Proud to Be a Canadian Golfer!

February 15, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Today is a special day for Canada. Our flag is 50 years old!

Yup, it is the only flag I know and it represents so many great things for Canadians. I could go on and on, but I think the quick video below explains it just some of the reasons why Canada is a great place to live!

On a golfing note, here are the top 30 courses in Canada for 2015-2016 as rated by Golf Digest:

1. (2) St. George’s G. and C.C.(pictured above), Etobicoke, Ont. | Points: 63.3143
2. (1) National G.C. of Canada, Woodbridge, Ont. | Points: 63.1676
3. (9) Cabot Links, Inverness, N.S. | Points: 61.9779 ♦
4. (4) Hamilton G. and C.C. (West/South) Ancaster, Ont. | Points: 61.8412
5. (6) Shaughnessy G. and C.C., Vancouver, B.C. 61.7280
6. (8) >Banff Springs G. Cse., (Thompson), Banff, Alb. | Points: 61.0101 ♦
7. (3) Capilano G. & C.C., West Vancouver, B.C. | Points: 60.7136
8. (5) Jasper Park Lodge G.C., Jasper, Alb. | Points: 60.5438 ♦
9. (7) Highlands Links, Ingonish Beach, N.S. | Points: 60.1983 ♦
10. (12) Muskoka Bay Club, Gravenhurst, Ont. | Points: 59.8333 ♦
11. (10) Devil’s Paintbrush, Caledon East, Ont. | Points: 59.7036
12. (14) Beacon Hall G.C., Aurora, Ont. | Points: 59.3805
13. (13) Redtail G. Cse., St. Thomas, Ont. | Points: 58.9531
14. (New) Victoria G.C., Victoria, B.C. | Points: 58.8293
15. (22) Bigwin Island G.C., Bigwin Island, Ont. | Points: 58.4485 ♦
16. (17) Westmount G. & C.C., Kitchener, Ont. | Points: 58.2354
17. (11) Devil’s Pulpit, Caledon East, Ont. | Points: 58.2262
18. (New) Oviinbyrd, Foots Bay, Ont. | Points: 58.1364
19. (16) Sagebrush G. & Sporting Club, Quilchena, B.C. | Points: 58.0696 ♦
20. (18) Royal Montreal G.C. (Blue), Ile Bizard, Que. | Points: 57.8232
21. (23) Mississaugua G. and C.C., Mississauga, Ont. | Points: 57.7957
22. (19) The Links at Crowbush, Cove Morell, P.E.I. | Points: 57.7386 ♦
23. (21) Coppinwood, Uxbridge, Ont. | Points: 57.5845
24. (26) Toronto G.C., Mississauga, Ont. | Points: 57.4727
25. (27) Tobiano, Kamloops, B.C. | Points: 56.8297 ♦
26. (New) Mad River G.C., Creemore, Ont. | Points: 56.3662
27. (28) Big Sky G. and C.C., Pemberton, B.C. | Points: 55.9813 ♦
28. (24) Eagles Nest G.C., Maple, Ont. | Points: 55.7332 ♦
29. (New) Wyndance G.C., Uxbridge, Ont. | Points: 55.7171
30. (New) Osprey Valley Golf (Heathlands), Caledon, Ont. | Points: 55.6960 ♦

♦ Open to the public (parentheses indicate previous ranking)

I hope to play some of them soon! Have an awesome day!

I am a proud Canadian! See you on the links!

R&A Renegades Close The Open.

February 6, 2015February 6, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Pete at White Dragon Golf is not happy with the decision to stop showing The Open on national TV in the UK. I have to support Pete on his views; the Majors are the pinnacle of golfing events and should be shared with everyone.
What do you think?

White Dragon Golf

The Royal and Ancient have closed the door for many people in England on seeing The Open on national television. This is a national disgrace, the people have bought a TV licence but will now have to subscribe to SKY TV if they want to watch the national tournament.

The BBC golf presentation team, who give the best golfing coverage to be found, will become redundant. A sad end to anyone who enjoys the quirky quips and great knowledge of the game of Peter Alliss, the commentary team leader, Peter had this to say about the sad announcement;

“I know they (the R&A) do lots of lovely, lovely things but now when it comes down to the nitty-gritty they have dipped their hands into the money and that’s it. I don’t think there will be a golfer that won’t be bitterly disappointed at the news today.”

