Seminars, designed to teach the difference between a business meeting and a business round of golf to effectively leverage golf for business. The Company's main brand, Parmasters Golf Training Centers, has been selected as a Top 50 Franchise in North America by the Franchise Business Review for four years in a row, beginning in 2006. Aegis currently has one golf training center franchise operating in Memphis, Tennessee, one Quantum Business Golf Franchise operating in Vancouver, British Columbia, and eight Regional Franchisors operating in the United States, Canada, the Middle East and China. The Company has a total of 225 franchises awarded across their three franchise brands. For more information, visit www.aegisinvestmentmanagement.com.

Forward Looking Information

Certain information in this press release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this press release describes the Company's expectations as of the date of this press release. The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AEGIS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SEDAR: 00024645E

For further information: Tom Matzen, President and CEO, Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc., Telephone: 1-800-663-2331, Fax: 1-800-416-6325, Email: info@aegisinvestmentmanagement.com, Corporate URL: www.aegisinvestmentmanagement.com, Franchise URL: www.YourGolfFranchise.com

If One Lacks Life Skills, One Equally Lacks Golf Skills

2010-02-06T11:47:00.002-05:00

Then the corollary must be, if one lacks the skills necessary to thrive in one’s life, then one also lacks the skills necessary to thrive throughout a round of golf.

Two days ago I posited that “the skills necessary to thrive during a round of golf are the very same skills required to thrive in one’s life.” Ergo, should those requisite life skills be wanting, then one cannot hope to thrive throughout a round of golf.

Golf is most assuredly a physical game, a game of doing, a game of motion, coordination, execution. Most definitely, golf requires certain physical skills. Indeed, we at Parmasters teach those requisite physical skills. We offer Straight-Line Golf (TM), the "simplest, most accurate way to hit a golf ball." Further still, we guarantee results. If we don’t improve your golf game by at least 25 percent, you get your money back, or we’ll work with you until you do achieve at least a 25 percent improvement.

Golf, however, is also very much a mental game, an emotional game, a game fraught with internal struggle, a game that brings the possibility of the entire gamut of human emotions.

Put simply, if you lack the requisite skills to live a joyful, balanced, fulfilling life, REGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, then you also lack the requisite skills to enjoy a joyful, balanced, fulfilling round of golf.

I capitalized “REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES” as emphasis. For life is not simply about organizing one’s circumstances in such a way that brings you joy and contentment. Life is equally about finding joy and contentment in all circumstances, regardless of how closely, or not, said circumstances mimic your ideal.

Similarly, golf is not simply about executing every shot perfectly, in such a manner such that the outcome of each shot brings you joy and contentment. As Tin Cup said, “perfection is unattainable.” Golf is equally about finding joy and contentment in all outcomes, regardless of how closely, or not, said outcomes mimic your desired ideal.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Life Skills Are Also Golf Skills

2010-02-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

The skills necessary to thrive during a round of golf are the very same skills required to thrive in one’s life.

I thought about leaving it at that, saying nothing more. But perhaps some justification, some elaboration, some defence indeed, may be helpful.

We’ve all heard and/or said, repeatedly, that a round of golf brings similar trials and tribulations, highs and lows, good bounces and the other, as life. A round of golf provides, in fact, a microcosm of life itself, at least emotionally so.

A typical round of golf includes events and experiences that beget a full range of human emotions, from exhilaration to despair, joy to sorrow, and everything in between. Golfers often face great challenges and overcome them, realizing a great outcome. And oftentimes, these great challenges are not overcome. Similarly golfers often face golden opportunities, birdie opportunities, and sometimes miss.

Each new round of golf mimics the beginning of a new year, January 1, no matter the actual date of the round. Each tee block mimics the beginning of a new day. The parallels are endless.

In life, as in golf, we all face both good times and the other. We live through events that cause us to experience a full range of human emotions. We face challenges and overcome. We face challenges and sometimes succumb. And we find golden opportunities, with great potential, and sometimes miss.

The key, most teachers seem to agree, to a fulfilling and joyful life is to maintain a sense of balance. To feel the full range of emotions, deal with them, and then move on to experience more of life. We must focus upon what we want, not that which we want not. We must be in the moment, living life now, not lamenting the past nor fretting o’er the future. We must maintain perspective, not imbuing events nor circumstances with more importance than they truly embody. We must love and respect ourselves, just as we love and respect others. We must, above all else, enjoy life. For, why else might we be here?

In golf, it is the same. The keys to a fulfilling and joyful life also unlock the possibility of a fulfilling and joyful round of golf. A golfer must maintain the skills to feel and process the full range of human emotions. The golfer must focus upon that which he/she wants. The golfer must live in the now, in the moment, and he/she must certainly maintain perspective. Golfers of all abilities, every golfer, must maintain a healthy respect and love of themselves, of their skills, of their “game.”

And above all else, a golfer must seek to enjoy each round of golf. For indeed, why else is he/she there?

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

My One New Year’s Resolution

2010-01-04T07:33:00.001-05:00

Many of you established “resolutions” in the last few days. Many people choose New Year’s Eve as a time to establish new goals, to “resolve” to accomplish some achievement, or to accomplish some change in habit, or in their body image, etc. And I wish you all, all the very best with your resolutions.

I prefer to speak of and focus on my “intentions” and I try to do so roughly 365 days each year. I may establish new intentions, or refine old ones, pretty much any day of the year. And thus, for me, New Year’s Eve tends to come and go without much fanfare, at least in the resolution-setting department.

And so, this year perhaps is a little different. Because this year, I established one New Year’s Resolution: Before 2010 ends, Parmasters KW will be built, open and serving thousands of happy members and others each and every month.

The challenges faced on this day, January 4, 2010, are quite the same as those faced one week ago, on December 27, 2009. Regardless, before we ring in 2011, Parmasters KW will be a reality.

This, I resolve.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:54:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to all! Let’s make 2010 an incredible year!

You can find the original photo here.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Introducing Aegis Investment Management (Golf) Inc.

2009-12-31T11:25:00.001-05:00

It’s been a very busy couple of weeks. Just prior to Christmas I was focused night and day on a business plan for a client. This was in addition to, of course, Parmasters KW activities and many other responsibilities. Now it’s time, over the next few days, to catch my breath and prepare to make 2010 an incredible year!

We in the Parmasters world end 2010 with a big announcement. Parmasters HQ is now a publicly traded company!

Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc. has completed its proposed merger with Avian Capital. The new company is now known as Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc.

Aegis will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “AIM” on January 4, 2010.

The media release is now all over the Internet, and can be found here on CNW. I’ve also included it below.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Aegis successfully completes qualifying transaction and financing

VANCOUVER, Dec. 30 /CNW/ - Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc. ("Aegis" or the "Company"), formerly Avian Capital Inc. ("Avian") (AVA-P), announced today that it has completed its qualifying transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") with Parmasters Golf Training Centers, Inc. ("Parmasters"), in accordance with Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (the "TSX-V"). The associated filing statement of Avian (the "Filing Statement") was filed on September 25, 2009, and an addendum to the Filing Statement was filed on December 7, 2009 (both documents are available on http://www.sedar.com/).

Successful Completion of Transaction and Financing

Concurrent with the completion of the Qualifying Transaction, the Company changed its name from Avian Capital Inc. to Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc. Prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction the Company completed a non-brokered private placement financing of 1,420,000 common shares of the Company (the "common shares") at a price per common share of $0.18, for total gross proceeds of $255,600 (the "Avian Financing"). No agents were used for the Avian Financing. All of the common shares issued in connection with the Avian Financing will be subject to a seed share resale in accordance with TSX-V Policy 5.4.

In connection with the Qualifying Transaction, the Company issued 39,316,807 common shares to the shareholders of Parmasters in exchange for all their outstanding shares of Parmasters. Certain of these common shares have been deposited into escrow and will be released pursuant to the release schedules contained in the escrow agreements between the Company, the Company's escrow agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., and those certain former shareholders of Parmasters who hold such escrowed securities. In addition, the Company's directors, officers and insiders have agreed that the release from escrow of any common shares held by them will not commence until at least US$1.5 million of the Company's accounts receivable have been collected. Although Mr. Godfrey, a director, holds 257,439 common shares that were purchased pursuant to the Avian Financing and are not otherwise subject to escrow, Mr. Godfrey has also agreed that these shares will remain subject to escrow restrictions until at least US$1.5 million of the Company's accounts receivable have been collected. Parmaster's current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable in the aggregate amount of CDN$2,253,842 as of July 31, 2009 and the collection of such accounts receivable is required in order for the Resulting Issuer to remain solvent for the next 12 months.

Shortly prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction, Parmasters completed a non-brokered private placement financing of 5,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.50 per share, for total gross proceeds of $2,500,000 (the "Parmasters Financing"). No agents were used for the Parmasters Financing. All of the common shares issued by the Company in exchange for the Parmasters Financing common shares upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction will be free-trading under Canadian securities laws.

The common shares of the Company are expected to commence trading under the symbol AIM as a Tier 2 Issuer on the TSX-V on January 4th, 2010.

Aegis President & CEO Tom Matzen said "The completion of the Qualifying Transaction is an important step forward for Aegis and allows us to take public high quality assets with the intention of building long term shareholder value. We intend to use the proceeds from the financings to invest in franchise marketing, pay the professional fees associated with the merger, service debts, and working capital for the growth of the Company. We would like to especially thank all those involved in completing this transaction. Thousands of hours of effort by our legal counsel, accountants, auditors, Board Members and Senior Officers have resulted in something that lays a good foundation for our shareholders."

In connection with the completion of the Qualifying Transaction: (a) Avian Acquisition Corp. (a Wyoming corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) merged with Parmasters (also a Wyoming corporation) pursuant to a merger (the "Merger") completed under the Wyoming Business Corporations Act, with the result that Parmasters, as the surviving entity (the "Surviving Company"), became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and (b) pursuant to the Merger (i) the outstanding common shares of Parmasters were converted into and exchanged for fully paid and non-assessable common shares of the Company on a 1:1 basis, and (ii) a total of 2,083,943 common share purchase warrants of Parmasters were converted into and exchanged for common share purchase warrants of the Company on a 1:1 basis:

The directors of the Company consist of the following persons:
Tom Matzen - President, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, Director
Michael Levy - Chief Investment Officer, Secretary, Director
Paul Cox - Director
Richard Godfrey - Director

The Officers of the Company consist of the following persons:
Tom Matzen - President, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
Michael Levy - Chief Investment Officer
Robert Rudman - Chief Financial Officer
John Harrison - Chief Operating Officer
Andrew Winston - Director of Key Accounts
Allen Bonk - Director of Business Golf

The directors of the Surviving Company consist of the following persons:
Scott Hazledine - Chief Golf Professional, Co-Founder, Director
Tom Matzen - President, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
Michael Levy - Chief Investment Officer, Director

As disclosed in the Company's Filing Statement, the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended, also contemplated that Scott Hazledine, a founding director of Parmasters, would also be appointed to the board of directors of the Company. However, certain limitations under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) limit the Company to only four directors until the next annual meeting of the Company's shareholders. Accordingly, Mr. Hazledine has not been appointed as a director of the Company. Mr. Hazledine continues as a director of the Surviving Company.

U.S. Securities Law Note

The securities of the Company referenced herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registrations requirements of such Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction.

About Parmasters

Parmasters has developed and currently markets the following types of golf-related franchises: Parmasters(R) Golf Training Centers, Links Golf Cafés(TM) and Quantum Business Golf(TM). Assets include ownership of the Parmasters trademarks in Canada and the United States and the rights to use the intellectual property related to golf instruction and franchising.

About Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc.

Aegis currently has one golf training center franchise operating, in Memphis, Tennessee, one Quantum Business Golf Franchise operating in Vancouver, British Columbia, and eight Regional Franchisors operating in the United States, Canada, the Middle East and China. The Company has a total of 225 franchises awarded across their three franchise brands, and have been selected as a Top 50 Franchise in North America for four years in a row.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information in this news release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release describes the Company's expectations as of the date of this news release.

The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events. In addition, the Company's franchisees are independent businesses and, as a result, their operations may be negatively affected by factors beyond the Company's control which in turn may damage the Company's reputation and could negatively affect the Company's financial condition and performance. Revenues and earnings would also be negatively affected, and the Company's reputation could be harmed, if a significant number of franchisees were to: experience operational failures; experience financial difficulty; be unwilling or unable to pay Parmasters for any fees; or fail to enter into renewals of franchise agreements. The Company's brand recognition will be an important factor in developing and maintaining its competitive position. No assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially similar branding. In addition, Parmasters relies on one or more of the following to protect its proprietary rights: trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions. Despite the Company's efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that Parmasters regards as proprietary. Stopping unauthorized use of the Company's proprietary rights may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that Parmasters will be successful in protecting its proprietary rights and, if it is not, its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The Company's franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of provinces. Any new legislation or failure to comply with existing legislation may negatively affect operations, and could add administrative costs and burdens associated with these regulations, all of which could affect the Company's relationship with its franchisees.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AEGIS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE.

%SEDAR: 00024645E

For further information: Tom Matzen, President and CEO, Aegis Investment Management (Golf), Inc., Telephone: 1-800-663-2331, Email: info@aegisinvestmentmanagement.com, Website: http://www.aegisinvestmentmanagement.com/, Telecopier: 1-800-416-6325

Avian Capital Media Release

2009-12-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, is in the final stages of becoming a publicly traded company. They’re conducting a reverse takeover (RTO) of an existing capital pool company (CPC). This transaction involves many different jurisdictions, regulatory bodies and companies. As such, it’s complicated, and the process has been arduous.

The benefit at the end of the tunnel, of course, is Parmasters’ increased ability to raise capital and grow the entire business, to the benefit of all franchise owners and centers, including Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.

Avian Capital Inc. is the company that Parmasters is working with on the RTO. Avian issued the media release that follows back in early December.

Make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so! The media release follows.

Source MARKET NEWS
Date 12/03/2009
Time 08:41:52 AM

Company Avian Capital Inc.
Title Avian
Receives Conditional Approval For Proposed

CDNX Symbol: AVA.P

Press Release

AVIAN CAPITAL INC ("AVA.P-V")
PARMASTERS GOLF TRAINING CENTERS INC ("PGFT-L")
- Avian Receives Conditional Approval For Proposed Merger
- With Parmasters

Avian Capital Inc. (AVA-P) is pleased to announce that on November 28, 2009 it received conditional approval for the completion of the proposed Merger with Parmasters Golf Training Centers, Inc. The Merger will constitute Avian's "Qualifying Transaction" under, and as defined in, the CPC Policy.

The Merger

On July 10, 2008, Avian and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avian Acquisition Corp., entered into a Merger Agreement with Parmasters which contemplates the acquisition of Parmasters by Avian by way of a triangular Merger under the Wyoming Business Corporations Act. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Avian Acquisition Corp. will merge with and into Parmasters, leaving Parmasters as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Avian. Each issued and outstanding common share of Parmasters will be surrendered by the holder to Avian in exchange for one fully paid and non-assessable common share of Avian, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. In addition, Avian will issue up to an aggregate of 2,083,944 common share purchase warrants in exchange for an equivalent number of outstanding common share purchase warrants of Parmasters, exercisable at an exercise price of either US$0.50 to US$1.25 per share until May 15, 2010 or March 31, 2012. The aggregate consideration to be paid by Avian upon the completion of the Merger will consist of the issuance of up to 39,316,807 Avian Shares.

Listing Approval is Conditional

Exchange approval of the Merger is subject to certain conditions including, among other things: (a) the filing of an Addendum to the Filing Statement that contains unaudited interim financial statements for the period ended July 31, 2009 and a pro forma consolidated balance sheet for the Resulting Issuer as of July 31, 2009; and (b) the closing of the previously-announced CDN $2,500,000 private placement by Parmasters of 5,000,000 shares at $0.50 per share.

About Parmasters

Parmasters was incorporated in the State of Wyoming in July, 2004. It has one predecessor, Parmasters Golf Training Centers LLC, a Nevada limited liability company formed in April, 2000 (the "Parmasters Predecessor"). In December, 2004, Parmasters purchased several assets from the Parmasters Predecessor, including the ownership of the Parmasters trademarks in Canada and the United States and the rights to use the intellectual property assets related to golf instruction and franchising. Parmasters has developed and currently markets the following types of golf-related franchises: Parmasters(r) Golf Training Centers, Links Golf CafsTM and Quantum Business GolfTM.

About Avian Capital

Avian, a capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange, was incorporated in October, 2006 and was listed on the Exchange in March, 2007. Avian does not have any operations and has no assets other than cash. Avian's business is to identify and evaluate businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the policies of the Exchange.

Trading in Avian Shares has been halted on the Exchange since April 9, 2008 and will resume trading on the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

For further information, please contact:
Paul Cox
President
Avian Capital Inc.
207 - 1425 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B9
Ph: (778) 786-1285 Fax: (604) 926-5806
Email: paul@aviancapital.com

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management filing statement or addendum thereto to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Canaccord Financial Inc., subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence, has agreed to act as sponsor in connection with the transaction. An agreement to sponsor should not be construed as any assurance with respect to the merits of the transaction or the likelihood of completion.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information in this news release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, information with respect to Avian's beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions, such as Avian's acquisition of Parmasters by way of the Merger, the completion of the private placements by Parmasters and the activities of Avian and Parmasters after the Merger. The words "may", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "target" and similar words and expressions are used to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release describes Avian's expectations as of the date of this news release.

The results or events anticipated or predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking information include, among others, risks arising from general economic conditions and adverse industry events. In addition, Parmasters' franchisees are independent businesses and, as a result, their operations may be negatively affected by factors beyond Parmasters' control which in turn may damage Parmasters' reputation and could negatively affect Parmasters' financial condition and performance. Revenues and earnings would also be negatively affected, and Parmasters' reputation could be harmed, if a significant number of franchisees were to: experience operational failures; experience financial difficulty; be unwilling or unable to pay Parmasters for any fees; or fail to enter into renewals of franchise agreements. Parmasters' brand recognition will be an important factor in developing and maintaining its competitive position. No assurance can be given that others will not independently develop substantially similar branding. In addition, Parmasters relies on one or more of the following to protect its proprietary rights: trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, and contractual provisions. Despite Parmasters' efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that Parmasters regards as proprietary. Stopping unauthorized use of Parmasters' proprietary rights may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that Parmasters will be successful in protecting its proprietary rights and, if it is not, its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Parmasters' franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of provinces. Any new legislation or failure to comply with existing legislation may negatively affect operations, and could add administrative costs and burdens associated with these regulations, all of which could affect Parmasters' relationship with its franchisees. Parmaster's current assets consist primarily of accounts receivable in the aggregate amount of CDN$2,253,842 as of July 31, 2009 and the collection of such accounts receivable is required in order for the Resulting Issuer to remain solvent for the next 12 months.

Avian cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Avian has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF AVIAN AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE AVIAN MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME.

Capitalization Report for Avian Capital Inc
Shares Issued: 4050000
Shares Escrow: 2000000

TEL: (778) 786-1285 Paul Cox
FAX: (604) 926-5806 President
paul@aviancapital.com Avian Capital Inc.
____________________________________________________________
(c)2009 Market News Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Toronto:(416)366-8881 Vancouver:(604)689-1101 Fax:(604)689-1106

Great Local Indoor Golf Options

2009-12-09T08:05:00.001-05:00

There are some days when a home office offers up a distinct advantage. Perhaps today, given the nice white blanket of snow outside, is one of those days.

Golfers this year enjoyed quite a protracted outdoor golf season. I’m sure some were playing last week. Which of course is only fair, given the dismal spring and early summer sent our way earlier this year.

For now, it seems outdoor golf season has officially come to a close.

We’re blessed in Waterloo Region with several great indoor facilities. Of course, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will open soon and will no doubt add significant flair to the list of indoor golf venues. But, even so, the current offering is wonderful.

Golf Without Limits can be found at the top end of Waterloo, on Northfield Drive. They offer several simulators in an intimate setting. With a restaurant right next door, in the same plaza, this can make for a great local indoor golf destination.

Max’s Golf Dome also offers up an enjoyable and unique local option. In addition to time on the indoor driving range, they offer batting cages and mini-putt.

For now, it’s time for me to get back to raising the final portions of capital required to build and open Parmasters KW. We look forward to bringing more depth and an entirely new concept to the local indoor golf scene!

In the meantime, make it a great day! For yes, you do have the power to do so!

Parmasters Video on Corporate Memberships and New RCGA Role for Carroll

2009-12-07T08:33:00.001-05:00

I’m once again running out the door to a series of meetings. But wanted to share another Parmasters video, and some news regarding golf leadership in this country.

This latest video focuses on the many benefits of a Corporate Membership at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Corporate Memberships allow up to five employees to enjoy the full benefits of membership... Well, it’s all covered in the video. You can find the video here.

And lastly, the former Executive Director of the Canadian PGA, Steve Carroll, has recently landed a new role with the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Golf News Now reported this last week, in their periodic newsletter. You can find the article on the GNN website here, and I’ve also included it below.

Carroll Lands Key Role With RCGA
November 26, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson

The timing of the announcement that Steve Carroll has been named director of membership and business development for the Royal Canadian Golf Association may lead to speculation that he had been recruited by the RCGA before announcing his resignation as executive director of the Canadian PGA.

The announcement of Carroll’s new position comes just a few weeks after his 22-year tenure with the Canadian PGA concluded at the end of October, but he says he didn’t even consider the RCGA job until his last few days at the CPGA.

“I resigned in August because I felt that I had done everything I could for the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll. “I looked very carefully with a career coach at opportunities inside and outside of golf and around the world. All of that activity was taking place in September and October.”

The turning point towards his new position, according to Carroll, came on October 19 at a National Allied Golf Association meeting that was being held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.

RCGA representatives, including chief operating officer Peter Beresford and Ron Gardner, managing director of membership strategy, were speaking to NAGA about the association’s business development strategy, which features the Golf Canada branding effort to consumers that will have a big push in 2010.

