http://www.mytowerranch.com/golf/
http://www.blackmountain.ca/
http://www.golfkelowna.com/
http://harvestgolf.com/
http://www.twoeaglesgolf.com/
http://www.golfbc.com/
http://www.sunsetranchbc.com/
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Gord’s List for Golf in Kelowna
Summer is upon us and now begins the task of deciding where to play golf. Kelowna has a wide variety of golf courses to choose from for all types of golfers and budgets. This article may be handy for your reference or when out of town guests arrive.
One of the newest courses in town is the Black Mountain Golf Club. Green fees range from $69 to a special rate of $59, that includes a cart and $5 food voucher. Black Mountain has a peaceful setting yet provides a great challenge for all levels of golfers. Black Mountain was a Finalist for "Best New Course In Canada" in the Score Golf magazine publication in 2010.
Another fairly new course that opened in 2008 is The Club at Tower Ranch. Tower Ranch was named one of the top 3 best new Canadian courses of 2009 by Golf Digest. I have yet to play Tower Ranch, but I eagerly await my first game and an exceptional golfing experience. Green fees are from $110 to $65 and this includes a cart. No extra charge for the exceptional views of Kelowna.
Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club is one of my favourites, perhaps that is because last time I checked there is a scorecard on the wall with my name on it. Sunset Ranch provides tree-lined fairways on almost every hole and Scotty Creek meanders through the golf course reeking havoc with your mind, golf ball and score. The key to a good score at Sunset Ranch is finding the fairways and leaving your golf ball below the hole. Green fees range from $79 to $59.
The Harvest Golf Club opened in 1994 in East Kelowna just minutes from downtown. The Harvest is a very walk able golf course with a stunning and constant view of Lake Okanagan. The course is very playable and was an orchard before Graham Cooke designed the par 72 layout. The practice facility has a driving range, putting green and short game area. All are within close proximity to the first tee for you to warm up or sharpen your game before you play. Rates are from $75 to 4115 and include a cart and range balls.
Gallagher’s Canyon Golf and Country Club opened in 1980 and is the second oldest golf course in Kelowna. Gallagher’s has stood the test of time and continues to be a great test of golf. Tree lined fairways and canyon views make for great place to play golf, but don’t let the scenery distract you too much from your game, as Gallagher’s requires your full attention. Green fees are from $115 and $59. Gallagher’s has hosted provincials and national tournaments; even Arnold Palmer played an exhibition here in 1981.
The Okanagan Golf Club is the only 36-hole facility in Kelowna with the Bear and the Quail courses sitting side by side. For the hard-core golfers playing 36 holes in one day does not require any driving in between rounds. Both courses will challenge all aspects of your game; yet the Bear and Quail are varied in their design. Nicklaus Designs was responsible for the Bear course and the closing three holes are a true challenge.
Over to the Westside we go and just off Highway 97 is Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy. Don’t let the Par 65 5000 yard layout fool you into thinking that it will a be pushover, you will need every club in your bag. Two Eagles is a good test of golf for even the scratch player yet enjoyable for golfers of all levels. Green fees are from $45 to $37. A great practice facility is also on site.
Staying on the Westside, Shannon Lake Golf Club is the first of three “Golf Kelowna” courses. Shannon Lake borders, yes you guessed it Shannon Lake. The lake is defiantly in play on the difficult par 17th hole. The course has a wide variety of holes with lengths from a 550-yard uphill par five to a 115-yard par 3. Green fess range from $63 to $36. Be sure to check out the “Addicted Golfer” package on the Golf Kelowna website.
Kelowna Springs just off Highway 97 has been a popular stop for local residents and tourists since it first opened in 1990. Golf Digest ranks Kelowna Springs, as one of the 'Best Places to Play' in their 2008-2009 edition and the rates are $68 to $32 per round. A very walk able course that must be played with care through tree lined fairways and five well positioned lakes.
Shadow Ridge Golf Club is within close proximity of the Kelowna Airport and may be the first stop for those flying in for a golf vacation. Shadow Ridge is a tree-lined course that will test your skills. Shadow Ridge is walk able but watch out for Mill Creek it lies in wait. Shadow Ridge’s 18th hole gives you one last chance for golf’s toughest score – a hole in one. The par three 18th measures 195-yards and three is always a good score, but you never know.
