TEE IT FORWARD

July 6, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 15 Comments

With a goal of improving Canadian golfers’ overall enjoyment of the game, the Canadian PGA and Golf Canada support the TEE IT FORWARD initiative.

“TEE IT FORWARD is aimed at helping golfers have the best possible experience on the golf course by playing from a set of tees best suited to their abilities. The initiative encourages all golfers to play the course at a length that is aligned with their average driving distance.” (Golf Canada)

Driver Distance Recommended Yardages to play:

275 yards 6,700 – 6,900 yards
250 yards 6,200 – 6,400 yards
225 yards 5,800 – 6,000 yards
200 yards 5,200 – 5,400 yards
175 yards 4,400 – 4,600 yards
150 yards 3,500 – 3,700 yards
125 yards 2,800 – 3,000 yards
100 yards 2,100 – 2,300 yards

This not just a Canadian initiative, the PGA and USGA are supporting partners as well. “When you TEE IT FORWARD, you hit more lofted irons into greens, putt for birdies and pars more often and play faster and score better! Many amateurs are regularly hitting approach shots on a par-4 hole from 185 to 205 yards. The fact is, most bogey golfers only hit approach shots generally with any accuracy from within 170 yards. When you TEE IT FORWARD, you have the potential to hit approach shots from 145 to 165 yards.”

TEE IT FORWARD received great feedback in 2012 from golfers nationwide (USA) who reported:

56 percent of those who used TEE IT FORWARD played faster
56 percent indicated they are more likely to play golf more often
83 percent hit more lofted clubs into greens
85 percent had more fun
93 percent continue to TEE IT FORWARD

Coming Through!

The TEE IT FORWARD program is great for golf and last nights round is a perfect reason. My friend and I were playing behind a twosome of women, who in turn were playing behind a threesome of men. The threesome of men were very slow. So slow that the women played two balls each and were still waited on every hole. The men in front had several holes open in front of them and would not let the women play through. The most frustrating aspect of this entire ordeal is that the two of the men rarely hit the ball further than 150 yards! In stead of playing from the whites, they should have moved up to the golds. It makes a difference of about 30-50 yards a hole. It would definitely have sped up play. For those who may be asking, we did join the women and still had to wait!

TEE IT FORWARD is a great program for golf! It will definitely improve the pace of play and the enjoyment for those on the course. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Helping Military Families

July 4, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

The True Patriot Love Foundation helps countless military families every day! Last year, the True Patriot Love Foundation launched its program for North Bay, Ontario, Canada. On 03 July 13, I had the honor, for the second year in a row, of playing golf with a group of dedicated civilians and military personnel focused on making a difference.

Former Canadian Professional Golf Association president Glen Cundari – 03 July 13

True Patriot Love is a national foundation that supports and honors members of the Canadian military and their families. It was founded by a group of citizens dedicated to building bridges between Canadian civilians and their military, in order to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. In celebrating the patriotism of our military families, our foundation also strives to inspire Canadians to serve their country, whether it’s in or out of uniform.

The Nugget.ca reported: “Former Canadian Professional Golf Association president Glen Cundari, of North Bay, said it officially started Tuesday at the PGA championships in Markham, Ont., and will run through to the Canadian Open. Local (North Bay) golfers donated almost $5,000 to the True Patriot Love Foundation through the Patriot Golf Day initiative last year with tens of thousands more raised across the country.”

At 22 Wing North Bay, the True Patriot Love Foundation supports military families with the most basic of needs. Most Canadian military families move every 3-4 years; this constant change makes it almost impossible to secure a family doctor! However, due to this amazing initiative, “Locally we’ve seen a tremendous impact,” Major Don Saunders told The Nugget. “Two years in a row the Patriot Love Foundation has donated $70,000 to fund our 22 Wing family medical clinic.” “The clinic supports almost 300 military member’s families and veterans in this area, serving 1,200 patients.” (Nugget.ca)

“I wish to thank the sponsors of the event the Professional Golf Association (PGA) for recognizing our commitment to Canada both at home and abroad, and my sincere thanks for the patriotism the golfers are showing today in supporting those soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen and their families,” said Colonel Conrad Namiesniowski, 22 Wing Commander.(BAYTODAY.ca)

As a serving military member, I am truly grateful for the True Patriot Love Foundation`s support to our families. Our families make as much or more of a sacrifice everyday to help protect the freedoms we hold dear! Thank you to everyone who supported this most deserving charity!

Special thanks to PGA professional Jeff Rogerson at Opsrey Links Golf Course for hosting this years event! Jeff and his team did a fantastic job and we are all grateful for their outstanding hospitality!

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

Happy Canada Day!

June 30, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Happy Canada Day

The first of July is special to all Canadians. Its Canada’s birthday. This year Canada is 146 years old! Still young as a country, but deep in history. I believe that Canada is the best country in the world!

I am a grateful Canadian!

Super Sweet Blogging Award

June 29, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

The Grateful Golfer has received the Super Sweet Blogging Award!

I want to thank Tales of Wild Boomba for the nomination.

The recipe for acceptance is as follows:

Thank the Super Sweet Blogger that nominated you.
Answer 5 Super Sweet questions. These can be found down below.
Include the Super Sweet Blogging Award in your blog post.
Nominate a baker’s dozen (13) other deserving bloggers. We’re keeping it to a half dozen (or 5). We’re running low on flour.
Notify your Super Sweet nominees on their blog.

5 SUPER SWEET QUESTIONS

Cookies or Cake? Both? Cookies – Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate
Favorite Sweet Treat? – Sweet Potato Pudding
When Do You Crave Sweet Things The Most? – After Supper
Sweet Nick Name? – Sorry Don’t Have One

5 NOMINEES FOR THIS SUPER SWEET AWARD

If you see your name on the list, your award is in the mail in a package marked ‘Perishable.’ Oh, this Super Sweet Blogging nomination’s too rich. We have to rest on the couch. Our tummies hurt.

You may ask why I would put this unique blog on The Grateful Golfer. At first, I was very surprised. However, after some research and following tons of links, I found that many of the recommended blogs were grateful about something. Sure, it was not golf, but they were grateful about things important to their lives….how could I not support something positive!

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

First Leg Complete

June 26, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I was talking about my attempts to make the Base Golf Team. Well, I was successful. I shot a combined total of 161 over two days, which was good enough to finish first overall. I am extremely grateful to have made the team and hopefully I will play even better during the Regional Championship in July.

We have five men and two women on the team and it is an honor to represent your military base at any competition. The golf competition is extremely tough because of the number of participants. Usually, each base has 15-30 players tryout – the total number of players in my region will be upwards of 200 overall. This is whittled down to about 40 players for the regional competition. It is very difficult to win the team competition and even more difficult to win the individual event. I have finished second or third about seven times over the past 20 years and won the regional competition once. Overall, it is going to be every exciting to play in the three-day competition.

As the competition unfolds, I will keep you posted. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!