“I had known about it,” said Carroll, who had served as NAGA chairman and had consulted with the RCGA on the effort. “They had brought in outside experts from corporate Canada. It’s a very bold vision for the RCGA.”

It was during that presentation that Carroll heard that the RCGA was looking for somebody to spearhead that effort, including the promotion of the Golf Canada initiative, which will feature merchandise with the maple leaf/golfer logo, to the golf industry.

“I thought to myself, I could be that guy. The next day, I called (RCGA executive director) Scott Simmons and I said, `Scott, I’d like to throw my hat in the ring for this person you’re looking for,’” said Carroll. “I’ve always had a great working relationship with Scott. It all came together very quickly.

“When we starting talking about the details of it, it just made nothing but sense to me to utilize all those contacts I have made in my 22 years, with not only golf pros, but throughout the industry, and not just in B.C. or Ontario, but throughout Canada.

“It just seemed like a really good fit,” he said.

Carroll, who spent 13 years as executive director of the British Columbia zone before taking the Canadian PGA executive director position five years ago, brings outstanding qualities to the position, according to Simmons.

”Steve demonstrated tremendous leadership during his tenure with the CPGA and, more recently, as NAGA chair and spokesperson for the recently announced Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study,” said Simmons.

“He holds a valuable knowledge of the RCGA, Canadian PGA and other golf associations in Canada and has gained an incredible level of respect through his proven record of career success in senior executive positions,” he added.

“We are confident that Steve is the right person to engage the Canadian golf industry and help create and articulate a bold new vision for the future direction of our sport in Canada,” said Simmons.
Carroll will assist with the development and execution of Golf Canada branded membership programs, as well as recruit, train and manage Golf Canada volunteers and increase the profile and awareness of Golf Canada/Team Canada in Ontario and Eastern Canada.

“What was also appealing to me was the idea that I wouldn’t have to, at this point in my career, be concerned with running an entire organization and just simply focus in on a cause and a project that’s a very exciting one and close to my heart,” said Carroll.

“I’ve always thought the RCGA could step into a role like Hockey Canada and like Basketball Canada and be the National Sports Organization in every way possible,” he added.

“Hockey Canada has done a great job in cementing that brand name in the consumer’s mind. There’s a good parallel here, that Hockey Canada is still technically the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, but nobody knows that anymore,” said Carroll.

Straight-Line Golf (TM) Video

2009-12-02T09:06:00.001-05:00

I’m just about to head out for a day full of meetings, but wanted to share another of the new Parmasters videos.

I shared the first of these last week, in a previous blog post.

This video focuses on the golf swing teaching system we use, called Straight-Line Golf (TM). You can find the video here.

Canadian Roots for World Cup of Golf

2009-11-30T07:41:00.002-05:00

Ontario Golf carried a wonderful reminder last week of the Canadian roots out of which last week’s World Cup of Golf was born. As Canadians, we’re notoriously humble. And as a golfing nation, we often minimize our importance within the world of golf. This is unfortunate.

Canada did indeed spawn the World Cup of Golf. I’ve included the article below, or you can find it on the Ontario Golf website.

Congratulations to Brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari who captured Italy's first World Cup title!

Congratulations also, of course, to the Canadian Football League’s 2009 Grey Cup Champions, the Montreal Alouettes! It was another fantastic, tight Grey Cup finish.

Here’s the OG article on the World Cup.

World Cup of Golf Was Born in Canada

Twenty-eight teams are teeing it up this week at the World Cup of Golf at the massive Mission Hills Resort in China. Canadians Stuart Anderson (Calgary) and Graham Delaet (Weyburn, Sask.)-each a three-time winner on the Canadian Tour-are tied for fourth after Round One.

Three years into its 12-year tenure at Mission Hills, the World Cup has recovered much of its old stature and romance. Dr. David Chu, Mission Hills' chairman, has rekindled the event's early ideals and made it unique on the world golf calendar. Chu's vision clearly jibes with that of the late John Jay Hopkins (photo [above]), the founding father of the World Cup-known as the Canada Cup from 1953 to 1966. The Santa Ana, California-born Hopkins, who was president of General Dynamics (which created the world's first atomic submarine), saw golf as "a civilized and civilizing" pursuit and one which could promote international goodwill.

In 1957, defending champions Ben Hogan and Sam Snead brought immense crowds to Tokyo. But the Japanese team, relative newcomers to the sport, stole the show when Koichi Ono and Pete Nakamuru came out on top. Hopkins passed away shortly before the event, but Fred Corcoran, the World Cup's tournament director, knew exactly what he'd have thought about the results.

"If," said Corcoran, "I had any doubts about Hopkins' sincerity and the soundness of his doctrine, Tokyo erased them. It was hard to believe, watching the teams chatting easily on the first tee, that many of these nations had been at war only a few years earlier."

Overnight, Japan became a nation of golf fanatics and Ono and Nakamuru became national heroes. In 1956 alone, no fewer than 20 new courses were rolled out across the country and the first double-decker driving range shot up in Tokyo.

When Argentina won in 1953 at Beaconsfield GC, just outside Montreal, it was one of only seven two-man teams. The event would gain steam through the 1960s and '70s, becoming a "must play" tournament for the world's best players. However, its status soon began to dwindle.

Today there are 28 teams eagerly vying to place their names on the original John Jay Hopkins trophy (18 of whom qualified automatically, while another nine were drawn from qualifying events in Europe, Asia and Latin America). The field is rounded out by the host nation, China.

By offering the event a spectacular 12-year home at Mission Hills, Dr. Chu has made his own distinct contribution to its storied lore. Twelve, he explains, is a special number in China, one that signifies the 12 years in the Chinese horoscope and the completion of a cycle.

Meanwhile, his picture of the world swinging in unison is evolving all the time. When YE Yang, who is competing in this year's event, became the first Asian player to capture a major at the 2009 PGA Championship, the festivities were not confined to Asia. Over in Montreal, there was a day-long celebration that attracted in excess of 200 golfers from the city's South Korean community.

Where was it held? At Beaconsfield GC, the World Cup's original home.

Busy Week in Parmasters KW and Canadian Golf News

2009-11-28T11:05:00.003-05:00

It’s been a busy week so far, in more ways than one. Lots of fun though, which I believe is really the only reason we’re all here!

As mentioned, my meeting schedule is ramping up significantly, both with respect to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, which is gaining some great momentum, and also on the consulting side of my business, through S.H. Southern and Associates.

There seemed to be a separate activity just about every evening this week so far. Monday evening I was in meetings near Pearson Airport in Toronto. Tuesday my eldest played hockey. Wednesday I did relax at home with my lads. Thursday evening was the annual football banquet at my eldest son’s school. And last night I had the pleasure of attending the Guelph Storm vs. Erie Otters tilt at the Sleeman Centre. An old friend had rented a box for the evening.

Tonight, I think I’ll just stay in and read, or maybe watch a movie.

It’s been a busy week in golf news as well. I won’t touch upon the news de jour regarding young Mr. Woods and his unfortunate incident. As is the case with everything Woods does, this too shall be over-analyzed from every conceivable angle.

No, let’s focus on Canadian golf news!

For example, Golf News Now ran a great story this week noting that the overall purse on the 2010 Canadian Tour could increase by as much as $650,000. This is great news for the Tour, for Canadians, and for Canadian Tour players, such as our very own Ryan Kings. You can find the entire article here, and also included below.

Continuing with the great Canadian golf news, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame this weekend. This, of course, was widely reported. I’ve included an Ontario Golf blog entry by Robert Thompson below, and it can also be found here.

Tour Schedule Will Be “Unprecedented”: Commissioner
November 22, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson

The finishing touches are still being applied, but the 2010 Canadian Tour schedule could be “unprecedented” in terms of prize money, according to commissioner Rick Janes, who says the raise in overall purse on the season could be as much as $650,000.

“The real highlight of (the 2010) schedule and what we’re working on right now is prize money increases that are really going to be quite unprecedented,” said Janes.

Increases are expected at existing events such as Times Colonist Open in Victoria, the Players Cup in Winnipeg and the Canadian Tour Championship. An announcement about an event in Alberta is expected later this week, but Janes wouldn’t elaborate.

Another announcement coming soon is expected to outline a rebranding of the tour’s Montreal event.

“I think people are going to be quite surprised at what this looks like, particularly in a tough economy, and it will only get better,” said Janes.

“It’s not perfect, but it’s probably the best schedule in terms of prize money – and that’s the operative, in terms of prize money – that the Canadian Tour’s ever had. There’s a bit of risk in this, risk in the sense that we still have a lot of work to do in terms of sponsorship,” he added.

“My board is supporting what we’re doing here. It is a bold effort,” said Janes, adding that as many as 17 Canadian events could take place in 2010, but will more likely be around the 13 mark compared to 10 in 2009.

New markets being considered include Fort McMurray, Alta., the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Thunder Bay, Ont., and possibly Vancouver.

Janes went on to say that rumours of the demise of the tour’s swing through Latin America have been greatly exaggerated in recent media reports. Last year at this time, the tour was making stops in Chile, Argentina and Costa Rica, tournaments that were part of the 2009 schedule despite being played in ’08.

Janes stresses, however, that the tour has not severed ties with Latin America.

“I really don’t know where that came from. No, we’re not giving up on Latin America at all,” he said. “The fact of the matter is that they couldn’t create a schedule of consecutive events. We really wanted that on the circuit, but they just couldn’t put it into the rotation of events.

“What we’re doing is looking now towards a series of events in the spring right now in Argentina and Colombia,” said Janes, adding that those events, played towards the end of March, would be co-sanctioned by the European Challenge Tour and Tour de las Americas.

Even though the swing through South American is still developing, Janes believes there is a strong upside to continuing.

“The reason why we’re in South America and the reason why we’re in Mexico is that we can’t play in Canada at that time of year and I’m very happy with the results of South America,” he said.

“One of the byproducts of it was that we attracted players like Hugo Leon (Chile), who joined us in South America,” said Janes, also pointing to players such as Mauricio Molina and Rafael Gomez, both from Argentina and both two-time winners over the past season.

Janes adds that his isn’t the only tour eyeing South America these days.

“What you’re going to see is PGA Tour expansion into South America, no doubt about it,” said Janes. “You will see, in all probability, on the Nationwide schedule another South American event, most likely in Colombia, in the coming year.

“The reason we’re in South America is to, first and foremost, give our players these international opportunities, to expose some of the top young players from South America to our tour and to bring them to Canada to play.”

All Roads Lead to Brights Grove: Mike Weir and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
November 27th, 2009 by Robert Thompson

This weekend in Brights Grove , Ont., a little suburb of Sarna, Mike Weir will enter the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at the age of 39. I’m heading down with Ian Andrew, Weir’s design partner. It’ll be the second HOF induction I’ve attended, having given the introduction speech for Jim Barclay two year’s ago at St. George’s.

Of course this is premature — and everyone, including Weir recognizes it. During a conference call about the induction earlier this week, the point was made that the plaque, which will be at the Golf Hall of Fame in Oakville, can be altered should Weir win again.

Weir was nominated for the accolade by Ian Hutchison, the golf writer at the Toronto Sun, among other places. We’ve had a good discussion about how I think it was wrong — but within the current standards of the HOF, Ian had every right to put Mike up. He was always destined for the place — it just seems odd to do it now. Talking with Richard Zokol the other day, I asked why he wasn’t in the BC Sports Hall of Fame. His answer was simple: “I’m not 50 and you have to be 50 to get in.”

Regardless, Weir was as reflective as I’ve seen him while discussing the honor. I particularly liked his discussion of putting after dark on the practice green at Huron Oaks, where the ceremony will take place:

“There was a little flood light that came from clubhouse that gave a little light on the putting green and I’d put there until my mom made me come home,” he said. ”I found a little corner with some light on it and I’d spend all my time there.”

In my experience Weir isn’t a very reflective man. He doesn’t think about his past accomplishments all that often. This award has surely given him a time to consider what he’s done — which is more than anyone, himself included, expected — but he’s still looking forward.

“I definitely feel like there’s a lot of business to take care of in my years going forward,” he says. ”Where that leaves me when it is all done, I’m not sure. Hopefully my impact is awareness of the game in this country and that we can produce quality, world-class players. Hopefully I’m doing it the right way – all across the board.”

Interestingly, initially the proceedings were scheduled for the Canadian Open. Then in LA at the Northern Trust Open, I had the chance to ask Weir about the HOF announcement, specifically when and where it would take place. Weir said the plan was to hold it in Oakville in July, which I mentioned was odd since the entrant’s home club was usually the place where the reception took place. Score’s Bob Weeks, who was standing behind me, chimed up that this wasn’t the case — that some had been done at LPGA Tour stops, for example — but he agreed the home club was the normal route. Mike seemed surprised. I think people forget he hasn’t lived in Canada with any regularity since he was 19, and he’s never attended a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame induction and didn’t know the protocol for such events.

The RCGA now seem to see the folly of the initial decision.

“We’re happy to take it to the location best suited to the inductee,” said Karen Hewson, director of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and one of the truly helpful people in the Canadian golf industry, the conference call earlier this week.

Truthfully, Brights Grove is the right place for this. Huron Oaks, where Weir visits a couple of times a year, is the course in Canada most affiliated with the golfer, who was never connected to Toronto/Oakville with the exception of his link to IMG Sports.

“We talked about having it at the Canadian Open – but it was such a busy week. The more I thought about it – when I heard that I could have it where I wanted to have it and that other inductees had it at their home clubs – I thought it made sense to have it at Huron Oaks. Originally I didn’t know I could have it there,” Weir says.

“It is where it all kind of began for me and it is an opportunity to share this moment with a lot of friends and family and people who have been supportive of my career,” he added. “In that regard I thought it was the right thing to do.

New Series of Informative Videos from Parmasters HQ

2009-11-25T10:17:00.002-05:00

My meeting volume has been climbing significantly lately. It’s still manageable, and a productive use of my time, but I do keep an eye on these things. As Lou Gerstner, former CEO of IBM Corp. once said, “Never confuse activity with results.”

Over the next few blog entries I’m going to share some videos. In my opinion, this series of videos is fantastic and basically speaks for itself.

The videos to which I refer all feature Parmasters HQ President and CEO, Tom Matzen, presenting information on one particular aspect of Parmasters. They all feature background footage of Parmasters Memphis.

Again, I’ll share them over the course of the next several blog entries.

This first video focuses on Parmasters Golf Training Centers in general.

You can find the video here.

The Incredible Stories of Vijay, Charlie and Esteban

2009-11-21T13:28:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon the following uplifting post, from 2006, by Matt Adams. Immediately I knew I had to share it on this blog. Enjoy.

You can find the original here.

Vijay, Charlie, And Esteban
By Matt Adams
Posted: March 3, 2006

Forging a plan to get from where we are to where we want to go can feel like a journey of a million miles. Sometimes it helps to see the path forged by others to help us see the possibilities on our own horizons. Take for example, the varied journeys of Vijay Singh, Charlie Sifford, and Esteban Toledo to reach golfing success.

Vijay Singh knew from a very early age that he wanted to be a professional golfer. But growing up in Fiji with five siblings and his parents in a cramped little house, the world of professional golf must have seemed like a very unlikely prospect. Unlikely, that is, if you were not Vijay Singh.

As a boy, Singh loved the game so much that he would sometimes make his way through various drainage pipes that ran beneath the runways of the Nadi Airport to reach the golf course. The pipes were completely dark, and the lanky Singh had to crouch down simply to fit. The putrid water drained sewage to the ocean, and it would normally run higher than his ankles. Singh was so committed to his plan that he would drop out of school by the time he was sixteen in order to pursue his dream.

Vijay Singh was blessed with a gift and a conviction—and these would be the ticket to his dreams. His gift was his ability to play “with peace.” Part of this gift was just his natural disposition. He had the ability to stand over a putt that might mean the difference between playing on the weekend or going home, and he would not be overcome with crushing anxiety. Vijay has long been a student of Eastern philosophy, and he has mastered the ability to control his breathing, and, as a result, his temperament in high-stress situations. Singh was also convinced from very early in his life that nothing can beat unrelenting hard work and practice. He has worn this philosophy like a shield for his entire professional career. Singh has said that the reason he has become successful is that he has always had a disposition to do “whatever it takes.”

Like Singh, Charlie Sifford had to wade through plenty of filth to play golf, but the indignity he endured poured from the hearts and minds of ignorant people. Today Charlie Sifford, now in his eighties, seems relaxed and unassuming, yet his pleasant demeanor belies the trials he had to endure to realize his dream of playing professional golf against the best in the world.

Sifford is an African American, and during his prime years of playing golf, black golfers were banned from playing on the PGA Tour. Sifford would sharpen his game wherever he could. He won the National Negro Open five times straight from 1952 to 1956. Sifford has said he believed that if he kept working on his game, eventually the doors of opportunity would crack open.

Sifford made history in 1961 when he became the first African American allowed to compete on the PGA Tour. By that time, Sifford was forty-one years old, and his best playing days were behind him. Much like Jackie Robinson, Sifford was well aware of the significance of the path he was blazing. What’s more, simply making it to the big dance was not the end of his struggles. Sifford endured insults, threats, and indignities virtually everywhere he played. An example was the time he was barred from eating with the other players in the men’s grill room at a country club in Florida. Sifford was forced to eat in the caddie yard. Many of the other players knew that Sifford’s treatment was wrong, and Ken Venturi led a group of players out to the caddie yard to dine with their friend.

That Sifford could remain focused and committed to his plan to become a professional golfer is an incredible testament to his fortitude. Sifford would go on to win the 1967 Hartford Open and the 1969 L.A. Open. He won the latter in a play-off over Harold Henning at nearly fifty years old.

It is commonplace that great golfers are measured by the number of major tournaments they have won. But Charlie Sifford’s victory over racial injustice could be the greatest success story the game has ever known.

Esteban Toledo also had to overcome great odds to make it as a professional golfer along a path that was marked by extreme poverty, death, and a fighting spirit.

Toledo was born in Mexicali, Mexico as the youngest of eleven children. The family lived in a “choza,” the Mexican word for a hut. Actually, “hut” as a description of his family’s living conditions probably paints too nice a picture. The reality of their existence in the barrio was near destitution. Their tiny house had no plumbing, and their roof leaked like a river during even the smallest amount of rain, probably due to the fact that their roof was little more than cardboard. His family was forced to find space for all of them to sleep on two small beds.

Life was hard on Toledo and his family. When he was a small boy his older brother was found dead in a river, probably murdered. The thought that by 1994 Toledo would be playing on the PGA Tour was inconceivable.

But Toledo was a fighter, literally. Searching for a way to break out of gripping poverty, Toledo turned his hopes toward becoming a boxer. He fought with a ferocity that allowed him to amass a 12–1 professional record. His boxing took him to Tijuana, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. He was once paid $5,000 for a fight in Las Vegas. Toledo thought boxing would be his ticket to freedom, but reality once again put him down for the count.

An infection set in after appendicitis surgery and his boxing days were done. So it was back to the barrio for Toledo. He landed a job at a dusty golf course on the border—the same course where as a kid he used to sell golf balls he found back to the golfers for three for a dollar. Now he was cleaning clubs, shining shoes, doing whatever the boss told him to do. In the small slivers of time when he was not working, he would swing a golf club until the boss told him to stop.

One day, Toledo met Jon Minnis. Minnis was from California, but he might as well have been from heaven. Minnis was kindhearted, and he saw potential in Toledo. Minnis took Toledo under his wing and brought him back to California, away from the oppression of the barrio. Minnis found him a place to live and helped him to become a golfer, nurturing Toledo’s natural athleticism into a highly proficient yet simple swing. Toledo calls Minnis his father for the kindness and mentoring he has provided.

To this day, Toledo’s boxing instincts continue to serve him on the golf course. Toledo believes that boxing teaches you patience under pressure—the pressure of someone trying to knock you out. Toledo learned that the game of golf is like boxing in that you have to wait for your chances. You need to be patient until opportunity presents itself, but while you are waiting you need to work and be prepared. Clearly, Toledo knows the value of hard work and preparation, and he has been smart enough to turn opportunity into success.

The varied paths of Singh, Sifford, and Toledo prove that with conviction and tenacity a dream can be turned into reality.

Copyright 2006 Matthew E. Adams Fairways of Life

Editor's Note: Matt Adams is a reporter for The Golf Channel, equipment expert, twenty-year veteran of the golf industry and speaker. In addition, he is a New York Times and USAToday bestselling coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of Fairways of Life, Wisdom and Inspiration from the Greatest Game. Fairways of Life uses golf as a metaphor for life and features a Foreword by Arnold Palmer. To sign up for Adams’ Golf Wisdom email quotes or for more information, go to www.FairwaysofLife.com.

Continue to (Re)Consider the Optimal Size (Sq. Ft.) for Parmasters KW

2009-11-19T07:51:00.000-05:00

We’re working on many different aspects of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, including space planning, networking to find the correct final additions to our investor team, working with agents to do the same, etc. We’re also reviewing the optimal size for your golf training center.

We’ve always targeted a floor plan of approximately 15,000 sq. ft. Parmasters’s experience suggests that a center of this size would support a membership of approximately 1,500. This seems reasonable given the number of golfers in Waterloo Region, our specific target markets, and many other factors that we consider.

That said, we also constantly question this logic and thus contemplate a much larger center, as well as a smaller center. Perhaps 25,000 sq. ft. would be a more optimal starting size, with all things considered. Or, perhaps 10,000 sq. ft. is the way to go.

The myriad of factors that must be considered in these decisions are far too lengthy and complex to list here. They do include current circumstances, supplier relationships, the real estate market, timing, capital required, likely membership structure, capacity challenges, the location of the next/second Parmasters Golf Training Center in Waterloo Region, and the list goes on and on.

