I received an email from my golf club in central Ontario, promoting its “Mother’s Day at Home” family meal. Take-out only. I anticipate getting a similar email when Father’s Day rolls around in early June. U.S. Open Sunday, actually. But there won’t be a U.S. Open final round played that day.
June 3 would have marked the 16th playing of Mikey’s Tournament for Autism, a fund-raising event I co-founded, one that has raised $500,000 so far to support those affected by the disease in our region. We cancelled it for this year.
And I am fine with all that. I know this will be a polarizing stance. I’m fine with that, too. But with my wife and our two daughters on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, I understand, more than ever, that the term “safety first” has never been more applicable.
Like all golfers, I am champing at the bit to play. Golf has provided not just my recreation but my livelihood for 35 years. Believe me, I feel your pain.
But let’s look at the “gain” when all this “pain” finally winds down. To be clear, there will be no floodgates opening. Provincial and municipal health authorities will continue to make informed decisions in the best interest of public health. There will be a growing trickle of golf courses, allowing a restricted number of golfers at first. Some provinces starting the process with stringent safety measures in place.
Ryan Logan, Golf Canada’s Regional Director for Ontario, has been reaching out to facilities around the province like his counterparts across the country. While he says the “murky” scenario is frustrating, he is impressed by the determination of course operators to come out of this crisis better and stronger.
At London’s Sunningdale Golf and Country Club, General Manager Brad Adams and Head Professional Jason Wyatt have taken to social media to stay connected with their members along with sending regular e-newsletters. Like many other clubs across the country, they offer take-out meals and online pro shop sales with curbside pickup.
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk Foundation went above and beyond in their support of efforts to combat COVID-19. On March 30, they donated $100,000 to Caledon Community Services and followed that with the announcement of a commitment to match contributions up to $50,000 to the Headwaters Health Care Foundation in the period April 13 through May 1. On April 30, the club donated $50,000 to William Osler Health System Foundation and $25,000 to the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
With ongoing needs for COVID-19 relief efforts, we’re highlighting two more organizations doing important work in our community.
— TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (@TPC_Toronto) April 30, 2020
Listowel Golf Club has even more to be proud of than being the home of PGA TOUR winner Corey Conners. Like many other clubs, they have not only served take-out meals for a while but recently started offering pre-packaged meat and produce parcels for pickup. The response has been “phenomenal,” says Director of Operations Brenden Parsons. After overcoming the “logistical nightmare” of creating order forms and ensuring safe handling protocols, anyone—not just club members—is welcome to order a grocery package for curbside pickup. As Parsons says, these initiatives not only provide an option for people who want to avoid going to the grocery store but keeps his staff employed.
In Atlantic Canada, Golf Canada Regional Director Jeff Hutt sees the industry bonding to ensure everyone comes through this pandemic more unified. Working shoulder to shoulder, as it were—figuratively, of course!
“There has been yeoman’s work done by all the associations to ensure we are aligned in our response and in our approach to reopening safely,” he says.
“That’s the key: safely.” At a recent meeting of the Atlantic Allied Golf Associations, it was emphasized that the industry must take responsibility for ensuring proper safeguards, much as the grocery industry has done.
The current situation across Western Canada is varied, as some courses in B.C. never closed while those in other provinces are gradually reopening. Golf Canada Regional Director Blair Armitage understands the frustration not only from province to province, but stemming from the different type of golf facility, from municipal to public to private.
One bright spot he cites is when Vancouver Park Board closed their three courses but soon thereafter redeployed more than 15 golf course kitchen staff to start producing more than 2,000 meals per day for vulnerable residents in the Downtown East Side out of the Langara Golf Course kitchen. Twice a week, about 700 social housing residents get a hamper filled with meals that can easily be reheated, along with fresh fruit, dairy and snacks to last 3.5 days.
“It has been a wonderful, if somewhat overwhelming, challenge to part of this vital initiative to help feed the city’s most vulnerable residents during this crisis,” says Mark Halyk the Park Board’s Manager of Food and Beverage Operations.
The golf community has rallied together through uncertainty with industry collaboration—especially at the provincial level—on safety protocols and operational best practices to meet the guidelines of provincial health authorities in delivering a safe environment for golfers and facility staff.
In Quebec, the Industry Concertation Table (represented by Golf Québec, ACGQ, NGCOA, PGA Québec and ASGQ) has been working collaboratively to share information with the Quebec government. The group created a program on their social networks to talk about golf with Quebec golfers, including the show Une tasse de Tée with Max Lalonde. More than 8,500 people have been connected to each show on different platforms (Facebook and YouTube) with guests including Yohan Benson, Julien Trudeau, Chip Beck, Mike Weir, Brigitte Thibault, Lisa ”Longball”Vlooswyk, Sébastien Toutant, Daniel Melançon and Martin Cloutier.
