1.        Who was the first Dane to play in the Ryder Cup?

2.       How old was Bobby Jones when he retired from full time competitive golf?

3.       What women's biennial transatlantic competition is played much like the Men's Ryder           Cup?

4.       Who was the 1st male Japanese golfer to win on the U.S. Tour?

Answers further down in the newsletter. 

Some noteworthy facts...

• The 39th Ryder Cup matches will be held this Sept. 28, 29, & 30th. 
• This year's Captains are Jose Maria Olazabal...Europe, Davis Love III...US
• The matches will be played at the Medinah Country Club, Medinah Illinois
• The facility was founded in 1924, by a group of Shriners' from the Medinah Temple of Chicago. 

• Medinah has hosted 5 PGA major events...3 U.S. Opens, 2 PGA Championships
• The course will play to 7,657 yards, Par 72.
• The 1st Ryder Cup matches were held in 1927, played in Worcester Country Club, Worchester, Mass.

• The original competition was between Britain & Ireland vs the USA.
• In 1979 the playing eligibility was expanded to include continental Europe.
• Since 1979 the Cup has been won 8 times by Europe and 7 times by USA. (Europe retained once to a tie)

Some interesting details about the course are: 

• The course plays to a Par 71; four sets of tees are available measuring 5,397-6,663 yards
• The course is seasonal being open May-October.
• Score Golf rates Jasper Park as the #1 Golf Resort in Canada.
• Peak green fees are $180, which includes power cart seat & range balls.
• The course and resort are owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.
• The course is situated on Lac Beauvert as seen in the postcards below.
• The course and surrounds have been the setting for 7 Hollywood movies.
• Elevation of the course is 3,484 ft., where as Banff is 4,541 ft.

 

 

 

The Town of Jasper was established in 1813, by the North West Company and later by the Hudson Bay Company as a Fur Trading Post.   The Park itself was established in 1907; named after Jasper Hawes, an early operator of the Trading Post.

An interesting note is the "Rules of Golf" were governed by the St. Andrews Rules (R&A) until 1952, when the "ruling body" was changed to include both the R&A and the USGA.  This card is dated 1941.  What I find most intriguing about the card is the local rule,  

"No Boundaries." 

1.    Take a video of your own swing and compare.  What does it tell you? 

2.    Paint a line on your golf ball for putting directional purposes...Tiger does!  

3.    If you don't have a hybrid....get one.  It will become your favorite club I promise!  

4.    During practice, always aim at a specific target or target line.    

5.    If you're putting poorly...change your grip. Try the reverse overlap, or cross handed.         

 6.   Play for something, anything...believe me, it will improve your focus!  

A quick unforgettable story to tip six.   

I recall when I was about twelve years old I played golf (at Hazelmere Golf Club...my Dad was the lawyer for the club) with another lad who was about 4 years older than me.  His name was Tim ...he was a good guy, had a decent game, and liked to gamble like me.  Besides playing golf, we hunted for golf balls a lot together.  Tim always arrived at the club on his motorcycle; I was totally verboten by my father to riding on it with him.  

Anyhow, as the story goes I obviously lost my head one summer day as we played for $5 per hole.  I had so much confidence in my game I truly thought I was unbeatable.  Well I lost big time...I think it was for about $60. Where was I going to find $60 bucks, this was 1964.....and he wanted it!  Well what was I to do? .....Did I mention, Tim collected stamps and (un)fortunately my Dad & our family did too.  It all seemed simple enough until my dear mom caught me with the estranged gumbacks.  I can distinctly remember hiding upstairs under my brother John's bed when my Dad got home.  It wasn't long til I could hear my father rise to the occasion.  Didn't have much of a defence besides admitting I had a poor game.  I clearly remember receiving a damn good thrashing .....with regard to the stamps and the $60 bucks...not sure what happened there?  If I recall, oddly enough, I think I noticed a wee smile on my dad's face after punishment time.  He too loved to wager on golf!  Hey!   Like father like son!  Good ol' Dad! 

This past weekend marked the opening of the new Quadra Island Golf Club.   
The event included 9 holes of golf plus an after party of splendid island cuisine and fellowship.  Located only 7 minutes from the Quadra Island/ Campbell River ferry dock, the new 9 hole public course is a must play for those searching for an excellent test of golf and a fun golf adventure close to home.   Playing 18 from two different sets of tees, the greens and overall layout are excellent!  Check it out, a real treat!

 Hole #5 - 494 yards Par 5   

                     Find a better game!  

Good Golfing to all!