Be sure to check out my blog for links to all the golf courses mentioned here. Green fee prices are subject to change, but I have done my best to make sure they are current. Have a great summer of golf.
Next weeks column…. Sage Brush Golf and Sporting Club. One word – WOW
Gord McGarva’s columns can be found at http://writedownthefairway.blogspot.com/
One of the newest courses in town is the Black Mountain Golf Club. Green fees range from $69 to a special rate of $59, that includes a cart and $5 food voucher. Black Mountain has a peaceful setting yet provides a great challenge for all levels of golfers. Black Mountain was a Finalist for "Best New Course In Canada" in the Score Golf magazine publication in 2010.
Another fairly new course that opened in 2008 is The Club at Tower Ranch. Tower Ranch was named one of the top 3 best new Canadian courses of 2009 by Golf Digest. I have yet to play Tower Ranch, but I eagerly await my first game and an exceptional golfing experience. Green fees are from $110 to $65 and this includes a cart. No extra charge for the exceptional views of Kelowna.
Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club is one of my favourites, perhaps that is because last time I checked there is a scorecard on the wall with my name on it. Sunset Ranch provides tree-lined fairways on almost every hole and Scotty Creek meanders through the golf course reeking havoc with your mind, golf ball and score. The key to a good score at Sunset Ranch is finding the fairways and leaving your golf ball below the hole. Green fees range from $79 to $59.
The Harvest Golf Club opened in 1994 in East Kelowna just minutes from downtown. The Harvest is a very walk able golf course with a stunning and constant view of Lake Okanagan. The course is very playable and was an orchard before Graham Cooke designed the par 72 layout. The practice facility has a driving range, putting green and short game area. All are within close proximity to the first tee for you to warm up or sharpen your game before you play. Rates are from $75 to 4115 and include a cart and range balls.
Gallagher’s Canyon Golf and Country Club opened in 1980 and is the second oldest golf course in Kelowna. Gallagher’s has stood the test of time and continues to be a great test of golf. Tree lined fairways and canyon views make for great place to play golf, but don’t let the scenery distract you too much from your game, as Gallagher’s requires your full attention. Green fees are from $115 and $59. Gallagher’s has hosted provincials and national tournaments; even Arnold Palmer played an exhibition here in 1981.
The Okanagan Golf Club is the only 36-hole facility in Kelowna with the Bear and the Quail courses sitting side by side. For the hard-core golfers playing 36 holes in one day does not require any driving in between rounds. Both courses will challenge all aspects of your game; yet the Bear and Quail are varied in their design. Nicklaus Designs was responsible for the Bear course and the closing three holes are a true challenge.
Over to the Westside we go and just off Highway 97 is Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy. Don’t let the Par 65 5000 yard layout fool you into thinking that it will a be pushover, you will need every club in your bag. Two Eagles is a good test of golf for even the scratch player yet enjoyable for golfers of all levels. Green fees are from $45 to $37. A great practice facility is also on site.
Staying on the Westside, Shannon Lake Golf Club is the first of three “Golf Kelowna” courses. Shannon Lake borders, yes you guessed it Shannon Lake. The lake is defiantly in play on the difficult par 17th hole. The course has a wide variety of holes with lengths from a 550-yard uphill par five to a 115-yard par 3. Green fess range from $63 to $36. Be sure to check out the “Addicted Golfer” package on the Golf Kelowna website.
Kelowna Springs just off Highway 97 has been a popular stop for local residents and tourists since it first opened in 1990. Golf Digest ranks Kelowna Springs, as one of the 'Best Places to Play' in their 2008-2009 edition and the rates are $68 to $32 per round. A very walk able course that must be played with care through tree lined fairways and five well positioned lakes.
Shadow Ridge Golf Club is within close proximity of the Kelowna Airport and may be the first stop for those flying in for a golf vacation. Shadow Ridge is a tree-lined course that will test your skills. Shadow Ridge is walk able but watch out for Mill Creek it lies in wait. Shadow Ridge’s 18th hole gives you one last chance for golf’s toughest score – a hole in one. The par three 18th measures 195-yards and three is always a good score, but you never know.