“There is no doubt that Quebec golfers are very anxious to start playing golf again, and until then, we remain a responsible industry that will follow the recommendations of public safety,” said Patrick Rhéaume, Golf Canada’s Regional Director for Quebec.
In a message to golfers and member clubs, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum outlined the association’s support of guidelines put forth by Health Canada, the World Health Organization and provincial public health experts.
“Golf Canada is committed to supporting the golf community through these challenges to the best of our ability. I am encouraged to see the resiliency of our industry—people and facilities engaging to share ideas and best practices, further professional development and provide levity and support for each other through this difficult period.”
“When we come out of this, golf will have a really important role,” says Logan. “Not just from a business perspective but from a social aspect. Golf will be reconnecting people.”
Your golf handicap is changing – find out why it matters
John Gordon
Welcome to Golf Handicaps for Dummies: Why having a handicap is not a handicap.
No, I’m not calling you a dummy, but if you’re a golfer of any ability who doesn’t maintain an accurate and consistent handicap, you’re not taking advantage of one of the fundamentals that makes golf the most democratic of sports. And that’s just dumb.
With all due respect, you can’t go one-on-one with a pro basketball player or hope to score on an NHL goalie. They’re not going to let you shoot at a basket that’s lower than regulation or a net that’s 10 feet wide and six feet high.
But golf’s handicap system allows you to compete on an equitable basis with players who are more or less accomplished than you are. Maintaining a handicap also allows you to monitor your progress every time you play. It’s an integral part of your golf experience.
And, starting Jan. 8, the new World Handicap System makes that scenario even more attractive. More user-friendly, in other words.
“The new system gives golfers an increased opportunity to have fun and compete equitably across all skill levels and ages,” says Shaun Hall, Golf Canada’s senior manager of handicap & course rating.
“You don’t have to be a competitive golfer. If you simply enjoy playing, having a handicap makes the game more enjoyable and allows you to track whether you’re improving.”
I reached out on Twitter with the question, “Do you maintain a handicap and why?” and received some testimonials.
Ontario golfer Donal Byrne says, “I’m a huge fan of keeping a handicap. I was thrilled to have closed the season inside of 20 [Handicap Index] for the first time. We should celebrate everyone who plays, no matter how they play. I just won’t play anyone who doesn’t have a handicap for money!”
And from Charlottetown, Jeff Craig, whose Twitter profile says he’s “dedicated in my quest to break par,” says, “It bugs the Hell out of me when someone [without a handicap] says, ‘Well, I usually shoot in the mid-80s and wants to play for something.’”
On a personal note, my wife loves the game and posts every score. Her pride in seeing her handicap decrease is evident. Because she is diligent about maintaining her handicap and improving her skills, she was able to win the ladies’ net championship at her club. As a side note, she plays annually in a member-guest at another club where you must have an official Golf Canada Handicap Index to participate.
When she first took up golf, she had waffled about establishing a handicap because, in her words, “I don’t think I’m good enough to have a handicap.”
And that’s the most common excuse recreational golfers give for not caring about a handicap. “I’m not good enough.” Hall disputes that, especially given the fact that under the new system the maximum Handicap Index (which replaces the previous “Handicap Factor” in Canada) has been raised to 54.0 for both men and women. Previously, it was 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women.
Another significant change is to Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). Starting in 2020, net double bogey on any hole is the maximum allowed, whether it’s a par 3, par 4 or par 5. So, for handicap purposes, you can count a maximum of two strokes over par plus any strokes you are entitled to, based on the stroke allowance for that hole.
Obviously, from its name, the World Handicap System is now accepted globally, meaning the same parameters are in place no matter where you play, a boon for Canadians who travel and golf outside the country. As before, all scores can be conveniently posted on the Golf Canada Score Centre, club kiosk or Golf Canada app from your phone or tablet.
3 more significant innovations
Only three 18-hole scores (or the equivalent combination of nine-hole scores) are needed to establish a Handicap Index. Previously, the minimum was five. What golfer doesn’t play more than 54 holes in a season?
Only eight of your lowest 20 most recent scores will be used to calculate your Handicap Index, rather than the previous 10.
And a Playing Conditions Calculation will analyze how you played that day compared to your expected performance on that particular course, taking into account weather and course setup.
Don’t ask me how that last one works, because I’m a tech dummy.
Click here to purchase the official Rules of Handicapping book.
But even if you don’t, don’t be a dummy. Take advantage of the new World Handicap System in 2020.
Not a member? Join now and take advantage of the new handicapping software and other exclusive benefits!
Case study: Creating a thriving junior golf environment in a small community
John Gordon
For years, with the occasional exception, our best golfers have come from smaller communities. The most recent notable examples are Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., and Corey Conners, born and bred in Listowel, Ont.