Nevertheless, as we work to secure the last remaining portions of capital that we require to build and operate Parmasters KW, still working towards a 15,000 sq. ft. center, we do have the option to adjust that footprint size up or down as we see fit. And we continue to review that decision, to ultimately ensure we’re building the best golf training center this side of the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. (My colleague Colin Christensen is building a Parmasters center in Edmonton as I type.)

Also yesterday, unfortunately, my eldest son’s high school football team lost their semi-final tilt. They played a powerful opponent that beat them very handily in the regular season. Yesterday they lost 13-7, and had several opportunities for another major score, but just couldn’t quite get the extra few inches required. Regardless, my son and his teammates played a fantastic game, focused and determined. They gave it everything they had, and they left that field knowing they’d done so. It’s something they’ll always remember.

Ferris Brothers Launch The Golf Glove

2009-11-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

Friends of mine have launched a new golf-oriented website and online community. The Golf Glove launched earlier in 2009 and has been growing steadily since.

The founders are brothers Jason and Andre Ferris. Andre is the Canadian Regional Franchisor for Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc.

You can find The Golf Glove at www.thegolfglove.com. It contains a wealth of content, news, views and interesting golf-related information.

You can also subscribe to their newsletter to bring a great source of golf information directly to your email inbox.

This past weekend was busy with quite a bit of work and lots of relaxing as well. I introduced my two sons into the western movie genre with the modern flick, 3:10 to Yuma. We definitely enjoyed it.

I also picked up two more golf-related books.

Published in 1993, Great Golf Stories boasts 21 individual short stories. It was edited by Gordon Jarvie and includes stories by incredible writers such as Stephen Leacock, A.A. Milne, John Updike and many others.

The Golf 100 is Robert McCord’s 2001 account of the top 100 golfers to ever play the game. Of course, and unfortunately, McCord actually focuses on the top 100 male golfers. He does address female golf, dedicating some 20 pages at the end of the book to his take on the top 40 female golfers. This compared to some 360 pages devoted to the men.

But, setting aside the sexism, McCord’s account dedicates multiple pages to each of the golfers that make his top 100 male golfers list.

Remember, the book was published in 2001. So, who holds the number one position, in 2001, in McCord’s eyes? Jack Nicklaus.

You can then likely guess number two. Yes, it’s Tiger Woods.

Rounding out the top ten, in McCord’s view, in order from two to ten, we have Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Walter Hagen and number ten, Gene Sarazan.

Some interesting mentions include Vijay Singh way down at number 78, but of course this book was published before Vijay challenged Tiger for the number one ranking in the world. Lee Janzen makes the list at number 87. And gregarious John Daly rounds out the list at number 100.

The World’s Best Tee – Ontario Golf Magazine

2009-11-14T10:12:00.002-05:00

It seems perhaps not all tees are created equal.

Ontario Golf Magazine, in their periodic electronic newsletter, included a snippet from Ted McIntyre’s blog. McIntyre highlighted test results from GolfTest USA.

GolfTest USA evaluated 24 different tee models based on ten different criteria. Sixty “testers” were involved, with GolfTest USA selecting the evaluations from the 50 testers they felt “rated all the tees in the fairest and most consistent manner.”

Unfortunately, the ten criteria were all subjective (e.g. tester was asked to “rate how durable this tee is”) and not objective (e.g. driving distance in an automated setting).

McIntyre’s blog mention can be found here, and is included below.

The GolfTest USA results can be found here.

THE WORLD’S BEST TEE

I knew Evolve Golf’s Epoch tee boated [sic] some serious numbers—I mean with 123 major Tour wins, including 46 PGA Tour victories, since it 2004 debut, and all. But now it’s official, thanks to GolfTest USA’s 2009 “Comprehensive Golf Tee Test.”

The Epoch tee downed 24 competing designs from every other leading manufacturer. Determined by a panel of 60 testers rating each tee in 10 categories, the test examined performance, appearance, ease of use, durability and eco-friendly composition. (Technically, the Epoch tied for the overall top mark with the Perfect Tee, but since it kicked Perfect Tee’s ass in the distance category, I’m giving Evolve Golf the edge.) Check out the results here.

Leadership Waterloo Region AGM

2009-11-13T08:12:00.001-05:00

It’s been a great week thus far, with many productive meetings and lots of projects moved forward significantly. And it’s still only Friday morning. Still three more days to go!

I attended the Leadership Waterloo Region AGM last night. I went through the program in 2001 and 2002. Of the 25 or so that were part of our 2002 class, only four of us attended last night, myself and three ladies. I’ve lost touch with too many of those old friends.

Yesterday early afternoon my eldest played nose-tackle in their first post-season football game. His team won 14-0, and he personally had another great game. Now they’re off to the semi-finals sometime next week.

And lastly, as I sped through yesterday, zipping from the office to meetings, to the office, to more meetings, and ultimately noting that many old friendships from 2001-2 had fallen off; I was reminded of this poem. Perhaps it will serve as a welcomed and well-timed reminder for some of you.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,'Hi'

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Gary Player Receives Canadian Lifetime Achievement Award

2009-11-12T08:18:00.004-05:00

Gary Player, the Black Knight himself, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Golf Business Canada Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Golf News Now provided excellent coverage in their Industry Insider newsletter this morning.

The first article, found here on the GNN website, and also included below, covers Player’s win.

The second article, found here on the GNN website, and also included below, notes Player’s reaction and his acceptance speech. As always, he spoke with eloquence and grace, while consistently challenging his audience to think. Please enjoy.

Player Receives NGCOA Award

November 11, 2009 by GNN

Gary Player has been presented with the inaugural Golf Business Canada Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

The Black Knight was honoured for his remarkable playing career, as well as his charitable work, design business, environmental stewardship, his work with children and his emphasis on physical fitness at the NGCOA currently underway in Vancouver.

NGCOA executive director Jeff Calderwood applauded Player, known as the world’s most-travelled athlete, as a big reason for golf’s growing global popularity in recent decades.

“Of all the people who may have played a role in leading us to where the golf industry is today, none has had any more positive impact than Gary Player,” said Calderwood.

Abandon Greed For Green: Gary Player

November 11, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson

For all the compliments Gary Player received upon receiving the Golf Business Canada Lifetime Achievement Award yesterday in Vancouver from the National Golf Course Owners Association, he handed some back to Canada.

“You have sufficient food to feed yourselves. You have a rainbow coalition of people, high standard of education,” said the Black Knight, who has been traveling throughout this country since the 1950s.

“You’ve got the minerals. You’ve got the oil. You’ve got the water, probably one of the most important ingredients. The world is running out of water very fast. It’s going to be one of the great problems of the world,” he said.

In his own inimitable fashion, Player was warning us about complacency, that things don’t stay the same and we should be prepared for big change and golf is part of that evolution.

“There are people who are against golf courses and, to a certain degree, sometimes they’re right because we use too much water and too much fertilizer,” he said.

“Now, we’re going into a new era where we’re going to use less fertilizer and we’re going to have great respect for the environment and that’s something the young people have got to do,” said Player, 74.

In order to reach that ultimate goal of golf being an environment-friendly greenbelt for all to enjoy, Player says the golf industry needs to separate itself from the greed that caused the recent economic meltdown, which is affecting his design company like any other business.

“We had 65, plus or minus, active jobs and I would say that, due to the economic crisis, 30 said, `Well, we’ll continue in two years.’ Another 15 said, `Okay, we’ll wait a year,’ and the other 15 were gone,” said Player.

“It’s affected me like everybody else and I think it’s a very good thing. It’s detoxed the world to a great extent. I think we’ve got to get away from that greed and cut back to basics,” he said.

That will affect not only the oversupply of golf courses in many areas, but our approach to building them, according to Player.

“We’ve got to now make sure we go in and redesign golf courses, make them shorter, make the greens less undulating, so the members can enjoy it and do something to encourage the family to take an active role in the golf club,” he said.

Of course, the temptation in recent years has been to super-size golf courses, muscle them up to tour standards, making them more intimidating to the majority of golfers who don’t play anywhere near that level.

A big part of that has been in reaction to the benefits of technology. Player says he is hitting the ball farther now than in his prime.

“Due to the technology, I hit the ball on a calm day, normal conditions, 260 and in my prime, I hit it about 250, but it you gave me the equipment they have today, I would have hit it 310,” said Player, who zeroes in on one aspect of technology for the challenges golf is facing today.

“The ball is going way too far,” he said. “They should cut the ball back 50 yards for every professional tournament. This is why we’re finding ourselves in trouble. The golf ball has ruined golf. The golf ball is partly responsible for these high costs and for the demise of golf at the moment.

“Every single golf course is making the golf course longer, the greens more undulating and the members hate it, the ladies hate it. There are less rounds of golf. The costs are just soaring,” said Player.

“Leave the golf course the length they were and cut the ball back,” he added.

“It’s for the good of the game”

It’s also good for the environment with less land usage and less water and fertilizer usage.

Football, Music, Hockey and Investors

2009-11-10T08:58:00.000-05:00

I haven’t blogged since Friday, largely because it’s been a busy time.

Last night I was up at RIM Park again, attending the WSM clinic with my oldest son. We were only there for a short while as he’s now fully recovered from his torn oblique. This wasn’t any great surprise as he took on the nose guard position in his team’s last regular season football game last Thursday evening.

He finished the game with a punt block, a fumble recovery, several scrimmage line tackles or part tackles, and another nice tackle on his team’s 4-yard line, to prevent a TD. He’s also back playing hockey, helping his line pot two of the team’s four goals last night in their 4-2 win.

My youngest has been recovering from a nasty cold. He was away from school part of last week, and none to spry even over the weekend. He is back to school this week, thankfully. Yesterday he netted a 4- (I believe that’s like an A-) on his musical recital. He plays the trombone, and is really enjoying it. The music teacher at his school does an incredible job with all of the students, including those that show very little interest in music until they meet her!

My youngest also nailed a French test, missing just one question. Although he wasn’t very pleased about that.

If I sound rather like a proud father, it’s because I AM! I know I’m blessed.

The bulk of today will be spent in meetings, just as was the case yesterday. I’ll be viewing some interesting new website software shortly.

We continue to work night and day to track down the ideal investors for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Hence the volume of meetings. We’re making progress, and we know where we’re going.

Olympic Inclusion ‘Opens the Door’ – Lorne Rubenstein

2009-11-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

Lorne Rubenstein wrote a nice piece a while back on golf’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympics. I touched upon this subject of course, here, but have wanted to share this Rubenstein article, excerpted from the Globe and Mail.

You can find the article online here, and also included below.

Olympic inclusion 'opens the door'

LORNE RUBENSTEIN

Published on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 12:00AM EDT
Last updated on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 2:59AM EDT

rube@sympatico.ca

Ryo in Rio. Can't you just see this as a headline when golf returns to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro?

Japan's Ryo Ishikawa is 18, he's playing for the International team this week in the Presidents Cup, and he's likely to qualify for the golf competition.

Okay, great. We got the cute headline out of the way. And yes, it's potentially helpful to the game's growth that golf will return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, when Canada's George S. Lyon won the gold medal in St. Louis. Sure, only Canada and the United States competed, but a gold medal is a gold medal. Men and women will compete in Rio. But does golf's admission to the Olympics mean that it's suddenly become a truly global game?

Well, it's actually always been a global game. The International Olympic Committee's imprimatur wasn't required to confirm golf as an international sport. It's been played around the world for many, many years. The game as we know it began in Scotland centuries ago. Or was it the Netherlands? There's evidence for that as well. It's been played in India and Australia and Canada and the United States and China and South America and Eastern Europe and France and Italy and Israel and elsewhere.

People who know something about the history of golf must shake their heads when competitions come along that supposedly put an official stamp on golf's international nature.

When the Presidents Cup came along in 1994, it was said it was needed because more players from outside the United States, Britain and Europe were winning tournaments.

But South Africans Bobby Locke and Gary Player had won majors long before then. Argentina's Roberto de Vicenzo had won the 1967 Open Championship. Australia's Peter Thomson had won five Opens. Bob Charles of New Zealand had won the Open.

Meanwhile, the first official Ryder Cup was played in 1927. Amateur golf has long had the Walker Cup for men and the Curtis Cup for women. Canadian industrialist John Jay Hopkins founded the annual World Cup in 1953, for teams of two professionals representing countries around the world.

It was first called the Canada Cup. Hopkins founded it to promote what he called "international goodwill through golf."

Golf has long spanned the globe, then. The IOC didn't recognize that, while there was criticism of the game as an elite sport even up until the member countries voted to include it in Rio. Meanwhile, the organizing bodies of the game, meaning the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and smaller groups, including the Royal Canadian Golf Association, didn't do enough to disavow critics of that belief.

Golf should have been included in the Olympics years ago. It isn't an elite sport, except that it's reported as such and few publications or television networks pay any attention to its amateur side, or even any professional tours beyond the PGA and Europe. There's a false impression golf is all about the Masters, the other three majors, and the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and maybe even the Presidents Cup, although it doesn't make much, if any, of an impact in Europe.

But golf is about all the people who play it far from the elite private clubs. It's about the golfers slogging it out in the rain yesterday at Toronto's municipal Don Valley course and whacking the ball around the Kildonan Park course on the banks of the Red River in Winnipeg, and all the public courses across the country.

Golf in the Olympics could provide kids playing these courses, and yes, private courses as well, the dream of representing their countries. Boys and girls and young men and women who know something about the Olympic Games because of their profile might now focus on golf.

That could also happen in Asia, of course, where golf is still relatively young. But the game is going to have to be made far more accessible, which means less expensive, than it is now. Millions may well take up the game in China. They'll need courses that are affordable.

In the end, there's no point in being a curmudgeon about golf getting into the Olympics.
Mike Weir said at the Presidents Cup yesterday, it's "awesome news." He said its inclusion "opens the door for so many kids around the world and in Canada who may be playing junior golf today and competing for a gold medal in seven years."

Fair enough. It's indeed long past time that golf should have been in the Olympics. But at least the game is in. Now we'll see just how many doors it opens around the world, or whether it will do nothing more than provide another stroke-play competition for Woods, Lorena Ochoa and their fellow tour pros.

Do You Allow the Happy Moments as You Golf?

2009-11-05T08:24:00.002-05:00

I’ve recently subscribed to a very brief email, a daily quote if you will, from the Abraham-Hicks organization. This is what it said yesterday.

“A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don't allow the happy moment, because they're so busy trying to get a happy life.” -Abraham

Isn’t that so very true! So many people run around, working/worrying themselves into the ground, promising that they’ll slow down and really enjoy life (i.e. they’ll be HAPPY) once they achieve X.

“X” of course varies from person to person. It may be a new job, a new car, a vacation, when the children are older, once they finish some schooling, blah, blah, blah. The point is many people refuse to enjoy the moments because they’re waiting until the future to enjoy life.

Now let’s look at a game of golf.

Can we not say that a happy round of golf is just a string of happy moments? Can we not go on to state that most people don’t allow the happy moment, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy round of golf?

Do you do this?

Say your tee shot on the 5th ventures out of bounds. Perhaps not a “happy moment.” But, you begrudgingly hit three off the tee and eventually find yourself on the green, within twelve feet, facing a bogie putt. And you drain it. Do you “allow the happy moment?” Or do you complain to your partners that it should have been a birdie?

Have you ever made a big number on the opening hole, whatever a “big number” is to you and the current state of your game? Have you ever let that big number derail your confidence, your enjoyment, your ability to be in the moments, for several holes thereafter, perhaps even for the entire round.

So you’ve just made that big number on 1 and you’re now several strokes over par. Number 2 is a par three and your tee shot lands gently on the green, six feet from the pin. Do you “allow the happy moment?”

And lastly, here’s a far more telling example. Your tee shot finds a massive wooded area on number 18. You eventually get back to the fairway, but the rest of the whole is a bit of a mishmash and you end up taking a triple. But two of your playing partners have just birdied the hole. Do you celebrate with them? Are you happy for them? Do you “allow the happy moment?”

Perhaps you should take some time before your next round of golf to consider the fact that, indeed, a happy round of golf is just a string of happy moments.

Brad Matthews Leaving Whistle Bear

2009-11-04T07:28:00.002-05:00

Brad Matthews has reportedly resigned from the Whistle Bear Golf Club. Golf Scene reported this news in their periodic electronic newsletter, specifically in From the Publisher section by Norm Woods. You can find the Golf Scene article here, and also the Matthews snippet below.

The Golf News Now electronic newsletter also reported on the Matthews departure (available here) and included the following quotes from Matthews.

“I have loved working here at Whistle Bear and I’m certainly proud of the accomplishments of the entire club since opening in 2001,” said Matthews.

“Working with the owners, talented staff and the members has made this facility what it is today. I was searching for a new challenge and I’m really looking forward to the next stage in my career, as well as spending a lot of time with my family,” he added.

Lastly, I must share this photograph. (Thank you Rose!) It’s titled Sunset at the North Pole and was apparently taken during the week of May 11, 2009. A friend shared this with me; I believe it’s making the rounds via email. Our universe most certainly includes some humbling and awe inspiring sights. We must simply slow down and see them. Enjoy!

From Golf Scene:

And another note from Brad Matthews, long-time area golf professional and most recently the Director of Golf at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge. Brad has decided to leave the golf business and move into the financial services field. Brad will be missed by everyone. He was a great promoter of the game and has had a highly successful golf career. Good luck in your new venture Brad and thanks for all you have done for the game of golf in the area.

Striving Relentlessly to Find the Correct Investor(s) for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo

2009-11-03T08:13:00.002-05:00

We continue to work relentlessly to develop the remaining outstanding capital required to build and operate Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. One key strategy we’re putting in place now involves greatly extending our network of contacts by linking up with other extensive networks. This allows us to put the opportunity in front of many more individuals, and will hopefully help us uncover the ideal investor(s).

The Information Cards that we printed and distributed in the latter half of the summer have yielded many inquiries, which of course was their stated purpose.

We are more than confident that the correct investor(s) shall be found. Parmasters KW will not only be a tremendous indoor golf training center, ready to serve the needs of golfers, offering, of course:

Better golf. More fun. Guaranteed.

Parmasters KW will also become a fantastic business, offering those that help create it a tremendous opportunity to play a major role in helping golfers improve their games and have more fun on and off the golf course.

I recently came across a September 2009 media release from a company called EDR Media. It seems they’ve acquired The Golf Network. The media release is available here and I’ve included it below.

The Golf Network, as mentioned previously here, is one of our suppliers, offering flat panel LCD displays beaming golf news and coverage 24x7 into each Parmasters location around the globe.

EDR Media acquires digital out-of-home golf retail network
11 Sep 2009

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - EDR Media has announced that it has formed Sports Retail Networks LLC and has completed the acquisition of The Golf Network, a high-end digital out-of-home signage network currently serving advertisers at golf retailers across the country at the point of purchase.

The Golf Network was launched in 2008 after two years of development and production by its founders and Big Picture Studios. Hosted by award-winning ESPN golf commentator Jim Kelly and popular actress/entertainer Susan Anton, the high-definition digital signage network features interviews and tips with top golf pros and many Hall of Famers, technology updates, travel and lifestyle features, and related information and advertisements directed to the nation’s avid golf enthusiasts.

Studies show that the network already has produced significant results in-store. According to Arbitron, The Golf Network has produced a sales lift of as much as 30 percent in testing locations, and over 40 percent of viewers made an unplanned purchase after watching the network’s programming.

The Golf Network currently airs in 100 stores nationally, including Golf Etc., Golf USA, Pro Golf Discount, ParMasters, and Dunham’s Sporting Goods, and reaches an audience of over four million viewers. The Network plans to increase to 250 locations by the end of 2009, with an ultimate build-out to 1,000 locations.

Happy Halloween to All – Be Present

2009-11-01T11:26:00.001-05:00

It’s been a busy Halloween weekend thus far. Mostly lots of fun with my two boys.

As mentioned a while ago, my eldest was injured in his first regular-season football game. We enjoyed the comforts of the Grand River Hospital emergency room the next morning.

Well, his recovery continues. He tried to play a couple of weeks ago but reinjured himself in the first series. Thus, he’s been off both the football field and hockey rink most of both seasons.

We’ve been heading up to Waterloo Sports Medicine at RIM Park for regular treatments and advice. It’s a great facility run by Mike Clermont and his team. Special thanks to Angela and Craig, as my son seems to be making great progress.

We were at WSM again on Friday afternoon.

Friday evening we watched the second Transformers movie while playing some board games and preparing for Halloween. My youngest son picked out Transformers. It's not really my favourite genre, but I did enjoy it. Good choice on his part!

Saturday morning we watched another movie, Yes Man, along with lots of other Halloween preparation.

We also learned that pumpkins are sometimes sold out on the afternoon of Halloween. We did eventually find some, but it took a while.

Of course, handing out treats last night was lots of fun. I didn’t see many ghosts, goblins or other scary creatures. We were mostly visited by princesses, movie characters, cute little frogs and puppy dogs, and many similar passersby.

All of these activities, especially the young and glowing faces that visited while trick or treating, reminded me of this following quote.

“There is one thing we can do, and the happiest people are those who can do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present. We can be all here. We can ... give all our attention to the opportunity before us.” -Mark Van Doren

Our visitors were most definitely “completely present.” My boys were also “completely present.” And, happily, so was I.

Top Four Golf Myths – From Golf Canada

2009-10-30T08:15:00.004-04:00

The June 2009 issue of Golf Canada, published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, included a wonderful, brief article by I.J. Schecter. The article focused on the “Top Four Golf Myths.”

Here are a few key quotes from the article.

1) Don’t Think

Here’s the problem: For most recreational golfers, it’s everything we can do just to stay focused on the ball ... Ummm... you better think.

This relates to my blog post from yesterday, specifically item 5) from yesterday, “Tomorrow will come anyway. Live and fully enjoy here and now.”

2) Drive for show, putt for dough.

If you can’t get a driver to cooperate with you, your putts are going to have as much consequence as Paris Hilton.

Great quote!

