1. Go online
There are lots of sites that offer helpful tips for beginners on every topic from the basic rules and etiquette to the fundamentals of the swing.
2. Go to a course
Even before you head to the tee for the very first time, do a little online research about the courses in your area. You will want to find a public or “semi-private” course (one that has members but also welcomes the public golfer). Drop into the golf shop, introduce yourself as a new golfer and have a look around. Ask if they have a program to introduce new golfers to the game. If they do, sign up!
3. Go to a pro
Just about every course has a PGA of Canada professional. They’re helpful and knowledgeable. Even a half-hour lesson with a pro will get you started on the right path. Many courses offer lesson packages and some include playing a few holes as well. Taking a lesson is the best investment you can make if you want to enjoy the game and improve your skills.
4. Go get some clubs
Although most courses have clubs you can rent, you may want to have your own set. Chain stores such as Costco, Giant Tiger, Walmart and Canadian Tire have inexpensive sets that include irons, woods, putter and a carry bag. They also sell inexpensive balls and tees. As long as you follow the course’s dress code (often published on their web site), you don’t even need golf shoes at this point. Running shoes will suffice.
5. Go to the driving range
If you’re taking lessons at a course, you no doubt have taken advantage of the practice facility, also called the driving range. If not, head for a local public driving range with a friend and hit some balls. Many facilities also have a practice putting green. As you will find out, putting is a very important part of the game!
6. Go to the first tee
You’ve hooked up with some friends or new acquaintances from your introductory program. You’ve asked the folks in the golf shop from which tees you should play as a beginner (generally, the most forward set of tees is appropriate).
7. Go hit the ball
Assuming you’ve followed these first few tips, you should be hitting the ball in the right general direction. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not as proficient as your more experienced companions. Just relax, swing, and don’t forget to breathe! From a safety perspective, make sure you are aware of where your friends are and when they are hitting. From a “pace of play” viewpoint, always be ready to hit your next shot when it’s your turn. Most importantly, don’t get frustrated if you’re not proficient immediately. You will improve the more you play and practise. Remember, the object of the game is to have fun.
8. Go to the clubhouse
Much of the appeal of golf is the social aspect following a round. Reliving the game, good shots and not-so-good, with friends and family is an integral part of the game.
9. Go back
Golf has been called “the game for a lifetime.” You can play this game at whatever level you wish, from recreational to competitive, for years and years. It’s healthy, fun and a great way to meet new friends.
So there you go.
Nine tips, just like the nine holes you will likely play the first few times you’re at the course.
But there is so much more!
Although you can learn the fundamentals of the swing, course etiquette and rules online, GolfCanada.ca is the best resource for anyone who enjoys the game at any level.
As you play more golf, you’ll want an official handicap factor and the other benefits that come with a Golf Canada Gold Level membership.
But you have to start somewhere. So, like so many of your fellow Canadians are doing these days, start now!
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For Immediate Release:
The Miramichi Golf & Country Club plays host for the final championship of the 2020 Golf NB Championship season as a field of 99 of New Brunswick’s top players, 55 years of age and older, tee it up at one of the provinces most unique and challenging venues.
A hot and humid Monday greeted players as they gathered from across the province to compete for the 2020 NB Senior and NB Super-Senior crowns at one of New Brunswick’s most historic venues.
Leading the Senior field after round 1 is Fredericton’s Sonny Phillips. Phillips would go on to record a 1-Under Par 70 round as he used course knowledge to his advantage in maneuvering the tight fairways and greens at Miramichi. A front nine 1-Under Par 34 paired with an even-par 36 on the back nine gives the 2019 Super-Senior Champion the opening round lead moving into Tuesday. Following closely behind Phillips is West Hills’ Bob Brown and Hampton’s Darren Ritchie who both completed their opening rounds of even-par 71. The trio will see the field off on Tuesday’s second round with the leaders teeing off early.