And that serves my message well, as I live in Midland, Ont., with about as many citizens as Listowel, and just a couple of kilometres down the road from Penetanguishene, population close to that of Smiths Falls.
I may have just seen their successors.
A couple of years ago, local business owner Kirk Ruston converted some unused space in his Penetanguishene warehouse into a golf practice and training facility he called the Infinity Golf Lab. In partnership with Mary-Pat Quilty, the facility now welcomes more than 70 girls and boys from ages four to 15 to a series of 10-week sessions during the winter.
The brightly lit area contains, among other amenities, a couple of hitting bays, putting area, simulator, exercise equipment and, perhaps just as important, inspirational quotes painted on the walls. And there are pylons, stuffed animals, hula hoops, an obstacle course, and a plethora of other fun paraphernalia to occupy young minds and bodies.
Much of Ruston’s motivation came as the father of two athletic daughters who needed something to do when not playing hockey in the winter. A five-handicapper, Ruston, now 45, came late to the game after focusing on water sports and other activities when he was younger.
He teamed with Mary-Pat Quilty to deliver a quality experience to what has become a growing stream of kids who want to learn how to golf. Quilty, a PGA of Canada member who is the director of golf at nearby Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, has solid credentials as a two-time PGA of Ontario Teacher of the Year who played for years on pro tours around the world.
They are ably assisted by Jerry Bogosky, a volunteer with not only a great golf game but an admirable ability to connect with youngsters. Bogosky, a noted range rat, sums up one of the project’s themes: “Practising golf can be the most boring thing ever. You have to make it fun while making sure the kids are learning something at the same time.”
While the program began as a “girls only” initiative, it has expanded to include boys as well.
A perfect example exists in 12-year-old twins Josée and Jacques Desroches, who are in their second season at the Infinity Golf Lab. While father Serge says, “it’s great for the kids to learn new skills,” Josée focuses on the fact that she gets to hang out with her friends and “have fun” on chilly winter evenings.
Julie Baxter agrees. Like the Desroches twins, her daughter Breanna is in her second season and “she loves it. They do a phenomenal job here. It’s inspiring for the girls, really.”
In addition to honing her skills during the winter, Breanna plays in a summer league organized by Ruston and Quilty. Along with access to the range at Brooklea Golf and Country Club on Tuesdays, the girls can sign up for a nine-hole round at Midland Golf and Country Club on Monday evenings. For $20, the kids get golf, a hot dog and a soft drink. Often, their parents join them.
“When they come on Mondays, they get free range access, we give the parents a free cart if they want to follow their kids, and some of our members volunteer to walk with the groups to help them along,” says Ian Kirkpatrick, general manager of Midland Golf and Country Club. “We see this as a partnership, an investment in the future of the game.”
The Infinity Golf Lab initiative reinforces other efforts in a community where just about every school has been adopted under Golf Canada’s Golf in Schools program. For example, Midland Golf and Country Club offers an outreach program to local Grade 5 classes where, for a small fee and with the support of sponsor Central Taxi, kids who want to participate are picked up after class in a mini-bus and taken to the course for instruction and golf. Their parents pick them up after the session.
Despite being relatively new, Infinity Golf has already started to show impressive results.
Last year, 16 girls played in events such as club championships, 19 played on various junior tours, six competed in the U.S. Drive, Chip and Putt events, and three played in Golf Ontario championships.
Head’s up, Brooke and Corey. These kids are gunning for you.
Local champions across the country, like the folks at Infinity Golf Lab, supplement terrific junior golf programs offered by Golf Canada, provincial golf associations and PGA of Canada pros at golf clubs and driving ranges. Future Links presented by Acura, Golf in Schools and the Community Golf Coach initiative are great examples of programs available across Canada. Not every facility has to be as involved as Infinity Golf Lab, although their model makes an excellent case study. All you need to develop and encourage junior golfers in your community is an appropriate space, basic equipment, and dedicated and qualified instructors and volunteers.
Canadian Bruce Mitchell reflects on captaincy of The R&A
Bruce Mitchell (The Royal & Ancient)
John Gordon
Catching up with Bruce Mitchell to reflect about his experience as the first Canadian to be named captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) is a daunting task. That, no doubt, is because he’s still doing his own catching up after a whirlwind year in the post, one of the most prestigious in the world of golf.
A member of the R&A since 1988, Mitchell was nominated by past captains to become just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the revered organization. The captain’s duties include representing the R&A and aiding its effort in developing golf around the world as well as attending all R&A championships while embracing the role of ambassador for the club. It’s an exhausting but exhilarating experience.
