The Canadian Forces National Golf Competition finished yesterday.  This three-day event pitted the top golfers from five regions in Canada in an individual and team competition.  To participate in this tournament, each region submits five male and two female golfers who have qualified by finishing at the regional and base level qualifying events.  Additionally, due to operational commitments, some players can apply to participate in nationals, but only in the individual event.  I, due to operational reasons, was selected by the Ontario region as an independent player.

We arrived two days before the event at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario, in preparation for the upcoming tournament.  After two practice rounds at Circled Pine Golf Course, (Slope: 127  Rating: 71.2) we felt ready for the next challenge.  Gary Corriveau and his team had the course in fantastic shape.  The greens were running true, the fairways lush and the rough challenging.  Circle Pine Golf Course was definitely the venue for this elite golf tournament.

Tournaments such as this do not happen without an organizing committee.  The National Sports Committee are a dedicated group of professionals who enhance this already exciting experience.  Upon our arrival, there was a banquet and meet and greet; three days of golf, meals, lodging, fun games, a closing banquet, sports therapists, rules officials and a whole lot more.  Their behind the scenes work was nothing short of spectacular and all the golfers are grateful for their efforts and sacrifices.

The results of the competition are found at the CF National Sports Competition Facebook page.  Needless to say, that the male and female champions put on a show! They were smooth, consistent and accurate.  Given how difficult the course was playing, their scores were outstanding.  Congratulations to all the winners!

The CF National Golf Competition is an outstanding event.  After 99 holes of golf; which included two practice rounds, three competition rounds, and one nine-hole fun scramble; I learned a few things that need to be shared.

FITNESS

Some think that golf is an easy sport that anyone can play anytime anywhere. However, after five days straight of walking this 6500 yard course; fitness is extremely important. Walking in 28 degree weather (humidex in the mid 30s) for five days definitely challenges ones fitness.  We were fortunate that most rounds were completed in 4.5 hours, however some rounds in the past have taken as long as 6 hours to play.  One definite take away is that a stretching and aerobic program is required to play golf at the elite level.

NUTRITION

Eating well-balanced meals and staying hydrated will go a long way to finishing strong at the end of a round.  A proper balance of fruits, vegetables and protein is very important. While playing, I focused on eating apples and bananas and proper meals for breakfast and supper.  Sometimes it is difficult to eat properly while travelling, but it is definitely possible.

PRACTICE

Practicing and preparing properly is important.  Hitting the range to groove your swing so when you are tired, you can still perform is important.  Less thinking and more mechanics will ensure that your swing remains pure during all aspects of the competition.  Practice chipping and putting regularly.  The greens at Circled Pine Golf Course were running at 10 – 11 on the stimpmeter.  For those who don’t know, that is like putting on your kitchen table…or almost.  When chipping and putting, ensure you practice your shots in all kinds of lies; you will never know where your ball will end up on the course.

MENTAL PREPARATION

Golf is a mentally challenging game.  Mental preparation starts the moment you wake up until you are finished playing for the day.  Additionally, mentally preparing for a national competition starts weeks before you arrive.  Mental imagery and focus visualization will help focus your mind to play well.  Playing in local tournaments before elite events will also be helpful.  It will help you perform under pressure on those side hill three-foot putts that end up 12 feet past the hole if you miss!

This year’s golf event was fantastic.  Although my play was underwhelming, the tournament itself was fantastic.  Each year it is one of my goals to play well enough in the two qualifying competitions to return to nationals.  It is a definite highlight of my golfing season.

Again, thank you to all those behind the scenes, tireless workers.  Your efforts made the 2013 Canadian Sports National Golf Competition a memorable event.  I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!