Phillips’ name can also be found on top of the Super-Senior Division leaderboard as Sonny will look to repeat his 2019 Super-Senior title while also competing for the Senior Championship crown. Gary Melanson of Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club sits in second in the Super-Senior Division, 5 strokes behind Phillips. Melanson is coming off a stellar victory at the PEI Amateur Championship where he captured their Senior Title on Sunday. 2 strokes off of Melanson is Fox Creek’s Jean LeBlanc who’s opening round of 6-Over Par 77 sees himself in third place.
The Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge has been added to Golf NB’s events this season to reward the player who performs the best on the Par-3’s during the course of the championship. After round 1, Sonny Phillips leads the challenge as his performance on Miramichi’s Par-3’s sees the Fredericton Native at an impressive 2-Under Par. Darren Ritchie of Hampton sits in second place at 1-Under Par in the contest. The champions of this event’s challenge will each receive a custom prize from Dormie Workshop.
The second round play of the 2020 NB Men’s Senior Championship begins at 7:30 AM on Tuesday.
Leading off the field is:Bob Brown– West Hills Golf Course
Sonny Phillips – Fredericton Golf Club
Darren Ritchie– Hampton Golf Club
NB SENIOR MEN’S SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS
Established in 1925, the Miramichi Golf & Country Club has proved to be one of New Brunswick’s many premier championship venues and most recently hosted the 2018 NB Ladies Provincial Championships. The Par-71 6,100-yard T.F Robinson design features tight fairways that will require immense accuracy off the tee. The 54-Hole Competition will provide the ultimate test for players as they look to prove their worth in the race for New Brunswick’s 2020 Senior Men’s Champion.
Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick. In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province. Programs offered by Golf NB to its 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
For Immediate Release: The Miramichi Golf & Country Club is the host site for the final major championship of the 2020 Golf NB Championship season as a field of 99 of New Brunswick’s top players, 55 years of age and older, tee it up at one of the provinces most unique and challenging venues. Established in 1925, the Miramichi Golf & Country Club has proved to be one of New Brunswick’s many premier championship venues and most recently hosted the 2018 NB Ladies Provincial Championships. The Par-71 6,100-yard T.F Robinson design features tight fairways that will require immense accuracy off the tee. The 54-Hole Competition will provide the ultimate test for players as they look to prove their worth in the race for New Brunswick’s 2020 Senior Men’s Champion. A field comprising of 99 of New Brunswick’s most elite and competitive golfers will provide no shortage of competition as the Senior field travels to Miramichi with many familiar faces and past champions. Sonny Phillips of the Fredericton Golf Club returns to this year’s championship event as the Fredericton native looks to repeat his Super-Senior victory on a layout that he is more than familiar with. Absent from the field is 2019 Senior Champion, Ralph Michaud. Michaud’s impressive performance of 6-Under Par edged out the field as he secured his first NB Senior Men’s Championship at his home club of Aroostook Valley. Adding to the impressive player roster for the event is Hampton’s Mike Breen and Darren Ritchie, 2019 NB Mid-Master Champion, Dan Coulombe, and Bob Brown of West Hills Golf Course, Herrick Hansen of Aroostook Valley and many more championship contenders. The first round of the 2020 NB Men’s Senior Championship will get underway at 7:30 AM on Monday, July 20th at the Miramichi Golf & Country Club. Bob Brown of West Hills Golf Course, Sonny Phillips of the Fredericton Golf Club & Mike Breen of the Hampton Golf Club lead the field off on Monday Morning. NB SENIOR MEN’S FIRST ROUND PAIRINGS
Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick. In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province. Programs offered by Golf NB to its 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
Exhilarating play, humid conditions, and much-needed comradery, a weekend at Royal Oaks Golf Club had it all. 160 of New Brunswick’s most elite competitive golfers gathered at the Rees Jones course to prove their worth in the race for their respective provincial titles.
