Great Golf Getaways:

Written March 11th, 2010:

It’s that time of year again; when the temperatures just start to get warm enough to give us the bug, make us suffer through insufferable conditions, all just to get our games ready for the spring trip down south.  Growing up in southern Ontario and going to College in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.A. I have come across a couple hidden gems, a few good bangs for your buck, and some all time favorites. 

The Resort at Glade Springs

Right off the Southern end of I-77 in West Virginia, The Resort at Glade Springs is a dual threat, both a hidden gem and a definite bang for your buck. With Stay and Play Packages staring under $149 for lodging that includes round of golf on one of West Virginia’s Première golf courses that has hosted state Open’s, USGA Qualifiers, and NCAA Men’s Division II National Championship.  This course is sure to test the most skilled with extremely tree lined fairways and with huge greens that resemble Augusta National as The Cobb Course was designed by George W. Cobb who also designed a couple beauties like the Par 3 Course at Augusta National, Quail Hollow Country Club where the host the PGA Tour’s Quail Hollow Championship (formerly the Wachovia Championship).   Although challenging with a variety of teeing options, finding one that suits your skill level is sure to be easy.

Aside from the golf there are many attractions and great dining and many other recreational activities.  If you see it in the spring I promise you will be begging to come back in fall for the great colors and warm temperatures.  For more information go to www.gladesprings.com.

Tanglewood Park

                Located in Forsyth Co. this hidden gem again is a great bang for your buck too.  Just off I-40 and a little southwest of Winston-Salem, a few of this from college used this as our winter getaway as it was only a couple hours away and the Staff would take care of our team very well.  The Facility has a ton of unique and traditional recreational activities that I could see but never got a chance to try, and for more information you can definitely find it on their informative website www.forsyth.cc/tanglewood/. 

                The golf is incredible, with three different courses (Championship, Reynolds, and Par 3) there is sure to be something that fits your game but game but I suggest trying all 3.  The one I am most familiar with is the Championship Course.  With rates under $50 a round on weekends you be hard pressed to believe that it held the 1974 PGA Championship, or was a marquee event on the Champions Tour for years.  Once you get onto the practice facility and may happen to get a glimpse of the Wake Forrest Golf team practicing, you start seeing that this truly is one of Robert Trent Jones Best.  With a premium on accurate iron shots that are best set up from the proper sides of the fairways, the seemingly flat terrain becomes really gruesome on the long hike up the hill to the 18^th green and the 19^th Hole!  A must play for all.

Olde Mill

                This is a great course when trying to split up the drive down south.  Located just minutes of I-77 in Virginia just a little over an hour north of Charlotte, NC, I nick named this place the land of a billion lakes.  Although one of the most secluded and naturally gorgeous places I have played, getting caught up in the aesthetics will leave you cracking open the next dozen in a hurry.  This championship golf course is set in a great community that loves golf and has a resort that also offers excellent stay and play packages.  With a lake listed at over 54 acres and the mountainside make a perfect setting that has been crafted by both generations of Maples family designers, and an super friendly staff lead by Head pro Bo Goins, I promise you won’t be there long till you get the feeling that you could stay for the rest of your life, or if nothing else, come back really soon.  Again with a great website I don’t need to do too much more talking - www.oldemill.net.

King’s North at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club

                This is simply a must play.  There is not a lot I really have to say is the times I have played this course I have always had my favorite rounds of the year.  With holes named “the gambler” like the par 5 6^th hole that features an Island (“go for the green”) fairway, and the 18^th hole that course designer Arnold Palmer (You may have heard of him) dropped over 40 sand traps on one single hole, it’s easy to see why.  It is one of those course where I think they fight every year between just about all 18 holes to choose which they will cal their “Signature Hole”.  Take a look at some photos on their website www.mbn.com/courses/kings-north/ and I am sure you will be booking a tee time without even realizing you’ve picked up the phone.

