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July 2012 - Vol 3 Issue 5 Vancouver Island, British Columbia |
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How to Subscribe....
Do you have a friend who might like to read the Peninsula Golf Journal?
We welcome any e-mail addresses of those you think might enjoy receiving the monthly letter.
Thanks!
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Time to get Official
Click on the logo to visit the BCGA website and learn how to establish a registered handicap. Your official handicap will allow you to participate in all BCGA sanctioned events; plus enable you to monitor your game performance on line. Believe me, it will help make you a better player!
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Please click on the YouTube logo above to visit my Youtube Channel and video lessons.
There are five topics:
~Sand Play
~Simple Alignment System
~The Fairway Trap Shot
~Putting Basics
~Sticky Lies around the Green
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On Monday, September 17th I will be hosting the 3rd Annual Van Isle Tradition golf tournament and fundraiser at Uplands Golf Club. All proceeds raised will go to the B.C.Golf House & Museum. If you might like to join us, please e-mail me and I will forward you the details.
(Click logo for details) Thx!
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EDITORS TEE-TIME
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This year marks the 94th edition of the United States PGA Championship. As always it should be a great event. Some interesting facts:
a. The event will be held at the Kiawah Island Golf Club, the "Ocean Course" in South Carolina. The course will measure 7,676 yards par 72.
b. The course was designed by the famous U.S. golf course architect Pete Dye.
c. The PGA Championship is the 4th and final major of the year. The event started in 1916, with the winner being Jim Barnes of England. For his win Barnes earned $500.... plus a gold bracelet.
d. This year the champ will receive $1.445 million and the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. Wanamaker was a founding wealthy patron of the event.
e. Defending champion is Keegan Bradley of the USA.
f. The most PGA victories were won by Walter Hagen 5, Jack Nicklaus 5, Tiger Woods 4, Gene Sarazen 3 & Sam Snead 3.
f. Kiawah is no stranger to championship golf events. In 1991 Kiawah hosted the Ryder Cup matches, in 2001 the UBS Cup, 2003 the World Cup, and in 2000 the course was used to film "The Legend of Bagger Vance", starring Will Smith & Matt Damon... directed by Robert Redford.
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JACK SAYS...
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Jack says...
Many amateurs tend to lose their wits when they leave the fairway, it's as important to coolly pre-plan trouble shots as it is drives and approaches from closely mowed turf....more important, in fact, because of the risk of further compounding your original error.
Scott says...
During my playing lessons I see students all the time trying to be too ambitious with their trouble shots. Think conservatively, take less club and try to hit the ball to a defined distance from the green like a 50-100-150 yard marker. It may seem a little less courageous, but your score card (in most cases) will usually reflect your wise judgement.
If you are looking for a "great" playing lesson book...check out "Jack Nicklaus' Playing Lessons". Easy to read, with some superb guidance and game strategy as to how to play this game from the very best! (Find a copy at abebooks.com.)
(Click the Bear)
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LATEST ADDITION TO THE COLLECTION
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Last weekend I visited Qualicum Beach and acquired this handsome figural trophy. The inscription reads, "Long Driving Championship, Presented by C.J. Bannister". I would think the trophy is dated from the 1930-40's period. What I find most intriguing about the piece is the games constant fascination and adoration with "how far one can hit the ball".
In August 2006, I had the opportunity to attend the "TELUS Skins Game" played in Banff. It was a fantastic golf extravaganza starring Nicklaus, Ames, Norman, Garcia & John Daly (the eventual winner). Anyhow before the event started, 5 time World Long Drive Champion Jason Zuback (of Calgary, Alberta) performed a Long Drive Clinic. It was simply unbelievable, with Jason hitting drives in access of 400 yards.
Combining the altitude (where the ball flies further) in Banff with Jason's ability to pound the ball (with swing speeds over 150mph), it was something to watch....truly Hulk stuff! So what is Jason's long driving all about, well certainly Jason's physique tells some of the story. It is interesting to note Jason is only 5'8" tall. (The average male golfer swing speed is 80-90 mph, ladies 60-70mph.)
For your review I have included a brief clip showing Jason's swing motion. With his length off the tee, it's hard to imagine how short the golf courses must play for him; he'd be waiting on most par 4's for the group to clear the green. What I found particularly fascinating was Jason hit all his shots with a fade.....meaning the ball flight was from left to right. In the video take note as to the width of his swing, especially at waist height on his back swing. It was a great show! After the event I introduced myself to him and congratulated him on a great presentation...he was congenial, friendly and totally approachable...a cool guy!
Another quick story...when I was the assistant at Point Grey in 1986 I had the opportunity to play with Evan (BIG CAT) Williams. At that time Evan was the reigning Long Drive Champion of the World...in fact he won it multiple times. At 6' 6" tall, 250+lbs plus, Kevin could launch the ball (350+yards) on a regular basis. Please note at that time we were using wooden headed clubs. In my early 20's I thought I could hit the ball a fair distance...compared to Evan, the word "thought" is the operative word. His power was simply daunting. So what makes it happen...it's all about fitness, tight angles, torque and leverage....done right, this can equate to remarkable club head speed.