A variety of weather over the 54-hole competition provided a true test of skill and determination as players competed for the 2020 Golf NB Men’s Amateur Championship, NB Junior Boys Under-19, Under-17, and Under-15 Championship as well as the NB Men’s Mid-Master Championship.
Strategic play, course knowledge, and family motivation would lead to Alex Palmer once again claiming the NB Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championships. The 2018 Champion would go on to complete his stellar weekend of play on Sunday as he rounded out the championship with a final-round 1-Over Par 73, paired with his opening rounds of 67 and 65, the Riverside member finished the event at a staggering 11-Under Par. Clubmate Darren Roach along with others in the field looked to make a last-minute charge at Palmer and the Championship title however difficult playing conditions would lead to being a critical factor in high scores for players during Sunday’s round. Roach’s final round 2-Over Par 74 would see him finish four strokes behind Palmer as the pair’s known friendly competitive rivalry was once again showcased at one of Golf NB’s Provincial Championships. Justin Richard of Fox Creek placed third after an impressive final round 3-Under Par 69 which brought his tournament total to 4-Under Par. A full field at the 2020 NB Men’s Amateur presented opportunities for young juniors to battle with mature amateur players, newcomers to New Brunswick’s competitive golf scene to get involved, and the perfect birthday gift from a new father to his one-year-old son – a Provincial Championship.
Stu Musgrave of Country Meadows captured the 2020 NB Men’s Mid-Master Championship after winning a playoff on the second hole against Fox Creek’s Remi Comeau. The pair both completed regular play with a total score of 2-Over Par, 218 which led to a playoff for the 2020 Title. The Riverside’s Ed Reevey finished third in the Mid-Master Championship after rounds of 75, 74, 71 saw the past champion finish at 4-Over Par for the 54-Hole Tournament.
JH Sport’s Daniel Kirby closed out on his dominant play in the Under-19 Championship as the Woodstock native proved he was capable of competing within his own division and with some of New Brunswick’s most elite competitors. Kirby captured his first NB Under-19 Championship after an impressive run of play with rounds of 70, 71, and 75. Along with his Under-19 Title, Kirby climbed to the top of the Amateur Division and finished 4th with a tournament total of 216, Even Par. Felix Boucher of Fox Creek was Kirby’s closest competition as the junior recorded a 6-Over Par finish after rounds of 75,73, and 74.
Julien Babineau of Fox Creek was able to maintain his steady play in the third and final round of the 2020 NB Junior Championships. Julien’s final round of 2-Over Par 74 helped secure his first Under-17 Championship as he completed the event with a total score of 9-Over Par, 225. Westfield’s Jack Bailey finished in second place in the division after rounds of 76, 80, 78 to finish at 18-Over Par for the 54-Hole Championship. Rounding out the top three in the Under-17 Division is Moncton Golf & Country Club’s Ethan McFadden who finished 18 strokes behind the leader.
Fox Creek’s Jacob LeBlanc captured the 2020 NB Junior Boys Under-15 Championship after an impressive final round 3-Over Par 75. Finishing at 35 Over Par, 251, Jacob’s final round was enough to propel him to the top of the Under-15 Leaderboard. Morgan Costain of Westfield and Miguel Babineau of Fox Creek both finished T2 and one stroke behind LeBlanc as the pair recorded a tournament total of 36-Over Par 252.
In addition to his 2020 NB Amateur & Mid-Amateur Titles, Alex Palmer captured Golf NB’s Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge. The Par-3 Challenge has been added to Golf NB’s events this season to reward the player who performs the best on the Par-3’s during the course of the championship. Keegan Miller of Hampton & Gage Golf & Curling Club will take home the Dormie Par-3 Challenge for the Junior Boys Division. As the champions of this event’s challenge, each winner will receive a custom prize from Dormie Workshop.