“They send you a letter telling you that the past captains want to bestow this honour on you,” Mitchell told SCOREGolf’s Rick Young. “I have to tell you I was in absolute shock. I read the opening paragraph, read it again and was simply lost for words. My wife and I were in the kitchen. She looked at me read it and she said, ‘Who died?’”
Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, Mitchell is the founder, owner and president of Toronto-based Permian Industries, a management and holding company with sole or significant shareholdings in two food companies and two software providers. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Montreal and other public company, private corporation and not-for-profit Boards. He is on vice-chair of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, on the Board of St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation and a trustee of the Ridley College Foundation.
His golf resume is as impressive as his business portfolio. A past-president of the Toronto Golf Club, Mitchell is a past club champion of Windermere Golf and Country Club where he was a trustee and co-chair. In 2001, he won both the Queen Victoria Jubilee Vase and the Royal Sydney Plate, which are matchplay knockout competitions played during the R&A’s autumn meeting.
Throughout his one-year tenure, Mitchell told Young, “Everywhere I have gone, I have been treated almost like royalty. It really doesn’t have anything to do with me as an individual, Bruce Mitchell, golfer or lack thereof. It really has everything to do with the respect and reverence in which the R&A is held throughout the world. There is a governing body heavily invested in golf while trying to do the best and everything it can to preserve a game we all love. I just happen to be the representative of it.”
Past captains of the R&A have included six members of the Royal Family including the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII. In 1922, during the ceremonial “driving in” for all new captains, he hit his shot off the toe of his club, scattering bystanders and striking a fence 50 metres away.
In contrast, Mitchell, despite feeling “huge excitement and a lot of nerves as I addressed the ball,” managed to sail his ceremonial tee shot down the hallowed first fairway of the Old Course at St Andrews.
Whose turn is it this week to treat golf as their whipping boy?
Mainstream media feed on the sport as a source of unsubstantiated headlines, many based on the fallacious stereotype of golfers as overweight entitled middle-aged men riding in golf carts while smoking a cigar and chugging a beer. (I do wish they would stop using my foursome as an example.)
For their edification, and yours, here are some verifiable facts about just one positive aspect of golf.
Last fall, Dr. Andrew Murray and his colleagues at Edinburgh University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre reported on the results of a review conducted by researchers into 5,000 existing studies about golf.
5,000 studies!
What they found was stunning.
Golf not only has physical and mental health benefits for everyone who plays, but those benefits increase with age. Older folks improve their balance and endurance as well as respiratory and cardiac health.
“We know that the moderate physical activity that golf provides increased life expectancy, has mental health benefits and can help prevent and treat more than 40 major chronic diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer,” Murray told the BBC.
“Evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self-esteem and self-worth.”
The Edinburgh University study was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and is part of the Golf and Health Project, which is led by the World Golf Foundation.
A visit to the Golf and Health web site www.golfandhealth.org is a revelation. (Highly recommended for those mainstream media types mentioned above.)
Other studies show that walking 18 holes is equivalent to an eight-kilometre hike. That hike can drop blood glucose levels by up to 30 per cent in older golfers and helps everyone with weight maintenance and physical fitness. Walking and carrying your clubs can burn up to 2,000 calories per round. Even if you can’t carry, get off the power cart and use a manual or electric push cart (what the Brits call “trolleys”).
Heck, even being a spectator at a golf tournament is good for you.
“Spectators at golf events have been reported to walk significantly further than the 7,500 to 10,000 steps recommended daily for health,” according to Golf and Health. So you don’t have to actually play the game to reap the health benefits associated with it.
Even if the preceding hasn’t persuaded you to get out and golf, how about this for a kicker?
The death rate for golfers is 40 per cent lower than for non-golfers of the same age, sex and socio-economic status, according to a study of 300,000 golfers by Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet. That equates to a five-year increase in life expectancy for regular golfers.
When the Edinburgh University study was released, the London Daily Mail ran this above the story:
Do you know the changes coming to golf’s handicap system?
John Gordon
Old Man Winter is finally loosening his grip on golf courses across the country and many of you are already shaking off the rust of a Canadian winter and heading to the first tee, ready to post those scores for handicap purposes.
Good for you!
But did you know that those scores can only be posted in Canada during what is called the “Active Season” in your province?
While some lucky folks in more temperate climes (that’s you, British Columbia) can already post their scores, the rest of us have to wait until the middle of April or later.
From west to east, Active Seasons are: B.C., March 1-Nov. 15; Alberta, March 1-Oct. 31; Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, April 15-Oct. 31; New Brunswick, May 1-Oct. 31; P.E.I., April 16-Nov. 14; Newfoundland and Labrador, May 1-Oct. 15.
Why is there such a thing as an “Active Season”?
“Active Season exists to help eliminate scores that might adversely affect the calculation of a handicap because they are generally not played under what we call `mid-season` playing conditions,” said Craig Loughry, Golf Canada’s representative on the World Handicap Committee.
