I am a Grateful Golfer

July 14, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Today was a fantastic day! I traveled to Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to play a round of golf with my friend (brother-in-law) on one of the best courses in Northern Ontario. Timberwolf Golf Club did not disappoint. The company was fantastic, the weather was hot and sunny, and the course was in excellent shape.

We played from the gold tees. This offered a par 72, 6500 yard challenge with plenty of bunkers and unique driving visuals. (Of course I forgot my camera in the car!) The fairways were short and lush, the greens held extremely well and the putts were true. The rough was about three inches long and thick. The only draw back was no first cut. You went from short lush fairways to thee inch rough…..made for a bit of a challenge for sure.

For the most part I hit fairways and greens. The couple of holes that I was off on my drive cost me at least on stoke. I had two penalty strokes, but overall I was extremely happy with my overall game. I had one birdie and chances at four more. Actually, I had 10 birdie putts, but five were from over 20 feet so I don’t really count those as birdie opportunities.

Today was a reason why I love to golf. Mostly, I spent four hours with a friend talking, laughing and enjoying our time on the links. It truly was a great time. Thanks Bruce!

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

Golf Initiatives That Improve The Sport

July 8, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Playing golf is for everyone! Golf has the unique ability to bring together people from all walks of life and make them equal. Everyone has access to the same clubs, attire, balls, and accouterments. Everyone has access to the same training videos, local pros for lessons, being self-taught and places to practice our skills. The golf industry entices people to play golf and to actually enjoy the game. As part of their efforts, the various golf associations have started various initiatives for the good of the game.

“Data collected by the World Golf Foundation indicates there are 27 million people who have an interest in wanting to play golf, but don’t play the game,” Bob Barrett, CEO of Honours Golf said. “Imagine if we could get just 10 percent of those people playing the game?”(AL.com)

TEE IT FORWARD helps players identify their limitations and speed up play. Something that makes the golf fun for everyone. Read TEE IT FORWARD for full details.

Offering playing opportunities to young children in the US is First Tee. The First Tee‘s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instil life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Since 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its positive values to more than 3.5 million young people in 50 states, four international locations and over 3,400 elementary schools.

What makes The First Tee effective in building positive character traits in young people is The First Tee Life Skills Experience™, a teaching curriculum developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and delivered by caring coaches. Through this experience, participants learn to transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life.

In addition to the parallel learning opportunities available for participants and coaches, The First Tee University provides formal training for Chapter management, staff, board members, and others. Training goals include assisting Chapter leaders in creating sustainable youth development organizations, and to enhance program quality and impact.

Participants learn to

Appreciate diversity
Introduce themselves
Manage emotions
Plan for the future
Resolve conflicts
Set step-by-step goals

Coaches

Empower youth to make their own decisions by thinking about the consequences
Build rapport and establish positive relationships
Nurture golf and life skills development
Promote a fun learning environment

A some what similar United Kingdom initiative is Golf Foundation’s Grass Roots. The Foundation’s ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programme in schools is gathering significant momentum in 2013, as 39 out of 46 County Local Organizing Committees have selected an HSBC Golf Roots competition for the current academic year as part of England’s School Games curriculum. This high proportion is second only to athletics, and ahead of traditional school sports such as football, cricket and netball.

An additional United Kingdom program is Get into golf. “Golf is one of the best sports you can play to improve mental and physical well-being whatever your age, background or ability. Indeed, Golf’s powerful combination of stress-busting exercise, fresh air and camaraderie make it an excellent activity for promoting long-term heart health. There is no better sport for bringing people together – whatever their age, gender, background or ability. With plenty of time for conversation and fun, golf is the perfect way to make new friends and grow closer bonds with people you already know.”

All the above initiatives, and many more, are really designed to make golf FUN! That is the bottom line. These programs are structured and provide excellent ways to improve the game of golf for beginning duffers. For those a bit more adventurous, Golf Digest suggests 18 less conventional ways to enjoy the game of golf. Although they are not national initiatives, they do suggest ways to shake up the game to achieve the same result….having FUN!

Golf is fun. It is an activity that allows anyone to escape reality by playing a game that empowers the player to determine the result of their time on the links. Regardless of what the golf industry lauds, golf is fun! Golf is a sport that offers opportunities abound and I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

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!