This too relates to my blog post from yesterday, specifically item 4), “Focus on a solution.”

3) The clothes make the man (or woman).

Accessorize as much as you like, but this is one sport that leaves everyone equally naked.

Another great quote!

4) You hit it as far as you think.

On most shots between the tee and green, most golfers chronically under-select clubs.

How true it is!

You can find the entire article here, on page 38. I’ve also included an image of the article below.

Positivity Blog Post – Overcome Your Worries [While Golfing]

2009-10-29T11:44:00.003-04:00

I follow (subscribe to actually) a blog known as The Positivity Blog. The title pretty much tells the whole story.

One of their recent entries was titled “How to Overcome Your Worries: 5 Timeless Thoughts from the last 2500 Years.” As the title suggests, of course, the gist of the article was how to focus on the positive and be action-oriented, rather than sitting and worrying about life. Good stuff.

Being a golfer as well as a business guy, as I read the article, I immediately contemplated how these Thoughts would apply to both the business world AND the game of golf.

You can find the entire article here. I urge you to read it, as it includes many great tips on how to move from worry to action.

In the meantime, here are the 5 Timeless Thoughts, some quotes from the article, and some GOLF RELATED THOUGHTS.

1) 80-90 percent of what you fear will happen never really come into reality.

“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” -Winston Churchill

This is a big one but one that is easy to forget about. Most things you fear will happen never happen. They are just monsters in your own mind. And if they happen then they will most often not be as painful or bad as you expected. Worrying is most often just a waste of time.

GOLF RELATED THOUGHTS:

Golf is such a fantastic analogy and microcosm for life. While golfing, quite often your ball simply goes where you place your focus. If you focus on the fairway, your ball lands softly therein. If you focus on the water left, or the forest right, your ball makes its way there.

So in some ways, yes, 80-90 percent of your fears will come to fruition, if you focus on your fears.

But there’s another way to look at it. All of you have stood up on the tee, worried about the water left, and then conjured up all sorts of fears and negative emotions related to the possibility of hitting it into the drink.
- You have a great round going and one bad shot will ruin it.
- Your partners will laugh at you.
- You’ll make a big number on that hole.
- There’s water left on the next two holes as well.
- Why do you even play this game?
- Blah blah blah!

And what happens if you do happen to get your ball wet? Well, you drop, hit your approach up onto the green, two-putt, take your bogie and move on. Big deal!

A round of golf is full of shots that don’t turn out perfectly. And yet, golf goes on, life goes on, and you make the very best of your next shot. And 80-90 percent of your fears do not come true.

2) Don’t mountains out of molehills.

“Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” -Arthur Somers Roche

It’s very easy to fall into the habit of making mountains out of molehills. You think and think about a small problem until it becomes something that you believe may ruin your life.

GOLF RELATED THOUGHTS:

Once again, this is what most golfers do with hazards, be they bunkers, waste areas, rough, water, etc. Hazards are not simply physical in nature. They’re primary effect is mental.

Golfers look at a tee shot with a couple of bunkers in play and somehow mentally those bunkers come to dominate the vista.

In reality, their ball’s landing area is 90 percent fairway, with a bit of rough way off on either side, and a couple of sand bunkers. But in many golfers’ minds, the landing area is 90 percent hazard and 10 percent fairway.

3) Let go of that familiarity and certainty.

”People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them.” -George Bernard Shaw

Whatever you have been doing perhaps for decades feels familiar and comfortable. Even if it may be something destructive as worrying. Taking a leap of faith and going into the unknown, making a change that may turn out to be positive, can feel scarier and more uncomfortable than what you are used to. Even if what you are used to is worse in the long run.
...
One great tip that I have learned for making it easier to let go is to first accept it. Then to let it go. When you accept something instead of resisting it you stop feeding more energy into your problem and making it even bigger. A bit counterintuitive.

GOLF RELATED THOUGHTS:

So you, like many golfers, slice the ball with your driver. This great burden seems to weigh you down. On the first tee you announce to everyone that you’re a slicer so you’ll apologize up front for some time spent off to the right in search of your ball. Before each round and even throughout each round, you constantly lament and think about your dreaded slice.

Well, perhaps you’re more attached to your slice than it is to you.

Hit your 3-wood off the tee. Leave your driver in the parking lot. Between rounds learn to hook the ball. Then to draw the ball. It’s really not that difficult! And in the meantime, simply let it go. Stop thinking about it. You’ll be amazed at the results!

4) Focus on a solution.

“There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem.” -Harold Stephen

To move out of worry it’s very helpful to just start moving and taking action to solve what you are concerned about.

GOLF RELATED THOUGHTS:

So, back to that first tee. You have water left and a forest right. You can already feel the tension throughout your arms, shoulders and chest. And you’re still putting your shoes on in the locker room!

Stop worrying and start focusing on a solution. Accept your reality for what it is. Those two hazards, left and right, have you frazzled. Fine. Accept that. And move on to devising your solution. What are you going to do about it?

You could consider hitting an iron off the tee. You could commit to reorienting your thoughts, your focus, and your intention towards the vast fairway. You could decide to hit a low-trajectory, hooded shot which is more likely avoid the dangers. You could commit to hitting a draw up the right side, or a fade up the left.

The point is, accept your reality, whatever it may be. Stop fighting it. And move on to a solution!

5) Tomorrow will come anyway. Live and fully enjoy here and now.

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” -Leo F. Buscaglia

It may sometimes seem that by worrying we can less the sorrow of tomorrow. But it never works. It only sucks the life out of today and this moment.

To be able to live better today and to be able to take that action to prevent the possible sorrow it’s important to learn to live in the present moment. Because it’s there that you can do things in the best possible way with your focus fully on what you are doing.

GOLF RELATED THOUGHTS:

If you’re worrying about the outcome of a shot you’ve not yet hit, that means your attention is not focused on your current shot.

Even the very best golfers in the world focus all of their attention, all of their skills and abilities on the current shot. They do this because they realize that they’re not perfect, they’re not superhuman. They understand that the execution of the current shot demands ALL of their attention, no matter how good they may be.

So how is it that you feel you can execute the current shot with only a fraction of your attention? (Because the rest of your attention is focused on worrying about the unknown future.) Are you so much better than the world’s premiere golfers that you feel you can execute shots while your mind wanders elsewhere?

Focus on the here and now, on the current shot!

Golden Triangle Angelnet a Golden Opportunity for Local Entrepreneurs

2009-10-24T08:48:00.002-04:00

It was bound to happen eventually. It seems I caused a little confusion with a comment I posted on Facebook the other day. I posted the following on Randall Howard’s Facebook page:

A full house is great. I think Angelnet is well positioned to succeed where others have, well, failed. Happy to help if I can.

I was referring, of course, to the recently launched Golden Triangle Angelnet, an organization that brings together active angel investors to listen to pitches by companies seeking seed capital. A friend and colleague, Rob Douglas is the driving force, along with his partner Carl Furtado (also a good friend and colleague). Randall had noted that the previous evening Angelnet had attracted a full house of angel investors, which is a wonderful thing.

So, to be clear, yes, I absolutely support and encourage the work of Angelnet, and also all similar organizations both locally and around the globe. Clearly I’m very passionate about the creation of new companies and the capital sometimes required to do so. I think angel groups, of all forms, can play a tremendous role in facilitating deal flow.

Of course, I’ve been heavily involved in raising seed capital for many different companies, including my own. I’ve also presented to other angel groups, supported other investors as they did the same, researched different angel group models around the globe, and met the principals within several other angel groups. Thus, I’ve formed some opinions.

Two of the largest, and often unspoken, challenges when raising seed capital relate to human relations. First, people invest in people. They invest in people that they know, that they respect, that they trust, and that they like. And second, groups often fall into a trap known as “group think,” whereby one or two outspoken individuals lead the opinions of all others in the group.

So yes, people invest in people. And yet, 95% of those seeking seed capital spend 95% of their time talking about the business and opportunity, and about 5% of their time talking about the people, themselves. Rarely does a potential angel investor get to know much more than surface, boiler plate information about the entrepreneur(s).

In some ways, during a presentation to angel investors, it’s like what Marshall McLuhan said, “the medium is the message.” The presenter, and how he/she conducts his/herself, is the message.

Ideas are a dime a dozen down at the local corner store. Execution is everything. We’ve all heard and understand that most investors will take a mediocre idea executed by a stellar team long before they’d consider a stellar idea executed by a mediocre team.

Several years ago, as I mentored the WLU MBA students that drafted the original business plan for the Accelerator Centre at UW, I met with a gentleman that ran an angel group somewhere in Scandinavia. Unfortunately, I’ve lost touch with him and cannot remember his name. However, what struck me about their model was that it seemed far more like a dating service than a traditional dog-and-pony show, presentation style event.

In this Scandinavian model, they truly focused on helping potential investors get to know the entrepreneurs behind the candidate companies. Social time was extensive. They all sat down over a nice meal. The focus was on human relationships, more so than simply the business idea.

The second major often unspoken challenge is group think. I witnessed this repeatedly within the now-defunct Toronto Angel Group. The company presentation had barely ended, and yet one or two highly negative individuals began dominating the discourse. Others who may have had a very positive opinion on the investment opportunity felt pressured and bullied, and thus kept quiet.

I’ve also witnessed this group think phenomena in other asynchronous presentation settings, such as when a company presents to one particular investor candidate, and then he/she ventures off to discuss they idea with his/her advisors. The advisor meetings are generally one-on-one, with the angel, rather than in a group setting. Nevertheless, group think prevails.

The angel will contact the first advisor and discuss the concept. Invariably, he/she will then mention the opinion of the first advisor to the second advisor, often swaying him/her. The third advisor is further swayed by the opinions of the first two, and so on, and so forth.

Yesterday I met with Rob Douglas and of course Angelnet came up in our conversation. I was VERY encouraged and happy to learn that Rob and his team are well aware of these two angel group challenges and have plans in place to mitigate the effects.

So once again, to clarify, I am delighted that the Golden Triangle Angelnet now exists, and I hope and expect that it will help with seed capital deal flow. I’m very passionate about this topic, and remain committed to helping in any way possible.

A History of Golf Illustrated by Sir Henry Cotton

2009-10-23T08:20:00.004-04:00

I recently read A History of Golf Illustrated by the venerable Sir Henry Cotton, published in 1975. Sam Snead wrote the forward.

As student of our great game, of course I enjoy learning both the history and folklore. Sir Henry, being such a giant in golf, relates many firsthand accounts of his interactions with other greats in the game throughout the mid-20th century.

But he doesn’t start nor stop there. Sir Henry traverses golf from its very humble and hardly recognizable beginnings, through the development of new technologies (such as balls, clubs and footwear), continuing through the first and second world wards, they massive expansion of competitive golf in the post-war years, right up to the date of writing, 1975.

The latter chapters focus on women in golf, the caddie, and technique.

I’m not sure how many golf history books have been published over the years. The total must be close to one thousand or beyond. I’ve only read a few, but thoroughly enjoyed A History of Golf Illustrated.

You can learn more about Sir Henry Cotton on the Golf Europe website here. I’ve also included the biography below.

Sir Henry Cotton (1907 - 1987)

Born Cheshire, England, Cotton is remembered as one of Britain's golf luminaries this century.

Cotton came from an upper middle class background and went to public school . Already this gives us some insight into the man in terms of the social hierarchy and class divisions which existed within British society at the time. At school, he was banned from playing cricket as a punishment and instead started to playing golf. He was a natural and turned professional upon leaving school at 17.

He was the top British golfer of his time and went on to win the Open 3 times. Indeed he was the only British golfer to win between 1914 and 1989. He also played in four Ryder Cup tournaments. Cotton, like Walter Hagen, brought to the game flamboyance and style, "The best is always good enough for me". Indeed he was well known for his penchant for champagne, caviar and tailored clothing.

Cotton found the establishment's poor treatment of professionals unacceptable and campaigned against it. He always insisted on honorary membership of whichever club he was associated with. He also helped to set up the Golf Foundation. However, it is the way in which he conducted himself which helped more than anything else to earn professionals the respect they deserved.

When World War II broke out, he was given a commission in the Royal Air Force. During that time he helped to organise a series of exhibition matches with other professionals in aid of the Red Cross. This earned him an M.B.E. After the war, Cotton retired and became a journalist, writer and course designer. He designed the Penia course in the Algarve, Portugal and spent his last years living there.

In recognition of his contribution to British golf, the R&A awarded him honorary membership in 1968. A few days before he died he was awarded a knighthood.

“Why” Has Its Place in Adding Context and Understanding

2009-10-21T08:57:00.005-04:00

We’re all familiar with the famous George Bernard Shaw quote: “You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?”

While I truly love this quote, and believe in all it advocates, there remains arguably much to learn in the question “Why?” For why seeks context. Why seeks clarity. Why offers some homage to the decisions of the past. Why seeks first to understand.

As Stephen Covey wrote, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Why simply seeks some knowledge of the past. As we continue the quote-fest herein, Dan Sullivan noted that “All progress begins by telling the truth.”

My interest in history, in the past, most certainly grows as I get older. And yet, the way I employ my knowledge of the past – to whatever extent said knowledge exists – also continues to evolve.

There’s the school of thought that follows George Santayana, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." But another school of thought advocates our ability to make the future whatever we so choose, and by continued focus on the past, we actually increase our chances of repeating it. I tend towards the latter of these two opposing views.

So why all this focus on why? Well, because I had an astounding “why” experience a few days ago. I’ll get back to that later. For now, if we employ “how” for a moment, how might why help us all in our daily lives?

The answer, of course, lies above: context, clarity, understanding, the truth.

For example, when someone does something that disappoints you, angers you, frustrates you, etc., do you ask why he/she/they did so? Do you truly ask why, in an effort to understand?

When someone teaches you something, like a new skill, do you ask why it’s best to perform the skill the way that is taught?

Now to our golf games, where why can be quite powerful!

Do you ask why you don’t consistently hit the ball straight? Do you ask why you don’t consistently make all putts within five feet? When you take a lesson and are taught a new skill, do you ask why?

Don’t get me wrong, I continue to advocate the power of “how” questions as well, such as “How do I learn to hit the ball straight consistently?” But why helps us with context, and knowledge of the past.

I noted above that I recently enjoyed an astounding “why” experience. My father was notorious for not wanting to leave tips. This was most pronounced, and from my perspective also embarrassing, in restaurants. He’d often begrudgingly leave a quarter or two after a meal of $50 or $100. I would often lag behind and discreetly leave more, only to invariably be caught by his watchful eye.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I picked up some of his old Boy Scout books, dusted them off, and asked my mother if I might bring a few back to my Kitchener home to peruse. She agreed of course, and so on Tuesday evening of this week my two boys and I flipped through a couple of these mid-1940’s Boy Scout books.

And what did we find on page 174 of Scouting for Boys, written by Lord Baden-Powell himself, published by C. Arthur Pearson Ltd., in and around 1940?

Then “tips” are a very bad thing.
Wherever you go, people want to be “tipped” for doing the slightest thing which they ought to do out of common good feeling. A scout will never accept a “tip,” even if it is offered him, unless it is to pay for work done. It is often difficult to refuse, but for a scout it is easy. He has only to say, “Thank you very much, but I am a scout, and our rules don’t allow us to accept anything for doing a good turn.”
“Tips” put you on a wrong footing with everyone.
You cannot work in a friendly way with a man if you are thinking how much “tip” you are going to get out of him, or he is thinking how much he’ll have to “tip” you. And all scout’s work for another ought to be done in a friendly way.
I have had a number of letters of admiration for the scouts in many parts of the country on account of their doing good acts and then declining to be tipped for them. I am very glad to hear it, scouts.
Of course, proper pay that is earned by your works in another thing, and you will be right to accept it.

So there you have it. The point is not whether one agrees with the answer to why, but rather the context and understanding offered when one asks “why.”

Latest Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo Newsletter

2009-10-20T13:28:00.004-04:00

The following update went out, via email, to the many members, future members, shareholders and stakeholders who are involved in Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. We look forward to opening your incredible indoor golf training center soon!

Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo Update

Hello Fellow Golfers,

We’ve made significant progress in the development of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo since our last update and we’re excited to share the news.

As noted previously, one of our largest investors has taken longer – much longer – than anticipated to free up the capital for the investment in your golf training center. This investor has once again made fantastic progress since our last update! We’re more confident than ever that we’re not far from construction, finally.

In August, the Waterloo Region Record reported – and we were already well aware – that TriOS College had signed lease for space within Market Square. The leased space does indeed involve some of the space we were intending to occupy. However, clearly there remains a large amount of vacant floor space within the same general area in Market Square. The only implication for Parmasters KW involves a reconfiguration of our space plan to fit a different footprint.

Even as our largest committed investor makes great progress, we’ve opened discussions with several groups across the Waterloo Region and the province to raise the remaining capital from other sources. We’ve worked hard to develop new and innovative strategies to quickly locate and engage with appropriate potential investors. These new approaches are developing very positively.

We made the very simple decision to temporarily close our Temporary Event Center (TEC) at Market Square. We did so in late September. This decision will ease the financial burden on our firm during this period, as we raise the final capital required to build your golf training center. The TEC will re-open when the timing is perfect.

Once again, we urge you to send your fellow golfers to the Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo website – www.parmastersgolf.com/kitchener-waterloo . All interested golfers should register for these regular email updates.

Stephen Southern
Franchise Owner, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo and Southern Ontario
www.parmastersgolf.com/kitchener-waterloo
shsouthern.blogspot.com
twitter.com/shsouthern

Golf Tip
By Scott Hazledine , PGA Master Professional
Parmasters Co Founder & Director of Instruction

How Dynamic Balancing Helps You Control Your Ball Movement

The two most obvious things to look at when trying to control your ball movement are your grip and release position. You can experiment with a grip change by pronating your left h and , and by supinating your right h and . That is, move your left and right h and s to your right. If you play left h and ed simply reverse this procedure. FYI - I prefer not to experiment with grip changes.

Instead my preference is to experiment with the balance of the golf club. By this I mean when you have completed your swing, point the shaft towards the target. This is how Moe Norman did it. The position of the club head will show your release action by its "vertical" angle from heel to toe to the target.

Here is what you do. Take a full, fast, 100% swing and follow through the entire way. Now bring the club head down pointing to the target, i.e., the shaft is almost horizontal to the ground. Look down the club shaft, and you'll see the relationship between the club face and your target. Imagine that the club head is the large h and on the face of a clock with the twelve o'clock position being skyward, and six o'clock being towards the ground. The toe of the club will be pointing either straight up to the twelve o'clock position or to the right or left of twelve o'clock. More often than not, the toe will be pointing at twelve o'clock or more towards one o'clock if you consistently hit fades.

To hit a draw your balance of the club head must be left of twelve o'clock and towards eleven o'clock, or even left of eleven o'clock. Hold your position with the shaft pointing at the target, and move the club head to a point left of its original position. Now step up to the ball without changing your grip and swing normally. The balance of the golf club will feel quite different in your h and s because the club face will be more closed to your swing path. Your normal swing and release will yield a draw or even a hook. Remember to swing and release as you normally do. The only change you've made is the balance of the club through impact and separation.

You achieve the desired ball flight by turning the balance more and more to the left. Once this happens you will need to adjust your alignment accordingly. I suggest you accomplish this by aligning your shoulders to the right of the target by the amount you want to draw the ball.

If you attempt to manipulate the club by turning your h and s over faster - unless you have world class timing and tempo - it will lead to disaster. I advocate going to a simple single axis grip so you can release the golf club the same way every time, and the club will square up without pronation and supination of your forearms and h and s. This is the simplest and most accurate way to control spin. The balancing of the golf club will produce controlled fades, draws, and dead straight ball flight at will. My stroke video does an admirable job of explaining and demonstrating this principle.

When you watch professionals on TV observe their finish and you'll notice that their club balance is normally at twelve o'clock or slightly towards one. With a few practice sessions the balance of the golf club will not distract you as it does at first.

My nickname when I was playing competitively, "Dial a Shot," comes from my ability to control spin. Balancing the club to a point on the imaginary clock before I swing allows me to release the golf club the same way every time and lets the dynamics of the golf club's balance through impact and separation control spin and ball movement.

Best regards,
Scott Hazledine,
PGA Master Professional
Co Founder & Director of Instruction

Recent Blog Entries

By Stephen Southern
Franchise Owner, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo and Southern Ontario
shsouthern.blogspot.com
twitter.com/shsouthern

Parmasters’s First Virtual Franchise Owners Conference
Brief Article on Southwest Greens at Parmasters
Kavelman-Fonn Foundation Backs Canadian Amateur Golf Championships
“Stare at the target and glance at the ball”
Parmasters KW and Others Active on Twitter

Golf Quote or Joke

“It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification.” -Bruce McCall

Source: The Quote Garden ( www.quotegarden.com

The Match by Mark Frost Promises a Great Tale

2009-10-19T13:31:00.007-04:00

I started this blog entry earlier this morning but had to leave the office for a breakfast meeting. I met with the principal and a director of a very unique, young company that aspires to compete amongst industry giants. What a fantastic and enviable challenge! We’ll see how this plays out over the next 5-20 years.

Last night I was perusing some golf magazines that have piled up, including Golf Canada – published by our very own Royal Canadian Golf Association – from June of this year. On page 32 I stumbled across a brief review of a book titled The Match. The book was written by Mark Frost, and the review was written by James McCarten.

The Match apparently focuses on “a little-known Cypress Point money tilt – fairway titans Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson [(two towering Texan golf giants)] versus amateur sensations Ken Venturi and Harvie Ward!” It sounds like a fascinating and entertaining read!

You can find the review online here. I’ve also included two images below that show McCarten’s entire review from the Golf Canada website.

On this past Thanksgiving weekend I took my Mother out for a lengthy Sunday afternoon drive – it was a cloudy but remarkable day – to wander until we were lost and view the changing leaf colours. The images below were taken during this jaunt.