Be sure to check out my blog for links to all the golf courses mentioned here. Green fee prices are subject to change, but I have done my best to make sure they are current. Have a great summer of golf.
Next weeks column…. Sage Brush Golf and Sporting Club. One word – WOW
Gord McGarva’s columns can be found at http://writedownthefairway.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 25, 2010
Slow Play and How to Speed Up
The game of golf was not intended as an all day endeavor. Over analyzing every shot played can lead to a long day. One of the reasons Scotland is my favorite place to play golf is that a round of golf rarely takes over four hours to complete.
Here are a few tips that might benefit all golfers. If you consider yourself a quick player then leave these in a place where the slower ones will find it. These are in no particular order, they are all important.
#1 Play ready golf. Regardless of who has the honour on the tee box be ready to hit when it is safe instead of waiting for others. In the fairway and around the greens do the same, but again remember to make sure it is safe. When you have the hounor make sure you are ready to play.
#2 Record scores on the next tee. Nothing worse than standing in the fairway watching someone write down numbers on the green.
#3 The first person to hole out picks up the flagstick. Be ready to replace it when the final putt is holed. Don’t just exit the green and leave it for the last player.
#4 Leave you golf bag on the side of the green so that it may be picked up on the way to the next tee. Never leave your clubs at the front of the green.
#5 One practice swing is enough for anyone on the tee box or on any full shot. Absolutely need two, make them quick.
#6 Watch your golf ball until it has finished rolling, especially after a bad shot. Many times golfers turn away in disgust when a poor shot has been struck, leaving them with no idea where the ball has come to rest. 5 minutes is the maximum time allotted to find a lost ball. In a tournament be sure to hit a provisional
#7 Tell your longwinded stories after the tee shot, you will have more time after your 300 yard drive.
#8 Play from the correct set of tees. Leave your “ego” at home; you don’t need to see the whole golf course. Play from a set of tees that will make the day enjoyable for your group and those behind you.
#9 Spend as little time needed at the beverage cart as possible. If you are behind maybe pass on the beverages, unless of course water is needed to hydrate.
#10 Keep the time spent at the snack bar between nines to a minimum.
Most golfers don’t realize when they are out of position. Here is a simple way to determine if you need to get your group moving. When arriving on the tee of a par 4 and the group in front has left the putting surface you are out of position. When arriving on the tee of a par five and the group in front has removed the flagstick you are behind. When arriving on a par 3 and the group in front has left the next tee, you best getting cracking.
How to know if you are slow golfer? After the round of golf, you need a fresh shave. Your family sends out a missing persons request before you complete your round. You are so slow you catch up to your own group during a shotgun start tournament. Your clothes are out of style by the back nine. One of the best ways to determine if you are slow: your golf partners refer to you as “methodical”, a polite way of saying you are too slow.
Many people enjoy watching golf on television. Please don’t emulate the time pros take; they are competing for millions of dollars and playing the under the toughest of conditions.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf for over 30 years, and enjoys golf the most when it is played in less than four hours.
Here are a few tips that might benefit all golfers. If you consider yourself a quick player then leave these in a place where the slower ones will find it. These are in no particular order, they are all important.
#1 Play ready golf. Regardless of who has the honour on the tee box be ready to hit when it is safe instead of waiting for others. In the fairway and around the greens do the same, but again remember to make sure it is safe. When you have the hounor make sure you are ready to play.
#2 Record scores on the next tee. Nothing worse than standing in the fairway watching someone write down numbers on the green.
#3 The first person to hole out picks up the flagstick. Be ready to replace it when the final putt is holed. Don’t just exit the green and leave it for the last player.
#4 Leave you golf bag on the side of the green so that it may be picked up on the way to the next tee. Never leave your clubs at the front of the green.
#5 One practice swing is enough for anyone on the tee box or on any full shot. Absolutely need two, make them quick.
#6 Watch your golf ball until it has finished rolling, especially after a bad shot. Many times golfers turn away in disgust when a poor shot has been struck, leaving them with no idea where the ball has come to rest. 5 minutes is the maximum time allotted to find a lost ball. In a tournament be sure to hit a provisional
#7 Tell your longwinded stories after the tee shot, you will have more time after your 300 yard drive.