Hombre Golf Club

                Often thought of as one of the big party spots in the south for Spring Break, Panama City is just that and yet so much more.  With all the nightlife you can handle this spot has all the golf you can soak up too.  I got a chance to spend a week in an amazing beach front and walk out condo for a week in March a few years ago.  Between the party atmosphere, white sand, bright sun, the golf is easily but not wisely over looked.  If you can get a chance to nest for a bit of time there be sure to check out Hombre Golf Club.  With a great facility that includes lots of holes to play, the instruction packages there are second to none.  The offer single and multi-day instruction that will be sure to give your game that added edge to start the northern season. www.hombregolfclub.com/

The Club at Emerald Hills

                Will spending a winter working and playing in south Florida, this was a course I got to play that I just could not get enough of.  With so many tour shot looks off the tee’s and especially if you are out of position into greens it is not a wonder why it has play host to countless Doral and Honda Classic qualifiers as well as all levels of USGA qualifiers as well.  As a club that when I was there looked a little like a spot that just ran out of money, they were really working hard bringing it back so it was kept in great shape as to attract new business.  Located in Hollywood just north of Miami, with the warm air, good golf, and cold beverages, Emerald Hills can bring you that much closer to paradise.  The best tip I have for the place is they don’t allow mock collars so they may try and snip you for the $65 polo in the golf shop if you are ill prepared as I was.  If I had viewed there sight I might have had a chance, but check out the course map and you will see what I am talking about.  www.theclubatemeraldhills.com/

Whether you are on your way to Florida, the Carolina’s, whatever your golfing journey maybe, I’ve been to a lot of places up the eastern seaboard, so if none of these beauties float your boat or your vacation has you headed somewhere else, post either where you are going or places you may be traveling through and I am sure we can find a perfect spot to beat the early season blues.

Cosmo

Augusta 2010: 

Written April 4th, 2010:

Was it really a ‘surprise’ that Tiger Woods showed up at Augusta National on Sunday to play a practice round with buddy Mark O’Meara? I wasn't. This guy has been hounded by the media ever since the information of his infidelity leaked to the public, and as a result, has not been able to lead his normal life since. His reasoning for doing this makes perfect sense to me, mainly due to the Masters tradition of not permitting media personnel on grounds the Sunday before Masters Week. Tiger left Sunday not speaking to anyone after his round, understandably, but did however speak to the media today and admitted that he lied and deceived- something we have all heard him say before, like a scripted presidential speech (interesting note: CBS News and Sports president Sean McManus predicts that the Masters, starring Tiger Woods, will be the biggest media event other than the Obama inauguration in the past 10 or 15 years).

Will I watch the Masters? Yes! Will other die hard golfers watch the Masters and not judge? Absolutely! Will I have my eye on that robot we are so used to watching dominate the rest of the world, regardless of his personal life? Without a doubt! (PS- I would tune in and watch soap opera’s if I was interested in that- I’m here to experience world class golf).

This will be a true test of Tiger's concentration, because judging by the look in his eyes at the press conference yesterday, he looked emotionally drained. I don’t want to see Tiger emotionally drained. I want to see the Tiger that hits incredible, next to impossible shots, that sends shivers down my spine. Tiger has won 14 major championships over his career, so, with all due respect, I was relieved when I heard Elin was not going to be there (as Tiger’s publicists did everything but beg for her to be), because I honestly think that would be another distraction and obstacle that Tiger would have to deal with. Find another story and stop demanding apologies so the guy can focus on what has made him an obsession- hisssss... wait, I know this answer... hisssss... oh riggggghhhhttttt, his GOLF!!! 

The Master's in 3D:

Written April 3rd, 2010: 

In an unprecedented broadcasting move, the 2010 Masters will be produced and broadcast live in 3-D, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne announced on Monday.

Multiple 3-D cameras will be strategically placed around the course. The 3-D cameras will primarily capture scenes from the back nine, which will result in a live 3-D feed, circulated to 3-D capable television sets and computers around the U.S.

On Ernie's Bag:

 Written April 2nd, 2010:

Ottawa native, and former NHL forward, Dan Quinn, will be on the bag of Ernie Els this coming week at Augusta. Quinn, who is a regular on the celebrity golf circuit, was on the bag for Els at last years HSBC Championship.

Keep your Friends Close, and Your Caddy Closer!

Written March 8th, 2010:

It was one of the biggest tournaments in the city and I was excited. I called my buddy who was an experienced and established competitive golfer in the area to be on the bag. Little did I know that when we pulled up to the golf course that day, he already had worked out an agenda in his “bobble” head.

Things didn’t start off too hot. First tee shot in the water; second pulled into the deep fescue; and a caddy that would laugh every time I would make a mistake. This is how naïve I was- I truly thought he was just trying to settle my nerves down, make me relax and not worry about the bad shots. It kind of worked. It worked until I first felt a stone in the middle of my back swing, then a golf tee, then loud noises (my caddy responsible for all of the above mentioned). At this point I was too far away from the club house, and my game was unsalvageable to tell him to take a hike. My altruistic caddy soon noticed that I had realized there was no way I was going to bring in a scorecard with a semi-respectable score on it, so the heat was turned up. For example, I would ask for a 9 iron and would be handed a 6. This was funny to him- luckily I noticed before I swung the club.