Golf Approved for 2016 Olympics

2009-10-16T08:37:00.001-04:00

I’m looking forward to the Oktoberfest 5k run on Sunday. I’ve only completed a few 5ks so far this summer, and this will likely be the last for the season. Hopefully I can better my previous best time of some 25 minutes and change.

This past Thanksgiving Monday saw the first and only staging of the famed Peace Street Classic. A great old friend and I, both of us having grown up on Peace Street, get together periodically to contest for the Classic trophy. The historical results are noted towards the bottom of the right hand column of this blog. Despite my clear losing record, and after an extensive frost delay, I did manage to squeak out a 2 and 1 victory at Mill Run, near Uxbridge, ON.

The golf world recently enjoyed some very big news, as our grand game ... er ... I mean our grand sport has been brought into the summer Olympic fold. The world’s best will compete for Olympic gold starting in 2016 in Rio De Janeiro. Golf News Now provided great coverage available here, and included inline below.

Golf Is Approved for 2016 Olympics

October 9, 2009 by GNN

Golf has received final approval from the International Olympic Committee for play starting in 2016 in Rio De Janeiro.

“We are elated that the IOC membership has accepted golf as an Olympic sport and look forward to seeing the world’s best golfers compete for gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation Olympic Golf Committee.

“We thank the IOC for its support, and also congratulate rugby sevens for its inclusion in the 2016 Games,” said Votaw in a release.
Golf and rugby sevens were recommended for the Olympic Programme by the IOC Executive Board in August following an extensive review process involving seven sports that were vying to be added to the 2016 Olympic Games.

Although they emerged as the finalists, both sports still required final approval on Friday in Copenhagen by a majority of votes cast by the members of the IOC.

“We strongly believed that golf deserved to be added to the Olympic program and felt that we presented a compelling case to the IOC,” Votaw said.

“We have received unprecedented support from international golf organizations throughout this process, as well as from the world’s top-ranked men and women players, which was critical to our success. We also stressed the universal nature of golf, with 60 million people playing the sport in more than 120 countries.”

Based on player feedback, the IGF has proposed a format of 72-hole individual stroke play for both men and women. In case of a tie for either first, second or third place, a three-hole playoff is recommended to determine the medal winner(s).

The IGF also has recommended an Olympic field of 60 players for the men’s and women’s competitions, using the World Golf Rankings as a method of determining eligibility.

The top-15 world-ranked players would be eligible for the Olympics, regardless of the number of players from a given country.

Beyond the top-15, players would be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top-15.

Current world rankings from both the men’s and women’s games show that at least 30 countries would be represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions, from all continents, under this proposal.

Spectradigital Corporation Media Release

2009-10-14T10:54:00.002-04:00

I’m a director of Spectradigital Corporation. We put out an announcement recently. You can find it here, and also included in line below. This company has such incredible potential!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2009

Contact Information
Ed King
970 207 1112

SpectraDigital Announces HIV/AIDS Initiative with a Brazilian partner

Fort Collins, CO –- SpectraDigital, Inc. of Fort Collins and SpectraDigital Corporation of Canada announced the publication in the September issue of Nature Biotechnology (http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v27/n9/full/nbt0909-806.html) of an article summarizing a partnership model with FK Biotec of Porto Alegre, Brazil (http://www.fkbiotec.com.br), to undertake a joint AIDS/HIV project. FK Biotec is a biotechnology company based in Brazil.

In addition to this Brazilian project, SpectraDigital also has a joint project with Dr. Lawrence Goodridge of CSU that is developing a platform technology for rapid detection of food-borne pathogens. SpectraDigital is also developing a project with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine on TB diagnostics, and is seeking research partnerships in Africa on a malaria diagnostic project.

Ed King, President of SpectraDigital, Inc. remarked that the, “Nature Biotechnology article aptly recognizes the efforts of both SpectraDigital and FK Biotec to move forward projects that promise to deliver much needed testing services that are affordable and innovative. The ability to foster partnerships such as these is important in our economic times. Our solutions are aimed at bringing low cost diagnostic tests to resource-challenged areas and low margin industries like agriculture”.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-10T20:40:00.000-04:00

I've just returned from our annual post-Thanksgiving feast walk. It's become a family tradition, in an effort to help us all feel better following a celebratory and glutinous meal.

There's nothing quite like the enjoyment of a turkey supper with all the fixin's, as they're called!

All the very best to you and yours on this Thanksgiving weekend, and always thereafter.

These wise words by Goethe seem quite fitting:

We must not hope to be mowers,
And to gather the ripe gold ears,
Unless we have first been sowers
And watered the furrows with tears.
It is not just as we take it,
This mystical world of ours,
Life's field will yield as we make it
A harvest of thorns or of flowers.
–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Parmasters’s Virtual Conference a Wrap

2009-10-09T11:02:00.002-04:00

We wrapped up our virtual Parmasters franchise owners conference yesterday afternoon. As always, the group embodies an abundance of enthusiasm, drive, determination and commitment, along with a great mix of expertise, experience and innovation, of course.

In one of the less complex sessions we spoke about time management and effectiveness. One colleague shared the term “switch-tasking.” He didn’t coin the term, and he noted where he’d heard it, but the origin escapes me at the moment. The premise behind this term is quite simply that for the most part, humans are not capable of “multi-tasking.”

(The term multi-tasking originated in the computing world, when computers eventually gained the power necessary to perform two or more minor computing functions at the same time.)

The originator of the term switch-tasking argues apparently that we humans rarely achieve true multi-tasking. Rather, we simply switch back and forth from one largely all-consuming task to another. We “switch.” We don’t truly “multi” (even though that’s not a verb).

Of course, examples were given whereby humans can truly multi-task, specifically if one/more of the tasks is so menial as to not require much mental attention and/or capacity.

Another colleague shared he following formula:

(K + S) x A = S

K = Knowledge
S = Skill
A = Action
And “S”, of course, equals Success.

I’ve seen this before, and sometimes it’s tweaked slightly. But the point remains powerful.

May you all increase your knowledge, your skill, or both, and then amplify that with lots of action. Be well!

Parmasters’s First Virtual Franchise Owners Conference

2009-10-07T07:47:00.001-04:00

It seems autumn hath arrived in southern Ontario. Whilst this season does offer challenges, adjustments and, in some cases, rude awakenings, it remains one of my favourites. All that’s happening around us at the moment, as much of nature transitions from life and growth to preparation for slumber and dormancy, continually dazzles as a great spectacle of this world.

Once again it’s been a busy period for Parmasters KW and Parmasters Golf Training Centers (our franchisor) as well. We’re in the midst of our first virtual franchise owners conference. We had all considered gathering in Memphis, TN, USA this week, just as we gathered in Las Vegas, NV, USA earlier this year, but schedules did not allow for the travel and the time away from other commitments. These conferences involve colleagues from three continents and several countries.

So, instead, we’re all gathering virtually for several hours of meetings daily. Technologies such as Webex, conference calling, Skype, MSN and the like have helped these meetings run surprisingly smoothly, devoid of but a few technical challenges.

Today we take a much-needed break from the conference, but that simply means a relatively full day of local Parmasters KW meetings. Happily I’ll also be enjoying a nice evening out on the town later.

I have a few different outstanding Parmasters KW items that require my attention. I’ve also been working with a Montreal firm that requires some of my time in the next day or two.

Last night I did some wood working with my youngest son. He’s developed an idea for a rather unique Halloween costume, and so we puttered about in the garage last night designing, cutting, shaping and sanding.

As mentioned last week, my eldest son suffered a couple of minor injuries in his team’s season opener. The finger is healing well, but his hip remains a nagging injury. Apparently he can barely jog, and running full out is simply out of the question at the moment, much to the chagrin of his coach who wants to continue to employ him on both sides of the ball. We were hoping he would play this week, as the opponent is a top-rated team.

For now, I’ll leave with a quote. A lady with whom I went to high school included this on her Facebook page last week, with no attribution. I’m not sure if it’s hers, originally, or not.

“Yesterday I was less. Tomorrow I will be more. Today I will be all that I can BE. Enjoy LIFE!!!”

Attempted Review: Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth

2009-10-03T11:54:00.001-04:00

I sit here on this gorgeous fall Saturday in rather a conundrum. You see, I typically dedicate approximately 30 minutes, at most, to each blog entry. That time includes spell checking, including any relevant links, posting, etc. It’s more than just writing time.

Earlier this week I finished reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. So it’s now time to post a brief review of Tolle’s latest offering. Therein lays my conundrum.

I’m not certain it’s possible, within the confines of a blog entry, even if I toss my 30 minute allotment to the wind, to do justice to this tome. And so, how do I convey a few thoughts on this work? Will a “few thoughts” do this book justice? No! Do I possess the literary skills to review this book in any way? I’m not sure.

I’ve leafed through the book again, searching in vain for a few excerpts to which I could point and say there, that’s what A New Earth is all about, and that’s why you should read it. For indeed, you should read it! My search came up dry. There are no such excerpts that possibly even aspire to capture the essence of Tolle’s message. Every word, on every page, is important.

But, enough of my procrastination.

A New Earth will either resonate with you, or it won’t. You’ll either be lost in the first chapter or two, or you’ll get it. And there’s nothing wrong with the former, nor anything particularly inspired in the latter. Put simply, you’ll either find yourself ready for this message, or you won’t.

As may now be rather obvious, I do highly, strongly recommend A New Earth. However, I also recommend that you read The Power of Now first. I believe the reading of A New Earth comes through in a much deeper, more meaningful way if building from the foundations of The Power of Now.

In A New Earth, Tolle expands upon his Power of Now message, taking the reader into a much deeper understanding of the awakened state that he believes is possible for all. Tolle delves into wonderful anecdotes to weave his message into everyday circumstance to which the reader can relate.

As the title may suggest, A New Earth also explores the macrocosm of what may be should enlightenment and consciousness spread throughout mankind. While The Power of Now focused on the individual, the microcosm if you will, A New Earth ventures into the realm of society, our species, and indeed this entire, incredible universe.

So here’s the thing. Read the book! If you find yourself lost, put it down for a while, perhaps a year or more. Then go back to it. Repeat until you no longer find yourself lost, until Tolle’s message resonates with you. Thenceforth, enjoy an awakened life!

Now I shall fire off an email to Tolle urging him to tailor his messages to the great game of golf. I suspect the impact on our enjoyment, and our overall average handicap, would be nothing short of startling.

Football Injuries

2009-10-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting in emergency with my eldest son. Looks like his finger is broken. His hip is also bothering him. I'm feeling like the young guy here.

He played football last night and never left the field: tight end on the O line, defensive end on the D line, and also the kick-off and kick-return teams. But maybe now he's paying the price.

For now he's in getting some pictures taken.

Great Tip to Make To-Do Lists More Effective

2009-10-01T12:53:00.003-04:00

Thank you for your insightful comment Shelagh. I will adopt this technique, perhaps substituting something like “Yes!” (because it’s brief and easier on my BlackBerry) for “Success!”

This reminds me of yet another favoured quote.

“Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things ... I am tempted to think ... there are no little things.” -Bruce Barton

I was chatting this morning with the Don Smith. He’s the former Athletic Director at Wilfrid Laurier University (one of my alma maters), and also former coach of the WLU golf team. Thank you to a friend for the connection. Don seems like a true Renaissance man, something to which I aspire.

Ontario Golf Magazine, in their fall issue, and also in their September 24, 2009 email newsletter, issued the results of their “popular biennial ranking of the province’s Top 50 layouts.” You can learn more about their ranking here.

Congratulations to Westmount G. & C. C. which made the list, once again, this time in the fourth spot. Any of you lucky enough to play Westmount, whether regularly, periodically, or only once, will most certainly agree that it ranks amongst the nation’s gems.

Recently Made the Switch to a Daily To-Do List

2009-09-30T15:31:00.001-04:00

I’ve recently made a change to the way I organize and “intend” my day (each and every day), and it’s been a very positive adjustment.

I’m a very heavy user of Microsoft Outlook and my BlackBerry. (I tend to burn through BlackBerry’s at the rate of about one per year.) In both tools I list all of my outstanding Tasks, my Contacts, my Calendar, email of course, and other miscellaneous notes.

I generally sit down sometime each Sunday and organize my schedule for the coming week. I make sure I have ample time to travel from one meeting to another, I may adjust meetings to reduce travel, etc.

I also take this time each Sunday to review my outstanding Tasks, to ensure the list is accurate and, to the best of my knowledge, complete. All of my Tasks are categorized in two ways. First by the role in my life the Task pertains too (for example, Son, Father, Home Owner, Parmasters KW, S.H. Southern and Associates, etc.), and then also by urgency and importance.

Now for the change I’ve recently made.

In the past, each Sunday, I would allocate time throughout the coming week to tackle each Task. It’s very easy in Outlook to drag and drop a Task onto your Calendar. So, as a hypothetical example, I might allocate 8:00am to 9:00am on the Tuesday to updating the Parmasters KW website. And then I may allocate 9:00am to 10:00am to another Task. Etc.

I’ve now switched to a simple daily to-do list. I’m not sure why, but I’m finding this new (to me) approach both easier to organize (and re-organize as the day progresses), and also more productive.

I’m not sure if it’s the simple joy of crossing an item off my to-do list, or if it’s the fact that I can see my Tasks for the day in one very succinct view, or if there’s some other factor(s) at play. Regardless, the change has been positive, and thus has become habit.

So now, at the close of each day, I simply prepare my to-do list for the next day. Whether doing so on my BlackBerry or in Outlook, it’s quick and simple to drag existing outstanding Tasks onto my daily to-do list.

Oh, in addition, my daily to-do list includes a list of calls that I must place that day, emails I must initiate/send, and other activities.

Now I can revisit my to-do list and cross off the task “Write blog entry.”

Make it a great day!

Brief Article on Southwest Greens at Parmasters

2009-09-29T09:33:00.001-04:00

Ah what a beautiful day. Of course, if you’ve read this blog much over the past years, you’ll understand that I do realize that EVERY day is a beautiful day. It’s a gift, as they say, the present.

Yesterday quickly became a day of many meetings, and today shall be of great resemblance.

My Tuesday hockey also starts today. I didn’t get out last year, but shall endeavour to make the most of it and seize the opportunities this year. One can’t make up for lost time, and I’m not even certain time is ever truly lost, but I am looking forward to hitting the ice once again.

I happened upon a brief article on the Parmasters KW short game area, written and offered forth by Peter Turkington of Strategic Communications Solutions on behalf of Parmasters Canada. I covered Southwest Greens in an early blog post here.

Here’s the article.

The chip and putt are two of the most important strokes in golf which only get better with practice. Parmasters Golf Training Centers make it possible to practice these strokes year round in their indoor golf centres.

Just ask players such as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Mike Weir and they'll tell you that improvement only comes through consistent training and practice. Few ever imagine reaching their playing level, but concede that any improvement would be a step in the right direction.

Whether professional, experienced, casual or new, all golfers agree with the old adage, that "practice makes perfect." And yet, it's actually perfect practice that makes perfect. And that means training in the ideal conditions. What's challenging for the average golfer is finding the time and place to practice year round.

"It's no wonder that professionals putt well when many of them, such as Vijay Singh, have professionally designed golf greens right in their own backyard," says Parmasters Chief Golf Professional and Co-Founder, Scott Hazledine. "To have one of these would be any golfer's dream."

"Having a surface this good to practice on is incredible," says Vijay Singh, 2004 PGA champion. "[It… performs like a tour green."

The putting greens are so realistic and play like real greens that a golfer can play the same stroke that's used on real grass. "We've found that pros and amateurs can greatly improve their putting strokes by being able to rely on consistent putts with a "true roll" from every position on the green," says Weston Weber, founder and owner of Southwest Putting Greens Technologies, Inc.

Over 25 PGA pros own these putting greens, and it is these same, quality greens that Parmasters are installing in each of their 12,000 to 15,000 square-feet golf centres.

Weekend Full of Productive Meetings

2009-09-28T09:34:00.000-04:00

We awoke here in KW this morning to a thunderstorm and a nice rain. The rain will help some plants I’ve been nursing along, and the storm simply provided some enjoyable sounds. Hopefully no damage was done by lightning or wind.

I’m just coming off a very busy weekend, full of meetings and children’s activities. The meetings occurred both within and outside of the region, and all were very productive. The activities with my boys were, of course, most memorable and enjoyable.

I’m blessed with two young lads that impress me and make me increasingly proud each and every day. They’re not perfect, by any means. None of us can claim that distinction. But they make good decisions, they’re kind and thoughtful, and they know how to embrace the fun in life.

Ice hockey season has officially started in my household which of course means an adjustment to the normal routine and schedules. My eldest has also started his high school football season, which I look forward to watching, pacing up and down the sidelines.

We’ve made some good progress with Parmasters KW over the past couple of weeks. Capital remains the primary focus, and indeed the focus of many meetings of late. We know where we’re going, and we know that Parmasters KW will begin construction and open for business as soon as humanly possible.

We’ve also had a few other developments which I’ll elaborate on another time, later this week.

For now, I’ll share a quote, new to me, that happily came my way this week.

“Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances --- to choose one's way." -Viktor Frankel, concentration camp survivor

A Very Connected World

2009-09-25T10:09:00.000-04:00

I’ve been flying a little under the radar this week, largely on a self-imposed quarantine. I’ve been fighting a cold. It hit quite seriously on Sunday and only abated yesterday.

One of the great aspects of this connected world in which we live – even though I and many others would argue that it’s ALWAYS been a very connected world – is the ability to work from just about anywhere. Well, at least in my line of work anyway. So it’s also been a fairly productive week.

And in the interests of some rest to recover, I’ve been devouring Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth. Almost done, and more to come on that another day.

Of course, I had to cancel quite a few meetings this week. I did attend one on Tuesday afternoon, but that was a mistake, and lead to a significant relapse in the cold.

For now I’m off to Hamilton and Oakville for some meetings. I’ll part with one of my favourite quotes.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” -Joseph Campbell
... because we’ve always lived in a very connected world!

Entrepreneurship Quote

2009-09-18T09:25:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting in the Symposium Cafe as I type, blogging remotely. Lots of meetings today, and an early start.

I've been visited repeatedly by a rather persistent house (aka restaurant) fly. I wonder if he's a messenger of some sort.

I'm waiting for an old friend who will join me shortly. Bill and I met whilst enrolled in the MBA program at Wilfrid Laurier in the mid-1990's.

Last night I worked away on a mammoth bird house project with my two boys. This is no ordinary bird house, as it stands about two feet tall, with a foot print of some three sq. ft.

It's a good experience for the boys as they're learning about planning, materials lists, power tools, etc.

Last night we did the first assembly, putting up four exterior walls and the sun-floor as well. Exciting stuff!

And lastly, I came across this quote the other day and found it both telling and a little tongue-in-cheek.

"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't." -An entrepreneurship student of Warren G. Tracy

Make it a great day!

Kipling Wrote About Life... and Golf

2009-09-17T08:15:00.002-04:00

I was reading a few poems the other night, and it struck me that many of them apply not only to life, but to golf as well.

As I’ve often mentioned, and as many agree, a round of golf forms a wonderfully telling metaphor for life. A season of golf similarly brings forth the ups and downs, the easy times and the tough times, both for you and for your fellow golfers. As we handle the many emotions brought forth during a round/season of golf, so we also navigate life.

And so, as I read “IF” by Joseph Rudyard Kipling, and then re-read it several times, it struck me that he could easily have been writing about the sport we all love, golf.

IF.....

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

By Joseph Rudyard Kipling

Parmasters KW To Seek Talks With RCGA and Kavelman-Fonn Foundation

2009-09-15T07:51:00.000-04:00

Several of you have rightfully pointed out that we at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, and indeed all of Parmasters Canada, should consider involvement in Canada’s national amateur golf championships. Thank you!

As mentioned previously in this blog, both here and here, “Research In Motion (RIM) executive Dennis Kavelman, along with a Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundable Capital Partners, have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada. ... The BlackBerry leader, along with McCarthy, have committed to “help finance a five-year RCGA initiative to elevate Canada’s national amateur championships to ‘best in class.’””

Kavelman’s involvement comes via his Kavelman-Fonn Foundation.

We will indeed seek discussions with the RCGA, Kavelman and McCarthy, to see what role, if any, Parmasters might play in these worthy initiatives.

Local Golfer Ryan Kings Earns Non-Exempt Status

2009-09-14T11:02:00.000-04:00

I’m coming off another crazy and most enjoyable weekend, and have had a great start to the day. I spent some nice time with friends and also with my Mother, my children, etc. Great weekend!

I started reading Eckhart Tolle’s latest book, A New Earth on the weekend. More to report later.

And there’s some great news from the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School. Ryan Kings finished T14, which was good enough to get him non-exempt status for the 2010 campaign! Congratulations to Ryan!

You can learn more via the leader board here, the list of qualifiers here, and a final wrap up article by John Berkovich, published on the Canadian Tour website here, and also included below for your enjoyment.

Graduation Day At Q-School

Saturday, September 12, 2009 – Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

BURLINGTON, Ont. – Johnny Bloomfield fired a three under par 68 and ran away with medalist honors at the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School by seven strokes over Will Strickler.

Bloomfield finished the tournament at 14 under par 270.

Sharing third spot at 278 are Robbie Greenwell who closed with a 65, Daniel McCarthy (69) and Michael Gligic who managed a one over 72.

Finishing tied for eight and earning exempt cards at 280 are Dan Buchner (71) and Peter Laws who shot 73.

Australian amateur Adam Stephens closed with a 68 to grab a share of tenth with Devin Carey (68), Jeff Puska (72) and Derek Oakey who had a 74.

Louis–Pierre Godin struggled home with a 77 but he and Marc Peterson (67) survived the four man playoff to grab the final exempt spots over Tyler Matthews and Ryan Kings.

“I came here to get status and winning is a bonus,” said Bloomfield, who pocketed $2,000.

“I just waited to see if there was a chance for me to win and made sure I was playing consistently today.