#8 Play from the correct set of tees. Leave your “ego” at home; you don’t need to see the whole golf course. Play from a set of tees that will make the day enjoyable for your group and those behind you.
#9 Spend as little time needed at the beverage cart as possible. If you are behind maybe pass on the beverages, unless of course water is needed to hydrate.
#10 Keep the time spent at the snack bar between nines to a minimum.
Most golfers don’t realize when they are out of position. Here is a simple way to determine if you need to get your group moving. When arriving on the tee of a par 4 and the group in front has left the putting surface you are out of position. When arriving on the tee of a par five and the group in front has removed the flagstick you are behind. When arriving on a par 3 and the group in front has left the next tee, you best getting cracking.
How to know if you are slow golfer? After the round of golf, you need a fresh shave. Your family sends out a missing persons request before you complete your round. You are so slow you catch up to your own group during a shotgun start tournament. Your clothes are out of style by the back nine. One of the best ways to determine if you are slow: your golf partners refer to you as “methodical”, a polite way of saying you are too slow.
Many people enjoy watching golf on television. Please don’t emulate the time pros take; they are competing for millions of dollars and playing the under the toughest of conditions.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf for over 30 years, and enjoys golf the most when it is played in less than four hours.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Black Mountain Golf Club
“Write” Down the Fairway
Written June 2009
I had the pleasure of playing the newly opened Black Mountain Golf Club this past week. The condition of the course is superb, the vistas are spectacular and the unique layout makes for some memorable shots, with your golf clubs and camera.
The Black Mountain Golf Club officially opened June of 2009. In reality it has been ready for play since June of 2008. The owners of the golf course (Melcor Development Ltd.) decided to wait until the clubhouse and pro shop were completed this year. An excellent decision on their part. The view from the clubhouse deck provides a great setting for your pre or post round meal. I am not claiming to be a restaurant critic, but the food was very tasty and the setting alone is worth the drive.
Now back to the golf course itself. The grass used on the greens is a Dominant Extreme Creeping Bent Grass. Without getting into too much horticultural theory, the greens are extremely smooth and putt very true. The ball seemingly wants to go in the hole as it tracks its way there. Fairways and tees are Dwarf Kentucky Blue Grasses which allow the ball to sit up waiting to be hit.
The Black Mountain Golf Course plays to a par of 71 and has six par 3’s, five par 5’s, and seven par 4’s. With four sets of tee boxes to choose from, all levels of golfers can be accommodated. One of the first questions I had for Brice MacDermott (Golf Shop Manager) was, “Is the course walkable?” His answer was … “Yes and no.” There are a few uphill climbs from green to tee, but for the fit golfer it is possible. On the day I played, I saw two groups walking and carrying their golf bags, but I would recommend a cart. The 5th hole, a 372 yard par 4 to an island green is a feature hole and is both spectacular and intimidating. Make par and your walk to the next tee with a smile on your face.
The holes that I found most impressive were the 11th through to the 15th. The par three 11th plays anywhere from 182 yards to 108 yards over a natural ravine. The downhill tee shot makes the task a little less daunting. The 12th is a par 5 dog-leg right, uphill and around to a green that is blind from the fairway. I often heard Scottish Caddies remark “Aye laddie, tis only blind once!” The extra tall flagstick makes the approach shot appear closer. The 13th is a great par 3 and will test even the longest of hitters with a yardage of 234 yards from the back tee and 128 yards from the red tees. The setting for the green is very natural. It sits on a plateau that looks like it was created just for the purpose of placing a green there. The architects did a great job of using the natural topography of the landscape to create a very difficult yet fair test. The 14th requires a well placed tee shot to the left centre of the fairway. Club selection from the tee can be anything from a driver to a long iron or a hybrid. Depending on the wind, your approach could be a mid iron to a wedge. The 15th is a 352 yard par 4 from the gold tees. The hole gives the impression of being very narrow, but the further you go, the wider the fairway seems to become, and if needed, you can run the ball onto the green.