Bernie Leger of Royal Oaks finished the weekend at the top of the Senior Division Leaderboard with a total score of 12-Over Par. Following closely behind Leger was Aroostook Valley’s Herrick Hansen who finished at 13-Over Par. The 2020 NB Senior Men’s Championships take place at Miramichi Golf & Country Club on July 20th-22nd which features a full field of New Brunswick’s best senior players.
Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick. In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province. Programs offered by Golf NB to its 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
For Immediate Release:
Royal Oaks Golf Club plays host to the 2020 NB Men’s Amateur, Mid-Master, and NB Junior Boys Championships. 160 of New Brunswick’s most elite competitive players took to the field this weekend in Moncton to take on the championship venue and battle for their respective 2020 Championship Titles.
Play for Saturday’s second-round began at 6:30 AM with participants in the NB Junior Boys Championship teeing off in the first wave. The heat and humidity present during round one did not stray far as early morning players were met with similar conditions to Friday.
2018 NB Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Champion, Alex Palmer of The Riverside Country Club picked up where he left off from Friday’s opening round. A first-round 5-Under Par 67 was just the start as Palmer backed up his firey play with a stellar 7-Under Par 65 round on Saturday. 3 birdies and 3 eagles allowed The Riverside member to manage the risk and rewarded opportunities on the course and play the Par-5’s at unbelievable 7-Under Par. Following two groups behind Palmer was clubmate and fellow competitor Darren Roach who unknowingly was in a head to head competition with Palmer for the low round of the day and a potential course record at Royal Oaks. Roach also carded a 7-Under Par 65 during Saturday’s second round in Moncton. 6 birdies and two eagles pushed Roach into contention on Sunday after finishing 2-Under Par on his opening round. 2019 Champion, Michel Landry of the Fredericton Golf Club heads into the final round in third place after a pair of 2-Under Par 70’s in his opening two rounds. Landry sits 8 strokes back of Palmer in the lead and 5 behind Roach as players on top of the leaderboard look to battle for the championship on Sunday.
The Riverside Country Club’s Greg Steele recorded an ACE on Royal Oaks’ Par-3 8th hole. Greg used a PW from 140 yards to record his hole in one. Congratulations Greg!
Country Meadows’ Stu Musgrave leads the 2020 NB Men’s Mid-Master Championships. Usually partnered with the NB Senior Men’s Provincial Championships, the 2020 Mid-Master is taking place alongside the Men’s Amateur and Junior Boys at Royal Oaks. A hot 3-Under Par start by Musgrave on the front nine slowly cooled off as temperatures increased, an even-par 36 back nine secured a 3-Under 69 finish, and puts Musgrave in the pole position for Sunday’s final round. Remi Comeau of Fox Creek had difficulty matching his opening round of 69, Saturday’s conditions saw Comeau record a 3-Over Par 75 in his second round. Musgrave holds a one-stroke lead over Comeau as the two prepare to leave it all to play for during Sunday’s round. Dave Bolster of Grand Falls sits in third place in the Mid-Master Championships after a 1-Over Par 73 and 2-Over Par 74.
Daniel Kirby of JH Sports continued his fine run of play from Friday with a second-round 1-Under Par 71 performance. The young Woodstock native carded an impressive 5 birdies in his round on Saturday however some bogey difficulties on the back nine restricted Kirby to a still impressive 1-Under Par round. Kirby leads the Under-19 Boys Division over the Fox Creek duo of Felix Boucher and Patrick Cormier. Boucher’s second-round 1-Over Par 73 keeps him close in the title race for the Under-19 Division and even closer to clubmate Patrick Cormier who’s 76, 4-Over Par round on Saturday sees the pair both tied for second place, seven strokes behind Kirby.
