Summer is on the Downside and a few ‘HOW-COMES’

Now into August it’s time to begin reflecting on the summer of 2010. On the top of the list is the fact that we have had pretty good weather in this part of Canada for almost four months. Enough rain to keep everything green and lots of sunny days to play golf.  Let’s hope it continues and we get another solid three months of play.

Great response to our Summer issue of GolfScene Magazine. It’s always nice to receive feedback from our readers and advertisers. Nice note from Ron Webb, the affable Director of Golf at South Muskoka Golf Club in Bracebridge. Ron was our CPGA Profile story in the Summer issue. Once again, many comments have been received from readers on our efforts to have the PROSpectives Panel of teaching professionals answering golfer’s questions. Keep those questions coming and remember, ‘there is no such thing as a bad question’. If you are having some difficulties with your game, our expert panel will give you some assistance.

HOW-COME you haven’t sent us your question for the teaching professionals? (send yours today)

And once again, Golfscene has a contest like no other. Phase One of the FootJoy ‘create your own golf shoe design’ contest which will run through until the 24th of August already has some excellent ‘creations’. Check out the contest today and get your entry in. Our readers will be picking the winner in phase Two!

HOW-COME GolfScene continually leads the way with great contests for our readers and subscribers? (Only we know.)

HOW-COME John Daly continues to be such a fan favourite at the Canadian Open?

Spent a couple of days at the recent Canadian Open at the St. George’s Golf and Country Club. Good thing I went during the week as many of the big names missed the cut which took away some of the excitement on Saturday and Sunday. Good for Adam Hadwin, a young Canadian who played his heart out and ended up the sentimental fan favourite as the tournament wound down. And congrats to Carl Pettersson for taking the BIG prize. Crowds seemed to be down a little from previous years (although I have not seen any official attendance figures) and the lack of big names on the leader boards come Saturday and Sunday obviously didn’t help.

HOW-COME Golf Canada doesn’t opt out of running this event and concentrate more on ‘growing the game’ at the grass roots level?  They seem to spend a lot of money and devote a lot of time and effort into a single event that year after year certainly appears to draw less and less interest. What do you think?  And HOW-COME some of the the biggest galleries follow John Daly? (maybe because he’s an entertainer and that’s more of what people are looking for). And in case you’re wondering?? HOW-COME Daly didn’t play the final round? It’s due to a second cut rule that the PGA Tour uses to further reduce the field when required after the third round.  This somewhat strange rule meant that Sunday ticket holders missed out on seeing three former Major Champions in John, Paul Azinger, and Lee Janzen.

Speaking of ‘grass roots’ I am looking forward to the upcoming Canadian Tour events in our area, the Jane Rogers at Greystone Golf Club in Milton, the Economical Insurance Group Seaforth Country Classic in Seaforth and the Tour Championship in St. Catharines. Also planning to take a trip to London to watch the Canadian Mens Amateur to be held this year at two golf courses instead of one, the Redtail Golf Club and The London Hunt Club, an effort by Golf Canada to allow more participation. What a great idea! Thanks to Dennis Kavelman.

HOW-COME The Canadian Tour and Golf Canada (who run the amateur championships) don’t seem to have the marketing dollars to promote these events across the country?

And last week I took a few days off to shuttle two of my grandkids to a summer golf camp at the Merry Hill Golf Club just outside Kitchener. Kids had a great time at a well-run school by the folks at Merry-Hill. Kids attending the school also get a free month of golf at Merry Hill. Great incentive for kids and parents. Also played nine holes with son and grandson (a three generation game). Not sure which of us had the most fun!

And, by the way, the two kids were outfitted with golf clothing from the new Quagmire kids line. Lots of great comments! All positive! Congrats to Ryan Davis and Jim Fisher for a top notch program (their camps are sold out months in advance) and to Geoff Tait and Bobby Pasternak over at Quagmire – certainly looks like the guys might just be onto something big with colour fusion for kids.

HOW-COME more golf courses can’t do what Merry Hill does?

Now back to work on the Fall issue of GolfScene Magazine. Watch for it around the 15th of September in your favourite golf course. And don’t forget we are always interested in your comments. Drop me an email and let me know what’s on your golfing mind.

Finally, HOW-COME the summer always goes by so quickly?

Have a’ fun August’ on the links!