The course comes to a crescendo with the challenging 501 yard par five 18th. Favour the right centre of the fairway for the best approach for your second. From there you may have the decision to try for the green in two or lay up. A possible birdie could be rewarded with a round of applause by the gallery on the majestic setting of the clubhouse deck.
Be sure to make your way to the Black Mountain Golf Course this summer for an enjoyable and challenging day of golf. During my round I used every club in my bag and walked off the course satisfied and wanting to play it again, now that I have the knowledge of what needs to be done. Check out the website for online booking and current green fee rates at www.blackmountain.ca.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf since 1979, and has played over 250 golf courses in Canada, the United States, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Written June 2009
I had the pleasure of playing the newly opened Black Mountain Golf Club this past week. The condition of the course is superb, the vistas are spectacular and the unique layout makes for some memorable shots, with your golf clubs and camera.
The Black Mountain Golf Club officially opened June of 2009. In reality it has been ready for play since June of 2008. The owners of the golf course (Melcor Development Ltd.) decided to wait until the clubhouse and pro shop were completed this year. An excellent decision on their part. The view from the clubhouse deck provides a great setting for your pre or post round meal. I am not claiming to be a restaurant critic, but the food was very tasty and the setting alone is worth the drive.
Now back to the golf course itself. The grass used on the greens is a Dominant Extreme Creeping Bent Grass. Without getting into too much horticultural theory, the greens are extremely smooth and putt very true. The ball seemingly wants to go in the hole as it tracks its way there. Fairways and tees are Dwarf Kentucky Blue Grasses which allow the ball to sit up waiting to be hit.
The Black Mountain Golf Course plays to a par of 71 and has six par 3’s, five par 5’s, and seven par 4’s. With four sets of tee boxes to choose from, all levels of golfers can be accommodated. One of the first questions I had for Brice MacDermott (Golf Shop Manager) was, “Is the course walkable?” His answer was … “Yes and no.” There are a few uphill climbs from green to tee, but for the fit golfer it is possible. On the day I played, I saw two groups walking and carrying their golf bags, but I would recommend a cart. The 5th hole, a 372 yard par 4 to an island green is a feature hole and is both spectacular and intimidating. Make par and your walk to the next tee with a smile on your face.
The holes that I found most impressive were the 11th through to the 15th. The par three 11th plays anywhere from 182 yards to 108 yards over a natural ravine. The downhill tee shot makes the task a little less daunting. The 12th is a par 5 dog-leg right, uphill and around to a green that is blind from the fairway. I often heard Scottish Caddies remark “Aye laddie, tis only blind once!” The extra tall flagstick makes the approach shot appear closer. The 13th is a great par 3 and will test even the longest of hitters with a yardage of 234 yards from the back tee and 128 yards from the red tees. The setting for the green is very natural. It sits on a plateau that looks like it was created just for the purpose of placing a green there. The architects did a great job of using the natural topography of the landscape to create a very difficult yet fair test. The 14th requires a well placed tee shot to the left centre of the fairway. Club selection from the tee can be anything from a driver to a long iron or a hybrid. Depending on the wind, your approach could be a mid iron to a wedge. The 15th is a 352 yard par 4 from the gold tees. The hole gives the impression of being very narrow, but the further you go, the wider the fairway seems to become, and if needed, you can run the ball onto the green.
The course comes to a crescendo with the challenging 501 yard par five 18th. Favour the right centre of the fairway for the best approach for your second. From there you may have the decision to try for the green in two or lay up. A possible birdie could be rewarded with a round of applause by the gallery on the majestic setting of the clubhouse deck.
Be sure to make your way to the Black Mountain Golf Course this summer for an enjoyable and challenging day of golf. During my round I used every club in my bag and walked off the course satisfied and wanting to play it again, now that I have the knowledge of what needs to be done. Check out the website for online booking and current green fee rates at www.blackmountain.ca.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf since 1979, and has played over 250 golf courses in Canada, the United States, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pebble Beach: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Pebble Beach: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Clint Eastwood’s movie from 1966 has provided some inspiration for this week’s musings. Eastwood, the former mayor of Carmel and part of the ownership group at Pebble Beach Golf Links, may have been on the minds of the United States Golf Association when they set up the golf course for the US Open. Mike Davis, the USGA’s course set up man, was doing a “good” Dirty Harry for the best golfers in the world. “Go ahead - make my day” and just try to break par for 72 holes. Insert Dr. Evil laughter.