In the Junior Boys, Under-17 Division Fox Creek’s Julien Babineau leads the division after recording a second-round 2-Over Par 74. Babineau who shaved three strokes off of his opening round 5-Over Par 77 will need to continue his form heading into Sunday’s final round. Knocking on Julien’s door for the Under-17 Title is Westfield’s Jack Bailey, a first-round 4-Over Par 76 combined with his Saturday 8-Over Par 80 sees Bailey 5 shots back off of Babineau as the two Juniors look to leave it all out on the course during the Sunday’s round in the race for the Under-17 Provincial Championship. Rounding out the top-3 in the Under-17 Division is Moncton’s Ethan McFadden. A tournament score of 163, 19-Over Par has McFadden 12 strokes off of the lead and 7 back of Bailey.
The NB Under-15 Junior Boys Division sees a family connection on top of the leaderboard as Miguel Babineau of Fox Creek holds the lead heading into the third and final round. Babineau’s consistent play of 12-Over Par 84 and 11-Over Par 83 positions the young junior nicely as Babineau will look to close out his lead on Sunday. Petitcodiac’s Chase Burgess and Westfield’s Morgan Costain are both tied for second in the Under-15 category. A narrow two-stroke lead could set up for an interesting final round on Sunday as the three players will look to utilize Rees Jones’ challenging yet rewarding design to their advantage.
Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick. In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province. Programs offered by Golf NB to its 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
Canadians playing more golf in 2020 once COVID 19 restrictions lifted
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, Golf Canada
CP Canadian Open LPGA
Magna Golf Club
Friday August 23rd, 2019
ROUND 2
Dottie Ardina of Laguna, Philippines (PHI)
Golf Canada reports that there were 17 per cent more scores registered with the national sport body this June compared to the same month last year. A total of 1,483,506 rounds were submitted to Golf Canada’s handicap calculator last month compared to 1,271,782 in June 2019.
“It was a pretty big jump from last year, comparing 2019 numbers to this year,” said Adam Helmer, senior director of golf services for Golf Canada, on Wednesday. “We were expecting that as golf has emerged as one of the safest activities, where people can be physically distant and we’ve reduced touchpoints.”
The surge in June ended a streak of three months when recreational rounds played in Canada dropped precipitously due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As restrictions were lifted across the country in May, the number of scores registered increased.
In May, 165,026 rounds were registered between the 1st and the 15th but 265,480 scores were submitted in the final two weeks of that month. The May 1-15 numbers are a nearly 40 per cent drop from the same period in 2019 (211,809) but the May 16-30 numbers are just five per cent lower than last year (269,266).
Helmer said he expects the number of rounds submitted to Golf Canada to continue to climb through July and into August.
“We’ve heard anecdotally that a lot of newcomers have joined the sport, especially now that school is done we’re going to see an increase in juniors too. We think the trend is going to continue,” said Helmer. “Golf has seen a pretty big lift and it’s emerged as the sport of the summer.”
The upward trend comes even as Golf Canada had to cancel all of its amateur and professional championships due to travel restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
A shift in how scores are registered has also been seen, with most recreational players entering their scores online instead of in the course’s clubhouse or pro shop, which have largely been closed this summer because of physical distancing protocols.
Golf Canada plans to launch an updated version of its scoring app later this month, helping to keep players physically distant and improve their game.]]>
It’s not about your ability, says Rick Young. It’s about your level of commitment.
“It makes zero sense to buy golf clubs without getting fitted,” says Young, SCOREGolf’s longtime equipment expert. He warns against purchasing new clubs off the rack as well as new or used clubs online.
His point is repeated by every expert in the field. Many compare buying a standard set of clubs to purchasing apparel. While that might be a touch trite, it is undeniably accurate.
The average Canadian man is 5’8” tall and weighs 182 pounds. The average woman is just over 5’3” and about 153 pounds. Chances are that doesn’t describe you so the odds that the clothing that fits those “average” Canadians wouldn’t fit you either.
So why are you playing their golf clubs? Essentially, that is what you are doing when you buy a standard set off the rack.