We were on the 12^th green- this horrific round more than half over. I thought we were over the hump, but was quickly reminded there was still 7 holes to finish. I was on the green, putting for a par, I was pumped- maybe I can salvage this round after all. WRONG! I was taking practice strokes getting ready to ram this ball in the back of the hole, when I suddenly looked up at the last second, and unintentionally hit my ball. This was bad. The guys in my group, especially the one recording my score, was adamant that it’s only a one stroke penalty and I putt from where the ball ended up. My caddy was equally as adamant and more insisting that I take the correct 2 stroke penalty. As a result of this mishap, a heated ‘discussion’ ensued and a near fist fight almost broke out on the 12^th green that day between my caddy and my playing partner. The other members of my group suggested I play two balls and get a ruling in the scorer’s tent after the round. My caddy suggested that he call over a rules official and we wait. Well, we waited, and so did everyone else behind us, until an official came over to sort this matter out properly. The official came over and of course, my caddy, with NCAA golf on his resume, was correct. As I putted in for a 7, still in shock, my caddy quickly picked my golf ball out of the hole and starred my partner in the eyes and said to him before storming off, “I will not caddy for a cheater!” I broke out in laughter. They thought I was crazy- they couldn’t believe I still had this guy on my bag.

As we walked to the next hole, my caddy was already on the tee box. It was confusing how to get to the tee deck, but I could see him standing on the elevated tee. I asked him the quickest way to get over there, and he told me a short cut. Of course, being naïve and thinking he was a friend, I listened to him. I ended up knees deep in a swamp and my caddy on the ground laughing harder than I’ve ever seen anyone laugh. I couldn’t help but laugh because this round could not get any worse- was I on Candid Camera?

We come to the 18^th hole. After a few good comeback holes, I was going to be able to keep my score in the 80’s if I played smart. My caddy was silent for once in the round and I can remember it being very peaceful listening to the birds singing their songs (turns out they were laughing at me). I hit my drive. It splits the fairway 300 yards out. Second shot to the par 5 flirted with the water guarding the left front of the green, and looks like it may have gone in, but it also looks like it equally may not have gone in. We’ll have to go and see. It seems as though my selfless caddy found a second wind- he seemed very excited and quickly raced up to find my ball. I joined him and was looking every where. I can’t find it! Why can’t I find it? I didn’t see a splash I can remember thinking to myself. I shout out to my caddy, who has not moved in the 5 minutes we’ve been looking for my ball- why isn’t he walking around looking for it? 5 minutes is up and back to the fairway I go. I end up hitting a couple balls into the water and the third up to the green. As I walk up to the green, I catch something out of the corner of my eye- it interests me. I walk over to it. THERE IT IS!!! My original golf ball! But with footmarks around it. Foot marks that I’m positive match my caddy’s. I look over to him in disbelief as he’s laughing hysterically. Like a good caddy, he reminds me, and makes certain I am fully aware that I have to get up and down to break 100. I proceed to go up, up, down. I shoot 100 on the nose. The entire round he was hoping I would hit the 100 mark. I quickly tally up my score to get out of there, and notice that the course is a par 71. I SHOT 99! I win at life!

The moral of this story is that you must choose your caddy wisely. What I will share with you now, is that this caddy of mine is getting married soon and he has chosen me to be his best man. I already have a revenge planned- and it involves me being the worst best man ever!

Golf & Travel Show (mixed with a bit of wine and some spicy Caesar’s):

Written March 9th, 2010:

I’d say it was a pretty productive Golf & Travel Show in Toronto last weekend. Not only did The Hog and I sit in on Richard Zokol speaking about the latest trends in golf course design- that even has the USGA sweating- but I had a one-on-one with the ‘all-mighty’ David Leadbetter regarding my future long drive career. I was hoping his advice would include hitting the gym hard and lifting heavy weights (which would help me with the ladies and give me an excuse to trade in the 6 pack for a six pack). What I was told, was to focus on my core, doing a lot of exercises with the medicine ball, and try to get my hands on the workout regiment of a javelin thrower. I thought about that, it made complete sense, thanked David and continued to waste his time by telling him I will accomplish this long drive feat with a persimmon wood. He didn’t really have anything to say to my last comment, which was my cue to leave and head for the wine and caesar “samples” (samples is used loosely).

No Title:

Written March 4th, 2010:

I was watching the Topper the other day at the indoor range and I noticed something that I never noticed before- he has a swing that mirrors Adam Scott's.   I’m guessing this is why, when he’s on the green top, he usually spanks the Hog by 4 strokes and comes within 2 of tying my shoes. Keep 'er going Topper, your time will come.....we believe.