Pebble Beach Golf Links has it all: beautiful scenery, an outstanding routing of golf holes, history and prestige. There are a few adjustments needed and the price of the green fee would be a good place to start. How many golfers can afford the $495 tariff for 18 holes of golf? That works out to $27.50 per hole! Perhaps one can go straight to the 7th tee and just play the next four holes for $110. Or start at #17 tee and drop $55 to play the final two holes.
I would think twice before playing the 14th hole. PGA Tour pros were made to look like weekend hackers at your local $23 “muni”. How many times in one day have you seen professional golfers miss the green with a chip shot? Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters Champion, missed the green three times with chip shots. Johnson tried a bump and run, then a flop shot, and then a pitch shot, another flop shot again to get on the green, and then two putts for a Gordie Howe (9). Talk about “ugly”.
To hold the green on the 14th hole, the ball had to land like a butterfly with sore feet. Y.E. Yang had five chips on the 14th hole; he might still have been there when the first group came through on Saturday. Yang went back and forth across the green so often I thought he was playing a one man game of tennis at Wimbledon. Yang would shoot 49 on the inward nine.
A “good” thing about the US Open at Pebble Beach is no Bill Murray. Murray was great in Caddyshack as Carl Spackler, but his “bad” antics during the PGA tour stop in February have grown predictable and downright “ugly”.
For those of you with a keen eye during the telecast, there was some local content at the US Open. Neil Schmidt, head golf professional at Tower Ranch, was caddying for Craig Barlow this week. Past Ogopogo champion (2005) Kent Eger qualified for his first ever major championship. Eger would miss the cut with rounds of 76-79.
Tom Watson again provided some “good” moments in a major by making the cut at age 60. Watson is the only golfer to play in every US Open held at Pebble Beach. His run started in 1972, followed by a win in 1982. Watson also played in 1992 and 2000. Watson played a great round on Saturday, scoring a one under par 70.
It was too “bad” Phil Mickelson could not win a US Open, but I am sure his three green jackets will keep him looking “good”; just don’t wear pink pants, that would be “ugly”.
Gord McGarva’s columns can be found at http://writedownthefairway.blogspot.com/
Clint Eastwood’s movie from 1966 has provided some inspiration for this week’s musings. Eastwood, the former mayor of Carmel and part of the ownership group at Pebble Beach Golf Links, may have been on the minds of the United States Golf Association when they set up the golf course for the US Open. Mike Davis, the USGA’s course set up man, was doing a “good” Dirty Harry for the best golfers in the world. “Go ahead - make my day” and just try to break par for 72 holes. Insert Dr. Evil laughter.
Pebble Beach Golf Links has it all: beautiful scenery, an outstanding routing of golf holes, history and prestige. There are a few adjustments needed and the price of the green fee would be a good place to start. How many golfers can afford the $495 tariff for 18 holes of golf? That works out to $27.50 per hole! Perhaps one can go straight to the 7th tee and just play the next four holes for $110. Or start at #17 tee and drop $55 to play the final two holes.
I would think twice before playing the 14th hole. PGA Tour pros were made to look like weekend hackers at your local $23 “muni”. How many times in one day have you seen professional golfers miss the green with a chip shot? Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters Champion, missed the green three times with chip shots. Johnson tried a bump and run, then a flop shot, and then a pitch shot, another flop shot again to get on the green, and then two putts for a Gordie Howe (9). Talk about “ugly”.
To hold the green on the 14th hole, the ball had to land like a butterfly with sore feet. Y.E. Yang had five chips on the 14th hole; he might still have been there when the first group came through on Saturday. Yang went back and forth across the green so often I thought he was playing a one man game of tennis at Wimbledon. Yang would shoot 49 on the inward nine.
A “good” thing about the US Open at Pebble Beach is no Bill Murray. Murray was great in Caddyshack as Carl Spackler, but his “bad” antics during the PGA tour stop in February have grown predictable and downright “ugly”.