“Generally, outside the Active Season, conditions are soggy, wet, lots of leaves (potential lost ball or bad lie), cool, etc., which makes the course play a little longer and different than mid-season (virtually little to no roll on tee shots, which means a loss per drive of about 20 yards. On an average course that has 14 driving holes, that could mean a 280-yard difference just on yardage alone.
“Greens are also much more receptive and generally slow compared to mid-season. It’s a combination of these things which distort how the course plays from which it was rated (we assume mid-season when the majority of rounds are played) and what the expected scores would be in optimum conditions, so we set an Active Season to help mitigate the effect of scores played in the shoulder season.”
While those dates aren’t likely to change in 2020, there will be a significant updating of the handicap system starting Jan. 1 when the new World Handicap System is implemented.
For the past four years, Loughry has represented Canada as Golf Canada’s representative on the World Handicap Committee, sitting beside the other major golf associations from around the globe in an effort to make the system more equitable, flexible, consistent and understandable.
Significantly, the committee—Loughry calls it “the United Nations of handicapping”—will meet in Toronto this fall, its first gathering ever outside the United States, Britain and Europe.
“We hope by informing golfers of the impending changes this far in advance, they will have the opportunity to review the changes and comment on them,” Loughry says.
A limit of net double bogey per hole will be allowed for handicapping purposes and the maximum Handicap Index will be set at 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game.
Perhaps the most obvious change for Canadians is that the term “Handicap Factor” used in this country for years will become “Handicap Index” to align with the USGA terminology and which will be used worldwide. But the new system will adopt Canada’s practice of updating handicaps daily in all countries, as opposed to the current USGA model.
The committee’s research shows that your Index is unlikely to change significantly from your previous Factor. Only 54 holes worth of scores will be required for an initial Index and your Index will eventually be averaged using the best eight of your last 20 scores posted.
One very notable innovation is the Playing Conditions Calculation which “analyzes how players have performed that day compared to their expected performance on that golf course. It will naturally include weather and course setup (reflected in the scores) and if expected results fall outside a tolerance level, an adjustment will apply to all scores played on that course for that day.”
As for me, when the Active Season starts here in Ontario, I’ll already be posting scores via the Golf Canada app from South Carolina where the Active Season never ends. My snow blower’s broken.
Leslie Dunning reflects: Walking the talk on inclusion
Leslie Dunning (Bernard Brault/ Golf Canada)
John Gordon
Leslie Dunning might be expected, as she leaves the presidency of Golf Canada after an eventful year, to focus just on the milestones.
And there were some notable moments, including trophy presentations to the likes of the world’s top-ranked male golfer, Dustin Johnson, at the RBC Canadian Open and, even more memorable, the presentation to Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who became just the second Canadian to win the CP Women’s Open.
How about the announcement of a new, more preferable date for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open? Seeing a historic modernization of the Rules of Golf come into effect? Or travelling to iconic tournaments such as The Masters and the U.S. Open?
While Dunning acknowledges those were wonderful experiences, she chooses to highlight themes, rather than events. And that should come as no surprise, if you recall her “mantra” when she was elected a year ago.
“I’m trying to make sure that I’m doing something every day to grow the game in Canada,” she told me at that time.
Leslie Dunning looks on during the inaugural CP Women’s Leadership Summit at Hotel Saskatchewan during the week of the 2018 CP Women’s Open
As a result, she harks back to attending historic events such as the inaugural CP Women’s Leadership Summit, the first Women’s Summit hosted by the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, and others, such as when Golf Canada invited some long-overdue guests to the RBC Canadian Open.
In an effort to “walk the talk” expressed in Golf Canada’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (the outcome of a task force Dunning spearheaded), representatives of about a dozen golf organizations were invited to Glen Abbey to share information about their organizations and learn about Golf Canada..
“These diverse groups are well-functioning organizations; some have been around for decades,” said Dunning. “They are just a small sample of the many groups of golfers across the country who love the game; but few of them have been engaged as part of Golf Canada.”
“We learned from those first meetings that, just like traditional golf associations and clubs, these groups want to grow their membership, grow the game, have fun and educate players about the Rules so they can maintain good pace of play and accurate handicaps for net competitions.”
Once learning about the benefits of Golf Canada membership, some groups, not already members, committed to join Golf Canada. As well, a few new governance volunteers were recruited, including one for Golf Canada’s Investment Committee and another for its Human Resources Committee. Some groups have expressed interest to “adopt” a hole for the RBC Canadian Open or CP Women’s Open. “It has been an encouraging start and we will continue to work with these groups, and others, to involve them and their members as part of Golf Canada.”
While perhaps not as exciting as meeting DJ and Brooke or walking the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, Dunning’s dedication to staying true to her “mantra” is undoubtedly more impressive and impactful.