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TRIVIA TIME...
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1. The stone structure crossing a stream onto the eighteenth fairway at St. Andrews Old Course goes by what name?
2. What is the only course in Ireland that has hosted a British Open Championship?
3. Who was Nick Faldo's longtime caddie during the 1990's?
4. On what course did Ben Hogan win the only British Open in which he competed, in 1953?
Answers further down in the newsletter.
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THE POWER OF THE SCOPE
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I believe the new yardage scopes are perhaps one of the greatest assets a player can possess. In the "good old days" most yardages were defined by the naked eye, or by perhaps a lone 150 yard marker. I have spoken innumerable times about the advantage to a player knowing the range or calibration of each of his clubs. The new range finders make it simple and exact as to distance needed with every shot. Where the scope is particularly helpful is when a player is in a foreign fairway, on an unfamiliar course, or most importantly when needing to traverse a hazard (such as a lake). Take it from me, this legal gizmo is a HUGE advantage and will help to lower your score.
Don't leave home without it!
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FEATURED CLUB...POSTCARD PICS OF THE MONTH
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Riding Mountain National Park Golf Club...Manitoba
One of the interesting pleasures in producing the newsletter is doing the necessary research on the subject at hand. Riding Mountain National Park Golf Course, or otherwise known today as Clear Lake Golf Course is situated within the National Park.
The first nine holes were constructed by the famous golf architect Stanley Thompson in 1928. The second nine was added in 1933. Green fees to play the course were set at $.50 cents, with annual memberships available for a couple pegged at $5. The town site within the Park is known as Wasagaming, (native meaning Clear Lake).
Much of the Park's infrastructure was created under National Relief Programs established during the Great Depression. (1929-33) The heavily wooded area provided fuel for not only the period of the depression but also during the War years with the shortage of alternate fuels.
I always find it interesting how our perception of the prairies being totally flat is quite different from the real thing regarding the topography (of the land as illustrated in the cards above).
http://www.clearlakegolfcourse.com/
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YOUR CHINNY CHIN-CHIN
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In being a professional instructor I see a lot of different set ups over the ball. One area I check out right away is the position of the players head/ chin. I am a strong believer that a golfers' set-up/ posture should be natural and not contrived in any way. I see a lot of folks pushing their chins down thinking this will keep their head down during their swing, or in some cases lifting their chins up thinking this will make room for the shoulder to move under the chin on the back swing.Do not fall victim to either of these errors. It's all about "best sight"! In the first two photos provided I believe I show the contrivances clearly, with the third being correct. Believe me, the only position worth pursuing is photo 3....just look at the ball and let your eyes, head and shoulders naturally figure it out. (Notice the cap angle.)
p.s. Bi-focal glasses can be problematic too...something to consider!
  
Head down Head up Natural Position |
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JUST A FEW MORE YARDS...
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A few years ago a student of mine was doing splendid with his game. Having been a 90-100+ shooter we had lots to work on...he was a very focused student and he improved greatly. On a trip to Hawaii he sent me an e-mail telling me about his 3 consecutive low 80's rounds and how pleased he was with his game. As his instructor and friend, did I feel great or what. At the bottom of the e-mail I noticed a final footnote...it read...NEED 20 MORE YARDS!
The desire to hit the ball farther is a universal truism in the game. I get asked in my lessons all the time, how can I hit the ball longer? Well, there are three solutions sitting on the table for the taking.
...The 1st is equipment....are your clubs right for you; are they allowing you to maximize your distance potential? Put technology on your side! There is a vast array of great golf stuff out there. Check it out!
...The 2nd is your physical conditioning. Tiger introduced serious physical fitness to the game, so did Anika. So ask yourself the basic question...am I fit?
...The 3rd is get help! It goes without saying, it's a tough game! If you are unhappy with your ball striking seek out some professional help. See your CPGA Professional and discover your weaknesses and strengths. In a great many instances, a few simple changes can find you those extra yards. Build a stronger game...its fun!
Good luck!
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GOLF INSTRUCTION with SCOTT
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"AUGUST LESSON SPECIAL"
( Golf Journal Subscribers ONLY )
BUY 3 Lessons...Receive a 4th FREE
Lessons are available with Scott at Highland Pacific weekday afternoons and weekends. Send an e-mail or call Scott to find a time that works best for your schedule. Sometimes a small change or adjustment can make a BIG difference. All lessons include video and an e-mail summary. Look forward to hearing from you! Cheers!
Email: scottkeenlyside@hotmail.com
Call: Highland Pacific Golf Shop @ 250.478.4653
Web-site: www.highlandpacificgolf.com
Hole 9 - Highland Nine Green - Highland Pacific G.C.
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PREVIOUS EDITIONS
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2012
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TRIVIA ANSWERS
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1. Swilcan Bridge 2. Royal Portrush 1951 3. Fanny Sunneson 4. Carnoustie
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Good Golfing to all!
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