For those of you with a keen eye during the telecast, there was some local content at the US Open. Neil Schmidt, head golf professional at Tower Ranch, was caddying for Craig Barlow this week. Past Ogopogo champion (2005) Kent Eger qualified for his first ever major championship. Eger would miss the cut with rounds of 76-79.
Tom Watson again provided some “good” moments in a major by making the cut at age 60. Watson is the only golfer to play in every US Open held at Pebble Beach. His run started in 1972, followed by a win in 1982. Watson also played in 1992 and 2000. Watson played a great round on Saturday, scoring a one under par 70.
It was too “bad” Phil Mickelson could not win a US Open, but I am sure his three green jackets will keep him looking “good”; just don’t wear pink pants, that would be “ugly”.
Gord McGarva’s columns can be found at http://writedownthefairway.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 7, 2010
Seve Honoured by Jack
Each year at Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament a prominent member from the golf community is honoured. This year Nicklaus chose Severiano Ballesteros from Spain.
Ballesteros was not able to make an appearance at the tournament due to his recent battle with cancer. In October of 2008 Ballesteros began treatment for a cancerous brain tumour with a series of operations to have the tumour removed. Seve did not make a public appearance until June of 2009.
Ballesteros turned professional in March of 1974 at the tender age of 16. By the time Seve would retire from professional golf his worldwide victory total would reach 91, including five major championships. Ballesteros’ first victory was the 1976 Dutch Open. It was earlier that summer at age 19 when Ballesteros let it be known to the world he would be a force in major championship golf. Seve finished tied for second with Jack Nicklaus in the British Open at Royal Birkdale. The “dashing” young Spaniard seemed to have it all: style, grace, good looks, and a game to back it all up.
Ballesteros would win his first major championship three years later at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. Seve was unjustly named the “car park” champion for his miraculous birdie from a temporary parking lot adjacent to the 16th hole. Ballesteros had decided that the far right side of the hole left the best approach to the final day’s difficult pin position. Seve was correct! A birdie at the 16th propelled Seve to a three stroke victory over Jack Nicklaus and Ben Crenshaw.
I had the opportunity to witness Seve’s magic first hand during a practice round at the 1989 British Open Championship at Royal Troon. Ballesteros was the defending champion and had some of the largest galleries during the Open. It was a Monday afternoon and the galleries had yet to swell to capacity. I somehow managed to get on the practice area thanks to Al Malan, Steve Pate’s longtime caddie and former Kelowna resident. Seve was practicing his short game - not that he needed to - and teaching some young pros a variety of short game shots. This was before cell phones and their ability to record video; otherwise I would have been filming a short game display that was one part trick shot, the other part pure golfing genius.
Lee Trevino may have best described Seve with this quote: “Every generation or so there emerges a golfer who is a little bit better than anybody else. I believe Ballesteros is one of them.”
This year the Open returns to St. Andrews, the site of Ballesteros’ 1984 victory. Knowledgeable golf fans will have ingrained in their memory the sight of Seve punching the air after holing a putt on the 72nd hole for a second Open Championship victory. Past champions will be playing four holes; one, two, seventeen and eighteen at the Old Course on Wednesday July 14th. My guess is that Ballesteros will receive the loudest cheers as he returns to make his first public appearance since his battle with cancer. I hope to be one of those in attendance for what will be an extraordinary afternoon.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf since 1979, the year Seve Ballesteros won his first major championship.
Ballesteros was not able to make an appearance at the tournament due to his recent battle with cancer. In October of 2008 Ballesteros began treatment for a cancerous brain tumour with a series of operations to have the tumour removed. Seve did not make a public appearance until June of 2009.
Ballesteros turned professional in March of 1974 at the tender age of 16. By the time Seve would retire from professional golf his worldwide victory total would reach 91, including five major championships. Ballesteros’ first victory was the 1976 Dutch Open. It was earlier that summer at age 19 when Ballesteros let it be known to the world he would be a force in major championship golf. Seve finished tied for second with Jack Nicklaus in the British Open at Royal Birkdale. The “dashing” young Spaniard seemed to have it all: style, grace, good looks, and a game to back it all up.
