|
October 2012 - Vol 4 Issue 1 Vancouver Island, British Columbia
|
|
|
|
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. The Journal now exceeds 500 readers.
Thanks!
|
|
Add to the fun!
Check these guys out!
Click the logo to visit the Golf BC website and learn how to establish a legitimate registered handicap; Believe me, establishing a handicap costs little and the benefits are large.
Click on the Golf Canada Logo and find out more about the sport of golf and the great opportunities for you and your children to enjoy this great game.
|
|
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...chipping
A path to better golf!
|
Click me...Worth a visit! |
|
|
|
EDITORS TEE-TIME
| |
RYDER CUP REVIEW...
Two weeks have now passed since the playing of the 2012 Ryder Cup; I have to admit I am still reflecting on the event and outcome. To begin, what a spectacular, world class golf extravaganza. I don't think I have ever seen such a suspenseful, action packed contest in my 30 year golf career. If one was to choreograph a sequence of golf matches with the intent of delivering an amazing race, a better one could not have been created nor imagined.
The big question is how did the European side prevail given the daunting lead USA had going into round three? One certainly would have to believe "momentum" must had something to do with it. I have spoken of this force before, and my favourite saying to students " make a trend your friend" I think does hold merit. With Ian Poulter's unbelievable finish on day two birdieing the last 5 holes, plus the outpouring of emotion he transmitted (to both team and spectator), it seemed to be the needed "game changer". Certainly the European players felt that, the media spoke and wrote that, and the final outcome perhaps proved that.
 Is there something more though, perhaps found in the very essence of the players themselves. It goes without saying, the American side was a team of fabulous players, certainly on paper arguably perhaps a stronger team than Europe; but maybe rather than the sum of the talent pool, the difference can be found in the "collective spirit" of the European squad. I remember in an earlier Ryder Cup contest won (by the Europeans) a number of years ago, the commentators were asking "what is that special thing the Europeans have that seems to allude the Americans". I cannot recall the individual who replied, but I have never forgotten it; he said after a tough Ryder Cup day the American team brings in their experts to analysis both player and team, whereas the European Team goes to the PUB. I have no idea whether this statement is totally true or not, but my basic "gut feeling" is that the European's sincerely like each other and seem to cherish the collective moment together. Certainly, the 2012 "Seve Ballesteros" team remembrance fitted perfectly into this bonding and purposeful formula.
In closing, in most cases the Europeans have been categorized as the underdog in the Ryder Cup matches... It must be said this may be an easier platform for their players to perform from and rise to the challenge. It should not be overlooked nor taken lightly, the American ideology of "winning vs losing" may make the climb even tougher for the US team. Regardless, from my perspective all players acquitted themselves beautifully, and in my mind played beyond any wishful expectations.
Lastly, the "Game of Golf" presented itself with all its earned honour and grandeur, and the warriors of these 2012 Ryder Cup matches made me feel proud to be part of their fraternity.
|
|
|
|
|
JACK SAYS...
| |
Jack says...
One of the most critical angles in golf is the alignment of the club shaft at the top of the backswing. I want it to parallel my target line. If the shaft"crosses the line" ...points right of target...I will hit too much from the inside and either hook or push the shot. If the shaft is "laid off"...points left of target...I will hit too much from the outside and either pull or slice the shot.
  
Parallel Crossing the line Club Laid off
Scott says... To illustrate the science of Jack's remarks, I have taken three camera shots of my swing (looking down from the upper deck) at the Highland Pacific Range. Please consider the red line the target line.
|
|
LATEST ADDITION TO THE COLLECTION
| |
Found this 1934 "Golfing" magazine on EBay. I think the front cover image is simply fantastic and worth sharing. Over the past many years, I have found it quite common during lesson time for students to express emotional feelings of discontent and pleasure with various clubs in their bag. Comments like," I will not hit that club...I hate that club...I never use that club...that's the best club in my bag...I love this club...fascinating to say the least. It would seem each club has its own persona!
|
|
TRIVIA TIME
| |
- Nick Faldo briefly attended what American University in the seventies?
- Who was the inventor of perimeter weighting in irons and putters?
- Who was the first Texan to win the Masters?