I’m 6’2” and weigh 220. Not average, by any means. So my clubs are a little longer than standard, the lie is a touch upright and the grips are slightly larger. As I get older, I’ve switched to regular shafts in my irons from the stiff version I played for years. There’s no chance my 5’4” wife (about the national average) was fitted for the same clubs as our 6’1” daughter. Thank goodness she got her looks from her mom and her height from me and not the other way around.
Like our dimensions and ages, our Handicap Indexes vary but we all saw getting fitted for clubs as an investment in our enjoyment of the game, not just an expense. Playing the wrong clubs can be discouraging, infuriating, and can dissuade you from playing more golf.
“Do you want to get better? Then get fitted, even if you’re terrible,” says Tony Covey, managing editor of My Golf Spy, an independent online reviewer and evaluator of all things golf.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money right out of the gate. As you improve and your scores go down, you can get re-fitted and either get your clubs adjusted or invest in a new set and sell the old ones or trade them in.”
Covey also cautions against some of the misconceptions that may influence your equipment choice.
“Don’t get sucked in by brand bias and some of the other mythology that’s out there. Do some research and then find a reputable expert and listen to them.”
Ian Fraser is the founder and CEO of TxG (Tour Experience Golf) with locations in Toronto and, soon, Mississauga, Ont. With a background in club fitting, he worked with beginners as well as superstars like Colin Montgomerie, Gary Woodland and Eduardo Molinari before coming to Canada to start Modern Golf, a leading-edge club-fitting company. In 2015, he left Modern Golf to found TxG.
[video_embed id="95831"][/video_embed]
As a nod to his expertise, GOLF Magazine named TxG No. 2 on their 2020 list of the top club fitters in North America.
Fraser points out that the proliferation of golf club technology has made getting properly fitted more essential than ever. There are more than 30,000 potential combinations to ensure the client gets the correct “prescription,” as he calls it, for 14 optimized clubs to maximize their enjoyment and lower their scores.
A full-bag (driver through putter) fitting session takes 4 ½ hours. Don’t panic. Much of that time is spent discussing, analyzing and advising. It’s not a ball-beating marathon.
Not surprisingly, that philosophy is echoed at Fraser’s former hangout, Modern Golf, which has locations in Mississauga and Vaughan in Ontario, two in Calgary and one in Vancouver.
At Modern Golf, TxG and other sophisticated fitting facilities, the technology, such as ForeSight and other high-tech aids, is on par with the expertise of the humans doing the hands-on fitting. For example, Modern Golf has a “coach/build” concept that places a fitter and a coach in the fitting bay with you. That combination doesn’t come cheap but, remember, this is an investment.
At Modern Golf, the $400 full-bag fitting fee is waived if you purchase a new set of clubs. The fee is also waived for any of their other fitting options ranging from single clubs like the driver or putter to irons and wedges.
Once you’ve committed to a fitting, go all the way, Young recommends.
“One thing people don’t realize is that 42 per cent of your shots are on the green but people will walk into a golf store, try two or three putters and when they make a couple of putts, they fork over two or three hundred dollars for a putter that most likely is wrong for them. Do you need a mallet or blade, toe-balanced or face-balanced, what loft, what length, what grip, what kind of putting stroke do you have … these are all questions you need expert advice on.
“And how about your wedges? Do you have the right gapping between your wedges? Are the lofts right for you? How about the bounce?”
Young believes not getting fitted can discourage new golfers who want to enjoy the game but have the wrong equipment. If, for example, the lie angle on those used irons you bought for a song is too upright, you’ll likely be hitting pull hooks. Or if the lie is OK but the shaft is too stiff, get used to hitting a bunch of low-right screamers.
“The worst mistake you can make, at any level, is buying clubs that work against you,” says Matthew Sim, Modern Golf’s Director of Operations.
If getting to some of the facilities mentioned here is inconvenient, there are lots of other options. If you’re really out in the boondocks, major manufacturers have online fitting apps for everything from clubs to balls.
Fittings are easy to arrange with many PGA of Canada members across the country offering fitting services. If you decide to purchase new clubs, the fitting fee is waived in most cases.