Ballesteros would win his first major championship three years later at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. Seve was unjustly named the “car park” champion for his miraculous birdie from a temporary parking lot adjacent to the 16th hole. Ballesteros had decided that the far right side of the hole left the best approach to the final day’s difficult pin position. Seve was correct! A birdie at the 16th propelled Seve to a three stroke victory over Jack Nicklaus and Ben Crenshaw.
I had the opportunity to witness Seve’s magic first hand during a practice round at the 1989 British Open Championship at Royal Troon. Ballesteros was the defending champion and had some of the largest galleries during the Open. It was a Monday afternoon and the galleries had yet to swell to capacity. I somehow managed to get on the practice area thanks to Al Malan, Steve Pate’s longtime caddie and former Kelowna resident. Seve was practicing his short game - not that he needed to - and teaching some young pros a variety of short game shots. This was before cell phones and their ability to record video; otherwise I would have been filming a short game display that was one part trick shot, the other part pure golfing genius.
Lee Trevino may have best described Seve with this quote: “Every generation or so there emerges a golfer who is a little bit better than anybody else. I believe Ballesteros is one of them.”
This year the Open returns to St. Andrews, the site of Ballesteros’ 1984 victory. Knowledgeable golf fans will have ingrained in their memory the sight of Seve punching the air after holing a putt on the 72nd hole for a second Open Championship victory. Past champions will be playing four holes; one, two, seventeen and eighteen at the Old Course on Wednesday July 14th. My guess is that Ballesteros will receive the loudest cheers as he returns to make his first public appearance since his battle with cancer. I hope to be one of those in attendance for what will be an extraordinary afternoon.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf since 1979, the year Seve Ballesteros won his first major championship.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Rain, Not Always A Pain
The biggest smiles seen at local golf courses these past few weeks would be on the faces of golf course superintendents. All area golf courses are looking as green as Augusta National during the week of the Masters. I am hoping that a column on playing golf in the rain will bring sunny days and warmer weather.
Playing in the rain requires two main things: the correct equipment and a good attitude.
Let’s start from the top. Be sure you have a good golf umbrella; the extra coverage with the larger umbrella is worth the money. If you have a push cart some even have an attachment that you can use to hold your umbrella while you walk.
After the umbrella is the hat; golf in the rain is not a time to worry about fashion. Find something that can keep the water from running down the back of your neck. When all else fails just wear your cap backwards and use the brim.
Yes, a rain suit is a great addition to your golf attire/equipment, but a rain jacket will serve the purpose just as well. Be sure the jacket is one size larger than needed; you want to be able to swing without restriction. Make sure any rain jacket you decide to use is specifically designed for golf. Some water proof clothing used for other outdoor activities may not give you the needed movement to swing a golf club properly.
Do ALL you can to keep your grips dry; once they are wet you may as well head back to the clubhouse. Extra towels come in handy and can stay dry when tucked under the umbrella between the spokes. A couple of quick wipes, a good scrub and your grips will be ready to go.
Rain gloves are an essential part of the necessary equipment. Most companies have their own line of rain gloves and some even sell gloves that work best when soaking wet. Be sure to get one for each hand. Keep your rain gloves in your bag on a regular basis. You will be grateful when that rainy day arrives.
Waterproof shoes, a must in any golfer’s wardrobe. Black shoes seem to stay cleaner and tend to go with any pair of pants. Keep you spikes clean and change them often to insure solid footing on the wet surface.
At times the rain can make the golf course play more accommodating. Rain can sometimes make the golf course play a little easier. The fairways become a little wider as the amount of roll the golf ball gets is reduced. When putting you can be more aggressive as the excess water will slow the golf ball down. Just be sure to stay out of the heavily saturated rough. That can be no fun. Another benefit of playing golf in the rain is that the golf courses tend to be less busy and therefore easier to play at a faster pace. Just allow for the loss in distance on approach shots and all should be fine for an enjoyable yet wet day on the course.
Casual water can be your friend if you know the rules. Here is the definition from the rules of golf - “Casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is visible before or after the player takes his stance and is not in a water hazard. Take your drop to the nearest point of relief no closer to the hole and not more than one club length.
Enjoy playing golf in the rain; it beats a dry day at work.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf since 1979 and enjoys playing golf in rain.
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