“Coming down the line, I didn’t know what the scores were but I felt I had a chance to win with the way I was playing.

“This is a big boost for me,” continued Bloomfield. “To win in a large field like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m going to the European Tour Fall Qualifying School and this will help.

“My game is consistency. What gets you in golf is your nerves and your emotions.

“If I do start getting a little bit excited, I tell myself, ‘Trust in your natural ability.’ I was a good player as a youngster but over the years that trust became a problem.

“I’ve learned that what matters is not perfection but hitting the ball solidly and knowing that it is going in the vicinity that you want it to.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing the Canadian Tour next year.”

Having struggled through his rookie season, Michael Gligic earned an exempt card for 2010 with his T-3 finish.

“I was confident for the first eight holes, especially after the birdie at the fourth,” said Gligic (pictured).

“Starting early with a birdie instead of a bogey was a good feeling and then I got another one at the eighth."

One behind at that point and aiming for the win; Gligic double-bogeyed No. 9 and could only watch as Bloomfield continued his methodical game of fairways and greens.

“I don’t know what the word is, but I guess I wanted it too bad and made a bad swing on nine,” continued Gligic.

“I pulled it a touch and thought it was going to fly the bunker but it ended up way back. I think it hit the tree nearby and rolled back.

“I chipped it on (the green) and three putted. That was pretty much the end of my day.”

Although he reacquired exempt status, Gligic was disappointed with his final round performance.

“It was tough to get it back after that double-bogey,” he added.

“Johnny was playing so steady that I knew I had to keep making birdies. I didn’t do it, though, and kept missing putts.

“I knew he (Bloomfield) had me the last couple of holes and I turned the switch off. I was playing to win this.

“But I’m back next year and that is what counts in the long run.”

2009 Fall Qualifying School

Exempt Status

Pos - Name

1 - Johnny Bloomfield
2 - Will Strickler
3 - Robbie Greenwell
4 - Daniel McCarthy
5 - Michael Gligic
6 - Mathieu Rivard
7 - David Markle
8 - Dan Buchner
9 - Peter Laws
10 - Adam Stephens
11 - Devin Carrey
12 - Jeff Puska
13 - Derek Oakey
14 - Louis-Pierre Godin
15 - Marc Peterson

Non-Exempt Status

1 - Ryan Kings
2 - Tyler Matthews
3 - Barry O'Neill
4 - Jason Humphrey
5 - Chase Cronk
6 - Tyler Martin
7 - Nick Cullen
8 - Jeff Lai
9 - Randall Hutchinson
10 - Andrew Jensen
11 - Jacob Scriven
12 - Danny Sahl
13 - Roger Sloan
14 - Lindsay Renolds
15 - Ju Young Park

Kitchener’s Ryan Kings T5 Midway Through Canadian Tour Q-School

2009-09-11T09:24:00.001-04:00

I’m following the progress of Ryan Kings this week as he competes in the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School event. Ryan is youngest the son of good friends Mary and Marty Kings.

The event, taking place at Burlington’s Hidden Lake Golf Club, started Wednesday morning. Apparently 127 players are vying for 15 exempt and 15 non-exempt tour cards.

Ryan, who tees it up at 1:50pm this afternoon, currently sits tied for 5th (T5) at -5 or 137 for the tournament. He was even par 71 on Wednesday and then went low to 66 – tying the two round s posted by tournament leader Louis-Pierre Godin who has shot 66-66 (-10) – on Thursday.

You can find the full leader board on the Canadian Tour website here, as well as the Fall Qualifying School main website here.

I’ve also included below a recent article, found below, on the event, written by John Berkovich, and posted on the Canadian Tour website here.

Halfway Home For Tour Applicants

Thursday, September 10, 2009 - Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

BURLINGTON, Ont. – Louis-Pierre Godin fired his second consecutive five under 66 to hold a one stroke lead after two rounds of the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School.

Godin is at ten under par 132, one ahead of Jamaica’s Johnny Bloomfield who came in with a 67.

Sharing third spot at 136 are Jacob Scriven (68) and Randall Hutchinson (pictured) who fired a four under 67.

Both Peter Laws and Robbie Greenwell shot 67 to share fifth spot at 137 alongside Ryan Kings who had a 66.

Tyler Martin followed his opening 67 with an even par 71 and sits alone in eighth at four under 138.

“I had a shaky start with a three-putt at the first hole but I gathered myself up and made a bunch of birdies,” said Godin, who made eight birdies against three bogeys.

I’ve been driving the ball really well and my distance control is good."

Although Godin played solid golf under the brilliant sunshine, he feels he left a few shots on the course.

“I hit a couple of wedge shots close but the pace of my putts was actually a bit off,” continued Godin. “I left some short and hit a few too hard at the beginning.”

“Then I bogeyed 10 and 11 but made birdies at 14, 15, 17 and 18 coming in.”

His best birdie of the day was at the par-3 17th where he drained a 25-footer.

“That was a good one,” said Godin. “It was a pretty straightforward putt but making a putt of that length feels good.”

Splitting the fairway with his tee shot at the par-5 18th, Godin came up just short with his second.

Chipping to within three feet, he calmly rapped home the birdie to grab the lead.

“You always want to play good golf and that thinking doesn’t change at a qualifying school,” said Godin. “You still want to win the tournament no matter what it is.

“But we’re not done yet; we’re only half way through so I have to keep doing what I am doing.”

One stroke behind Godin is Jamaica’s Johnny Bloomfield.

Bloomfield, 30, is attending his first Canadian Tour Q-School but has plenty of international experience.

“I’ve played all over the Caribbean, the Tour de Las Americas, the Golden Bear Tour, the Nationwide Tour, you name it,” said the soft-spoken pro.

“I made a couple of bogeys but I played well. It was just steady golf of hitting down the fairway and then putting it on the green.”

Bloomfield had three birdies on his opening nine but stumbled in the middle of his round, making bogeys at both 11 and 13.

Bearing down, however, he came right back with a birdie at the par-5 14th and picked up additional birdies at 16 and 18.

Recently married and with his wife walking every step of the way with him, Bloomfield credits his bride with a sharp improvement in his game.

“Melissa is the girl of my dreams,” said Bloomfield. “She has been the real steadying influence in my life.”

There is no 36-hole cut this week.

Comments from Author on How Great Golfers Think

2009-09-09T08:54:00.000-04:00

I recently read and reviewed Bob Skura’s book, How Great Golfers Think. My original post is here. Bob was kind enough to send some comments. The rest of this post is the note from Bob.

Steve:
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed reading How Great Golfers Think and I want to congratulate you for not being afraid to get into it. The feedback I get from some people is that they don't want to think about the mental game. They say things like: 'Don't get into my head. I don't want to think of anything when I'm on the course.' As you found out from reading the story, if you learn to think the right way you'll actually accomplish the goal of thinking less because your goals and your reasons why will be streamlined to eliminate all the unproductive thoughts that most people carry around with them.

Another reason why golfers should spend more time on the mental game is because it completes a two-pronged approach. Body builders know that to develop muscles a person must work the flexors in opposition to the tensors. You need to work the triceps to increase the strength of the biceps. In a similar fashion golfers need to develop their mental games in conjunction with their physical games or they'll plateau very quickly regardless of their handicap. How Great Golfers Think gives them a chance to do this and I think that's why leading instructors like Henry Brunton, Dr. Jim Suttie and David Glenz are using it in their programs.

You were asking if I've had any interesting experiences since publishing the book. There have been many but one that was a lot of fun was meeting two of the Big Break P.E.I. contestants when I spoke last week at the Canadian Tour stop in Seaforth. I met Derek Gillespie and Eugene Smith. Eugene was the guy on the show with the quirky swing but I can tell you from watching him that he has very good ball flight. He's proof positive that there's more to the game than mechanics. Not only that but he's a student of David Glenz and read my book so he wanted to meet me which was an interesting turn around.

Until next time.

Bob Skura

Read The Conference of the Birds

2009-09-08T16:18:00.001-04:00

I’m in the middle of another busy day, but have a few moments for a quick blog entry. I’ve met with three Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo shareholders so far today, including a breakfast meeting. These are just informal updates with relatively active shareholders.

Here in southern Ontario we enjoyed some fantastic weather this past weekend, the last long weekend of the summer. I was lucky enough to spend most of it outside, including a bunch of lawn work, pool maintenance, tossing a football with my children and also, of course, some golf. The weekend was jam packed with lots of progress and enjoyment!

I read a book over the weekend called Conference of the Birds. I thought it was an interesting title. And to be honest, I don’t recall when or where I purchased it. The copy I have is new. (Many of my books come from used book stores and sales.) I think perhaps I picked it up in a little town around KW sometime last summer, but I can’t say for sure.

I won’t try to provide a review here, beyond stating that it’s an English translation of a 12th century poem by Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar, and it’s really about the journey of life, from individual, to becoming one with God.

You can find the Wikipedia entry here. The book also exists on Google Books here. I read the abridged version found here.

I also received a nice blog comment from a lady named Susan:

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Thank you Susan. That’s very kind. I’m glad you enjoy.

How Great Golfers Think: Improving Your Mental Game

2009-09-04T10:31:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned earlier this week, I’ve just finished reading Bob Skura’s book, How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game. I wanted to let the message sink in for a few days before I tackled a brief review.

Bob is a local golfer, businessman and resident. Apparently he also enjoys juggling while riding his unicycle. I’m not sure if he integrates any of that into a typical round of golf. Perhaps I’ll have to ask someday.

How Great Golfers Think, as may be obvious from the title, urges golfers to strengthen the mental side of their game, and importantly also offers a complete tool set for doing so. I found it to be well organized, highly informative, and also easy to revisit.

This is not a book you read once and then put on your shelf. To get any value from How Great Golfers Think, you must work through the exercises and integrate the many approaches and tools into your golf routine. And the rewards will be well worth the effort!

The book follows the summer-long journey of a regular four-some, comprised of four very different individuals, as they sit in on bi-weekly lessons offered by their mentor, Doc. It’s written in novel/story form, much like Dave Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. Bob has kindly bolded many important passages throughout the book, making it easy to refer back and review specific sections.

As I read a book, I tend to turn over the corner of any given page that I really want to easily find again. In this book I’ve done so to well over 20 pages!

The vast majority of golfers, those that rarely or never compete, and even some that do compete, are notorious for playing far too much, and practicing and training far too little. And those that do practice and/or train, are often found pounding balls on a driving range, thus working on less than half of their game. Very few spend more than half of their practice/training time on their short game.

And what’s worse, VERY few ever focus on a huge part of golf, their mental game. Have you ever played a round that was an emotional roller coaster? Ever lost your temper or composure on a course? Ever given up on a round because you felt you blew it on the first few holes? Has your game ever plateaued, such that you just couldn’t improve no matter what you tried? Ever lost your determination to get better? Have these questions touched any nerves?

You can learn far more about How Great Golfers Think at the books website, http://www.howgreatgolfersthink.com/.

You can also sign up for Bob’s monthly newsletter, ForeThought.

The book and author have received many accolades and high praise from countless renowned golf instructors, players and coaches.

If you’re at all serious about your golf game...
No, let me correct that. If you enjoy golf, and think it might be nice to get even MORE enjoyment out of golf, I urge you to pick up a copy of How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game.

Oh, I must add one last point. This book isn’t simply about golf. We all know that any round of golf is a wonderful metaphor for life itself. Similarly, this book is really, ultimately, about life. If you’ve read just a few blog entries here, you know that I’m a firm believer in intentionality, focus, belief, and all else that is noted in the movie The Secret.

Bob’s book could easily be re-titled, How Great People Think: Improving Your Mental Life.

Enjoy!

GNN Reports NAGA Canadian Golf Economic Impact

2009-09-01T10:06:00.002-04:00

The August 19, 2009 issue of the Golf News Now (GNN) email newsletter reported on a massive economic impact study focused on Canadian golf. The National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) released the study, conducted by Strategic Networks Group Inc.

According to the GNN article, the study was conducted in 2008 and was “designed to provide new evidence of the economic significance of the sport.” The study included “more than 4,000 golfers and 350 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories.”

I’ve included the entire article below, within which some of the key findings are noted in bullet form. You can also find it online at the GNN website here.

NAGA Unveils Economic Impact Study

August 18, 2009 by Ian Hutchinson

The National Allied Golf Association has released its findings from a nationwide study conducted by the Strategic Networks Group Inc. that included more than 4,000 golfers and 350 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories.

The study, conducted in 2008, was designed to provide new evidence of the economic significance of the sport to the Canadian, provincial and territorial economies.

The findings include all goods and services that are directly and indirectly related to the game and other spin-off economic impacts such as employment and household income at the national, provincial and territorial levels.

The study of golfers is considered accurate to within 1.55 percentage points 19 times out of 20 and the data is adjusted based on an estimated 5.9-million golfers in Canada, according to SNG. The golf course results are considered accurate to within 4.76 per cent 19 times out of 20 and adjusted to the roughly 2,397 courses in Canada.

An executive summary of the study reveals these annual numbers:

Golf accounts for $11.3-billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, including 341,794 jobs, $7.6-billion in household income, $1.2-billion in property and other taxes and $1.9-billion in income taxes.

Canadian golf generates an estimated $29.4-billion in gross direct, indirect and induced spending, while the total direct sales from the industry is $13.6-billion, including $4.7-billion directly from golf courses, facilities, and driving ranges, which is comparable to all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined.

Over 200,000 hectares of green space are managed by golf course operators, including 41,000 hectares of unmanaged wildlife habitat being under golf course stewardship.

Approximately 70-million rounds were played in 2008, a numbers that is as much as 10 per cent lower than the average from previous years.

The Canadian golf industry provides opportunities with 43 per cent of those employed at golf courses being students.

Golf offers higher home values with houses located on golf courses higher than those not adjacent to courses. The total impact on home values in Canada is $1.4-billion.

Each year, there are at least 25,000 charitable events at Canadian golf courses that raise more than $439-million for charity.

Golf is a part of more than 1-million trips by Canadians who spend an estimated $1.9-billion annually on golf-related travel within this country.

Assessing the Month, the Week, the Weekend That Was

2009-08-31T08:07:00.001-04:00

And so here we are, partway through the last day of August 2009. As I always do on the last day of any given week, month or year, I look back at the time that has passed and assess all that was accomplished.

August 2009 included a wealth of progress towards my ultimate goal, which is of course the grand opening of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. However, importantly, this past month also included an abundance of wonderful moments with my children, with friends, with nature, with my golf game, and the list goes on. It’s been a wonderful month.

I spent most of yesterday working on a birdhouse with my children. My eldest developed plans for what really should be described as a bird multi-level MANSION. Over the past month we’ve worked together to refine his plans, select appropriate material, develop a full list of the wall, floor and other dimensions, etc. Yesterday we made the first cuts, including the main floor, the “landing pad,” and all of the exterior walls. Lots of fun, and they’re both learning new skills.

To reward ourselves we finished off by making some delicious chocolate chip cookies, from scratch, of course!

This past weekend also included much of the usual, that being lots of office work, a great workout, some house and lawn work, etc. I also took in some of the Waterloo Busker Festival. The various acts were all amazingly entertaining.

I also finished reading Bob Skura’s book, How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game. I will blog more about this later in the week, as I want to do this local golf offering justice. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

And lastly, during some much needed quiet time, I explored some of my Joseph Rudyard Kipling collection. This excerpt from his poem The Children’s Song captures much of life in a few short phrases:

Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,
With steadfastness and careful truth;
That, in our time, Thy Grace may give
The Truth whereby the Nations live.

Teach us to rule ourselves alway,
Controlled and cleanly night and day;
That we may bring, if need arise,
No maimed or worthless sacrifice.

Teach us to look in all our ends,
On Thee for judge, and not our friends;
That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed
By fear or favour of the crowd.

Teach us the Strength that cannot seek,
By deed or thought, to hurt the weak;
That, under Thee, we may possess
Man’s strength to comfort man’s distress.

Teach us delight in simple things,
And Mirth that has no bitter springs;
Forgiveness free of evil done,
And Love to all men ‘neath the sun!

Parmasters KW Reminder and CPGA ED Resigns

2009-08-29T09:27:00.004-04:00

As I sit here in my office I can see that we’ve been greeted by another rainy, soggy morning. Not the best weather for local golfers. It’s a good thing we’ll start construction on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo someday soon!

As a reminder, for more on Parmasters KW, you can also revisit some of these previous blog posts.

- The Chapters of Indoor Golf
- Don't Check Your Ego At The Door
- Holes For Sale

Today’s post is a mishmash of thoughts and news. I wanted to mention briefly that I visited Southworks in Cambridge recently. Specifically, I spent 90% of my time there in the antique section on the second floor of the north building.

I was amazed to see several extensive collections of antique golf clubs! If you’re a collector of golf lore, you must make the trip to Southworks!

Also, last Saturday, in their email newsletter, Golf News Now reported that current Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) Executive Director Steve Carroll has resigned. His last day on the job will be October 31, 2009. You can find the entire article on the Golf News Now website here, and I’ve also included it below.

CPGA Executive Director Resigns

August 21, 2009 by GNN

Steve Carroll has resigned after five years as executive director of the Canadian PGA, saying he was looking forward to new challenges.

His last day will be Oct. 31.

Carroll came to the Canadian PGA after 12 years as executive director of the PGA of British Columbia. He had previously worked for five years as education program coordinator for the Canadian PGA.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my 22-year relationship with the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll.

“The opportunity and privilege of working with a fabulous group of golf professionals who are passionate about what they do for a living and are experts in the game and business of golf made it a joy for me to come into work every day, I feel blessed,” he added.

Carroll also served as chair of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA), a group that just last Tuesday introduced the findings of its economic impact study. Canadian PGA president Lindon Garron said it will be difficult to replace Carroll.

“Steve has been a tremendous ambassador for the Canadian PGA. His decision to leave is received with mixed emotions,” said Garron.

“We are sorry to see him leave as he has accomplished a great deal for the Canadian PGA, yet we are excited for him as he embarks on a new career path,” he added.

“We will now be challenged to find a new executive director, but it will allow the board of directors to evaluate the position establishing the current skill sets required,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA.

Carroll said he had accomplished the goals he had set out to accomplish at the beginning of his tenure and the timing was right for somebody new to take on new challenges for the association.

“Thanks to the hard work of the national office staff and the support of my colleagues and friends among zone staff, the Canadian PGA, as a whole, has never been in a better place,” said Carroll, adding that Garron and the current board of directors have treated him well.

“My relationship goes back to the beginning when Steve first worked as the director of education and I was the executive director of the Atlantic Zone,” said Garron.

“Throughout the years, we have become not only associates but also friends. We have traveled much together and both share a passion for the Canadian PGA and improving opportunities for our members,” said Garron.

Watch GNN for continuing coverage.

“2010 Amateur Will Be Best in Class” –Ontario Golf magazine

2009-08-27T14:33:00.001-04:00

Ontario Golf reported recently, in their August 21, 2009 email newsletter, that the 2010 Canadian Amateur will be the “best in class.”

As recently mentioned in this blog here, the Dennis Kavelman’s Kavelman-Fonn Foundation, along with Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundtable Capital Partners, “have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada.” The Research In Motion (RIM) executive also committed BlackBerrys to facilitate scoring and communication during events.

Here’s the Ontario Golf Article in its entirety.

As part of an enhancement plan for Canada's national amateur championships, the 2010 Canadian Men's Amateur will be co-hosted by two of Ontario's finest courses: the London Hunt and Country Club and Redtail Golf Course. The first two rounds of the 72-hole stroke-play event will be split between the two courses, allowing for an increase in the field size from the current 156 to 240 players, which will enable the RCGA to now invite the world's top 100 ranked amateurs, including U.S. college and U.S. Walker Cup players, to London, Ontario for the 2010 championship--and that's in addition to the traditional field of Canada's finest players, the bulk of whom qualify through their respective provincial amateur golf championships.

During the championship, competitors will receive first-class hospitality, including a players' banquet, courtesy hotel shuttles and complimentary food and beverage. All RCGA national championships will also feature live scoring, allowing fans from across Canada and the world to follow scoring in real time.

“Stare at the target and glance at the ball”

2009-08-24T11:23:00.002-04:00

I wanted to mention another article from the RCGA’s publication, Golf Canada. Interestingly, it too focuses on intentionality as it relates to golf.

This is very much related to the idea of focusing on what you want; being intentional, rather than dwelling upon that which you do not want. As I mentioned in a recent previous post here, a related article was published by Ontario Golf this summer as well.

In the Golf Canada article, titled Watch and learn, Henry Brunton urges all golfers to get out this summer and watch AND LEARN from professional golfers. Brunton offers five key habits and/or tactics, employed by all world-class players.

Item number two drew my attention. Here it is, quoted from Golf Canada.

Stare at the target and glance at the ball. Most recreational golfers pay too much attention to the ball – in fact many are riveted to it – and the ball actually becomes their target. Watch how top competitive players use their eyes effectively. They stare at the target multiple times, usually locking in on it one last time for two or more seconds before they glance at the ball and pull the trigger to hit the shot. The eyes feed the brain the information necessary to effectively calculate distance and factor in environmental conditions so use them to your advantage.

Focus on what you want!

To quote the movie The Secret, “Energy flows where attention goes.”

The entire article can be found online at the Golf Canada website here.

The article was written by Henry Brunton and included on pages 20 and 21 of the July 2009 issue. Golf Canada is of course published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA).

TriOS College Coming to Market Square

2009-08-22T08:47:00.002-04:00

Our landlord at Market Square, Realex Properties, yesterday announced that a new tenant was coming to Market Square. The new tenant is TriOS College, which will move from their current location at King and Victoria Streets to the main floor of Market Square.

TriOS has leased the space that was originally targeted for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.

We’ve known for a while that this deal was a possibility. Realex has been forthright with their negotiations.

So, what are the implications for Parmasters KW?