Alternatively, many courses have “demo days” during the golf season where one or more of the major club manufacturers set up shop on the range. “This is one of the best ways for novice golfers to get a baseline for fitting if they’re unsure of what they want for free,” says Young.
Just as there is a fitting option suitable for every budget, so too is there one for the clubs themselves, even at places like TxG.
“If the client says, for example, that their budget is $900, then we give them the very best value we can for that budget,” says Fraser. “We treat every client the same whether they’re a pro or a beginner. It’s in our best interest to make sure they not only get better but have more fun.”]]>
Low scores and high temperatures highlight Round 1 of the NB Men's Amateur Championships
For Immediate Release:
In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, Royal Oaks Golf Club plays host to the NB Men’s Amateur Championship for the second time, and first since 2011 when the Moncton Golf & Country Club’s Mathieu Gingras claimed his second of three NB Men’s Amateur title in a thrilling 9-hole playoff over Stephen Boudreau. Round 1 of the 54-hole event concluded on Friday, as players met in heart of the province’s competitive golfing market.
The demanding Rees Jones design would prove to be the ultimate test of golf for some of New Brunswick’s most elite competitive players as 160 competitors took to the field and compete for the 2020 NB Junior Boys Championship Titles – Under-15, Under-17 & Under-19, the 2020 NB Men’s Amateur Championship, 2020 NB Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, and the 2020 NB Men’s Mid-Master Championship.
Players were greeted to a hot and humid opening round at Royal Oaks Golf Club, the combination would prove to favor players in the opening half of the draw which saw low rounds of 6-Under Par 66, 5-Under Par 67, and multiple 3-Under Par 69’s. Leading the Amateur & Mid-Amateur after an impressive 6-Under Par 66 is Maplewood Golf & Country Club’s Troy Letourneau. The Moncton resident began to heat up just as the humidity increased, an effortless 2-Under 34 on the front paved the way for a firey back nine as Letourneau started with an eagle and birdie on 10 & 11. A 4-Under, 32 on the difficult yet rewarding back nine of Royal Oaks gives the Maplewood member a one-stroke lead heading into round 2 over The Riverside Country Club’s Alex Palmer. Palmer, the 2018 NB Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Champion completed a 5-Under Par 67 first-round performance after recording 6 birdies and 1 eagle. Justin Richard and Remi Comeau of Fox Creek Golf Club both sit in a tie for third place after their 1st round scores of 3-Under Par 69.
Comeau who heads into Saturday’s round at T-3 in the NB Amateur & Mid-Amateur Divisions has another Championship Title to battle for. An opening round of 3-Under Par 69 is enough to move Comeau to the top of the NB Mid-Master Division, a two-stroke lead over Country Meadow’s Shawn Branch. Branch cruised to a smooth 1-Under Par 71 finish which sees him positioned 2 strokes ahead of the nearest competitor. Rounding out the top three of the Men’s Mid-Master Division are Jamie Thibault of the Moncton Golf & Country Club and Dave Bolster of Grand Falls who both fired a 1-Over Par 73 on the opening round of the 2020 Championship.
In the Junior Boys Under-19 Division, JH Sport’s Daniel Kirby leads the field after his first-round score of 2-Under Par 70. A difficult start with a pair of bogeys on the opening two holes was restored after Kirby lipped out for albatross on the Par-5 3rd, a tap in eagle would lead to a 1-Over Par 37 on the front nine paired with a 3-Under Par 33 on the back. Attempting to chase down Kirby in the race for the Under-19 Title is Patrick Cormier of Fox Creek who shot an even-par 72 during his opening round, a hot front nine of 3-Under Par 33 quickly cooled off as Cormier finished his round with a 3-Over Par back nine. Pierre Luc Arsenault of St. Ignace and Felix Boucher of Fox Creek both signed for a first-round score of 3-Over Par 75 which sees the 2019 Team NB Members tied for third.