The Open Peter with the…

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Hope on the Golf Course!

February 5, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

For all those golfing fanatics who occasionally struggle on the course, do not forget that your next shot is an opportunity to be amazing!

Golf is an endless ride on an emotional roller coaster. The trick is to enjoy the highlights and ignore the other part.

Next time you are out on the course, remember to breath, smile and enjoy your time the experience.

But most of all, remember to be grateful!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Farmer’s Insurance Open – Players to Watch

February 4, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

The Farmer’s Insurance Open starts tomorrow. This tournament will have a very strong field and if you look close, some players are generating more attention than normal. Personally, I do not have a favorite for this weekend’s event, however I am intrigued by all the discussion and questions asked by the media.

Of all the players this weekend, there are four players who have caught my attention without being in contention. I bet you can guess who they are; just in case you cannot here they are: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Mike Weir. These players in the spotlight and it will be interesting to see how they play at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are in the hot seat because of their poor play. It is difficult to comprehend that these two superstars are under performing for various reasons, but yet they are. Many pundits are posing the question of what his going on, but I suggest that nothing is happening. It is far to early in the season to count either of these players out of anything. After accomplishing just about everything a professional golfer can, I suggest that their motivation to play well does not come from the week to week grind of being on the tour. With only two months before the Masters, Tiger and Phil are carefully planning their strategy to peak at the first Major. Like it or not, I believe that their overall plan for the season is to play less, compete at the important tournaments and win Majors!

Dustin Johnson is returning after a self-imposed break from professional golf. During that time, he suggests he fixed challenges in his personal life, become a father, and a is better person. There are many articles speculating about why he left golf, but in the big scheme of things only he knows the real reasons. I am not sure how Dustin Johnson will be received by the golfing fans, but he is back and I wish him the best of luck on his personal journey.

Mike Weir is not playing very well this year. He has missed the cut at 4 out of 5 tournaments this year. He has struggled for some time due to injuries and well, just poor play. The reason I grouped Weir in the others is just to wish him well. I have followed Weir for years and thought I would send him positive thoughts during this weekends tournament. Good luck Mike; hit them long, chip them close and putt them true!

The Farmer’s Insurance Open is a fresh opportunity for Tiger, Phil, Dustin, and Mike to prove all the nay -sayers wrong. This week is a fresh canvas for these famous artists to create a masterpiece. I will be watching the action closely and wishing these four players well!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros Sota – Golfing Legend

January 23, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

The world of golf lost one of the most charismatic golfers a few short years ago. Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros Sota was the most famous Spaniard to ever play! Known for his creative shot making, Seve was never one to shy away from any challenge. Losing his final battle to cancer on 7 May 2011, he might be gone, but definitely not forgotten!

With 90 career wins world-wide, Seve first appeared on the world stage by finishing second at The Open at the age of 19. His 5 Major Championships (3 British Open, 2 Masters), 50 European Titles, 9 PGA wins and 32 World Wide wins supports Seve’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1999.

The special logo of Seve Ballesteros has been emblazoned on the golf bags of the European Ryder Cup team at Medinah

He was an anchor for the European Ryder Cup team for years. More recently, in 2012 and 2014, Seve was a huge inspiration for the Europeans. “The 2012 Ryder Cup, the first to be played after Ballesteros’ death, saw the European team wearing navy blue and white garments on the final day in memory of Seve, who traditionally wore navy blue on the last day of a tournament. Additionally, the team’s kit also bore the silhouette of Ballesteros after his win at the 1984 Open Championship. The Irish golfer Pádraig Harrington, Nick Faldo and other European players proposed that the PGA replace the image of Harry Vardon on the European Tour‘s official logo with one of Ballesteros (a silhouette of the iconic image of Ballesteros’ “salute”, following his win at the 1984 Open Championship).” In 2014, every European would tap Seve’s picture as they entered the first tee each day. The reverence held by all golfers for Seve Ballesteros cannot be mistaken.

Not surprisingly, Seve was a great teacher as well. He made some teaching videos, which despite their age, are still applicable today. Famous for his short game, it is no surprise that his videos focus on his strengths! Check these out:

Putting

Chipping

Bunker play

Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros Sota was the most notable European golfer for years. His charismatic nature and love of the game was infectious. Although he was taken far to early, his legacy will live on for a very long time!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!