To say her calendar was full is an understatement and many of the occasions were focused on expanding diversity and inclusion in golf in Canada. It started with hosting last year’s Golf Canada annual general meeting on the Tsuutina Nation near her home in Calgary where Golf in Schools kits were gifted to the Nation’s elementary and high schools. And the pace seldom slowed.
“I tried my best to do something every day whether it was meeting with organizations, reading to expand my knowledge and understanding, attending events, speaking with people or exchanging information..”
She is optimistic about the commitment to diversity and inclusion by everyone involved in golf in Canada. “We are seeing diversity and inclusion on conference agendas, in magazine articles and in policy and program development.” Not only did she write an article on equity, diversity and inclusion for the Canadian Society of Club Managers magazine, she also gave a number of interviews and presentations focusing on the topic.
Dunning was gratified, by an article on diversity in golf in a major magazine. “The writer did a terrific job researching the true diversity that already exists in golf. It is now up to Golf Canada, other organizations and clubs to ensure that we are as diverse as the golfing public.”
Sandwiched between all this were Golf Canada Board of Directors meetings and other governance responsibilities, something Dunning takes very seriously, especially as she was working with the association’s new CEO, Laurence Applebaum, though his first full year on the job.
“As president, my primary responsibility has been to provide leadership to the Board and to work in partnership with the CEO to prepare for and follow up after Board meetings.”
She says working with Applebaum has been “a real pleasure” and credits “a great and hard-working Board, committed volunteers and talented staff” for their invaluable contributions.
Dunning will hand over the reins to Charlie Beaulieu of Montreal at Golf Canada’s annual general meeting on March 2, 2019 in Montreal.
Why learning the new Rules will set you up for success on the golf course
John Gordon
“It would not be a bad idea to require each golfer to pass a written examination on the Rules of Golf…”
Don’t panic. That was just the opinion of J.T. Clark, editor of the Toronto Star.
In 1915.
His comments were reported in Canadian Golfer magazine and the editor concluded the article with these timeless words: “Play up, play up, and play the game. And conscientiously observe the Rules and etiquette.”
Not much has changed since then. If anything, the recent renovation of the Rules of Golf, which went into effect on Jan. 1, has put a laser focus on the Rules and their implementation. (You can review the new Rules here.)
Recent incidents on the professional tours have impacted this greatly. Penalties for having a caddie helping line up a player and a disqualification for Sergio Garcia’s inexcusable behaviour at a European Tour event have garnered widespread and disparate reactions.
That, in my opinion, is not a bad thing. If anything, it’s positive.
Let’s take it for granted that many recreational golfers observe the mere minimum of the Rules and etiquette. That’s fine as long as they don’t impact the enjoyment and safety of their fellow golfers and they are not posting scores for an official handicap. Any score posted for handicap purposes must be played under the Rules of Golf.
Why?
In Clark’s words: “Players sometimes bring in weird scores, procured in weird ways that would disqualify them 10 times over.” Plus ca change, plus c’est la même chose, n’est pas?
But at the very least, every golfer, recreational and competitive, should have access to knowing and understanding the Rules.
While I’m not agreeing with Clark’s assertion that every golfer passes a written Rules exam, I think it is incumbent on anyone who is serious about the game to avail them of the opportunity offered by Golf Canada.
That’s my personal opinion, just like I feel every touring and club professional, golf coach at any level and the appropriate instructor at every Professional Golf Management program should be Rules certified.
If that isn’t the case, then ideally there would be a Rules expert (now called “referees” under the new Rules) at every course.
It’s an initiative that at least one provincial association is trying to encourage.
Anne Balser is the Manager of Sport Development and Championships at the Nova Scotia Golf Association. Aside from being an accomplished player (two-time Nova Scotia Amateur champion, 2010 Canadian University/College champion, four-time All-Canadian and twice an All-American while attending the University of Victoria), she learned the importance of the Rules at an early age. She recently obtained her national Rules certification.
“My mom was a golfer and a teacher, so any time my sisters and I went out with her, she took the opportunity to show us not only how the Rules worked, but how they could help us. I learned the Rules are not there to penalize you but that knowing the Rules can actually help you save strokes.”
This year, the NSGA is conducting introductory Rules seminars around the province. The first, at Ken-Wo Country Club, drew more than 70 golfers interested in learning the basics.
“It showed us that there is great interest among golfers to understand not only the new version of the Rules but how the average golfer can benefit from knowing the basic Rules,” said Balser.
In addition to these onsite visits, Balser pointed out that golfers can dig into the Rules while digging out of the snow before the season starts in much of Canada through various online opportunities such as webinars, YouTube videos and other supports.