Wiki-Bomber:

Letting the Big Boy Breathe > giving it everything you've got- usually when you pull out the driver.

Green Top > similar to the black top (ashphalt, street, road, etc), but the putting surface of a golf course- the green. Many games are settled on the Green Top.

Spanks > Beat with no effort

Tying My Shoes > To tie one's worst effort.

Your Time Will Come > Your time really won't come in this lifetime.

We Believe > We really don't believe, but will patronize you non-the-less

2010 PGA Merchandise Show: January 27 - 30th, 2010 (Written Feb. 1, 2010)

Some of the notables from this year’s event, held in Orlando, FL, include the following:

Irons:

Callaway (Beginner/High Handicap or Hacker): The Diablo Edge irons offer solid value and performance for the beginner or higher handicap golfer. The low and deep centre of gravity enables golfers of any skill level the ability to get the ball airborne  quickly, resulting in greater distance and accuracy.  

Click Here!Shop Callaway Golf Irons at Callaway's official online store! Low prices and flat rate shipping.Click Here!

Titleist (Mid/Low Handicap): The new AP1 and AP2 irons look great and are designed with the aspiring golfer in mind. As always, Titleist has released a top quality product. The AP1 irons are a sleekly designed cavity back iron whose target player is the mid-low handicap player who seeks a performance enhancing tool. The AP2 iron is designed with the low single digit and professional golfer in mind. These clubs remind me of the Titleist 962B irons I used for many years that were truly sensational shot making tools.

Mizuno MP58 (Low Handicap): These clubs look beautiful, the biggest concern many players have had with the MP series irons in the past is that there is no forgiveness whatsoever. The greatest improvement to the MP58 is the expanded sweet spot, enabling golfers who require shot making and mild forgiveness. I would recommend taking a look at these clubs the next time you are in your local pro shop.

Golf Balls:

With the change in the groove technology, it has made for a greater need to improve the feel of golf balls. We will see this trend continue, but for now here are a couple of the highlights.

Callaway Tour i(s) (Competitive Golfer): This 4 piece design was developed with the competitive golfer in mind, as it was made specifically to counteract the control reducing measures of the new groove rules. Callaway claims that this is their best ball yet and will not compromise distance, yet improve feel. I have not had the opportunity to hit this ball yet but as soon as I do, my take will be noted.

Bridgestone Golf (All Player Types): Bridgestone has taken a different approach to the ball for the consumer market. Rather than releasing a “one size fits all” solution, there is a ball that is right for each individual golfer. In testing, golfers have reported improving distance and accuracy due being matched with a ball that is right for their game. A very small percentage of golfers will benefit from using the same ball technology used by the best tour pro’s, it just makes sense.

Sunglasses:

The Paula Creamer Collection from Sundog (Women): Paula Creamer has paired up with Sundog Golf to develop a womens sunglass line. Rarely do professional athletes who endorse products put as much effort into the design process as is the case with Paula. These glasses are stylish and functional for the female golfer who is looking for more out of her eye wear.

Shoes:

Lambda (All golfers): Wow, these golf shoes look amazing. They have been out in Europe for a while but they will be released this year in North America. They appear to be nicer than the Footjoy Classics, which is saying a lot considering those have been the world’s most popular golf shoe for decades. I’m not sure what the price target will be for these but I would recommend that you have a look at these when you have the chance.

-The Hog

About the Authors:

Written Feb 27th, 2010:

The Hog:

The Hog joins CanadianGolfLinks.com with tremendous amateur golf experience and a firm knowledge of the sport. His golf IQ and witty humor make him an exciting read.

T-Bomb: 
T-Bomb has a true "grip it and rip it" mentality. To him its not important what he makes on a hole, but did he hit less club than you to get there. With a couple hole-in-ones under his belt, he has proven he's got the skill to go along with the power.

Chris Topper:
Nobody has funnier golf adventures than Chris Topper. From knocked out teeth to DQ's, he is the personification of how to have a good time on the course.  

Cosmo Cramer - PGA: Cosmo Cramer comes to us from the Washington D.C area. A former college roommate of the Hog, he has PGA professional experience and a wealth of golf travel experience. 

Sr. Frog:
The group would not be complete without wisdom. Sr. Frog has extensive travel experience and knows how to golf on a budget. Look to the Frog to help you get where you want to for less.

Thank you and enjoy,

The CanadianGolfLinks.com team