- Arnold Palmer is the principal owner of what Florida facility that is the host of a PGA Tour event?
- What longtime TV commentator was born in Germany, has a British accent, and played in eight Ryder Cup matches?
Answers further down in the newsletter. |
|
PENTICTON GOLF CLUB
| |
This is one of my favourite postcards. This card of the Penticton Golf Links dates back to the early 1920's. The first golf club in Penticton was founded in 1917; the second and current club in 1936. The card captures well a very typical Okanagan terrain, with the ever present pine trees and seasonal burnt ground. I especially like the tree stumps bordering the fairway. How about that course conditioning????
From another perspective it is fascinating to think an actual postcard was created to share the human experience and to assist with the marketing/promotion of the club. Might I add..."au naturel".
Click here to visit the Penticton Golf Club website
|
|
BE HONEST NOW...DO YOU SHANK? HELP IS ON THE WAY!
| |
What is a "shank": It is the hosel of the club that first contacts the ball. Since the hosel is rounded, the ball may shoot off in just about any direction with various spins. But most commonly, a shank results in a ball that shoots out to the right (for a right-hander) at a severe angle. ( golf.about.com)
Recently, I have had a few folks asking me to cure their "shanking" problem. So what can we do? The best place to start is to explain why it happens? Having said that, we know one thing for sure...think encroachment...so much to do with swing path. The club head/ hosel of the club is simply moving closer to the ball at contact. So what causes encroachment? It most commonly is the outcome of four swing actions...a swinging over the top motion, having too much weight on the toes at impact, bringing the club too much from the inside on the downswing, or an incorrect grip.
So what is swinging over the top? "Over the top" is done when the downswing is initiated with the shoulders rather than with the hips; this move is the primary reason golfers slice the ball or pull it hard left. Swing path...outside to in. Cure: Train yourself to start the downswing with the hips!
Weight on your toes...Falling forward or your weight moving to your toes during the downswing moves the club hosel closer to the ball. Cure: Try to feel the weight in your feet is from the balls of your feet to the heels, not balls to toes. I like my students to feel they can lift their toes just a touch at address. The easiest way to find this position is by getting the student to imagine his/her behind is leaning against a table edge behind him. It's all about posture. Sitting back just a touch can work wonders. I define it as moving your center of gravity back.
A swing path coming from the inside, meaning the club is moving sharply outward towards the ball. I see this generally in those golfers who straighten their back leg on the back swing, thereby over rotating the hips. It is important to know, the back leg must stay partially flexed on the back swing...do not allow it to snap back to a straight position.
Lastly, an incorrect grip! Need I say more!
My "quick fix" is an emergency only cure if needed. I get my students to address the ball just outside the center of the club face to give oneself a little margin for error. Combine this with sitting your backside back just a touch and feel you are near playing off your heels... in most cases... "Good-bye Mr. Shanks"!
 
Hey, if you occasionally shank the ball, check out these 1960's Golden Touch "no shank irons" designed by 1961 PGA Champion Jerry Barber. Notice in the photos the set back of the hosel....really cool! For those needing immediate relief, a beautiful story! Legal too!
|
|
GOLF LANGUAGE
| |
The word "fairway" comes from a nautical term that describes a safe passageway through potentially dangerous waters. If you keep the ball on the short grass, it stays out of harm's way.
"Fore" is another word for "ahead" (think of a ship's fore and aft). Yelling "fore" is simply a shorter way to yell "watch out ahead" (or "watch out before"). It allows golfers to be forewarned, in other words.
In golf, a "snowman" is something you definitely want to avoid. That's because snowman is the slang term for a score of 8 on any individual golf hole. (Why? Because an 8 looks like a snowman - one ball of snow sitting on top of another.)
"Rub of the green" is one way in which the Rules of Golf say, "those are the breaks."
If a ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency (caddies, fore caddies, referee, etc.), it is called "rub of the green" and the ball is played where it comes to rest. No penalty is assessed. Anytime you see "rub of the green" in the rulebook, imagine a rules official shrugging his shoulders and saying, "Hey, whaddya gonna do?"
|
|
FEATURED CLUB...POSTCARD PICS OF THE MONTH
| |
Royal Colwood Golf Club...