Alison Murdoch, an honoured member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame with an incredible national and international resume, has been Rules-accredited at the national level for more than a decade. Her incentive to do so was obvious.
“As a player, it would be incredibly embarrassing to make a ruling for myself or another player and get it wrong, so I took it upon myself back in 2008 to take the Rules seminar and exam. I’ve never regretted it.”
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
She lauds the camaraderie of the Rules teams she is part of at tournaments, using compliments such as “welcoming, supportive, helpful, educational, rewarding, challenging” to encourage others to achieve their Rules certification.
“At my club, where they know I am a certified Rules referee, I am often asked about a ruling. It’s great to be recognized as a resource and I am happy to help. Perhaps the greatest reward is when I make a ruling and someone comes up to me after and thanks me because I saved them from an unfortunate situation because they were unaware of the Rule.”
Not only has the new Rules code become more understandable and user-friendly, but Golf Canada has changed their Rules Education System to three levels from the previous four to make it more accessible.
“Level 1 is an online platform to educate all golfers about the basics of the Rules and explain commonly encountered situations on the course,” says Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Director of Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status.
When he won the Genesis Open for his fifth PGA Tour victory, I applauded the resurgence of someone who, by most accounts, is a good guy, a great husband and father who has survived brain surgery. Former Ryder Cupper, long hitter, great ball striker.
Also, alas, human rain delay.
On the other hand, I am the definition of the “dew sweeper.” At my club, Midland Golf and Country Club in Ontario, my group is given the first tee time on Sundays by default, by a unanimous vote by the rest of the members. We play in three hours or less.
“Ready golf” is our mantra but we may take the pace of play concept to extremes, admittedly. Last season, someone in our group couldn’t make it and we had a friend fill in. After completing the first hole, he said he made a par 4.
“Nope,” I said. “In this group, we count practice swings as strokes. You took three, so that’s a seven.”
So, as I said, a touch extreme.
You want to talk about extreme?
In the final round at the Genesis, Holmes’s threesome needed—no, that’s wrong—endured five hours and 28 minutes to complete their 18 holes. Thirteen minutes on the 13th green alone. Twenty minutes behind the group in front. Professional golfers. Plumb-bobbing putts of less than a foot. (At least Holmes knew how to plumb bob. In my experience, most amateurs might as well close both eyes when they try that.)
At a time when it is widely acknowledged that one of the major challenges facing the game is pace of play, Holmes’s glacial approach deservedly lit up social media. Even his peers criticized him.
Taking my usual contrarian approach, perhaps Holmes should be applauded for elevating this debate.
None of us, except me, is exempt from this finger pointing.
At every level, from recreational golfer to the pro tours, slow play is a pernicious disease afflicting golf.
In 2018, the European Tour’s Shot Clock Masters addressed this by implementing a 40- or 50-second limit depending on the type of shot being played. Just four players received one-shot penalties for exceeding that limit. The reaction from the players was overwhelmingly positive.
“Rule 5.6b (3) lets a Committee set a specific pace of play policy,” says Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Director of Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status. “This policy may set a maximum time to complete a round, a hole or series of holes and a stroke, and it may set penalties for not following the Policy. The PGA Tour uses a hybrid of fines and penalties in their policy.
“Golf Canada adopts a group pace of play policy which outlines the allotted time for groups to play specific holes (1-5, 6-9, 10-14, 15-18). Groups are given warnings if they are over the allotted time and 14 minutes behind the group in front. If they miss a second checkpoint, they are liable to a one stroke penalty (and the penalty increases as they miss a third and potential fourth checkpoint). We only use individual pace of play at our qualifiers (Open and amateur events).”
I’m not advocating the kind of speed golf my group plays but if we—well, you all—paid more attention to pace of play, the game would be more enjoyable for everyone.
The new Rules recognize this through efforts like reducing the time allowed looking for a ball from five minutes to three and encouraging ready golf. What is ready golf?
Dispense with the “who’s away” concept. Hit when ready and when it is safe to do so. Prepare for your shot as you approach the ball. Have the appropriate club in hand. Putt out continuously. Mark your score at the next tee. Keep up with the group in front. Do your socializing after the round.
My well-learned lesson came years ago at Scotland’s North Berwick when our threesome, all male golfers of decent ability, let a foursome of lady members, with their bags on pull carts, play through. By the time we finished, they were enjoying a sandwich and a pint, accompanied by well-deserved withering glances in our direction.
I now enjoy directing those same glances at the pokey golfers at my club. Thanks, ladies.
Rule 5.6b advises that “A round of golf is meant to be played at a prompt pace. Each player should recognize that his or her pace of play is likely to affect how long it will take other players to play their rounds, including both those in the player’s own group and those in following groups.” The Rule also outlines pace of play recommendations.