There are really only two implications that are at all significant. First, we will, of course, have to look at other areas within Market Square and re-work our space/floor plan accordingly. This will definitely involve a reconfiguration of the intended layout for our center. The total foot print, or square footage, that we occupy, may also be adjusted to fit into an alternative area within Market Square.

And second, and more importantly, Market Square is about to become more vibrant, with an estimated additional 350 to 400 future patrons of Parmasters KW coming through the property each and every day! This really is an exciting, and positive announcement for Market Square, and thus for us as well.

In short, we’re very pleased and excited that TriOS College is coming to Market Square, and we look forward to exploring ways in which we can work with them to the mutual benefit of their students and staff, and our members and other patrons.

The Waterloo Region Record ran an article on this development, posted on their website yesterday. I spoke briefly with Business Editor Ron Deruyter. The article can be found here, and I’ve also included it, in full, below.

TriOS College moving to Market Square
TheRecord.com

Business - TriOS College moving to Market Square
Record staff

KITCHENER – TriOS College is moving its Kitchener campus into the Market Square building in downtown Kitchener.

The private career college expects to move into 16,000 square feet of vacant retail space on the ground level of the building next spring. Renovations will begin in the fall and classes in the new premises are scheduled to begin May 1, said Realex Properties, owner of the Market Square.

The college’s Kitchener campus currently is housed in a plaza at King and Victoria streets.

“A major reason for choosing this location was a quality building, well located at the corner of King and Frederick streets, right near the heart of the downtown of Kitchener,” TriOS chief executive officer Frank Gerencser, said in an announcement to staff on Friday.

He added that the new location “provides easy transit access” for the college’s students. TriOS also will have access to 125 parking spots in and near the building, he said.

The new location will contain 15 classrooms, including larger rooms for the college’s pharmacy assistant, personal support worker and physiotherapist programs.

The arrival of TriOS will bring 350 to 400 people to Market Square on a daily basis, said Realex.

“It is tremendous for the food court and gives the retailers on the ground floor a chance to be more successful so it should be a great fit all the way around,” said John Vickery, manager of marketing and leasing for Realex.

Market Square is a former shopping centre that largely has been converted into an office complex. Its major tenants include the Waterloo Region Record, engineering firm Stantec Inc., a Nordia call centre and Goodlife Fitness.

A golf training centre was hoping to move into the space TriOS will occupy. Parmasters Golf Training Center unveiled plans to move into the building in 2007, but those plans have been held up because it has taken longer than expected to line up investors.

“We are almost there,” said Stephen Southern, owner of the Parmasters franchise rights for southern Ontario.

Vickery and Southern said they still hope to work out a deal to move Parmasters into other vacant space in the 300,000-square-foot building.

“We are still absolutely committed to the square and downtown Kitchener,” said Southern.

Mississauga-based TriOS was founded in 1992. In addition to its campus in Kitchener, it has schools in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa, London and Windsor.

Kavelman-Fonn Foundation Backs Canadian Amateur Golf Championships

2009-08-21T07:48:00.002-04:00

There’s a wonderfully encouraging story in the July 2009 issue of Golf Canada. Research In Motion (RIM) executive Dennis Kavelman, along with a Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundable Capital Partners, have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada.

The Blackberry leader, along with McCarthy, have committed to “help finance a five-year RCGA initiative to elevate Canada’s national amateur championships to ‘best in class.’” Dennis is an accomplished amateur golfer and, according to the article, “admits to coming away from a recent national amateur championship he played in underwhelmed by the experience.”

Within the article Kavelman notes, “To me it’s just as important for an amateur golfer like me who works hard on his game, plays well in his home province and qualifies for the Canadian Amateur or Mid Amateur. That should be a big deal.”

The entire article can be found online at the Golf Canada website here.

The article was written by Rick Young and included on pages 18 and 19 of the July 2009 issue. Golf Canada is of course published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA). Many thanks to great folks at this fine organization for the great work they do, including, of course, Golf Canada!

And lastly, the opening paragraph by Rick Young was quite eloquent. “Are our interests not best served when we analyse with a measure of objectivity? Does honest, open dialogue – when our cards are put on the table – not trump sugar coating reality or obscuring the truth?”

The answer, of course, is a resounding YES! This comes through beautifully in the following timeless truth captured by Dan Sullivan, “All progress begins by telling the truth.”

Kudos to Dennis Kavelman, Peter McCarthy, the RCGA and others for telling the truth, and spearheading progress.

Printing More Little Parmasters KW Information Cards

2009-08-20T07:52:00.004-04:00

The reaction to the Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo Information Cards – as mentioned a while ago here – has been very positive. Those that receive the cards are thankful and interested, and many have followed up and joined our team in one way or another.

Some have registered through the Parmasters KW website for our periodic email updates. Others have started following this blog, or following us on Twitter. And several have called in for more information and further discussion.

Today I’ll be printing another high-volume batch of the cards (pictured below). Once again, if you feel you can assist in distributing these cards far and wide, please let us know.

These Information Cards are of course another small step in spreading the word about Parmasters KW, and thus growing our team of members, future members, shareholders, stakeholders, etc. Every day, in every aspect of our lives, we take small steps, baby steps. Each can seem minute, as if it did not matter. But that is rarely the case.

I’m reminded of the following revealing and timeless quote.

“Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things ... I am tempted to think ... there are no little things.” -Bruce Barton

As I finish this blog post, I’m listening to two squirrels chasing each other around my deck. Perhaps one has a nut that the other covets. Perhaps it’s a territorial matter, or some other issue. Perspective is a fascinating aspect of life. To the squirrels, it’s a very important matter, and yet to me, it’s simply an entertaining and welcomed interaction with this incredible world we enjoy. Perspective changes everything.

Golf-Oriented Vision Boards

2009-08-19T07:52:00.003-04:00

Joyce Schwarz submitted a blog comment after my brief review of her book The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life. You can find my blog post on The Vision Board here, and her comment here.

Joyce has graciously offered a free chapter, available via download, from this website. Enjoy!

She also expresses interest in any golf-oriented vision boards. I don’t have any myself. If you have created a golf-oriented vision board, and would be willing to share it, Joyce is interested. Just email me and we can go from there.

I’ve just started reading How Great Golfers Think by local writer and competitor Bob Skura. I’m only a few chapters in at this point. The book is written in story/novel format, rather than more of a how-to treatise. Four very dissimilar golfers – aside from the fact that they’re all men – embark on a quest to greatly improve the mental aspects of their respective golf games. They quickly stumble upon a trusted sage that offers to impart his wisdom.

How Great Golfers Think follows a pattern or formula similar to another local product, Dave Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. In both cases a knowledgeable and trusted mentor shares timeless truths with eager students of life. It’s a formula that works well for Bob’s book, just as it did for Dave’s.

Once again, as noted yesterday, if you know anyone that may be interested in a great 2006 Dodge Caravan...

2006 Dodge Caravan For Sale

2009-08-18T16:49:00.004-04:00

On a completely different topic...

I have a minivan for sale. It’s a mint condition 2006 Dodge Caravan. You can find more information here on Kijiji.

If you’re interested, or know anyone that might be interested, I would greatly appreciate the connection.

Thanks all!

Do You Focus on the Positive, or the Negative?

2009-08-17T07:46:00.001-04:00

I read Joyce Schwarz’s book titled The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life over the last few days. I found it long on fluff and short on substance. The book seemed to include a lot of filler that I simply skimmed past.

In fairness, I’ve used visioning and vision boards for a while now, and so much of this book was review. For those that are entirely new to vision boards, perhaps this book would be of more interest.

I did find one invaluable quote, at the bottom of page 139. “Too many of us latch on to the drama of what’s wrong versus celebrating what’s right in our life story as it unfolds.” I believe this is both true and very revealing.

I also worked through a few golf magazines that had piled up beside my nightstand of late. I shall quote an entire paragraph from the Summer 2009 Ontario Golf, page 12, the article titled Golf psychology 101.

From tour players to amateur golfers, we rarely use our mind and the power of our brains to their capacity. One of the things I overstate to the players I coach of various playing abilities is that you reinforce what you react to. What we mentally acknowledge after every shot is like a Polaroid in our memory. To hit a golf ball straight with pure contact is a complex sequence of events that includes a high degree of mathematics. But for whatever reason, people generally react to the bad shots with much more emotional attachment than they do to the good ones. Therein lies the reason we hit more bad ones than good ones: We imprint the bad ones because our reaction is so dramatic and full of emotion. And then when we hit a good shot, there is a sense of entitlement – as though we are supposed to hit a five-wood to five feet, which mathematically is highly improbable. So when you hit a good shot, acknowledge it. And when you hit a bad shot, pay no attention to it. It’s just an understandable human mistake. –Sean Foley, Director of Instruction, Core Golf Academy

As you can see, both Sean Foley and Joyce Schwarz are hammering home the same point. Don’t focus on what’s (gone) wrong. Focus on what’s (gone) right, wonderfully right. Focus on what brings you joy and happiness. Imprint that upon your memory and mind!

This all, of course, begs the question, whilst you play golf, and live life, do you focus on the negative, or the positive? Which do you acknowledge and celebrate?

Why Is It Taking So Long?

2009-08-15T10:38:00.000-04:00

I attended a get-together with former co-workers last night. We all worked at SlipStream Data, in the 2003-6 timeframe, before Slipstream was acquired by Research In Motion. Last night we gathered at Morty’s Pub in Waterloo.

During any such event conversation always turns to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Friends, colleagues, acquaintances, golfers, and the list goes on, often ask me when our center will open and why it’s taking so long. The answer is of course both complicated and quite simple at the same time.

The complicated answer involves the economic times we live in, the fact that our budget is significant, Parmasters is a young franchise and thus some investors and/or potential investors gauge a higher level of risk (than say a more tried and proven franchise opportunity), and the list continues. On a day-to-day, task-level, meeting to meeting to meeting basis, this is the situation.

Building a business from scratch is never a straight, simple, smooth road. There are always bumps, ruts in the road, and detours. But the destination always remains the same.

The more simplistic answer to why the center is not yet open goes something like this: because I, as the founder, President and franchise owner, have not made it happen. Period. In other words, I accept full responsibility.

As they say, with great power (and when it comes to affecting the opening date for Parmasters KW, no one is more powerful than me), comes great responsibility.

The conversations, like the one at Morty’s last night, always conclude in the same fashion. We’ll open Parmasters KW as soon as possible. I will continue relentlessly pursuing this project, pushing this company forward with everything I have to give, until we’re open. Period.

I have one friend in particular that remains astounded at the above assertion. We don’t see each other that often, but invariably he’ll say something like, “Wow, you’re still hanging in there. You’re really committed to this thing aren’t you?”

And the only answer to that is, “Yes, absolutely, entirely, relentlessly, and unwaveringly committed.”

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” -John Quincy Adams

Parmasters KW will open, and it will do so soon. And whenever we do open our golf training center, said grand opening will have occurred as soon as humanly possible, nary a moment earlier nor a moment later. These things I know for sure.

Photos of Allen, Andre and Mother Nature

2009-08-14T11:29:00.008-04:00

It was rightfully pointed out to me, by a friend, that I should have included photos of Allen and Andre.

Here’s Allen Bonk.

And Andre Ferris.

And for good measure, here’s a few photos taken during some brief and rare downtime yesterday.

Parmasters KW and Others Active on Twitter

2009-08-13T11:07:00.003-04:00

I’ve now joined the world of tweeters on Twitter. For those of you that subscribe via email and don’t often visit this actual blog website, there’s now a Twitter feed atop the right column on this page.

You can find me on Twitter at shsouthern.

I’ve long been fascinated and interested in social media, Web 2.0 and the like. Some of these tools/websites come and go rather quickly, or at least fail in the fight for supremacy (as evidenced by Facebook eclipsing MySpace). Others seem destined to become a permanent fixture in the lives of millions of users (for example LinkedIn).

I’m also active on both of these, and can be found at shsouthern on both Facebook and LinkedIn.

There’s a team at Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, actively exploring and strategizing specifically on social media and Web 2.0. It’s too early to tell where this will go. The focus, of course, is to strengthen our relationships with our members and the larger golfing public, and to add value to the lives of golfers on a daily basis. Exciting announcement lie ahead!

Allen Bonk, Director of Business Golf at Parmasters HQ, can be found on Twitter at QBusinessGolf.

Andre Ferris, Canadian Regional Franchisor for Parmasters, can be found on Twitter at PMCanada.

Much of yesterday was dedicated to a three-hour conference call with Parmasters HQ and the other franchisors across North America, Asia and Europe. We gather in conference every month to share updates from HQ, and also from individual franchisors. These meetings also serve as a forum to strategize, brainstorm, address problems, and seize opportunities.

Tolle’s The Power of Now Brought to Life within Steinbeck’s The Pearl

2009-08-11T10:36:00.003-04:00

I finished two books recently and would highly recommend both.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle I have mentioned previously here. There’s also a wonderful review from Enlighten Next magazine found here.

I then moved on to a literary work, with fascinating and perhaps not-so-coincidental illustrations of Tolle’s assertions from The Power of Now.

Sunday and Monday I read The Pearl by John Steinbeck. It’s a very succinct and rich novella that focuses on oft surprising battle between good and evil that can arise from instant riches. It’s actually used, or has been used, in classroom teaching at some level. For I have a used copy, obviously heavily marked up with teaching insights.

The copy I read also includes notes and suggested questions for the education professional. Here’s an excerpt from the notes.

In the book, Kino, the poor pearl diver, finds his great pearl and suddenly sees in its marvellous lustre all the things it can mean for him, his wife, Juana, and their son, little Coyotito. But his good fortune pitches him in the midst of a hostile world, in which the pearl buyers try to cheat him, the doctor seeks to steal his treasure, and the darkness, warm and friendly hitherto, explodes into violence against him. When he flees he is trailed by trackers as relentless as bloodhounds, and when Kino attacks his enemies, tragedy comes with bewildering suddenness and force, leaving for bright hopes nothing but a despair too deep for words.

And another excerpt from the notes:

So the artist probes the central mystery of life as he sees it, the paradox of how evil comes out of good, the tear at the heart of laughter, the dream doomed to disappointment in the moment of dreaming, the despair conjoined with hope, with which humanity, if it’s wise, must learn to live.

I found it fascinating as Kino moved to and from what Tolle describes as the “egoic state”, operating from or identifying with the mind, and also to and from what Tolle describes as simply “being present”, being in the now. Steinbeck only briefly takes us into the mind and thoughts of Juana, and so we don’t see revealed her inner struggle between presence in the now, and time-based fear or sadness focused either on the past or the future.

For Kino however, his mind takes over the moment the pearl enters his hardened hands. An otherwise very present, very now-oriented human being is transformed into Tolle’s “egoic state,” his mind racing almost constantly between a future of incredible promise and a future of evil misadventure. Save for brief instances, after the pearl, Kino is only truly present when in physical battle.

I highly recommend both books. Enjoy!

Won a 2010 Whistle Bear Range Membership

2009-08-08T08:35:00.002-04:00

I was out at the Whistle Bear Performance Centre again yesterday. It’s a nice facility, well run and well kept. I was out there on Monday afternoon as well, as mentioned here.

As it turns out, I will have TWO places to train and practice next summer – 2010 – as I won a free range membership for next season! So, in addition to enjoying Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, I’ll also be able to venture periodically out to Whistle Bear. Life is indeed magical.

I also met briefly with several potential investors yesterday. These were very preliminary meetings, so one cannot predict whether they will proceed. But that is most definitely our intention, so all signs are positive.

Just a brief update for today. I’m now off to our Market Square Temporary Event Centre (TEC) to answer any questions from interested passers-by. I will also work on our next periodic update to Parmasters KW members and future members.

I’ll close with a poem that was sent to me yesterday by a friend, knowing I enjoy such creations. Thank you!

What is Success?
By Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived,
This is to have succeeded.

I wish you all great success, today and always!

Announcement: No Longer With MITACS Inc.

2009-08-07T08:52:00.002-04:00

I am no longer working for MITACS Inc. While I enjoyed my time there, and really enjoyed working closely with some of the people, it also felt incongruent and was exhausting.

I’m back full-time focusing on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, and feeling far more congruent. This is what I’m meant to be doing at this moment in my career. This aligns with my values, goals, commitments and priorities. This is congruent.

I made a few wonderful friendships during my time with MITACS. These will most definitely continue. It’s a great company doing work that’s important to this region and the country as a whole.

For now it appears that my former role will be covered by the business development representative with whom I worked most closely. We shared the territory and divided responsibilities along industry lines. She will now cover all industries, and I wish her the best. Importantly, MITACS funding for research collaborations will continue to flow into Waterloo Region! That’s why I took on the role in the first place.

As noted in a previous post, we’re distributing Parmasters KW information, of interest to future members, investors, suppliers, etc., far and wide throughout the region. And we’re doing so in very cost-effective ways.

We’ve had a core team of stakeholders doing what they can to help bring our golf training center to fruition. Our focus now, as it should be, is on growing that team, immensely.

If you’d like to help distribute the Information Cards – to golfers, friends, family, colleagues that may be interested – please simply contact me. All assistance is greatly appreciated!

I’ll close with another of my favourite quotes.

“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do.” -Elbert Hubbard

Beautiful Morning, As Always

2009-08-05T07:57:00.001-04:00

I’ve just returned from a morning walk, and am sitting on my rear deck as I type. Moments ago I was thinking I would begin this blog entry by noting that it’s a “beautiful morning.” This phrase however, initiated a debate within my mind that continues unabated.

Put simply, isn’t it true that EVERY morning is a “beautiful morning?” As they say, the present is called the present because it IS a present. As a friend often jokes, if the soles of my two feet hit the floor, it’s a “beautiful morning.”

But then, as we all should know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty, in and of itself, one can argue, doesn’t really exist. Or rather, beauty is a judgement, a perception, based on the perceiver’s values, beliefs, philosophies and the like. One can follow this train of thought and ask, if no one is about to perceive the beauty of a particular entity (whatever it may be), then is it truly beautiful? Just as the age old question continues, if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is about to hear it, does it make a sound?

Such questions make for fascinating conversations with close friends.

Getting back to this morning, I’ve eventually concluded that yes, through my eyes, this morning is a “beautiful morning.” And further, that EVERY morning is a “beautiful morning.” What perhaps sets this particular morning apart from many others is that I also perceive the weather to quite pleasant and pleasing to the senses, more so than, for example, a windy, frigid, snow storming morning.

Soon time to head to the office, to continue enjoying this “beautiful morning.”

This quote seems fitting, even if only loosely so.

“Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.” -Nadia Boulanger

Parmasters KW Information Cards

2009-08-04T08:05:00.007-04:00

I was out at the Whistle Bear Performance Centre yesterday afternoon, working on my short and mid irons predominantly.

The staff at the Performance Centre were running a special golfer appreciation day, offering brief clinics every hour on the hour, and also drawing names for prizes such as a club fitting, a private lesson, etc. It was a well-run event, and thus I’m glad I stumbled upon it.

I didn’t sit in on any clinics, preferring to spend my time focused on my personal game.

Whenever I’m amongst golfers, such as yesterday at the Performance Centre, I distribute information about Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. I do so in the form of postcards, as pictured below, front and back.

Many people have already heard of us and are tracking our progress. Others are surprised and delighted. Regardless, the reaction is always quite positive, which is both encouraging and motivating.

Many call or email shortly afterwards, asking questions or offering information or introductions. We’re building a community-based team, golfer by golfer.

The cards look like this:

And the back:

Christopher Jason Lane

2009-07-31T07:40:00.001-04:00

I attended the funeral of a very young and very wise friend yesterday. We also celebrated his life, his music, and his memory, at a pub throughout the evening.

From the Waterloo Region Record:
CHRISTOPHER J. LANE 1979 - 2009 On Thursday, July 24, 2009, surrounded by family and friends, at K-W Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, Kitchener. Cherished husband, son, brother, and father-to-be. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Information can be obtained by calling the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home , 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Also from the Waterloo Region Record:
CHRISTOPHER J. LANE 1979 - 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Jason Lane, on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the age of 29. Chris will be remembered by his loving family: his wife, Aimee (Sacilot); his parents, Eva and Chris; his sister, Leia; his brother-in-law, Bill Steven; his mother-in-law, Lorraine Steven (Barry); his father-in-law, Al Sacilot as well as his many aunts, uncles and cousins. Chris will also be remembered by his many friends, colleagues and fellow musicians. A celebration of Chris' life will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home , 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, July 30, 2009. The visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 4:30 p.m. In honour of Chris' love for music a reception will be held at the Fox and Fiddle on King in uptown Waterloo at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

Chris had a zest for life that is rarely found in our midst these days. One of Chris’s friends summed it up nicely on his Facebook page, a quote I unfortunately cannot find at the moment. He said something like, Chris seemed to have something figured out about life that the rest of us didn’t really know.

In addition to his day job at Research in Motion, Chris was a musician, singer, songwriter, and his music lives on on his MySpace page here. Enjoy!

Midway Through the Power of Now

2009-07-29T08:03:00.001-04:00

I’m currently reading Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now. I’m finding it both fascinating and enlightening, the latter of which is most specifically Tolle’s goal in publishing this work.

To summarize thus far, Tolle posits that our minds are wonderful tools, but tools nonetheless. Much like a hammer is quite useful for certain tasks, so is the mind. But when we are no longer engaged in tasks that require a hammer, we place the hammer back down on the workbench. Tolle suggests that when we are not “using” our minds – for problem solving, remembering, etc. – that our minds are essentially hijacking our attention, and focusing our attention largely on fear and pain avoidance. He argues that our minds work incessantly, reliving past events, many painful, and also worrying about future events, in an effort to avoid pain (embarrassment, missed opportunity, etc.).

Tolle rightly suggests that the only time we can truly live our lives is in the NOW, in the moment. You can’t relive the past, nor can one live the future before it arrives. Life is in the moment, this moment, the current moment. And yet our minds, Tolle argues, do not allow us to be present in this moment, but rather compel us to relive past events or worry about future possibilities. Thus robbing us of the living of our lives in the moment.