Hole 4...circa 1925
Recognized as one of Canada' finest golf clubs, Royal Colwood is truly a magnificent facility. Sporting a fantastic layout (6370 yards, par 70) combined with exceptional conditioning, Colwood is a true gem. The course was co-founded by James Dunsmuir (the Coal Baron), and Joseph Sayward (the lumber, Victoria real estate baron). The course was designed by the famous Victoria golf architect, A.V. Macan. On a personal note the club has great significance to me because I did the first year of my professional apprenticeship at the club in 1972 under Professional Bill Court. From Colwood I proceeded to Point Grey in Vancouver where I completed the remaining 4 years of my PGA apprenticeship.
For an interesting project I decided to try and compare the 4th and 9th holes at Colwood from early 20th century postcards images to current photos (I took in the last few weeks). As one can see the 4th hole has been changed quite dramatically given the extent and size of the water hazard. With the 4th hole measuring only 167 yards, it should not be under estimated in difficulty factor, especially given the holes susceptibility to the prevailing SE/ NW winds, and the lake positioned in front of the green.
Hole # 4...circa 1935
 Hole # 4...circa 2012
The early postcard of the 9th hole below is most interesting, given the postcard photo was taken from the old clubhouse situated on the hill above the 9th green. Returning to the same photo spot, it is a wonderful vantage point to oversee the approach and green below. The 9th hole has not been changed with the exception of the traps running short of the green. Rather than 4 traps, there are only 2 now.
Hole # 9...circa 1935
Hole # 9...circa 2012
I acquired this Colwood advertising poster below a number of years ago. It dates back to the 50's. It was found in Courtenay and is one super duper Colwood collectible. One particularly interesting tidbit about the poster is the image of the old clubhouse where the (postcard) picture of the 9th hole was taken. Gone now, the clubhouse (still there in 72) looked totally awesome perched above the green. Lastly, the Victoria designer and commercial artist who did this superb poster was Doug Genn; father of the famous Canadian artist Robert Genn, a long time friend of mine.
|
|
THE WORLD OF HICKORY CLUBS
| |
Over the next number of issues of the Journal, I will be illustrating a number of my hickory golf club collectibles. It goes without saying; there are lots of hickory clubs out there, many common and many without character. In defining my particular interests, my specialty is seeking hickory clubs which can be connected to Canadian Golf Clubs and their respective PGA Professionals. Illustrated below are four examples of golf club and host professional identifications:
The 1st...a short iron from Shaughnessy Heights; Dave Black was the HP from 1920-1945.
The 2nd...a mid iron from Victoria Golf Club; Phil Taylor was the HP from 1921-1958.
The 3rd...a putter from Point Grey Golf Club; Dave Ayton was the HP from 1923-1927.
The 4th...a putter from Uplands Golf Club; Walter Gravlin was the HP from 1923-63.
Other markings, or "cleek marks" as they are called, identify both the maker/manufacturer of the club and in some cases club characteristics. Future issues of the Journal will explore in greater detail these specific markings and their origins.
So, where does one research antique clubs? Certainly "Google" can be an excellent resource, or books dedicated to the subject of golf antiquities, such as the ones illustrated below. (Authors..John & Morton Olman/ Cinncinati, Ohio & Chuck Furjanic/ Irving, Texas).
Note: If any of my readers would like some assistance in the research of a hickory club, please feel free to send me a Pic of the club and details.
|
GOLF INSTRUCTION with SCOTT
| |
Build a better game!
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. Not to forget...playing lessons are available too. Look forward to hearing from you! Cheers!
Email: scottkeenlyside@hotmail.com
Call: Highland Pacific Golf Shop @ 250.478.4653
Website: www.highlandpacificgolf.com
Hole # 4 - Highland Nine - 516 yards, Par 5 - Highland Pacific G.C.
|
|
TRIVIA ANSWERS
| |
1. University of Houston 2. Karsten Solheim (Ping) 3.
Byron Nelson in 1937
4. Bay Hill Country Club 5.
Peter Alliss
|
|
| |
Wishing you a spooky Halloween!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