Pace of play. It’s not about playing fast. It’s about playing efficiently and with consideration for others.
9 Rule changes that most impact the recreational golfer
Golfer Bennett Maki prepares to drop his ball during the 2018 Rules Modernization Shoot at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, FL on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (Copyright USGA/Chris McEniry)
John Gordon
As you have heard, a historic reworking of the Rules of Golf came into effect on Jan. 1.
To gain a better understanding of how it affects recreational golfers like me, I invited Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s director of Rules, competitions and amateur status, to play nine holes with me at my home club. While the round is fictional—it is minus 8 in Central Ontario and Midland G&CC is snow-covered as I write this—the new Rules are anything but.
The intent and, in my opinion, well achieved, is to make the Rules more understandable and relevant for everyone who enjoys the sport. A new Player’s Edition of the Rules and an app for your smartphone make it easy to play by the new Rules. Visit dev-www.golfcanada.ca/rules
Hole #1 (395-yard downhill par-4)
As usual, I crank my drive into the heavily wooded area on the left of the fairway. Although, again as usual, I am sure I will find it, Helmer reminds me I now have three minutes, not five as under the former Rule, to locate it. Nevertheless, with the unwarranted optimism that has always defined my game, I decline to hit a provisional and we walk down to the bush. No luck after the prescribed three minutes. I start the walk of shame back to the tee to accept the stroke-and-distance penalty. Wait, says Helmer, now there’s an alternative. Your club has decided to institute a Local Rule which allows you to drop a ball in the nearest fairway under penalty of two strokes so you don’t have to hike back to the teeing ground. Ball lost. Time saved. The foursome behind us applauds the new Rules. You guys owe Helmer a beer. So do I.
Hole #2 (178-yard par-3 with water in front and to the left of the green)
Indecisive over club selection (I’ve only been a member here for 30 years), I come up short and my ball dribbles into the hazard, not quite in and possibly playable. Oops, says Helmer, that’s no longer termed a “hazard,” but now called a “penalty area,” pointing out I now can ground my club, make practice swings touching the ground or growing objects and I can remove that pine cone or any other loose impediment near the ball.
Hole #3 (well-bunkered 290-yard uphill par-4)
Instead of taking the 5-iron and laying up to the 100-yard marker, I try to impress Helmer, knocking the driver into one of the four bunkers protecting this (theoretically) drivable par-4. My ball is right up against the lip of the bunker and with my sand game being what it is, I ask Helmer what my options are. With a penalty of one stroke, I can drop the ball inside the bunker or, under the new Rules, drop it outside the bunker, taking a two-shot penalty. Additionally under the new Rules, you can remove loose impediments and touch the sand (provided you’re not testing the condition of the sand). You are still prohibited from touching the sand during a practice swing, or right in front or behind the ball and during your backswing for your stroke.
Hole #4 (389-yard dogleg-right par-4)
One of the toughest tee shots on the course to a kidney-shaped green that slopes severely from back to front and left to right. Uncharacteristically, I mash a drive but then hit a mid-iron to the back left of the green. Did I mention the pin position was front right? As I stand over the putt, I ask Helmer to tend the flagstick. Are you sure, he asks. Under the new Rules, you can leave the flagstick in. I gratefully accept his advice. And, if my putt had come anywhere near the hole, I am sure it would have hit the stick and gone in.
Hole #5 (419-yard uphill par-4)
A nest of bunkers on the right always makes me err to the left where, of course, my ball is somewhere in the deep rough. As we are searching, I step on my ball and move it. No penalty under the new Rules! Just replace it where it was originally or estimate the spot if it’s unknown.
Hole #6 (344-yard dogleg-left par-4)
Finally on a hole in regulation, only to discover that someone has dragged their shoes across my line of putt, making my putt more of a guessing game than Plinko. But, as Helmer points out, the new Rules allow me to tamp down these and other man-made damage to the green. Which I do. And miss the putt anyhow.
Hole #7 (195-yard par-3)
Hook the tee shot into the trees left of the green. My imagined recovery shot, a low-running 4-iron off the back foot to inches, hits the only tree in front of me and ricochets off my bag. No penalty under the new Rules, says Helmer, even if it had hit me.
Hole #8 (401-yard par-4)
My approach shot lands on the cart path to the right of the green. I take the proper relief and then start to drop the ball from shoulder height, as under the old Rules. Wait, says Helmer. The new Rule says you must drop the ball from knee height. Which I do. And then double-hit the ball. No penalty under the new Rules!
Hole #9 (402-yard uphill par-4)
As we wind up our round, I walk over to shake hands with Helmer and accidentally move my ball marker on the green. No problem under the new Rules. Just replace and carry on.
We walked our nine holes in well under two hours thanks in large part to a commitment to “ready golf,” a practice that is emphasized under the new Rules.