It’s an interesting supposition.

A student suggests to Tolle that he/she cannot stop THINKING, “except maybe for a moment or two.”

Tolle responds, as taken directly from pages 16 and 17:

Then the mind is using you. You are unconsciously identified with it, so you don’t even know that you are its slave. It’s almost as if you were possessed without knowing it, and so you take the possessing entity to be yourself. The beginning of freedom is the realization that you are not the possessing entity – the thinker. Knowing this enables you to observe the entity. The moment you start watching the thinker, a higher level of consciousness becomes activated. You then begin to realize that there is a vast realm of intelligence beyond thought, that thought is only a tiny aspect of that intelligence. You also realize that all things that truly matter – beauty, love, creativity, joy, inner peace – arise from beyond the mind. You begin to awaken.

More to follow when I finish reading this work.

Soggy, Busy, Enjoyable Weekend

2009-07-27T07:47:00.000-04:00

It’s been an interesting summer thus far, with cool temperatures and sporadic rain fall. This year’s 100th staging of the Canadian Open has suffered from heavy rains and lengthy rain delays. Hopefully the tournament will wrap up sometime late today.

Apparently the pros have set a PGA TOUR record with seven holes-in-one thus far at the Canadian Open. Mike Weir enjoyed one of those.

Unlike the golfers in Oakville, I have just had a productive and most enjoyable weekend. Saturday was spent with my two boys pursuing various activities. One of their friends was also over for a visit, which made for less work for all as we made cookies and then devoured them afterwards.

Sunday afternoon I visited St. Jacobs and had my wallet continually challenged by wonderful antiques, fascinating current release books and also captivating historical volumes. (Put simply, I’m a sucker for old books.) In the end I escaped unscathed, save for a relatively minor book purchase.

The rest of the weekend was spent working away on Parmasters KW, lining up the remaining capital required, etc. Some investment opportunities remain, for those of you that may be interested. We’re now spreading the word far and wide, as we finalize things and get ready for the next phase of the center’s development.

For now, time to head to the office.

I’ll end with this quote from Fitzgerald’s translation of a selection of 11th century Persian poems, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. An historical volume of this work found its way into my hands yesterday, in St. Jacobs. This quote has been a favourite since I first read it back in high school, and it forms a gentle reminder of words to remember as we all embark on a fresh week.

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.
-The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam - Edward Fitzgerald

Clarity of Thought

2009-07-22T07:53:00.000-04:00

I’ve just returned from a morning walk. I find walking leads to a clarity of thought that is seldom matched.

Walking, for me at least, affords a different type of peace than meditating, or being perfectly still. Somehow, in the act of walking, I achieve clarity in my priorities related to work, business and other industry. Those tasks that must be accomplished now stand out from others that can wait.

As I walk, new tasks or directions also come to the fore, and are quickly prioritized based on urgency and importance. (I’ve blogged about the urgency and importance methods previously here.)

Whilst I’d never claim to be representative of this quote in any way, shape nor form, this truth did come to mind this morning.

“The art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of our great men.” -Captain J.A. Hatfield

Clearly, as I walk, my mind does not rest entirely. But “care and worry” are dismissed entirely, and replaced with industry and action. The resulting power is tremendous.

As Terry Gulick said, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”

Straight-Line Golf (TM) Coaching

2009-07-20T07:58:00.001-04:00

It was another busy weekend, of course, as most are of late.

Saturday was spent focused on Parmasters KW progress, with good strides made on the capital side of things. We’re making strong progress in all aspects of the business, but capital is definitely where we spend the majority of our time. Our investor team continues to grow, both in size and expertise, which is wonderful.

Sunday I focused on my boys as we did a few chores around the house and then made time for play as well. They cut the grass, we cleaned out the truck, did some dishes and laundry, tossed the football around for quite a while, watched a movie and, in the afternoon, I took them out to the range and provided some Straight-Line Golf (TM) coaching.

At Parmasters we teach a simplified, streamlined and easier-on-the-back and body swing system, that we call Straight-Line Golf. I’ve blogged about this a few times, including here and here.

With my youngest we focused on grip and backswing. The grip is so fundamental; I described it to him like the foundation of a house. A correct grip brings with it the possibilities of a solid swing and golf shot, whereas an incorrect grip makes a solid swing and golf shot far less likely. His backswing was behind him, and thus very flat, as opposed to predominantly out in front of his body, and more vertical. He made great progress.

As for my older lad, his grip was solid, backswing, etc. His only real issue was a twisting action. Traditional golf involves a coiling of the body during backswing and an uncoiling during the actual stroke. Straight-Line Golf – and hence the name – involves far more of a slight lateral movement down the line, STRAIGHT down the line, as opposed to twisting and untwisting. He also made great progress.

This morning it’s back to work on capital predominantly. And I’ll get back at it.

Tough Day for Weir

2009-07-17T07:58:00.002-04:00

I’ve just heard an update from The Open Championship and Canada’s favourite golfing son Mike Weir has apparently “blown up” during his second round. My latest update puts him at 8 over on the day after 17 holes and tied for 108th.

Of course, it’s very early in the second round, but it looks like Mr. Weir will have the weekend off. He’s amongst some prestigious company at T108 currently, including Ben Curtis, Charles Howell III, Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey and Tim Clark.

Thank you to my ScoreMobile Blackberry application from Score Media Inc. for the latest updates.

I’ve decided I’ll take my two boys and head to the Mike Weir Charity Classic on Monday. We’re looking forward to taking in some great golf and hopefully some summer weather, for a change.

As I practiced on the driving range at Rebel Creek the other day, and I watched the varied swings and abilities of the others on the range, I was reminded of yet another Thoreau quote, adjusted slightly by yours truly:

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life [and his golf game] by conscious endeavour.” -Henry David Thoreau (from Walden: Or, Life in the Woods)

Mike Weir knows this, and lives it every day, including today. Hopefully many of those on the range yesterday will visit Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo and take up some Straight-Line Golf (tm), aka hitting the ball long and straight.

Success Unexpected

2009-07-15T07:54:00.002-04:00

I came across another wonderful quote from Henry David Thoreau the other day. (Thank you to a friend and colleague whom attended a local seminar and retrieved some materials for me.)

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavours to live the life which his is imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” –Henry David Thoreau (from Walden: Or, Life in the Woods)

I’ve just added this quote to the list of similar truths I keep handy in my Blackberry. It occurs to me, as I add yet another Thoreau quote to my knowledge, that I really should read his book Walden: Or, Life in the Woods. Perhaps I’ll do so next month.

I’m currently enjoying Eckhart Tolle’s book The Power of Now. It’s revealing and enlightening, and yet so very obvious as well. Just like the Thoreau quote above.

I’ve been busy lately, with little time to blog, and to pursue many other activities. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Of course, it’s a huge week in golf, with The Open Championship kicking off tomorrow. Time will tell if Padraig Harrington can do it yet again.

And, incredibly, Mike Weir and many other players will be back in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) on Monday afternoon to partake in the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic (that kicks off the Canadian Open week). I think we should all tip a hat to the many players that will spend part of Sunday night flying back to Canada to support Mike Weir and his foundation. (“The Mike Weir Foundation is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children.” –From the Canadian Open website.)

For now, back to work and some future “success unexpected”.

Seven Years Removed

2009-06-29T10:01:00.000-04:00

On this mostly sunny Monday morning, I find myself quite energized for the week that lies ahead. I slept a little better this past weekend, something that has been a challenge of late; and also enjoyed a good workout as well as a nice long run Saturday night. To cap it all off, I had a wonderful time with my children and also cleared up several nagging tasks that had been hanging over my head.

All of which leaves me feeling productive and re-energized for this week. It’s a good feeling for any morning, but especially a Monday.

As a 43-year old father of two, the news of the sudden death of two 50-year old men these past few days has hit rather close to home. If you have access to ANY media whatsoever, you’re more than familiar with all of the news surrounding the sudden and shocking passing of Michael Jackson. But yesterday word was also released that infomercial pitchman Billy Mays died suddenly. Both were 50.

It’s time to get back to work. But also soon time to get back to having more fun also. Life is short. The point is to experience joy every day.

“There is one thing we can do, and the happiest people are those who can do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present. We can be all here. We can ... give all our attention to the opportunity before us.” -Mark Van Doren

Employment Gains and Losses Displayed Graphically

2009-06-27T10:05:00.001-04:00

It’s been another busy and productive week as the local MITACS business development manager. I met with many faculty and companies interested in the MITACS ACCELERATE Program.

I have decided to add more links to the right side of this blog, links related to MITACS and the ACCELERATE Program.

This is my first weekend in a long time with no ball hockey coaching duties. I must admit that I’ll miss the team and the excitement. The entire experience was both very taxing and very rewarding. Two of the players thanked me for being "the best coach ever!" That was nice to hear! My son is already asking if I’ll be coaching next year. I want to say yes, but realize a lot of water will travel beneath the proverbial bridge between now and next March/April.

I wanted to share this graphic display of employment gains and losses. Unfortunately it only covers the U.S.A. But, at the same time, it’s so visual, so telling, and such a solid history lesson. Be sure to watch in particular for Hurricane Katrina’s 2005 impact in Louisiana and the comings and goings of employment in Detroit (the auto sector). You can find this display here.

I also wanted to share this interesting National Post article from early May. This was only recently brought to my attention, noting the top 25 most influential figures in Canadian golf! You can find the article here.

For now back at it. I’m wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Busy Week

2009-06-18T21:46:00.000-04:00

It was a busy and informative day at the McMaster Innovation Showcase today. Hopefully tomorrow will be equally productive.

The Showcase includes a poster session, with some 40 or so research interests explained in great detail. Participants are voting with “McMaster money” – pretend investment funds. I’m sure many participants are “investing” based on quite varied criteria.

I approached it as an investor and decided upon a short list of five or six posters/companies/teams/concepts with whom I’d be interested in meeting. I look forward to the outcome sometime Friday afternoon.

I also managed to stay on top of most email and voice mail today, and proactively follow up with several contacts. Of course, I remain buried under a mountain of backlogged email and follows, but progress was made today.

This evening I met with our bookkeeper – for Parmasters and other business interests. We’ve been a little disconnected lately, so it was good to reaffirm the processes and systems we use to keep the books all in top shape.

In addition to the Showcase tomorrow, I have several meetings in the Hamilton area. Fortunately most are on-site at the Showcase. But not all.

And Friday evening I’ll continue to prepare for our ball hockey team’s final playoff push. We play on Saturday, against a tough team. After that, it all depends on the standings. The team has come so far, so quickly. I’m very proud of them and confident they’ll succeed at anything they collectively put their minds towards.

MITACS Introduction

2009-06-17T11:06:00.000-04:00

We'll soon be wrapping up the national MITACS business developer meetings, and I'll be heading to Hamilton for the McMaster Innovation Showcase (Thurs and Fri). I'm looking forward to immersing in some varied cutting-edge research.

I also recently met the operations manager at Mike Weir Wine. This is a great new connection for both MITACS and Parmasters. She, along with the president of the winery, are both quite interested in pursuing discussions with both firms. Great news!

Below is the brief introduction I often use in first emails to new contacts. It provides a quick overview of the area within MITACS where I focus. We're a large organization providing a diverse range of services and funding programs.

The MITACS ACCELERATE (Graduate Research Internship) Program brings together academia, industry and the public sector to develop cutting edge research-based tools vital to our knowledge based economy. This Internship Program is an effective way for industry, not-for-profit organisations, or government labs and agencies, to gain access to, and benefit from, the vast research expertise within our universities.

Our program sees graduate students or Post-Doctoral Fellows undertaking research on-site with companies to develop new tools and techniques to address high-level industry issues. The intern gains valuable industrial experience and an opportunity to apply their research to address novel issues, whilst the partner gains access to highly trained individuals (the intern and their supervising professor for a fraction of the normal cost associated with such world-class expertise).

Existing industry-academic collaborations may be eligible to participate. The cost to partners is $7,500 for the four-month period which is matched by the MITACS ACCELERATE Graduate Research Internship Program providing an additional $7,500.

Approximately 50% of the intern's time over the 4 months would be spent on site with the partner. The balance of the intern's time is spent back at their home university, further advancing the research under the guidance of their supervising professor.

Longer internships can be supported. MITACS ACCELERATE can also fund much larger projects, involving multiple interns. In recognition of the growing demand from professors to support multiple graduate students and/or post-doctoral fellows through a larger research project in collaboration with one or more industry partners, MITACS ACCELERATE has introduced Internship Clusters.

Internship clusters require a minimum of $30,000 from a partner and provide enhanced funding leverage (i.e. MITACS ACCELERATE contributes a greater percentage of the overall project costs) combined with the ACCELERATE Program's flexibility.

This program has been available in the mathematical sciences across Canada since 2003 (as The MITACS Internship Program). Recently, the program expanded in Ontario to all academic disciplines.

Applications for funding are reviewed and generally approved within about six to eight weeks. It's a very quick process.

For further information please visit www.mitacsaccelerate.ca. Past projects can be viewed at this site.

MITACS Business Development Meetings

2009-06-16T15:39:00.000-04:00

As may be ascertained from the title above, I'm attending the MITACS national business development manager team meetings this week. There are some 20 of us across the country.

As I type this I realize I have yet to provide much detail on MITACS and my role with the firm. This topic will have to wait for another day.

Suffice it to say that we fund research collaborations involving industry and academic researchers. We're a not-for-profit with our input funding coming from federal and provincial government sources.

In my role I work to find collaboration opportunities, that is companies and researchers that may want to work together.

These meetings end Wednesday.

Thursday and Friday I'll be attending the McMaster Innovation Showcase (conference) at McMaster University.

I'm also spending the week preparing our ball hockey team (I coach a group of 15-year old young men) for a big playoff game on Saturday.

Back to the MITACS meetings in a moment. We're on break.

I'm quite amazed at the expertise and varied interests we have in our group. There are lots of PhDs and former researchers. But also many business people and other backgrounds.

Our hobbies and interests include horseback riding, fishing, Lego, reading, writing, gardening, farming, castle building (literally), aquarium ecosystems, and the list goes on and on. I feel quite boring and mundane in many ways, as well as humbled.

Change the Way You Look at Things

2009-06-13T09:57:00.000-04:00

It’s been another long and crazy week, ending with a short and crazy weekend. I attended quite a few meetings this past week, although most were scheduled calls or conference calls, which was nice.

This weekend is booked pretty solid from start to finish. I coached our ball hockey team last night, and the boys played a solid game, leading to a fantastic 2-1 victory. We took team photos before the game and were thus rushed to get out on the floor and get going. This left little time to get the team organized, put strategy in place, etc. I used a few time-outs to keep us on track.

I’m really enjoying my business development role with MITACS. I’ve been in many different sales/business development roles for many years. But this is the first where the product we sell is, essentially, money. I will have to type much more about exactly what MITACS does, and what I do to help facilitate the bigger picture.

You can learn more at www.mitacs.ca.

For now I best get back to that fully booked weekend. We have another ball hockey game this afternoon. My eldest son is also trying out for the Ontario rugby team. Very cool!

I’ll be hanging out with both of my boys on Sunday, in all likelihood.

Sunday evening I head to Toronto for three days of meetings and training with my fellow MITACS business development managers from across Canada. I’m looking forward to learning far more than I currently know about MITACS and the great work we do. That will be followed by two days at a conference in Hamilton, Thursday and Friday.

I’ll sign off with one of my favourite quotes:
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Max Planck, Nobel Prize-winning physicist

You Must Believe to Achieve

2009-06-08T08:56:00.002-04:00

I’ve lost my voice. It’s was a busy weekend of working in the mornings and some evenings, and coaching our ball hockey team during the day.

My voice is coming back a little as the day wears on. I’ve been told I’m perhaps a little too “into the games”, a little too “animated”, that maybe I offer up too much encouragement to the players as the game progresses (i.e. that I yell too much). Perhaps they’re right!

We used a few key quotes this past weekend, in the dressing room, and on our team blog, to ensure the team focused on success.

We spoke of Henry Ford’s famous quote on belief, “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.”

We spoke about the famous quote on commitment from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe “Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising to one's favor all manner of unforeseen accidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”

The boys began to understand – at the ages of 14 and 15 – that “one must believe to achieve.” –Stephen Southern, 2009.

In the end we made it all the way to the semi-finals, and came up one goal short. It was an absolute honour to go into battle with that group of young men, and I can’t wait to do so again this coming weekend.

For now, back to making research count, bringing MITACS research funding to Waterloo Region, Hamilton, Guelph and Niagara!

Blog Changes Coming

2009-06-05T17:10:00.000-04:00

When I initiated this blog I envisioned a life that would revolve almost entirely around golf and the golf business. Hence the design of the blog, the layout, the topics, etc.

Now it’s become clear that perhaps the topic area, and the theory on where my life may lead, were both too narrow.

I’m enjoying my new role with MITACS. I’m also enjoying the search for the next General Manager for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.

I’m going to make some significant changes to this blog over the coming days and weeks. All aspects are up for grabs, including the layout, topics, bios, news feeds, links, etc.

For now, it’s time to head out of the office. I’m coaching my son’s ball hockey team, and we’re in a tournament all weekend, starting tonight. I can’t wait!

Replacing Myself

2009-06-03T00:01:00.002-04:00

I’ve been a delinquent blogger yet again. It’s been a busy time with some transitions both personally and for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.

I’m pleased to announce that I am in the process of replacing myself as General Manager of Parmasters KW. We are currently searching for an experienced and high-energy candidate to take the reins and lead the team that will build, open and operate Kitchener-Waterloo’s premiere indoor golf training center.

This transition has always been planned, and will facilitate the growth of Parmasters throughout southern Ontario. I will work closely with the new General Manager providing oversight and mentorship.

I’m also very pleased to announce that I have joined an organization called MITACS Inc. MITACS is a not-for-profit company that funds collaborative research projects involving industry and academia.

This additional role will allow me to be of great service to our local economy, bringing research and development funds into many local industry sectors, including information technology, tourism, transportation, aerospace, banking and finance, security and telecommunications.

Importantly, this new role affords me ample time to assist the new General Manager to ensure our Parmasters golf training center delivers incredible value!

As we search for the ideal General Manager candidate, the Temporary Event Center (TEC) at Market Square will be open on Saturday mornings only. Should you wish to contact us, please refer to the Parmasters KW website and feel free to send us an email or leave a voice message. We will return your correspondence as quickly as possible.

I will also be making a few changes to this blog as time proceeds. Our new Parmasters KW General Manager will blog regularly as part of his/her mandate. I’ll post more information and developments over the coming days and weeks.

Brief Weekend in KW

2009-04-20T22:10:00.001-04:00

Clearly I didn't get a chance to blog while away last week. The conference in Las Vegas was very hectic, and the weather was cool.

Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, made several fantastic and exciting announcements during the conference. Unfortunately I'm not at liberty to share any of the details at this time. Suffice it to say that this company is really going places! And that bodes very well for our local Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo!

Conference attendees also roled up their/our sleeves and did a lot of work. Parmasters is a young franchise with lots of opportunities. We worked on strategies to leverage many of those opportunities, and to build an incredible experience for every Parmasters member and patron globally!

The flights back got a little interesting in the Denver area on Friday evening. We had lots of turbulence and rain as we descended into Denver. During our two-hour layover the rain became heavy snow. After a lengthy de-icing, our connector flight to Chicago eventually took to the air.

I've heard since that parts of the Denver area enjoyed upwards of a metre of snow Friday evening and Saturday morning. We were lucky to get in and out on schedule!

Saturday and Sunday were spent in KW. I coached my first ever game of ball hockey (as head coach) Saturday evening. I missed the team's first game Friday evening, but we escaped the weekend with two wins! I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season! It's a pleasure to work with a fine group of young teenage men.

The rest of the weekend was mostly dedicated to unpacking, laundry, groceries, re-packing, and lots of work. I also celebrated my younger son's 12th birthday on Sunday.

As I type I'm in Calgary, for a brief layover, on my way to Vancouver for another week of meetings. I'll fly back Friday.

I've promised a few exciting announcements related to Parmasters KW. Those will come next week!

For now, I'll sign off and find some supper.

Crazy Weeks!

2009-04-12T14:52:00.001-04:00

I haven't blogged much this past week, and I'm not sure how much time I'll have this coming week.

I leave this evening for the annual Parmasters Franchise Owners Conference. It's held each year in conjunction with a third-party, multi-unit franchising conference. This year it's in Las Vegas.

In many ways it's crazy for us to be going. But then, it is mandatory, as per our franchise agreement.

Earlier today I called all of the players on my son's ball hockey team. I'm the head coach this year. The season starts Friday evening, a game I will miss as I fly back from Vegas. But I will be there for our Saturday evening game, and hopefully all others this season. We have some fantastic assistant coaches also.

Sorry there's no trivia in this post. The book is at home.

More to follow when travel and the conference allow.

Busy Weekend

2009-04-06T08:58:00.000-04:00

Trivia: “Which of the four major championships has been contested in both stroke play and match play formats?” Answer below.

It’s a tough morning for golfers, waking to a blanket of snow in southern Ontario. In some cases I’ve heard it’s a very thick blanket!

Of course, in short order, we will all have Parmasters KW to enjoy, where the weather is always perfect, and the atmosphere and staff are always warm and inviting.

It was a very busy weekend, with many things requiring my attention. I worked up until Sunday at noon, and then relaxed with my children for the remainder of the day. They’re growing up way too fast, which brings new challenges and opportunities to grow, as a parent. It’s interesting to think back to my childhood experiences, and contemplate what my parents must have been going through, as they found their way as parents.

As I’ve mentioned, in short order, we’ll have some exciting announcements at Parmasters KW. We look forward to welcoming you all into an incredible golf haven!

And the answer: “The PGA Championship was a match play competition from 1916 to 1957 before turning to the stroke play format in 1958.”