Westfield’s Jack Bailey recorded a 4-Over Par 76 performance in the mid-day heat on Friday. Bailey currently leads the NB Junior Boys Under-17 Division after his matching front and back nine scores of 38. Julien Babineau of Fox Creek sits one stroke behind Bailey after a 5-Over Par 77 during round one of the NB Junior Championships. Morgan Costain joins clubmate Jack Bailey at the top of the Under-17 leaderboard as the young teenager carded an 8-Over Par 80 to move up to third place in the higher age bracket division. In his own division, Constain leads the Under-15 Championship as he holds a 4 stroke lead against Fox Creek’s Miguel Babineau who completed a 12-Over Par round of 84.
In addition to the NB Men’s Amateur Championship, the NB Junior Championships, and the NB Men’s Mid-Master Championships, this year’s event features a 21-player Senior Men’s Division. The majority of the field are taking advantage of additional playing opportunities ahead of the 2020 NB Senior Men’s Championship set to take place at the Miramichi Golf & Country Club from July 20th-22nd. Jean LeBlanc of Fox Creek Golf Club along with Royal Oaks’ Bernie Leger and Louis Boudreau of Pine Needles lead the Senior Field, after shooting 3-Over Par 75. Followed closely by Herrick Hansen of Aroostook Valley and Willie Belliveau of Pine Needles who both recorded a 5-Over Par 77.
An action-packed first round at Royal Oaks Golf Club has set the tone for the remaining 36-holes of the competition. Round #2 begins tomorrow morning, July 11th with the first group of Yannick Babineau of Fox Creek, Mark Kelly of Westfield, and Cameron Friars of The Riverside leading off at 6:30 AM.
Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick. In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province. Programs offered by Golf NB to its 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
For Immediate Release:
The 2020 NB Junior Girls Championships has been an eventful three days as the competitors were treated to a challenging yet rewarding course, highlighted by Graham Cook’s signature greens and dunes landscaping.
A variety of weather over the 54-hole competition provided a true test of skill and determination as players competed for the 2020 Golf NB Girls Bantam (Under 15) Title, the Juvenile (Under-17) Title, and the Junior (Under-19) Title. Fox Creek was a gracious host and gave the likes of Julie Gauvin and Stéphanie Roy the opportunity to compete in a Provincial Championship Event at their home club.
Fox Creek’s own Julie Gauvin captured her first NB Junior Provincial Championship as she claimed the Under-19 Title after recording a 12-Over Par (84) during the third and final round on Tuesday. Combined with an opening-round 75 and second round 82, Gauvin’s determination and strategic playing sees her crowned champion at her home club. Following closely behind Gauvin in the Under-19 Title Race was Royal Oaks’ MacKenzie Deveau who after a final round score of 16-Over Par (88) finished second in the Under-19 Division. In a sister battle for third place, Amelie Guitard was able to edge out Alexandra after her third-round final score of 21-Over Par (93) which saw her finished three shots better than Alexandra who finished with a 27-Over Par (99).
In the Juvenile (Under-17) Division, Stéphanie Roy of Fox Creek held onto her lead after 54-holes and will take home the Under-17 Championship Crown. A final-round score of 26-Over Par (98) paired with opening rounds of 95 and 97 was enough to fight off Under-15 Champion Addison McClune in the race for the Under-17 Title. Roy along with Gauvin join a select few Junior Competitors who have had the honor of claiming championship crowns at their home course.
Addison McClune of The Riverside Country Club continued her strong run of play into Tuesday’s round recording a final score of 23-Over Par (95) to capture the Bantam Girls Under-15 Title. McClune’s event total of 299 consisting of 99, 105, and 95 was enough to put her 13 shots clear of the field. Clubmate Callie Taylor finished second in the Bantam Girls Division after a final-round 33-Over Par (105) which highlighted her steady play this week in the challenging conditions that Fox Creek presented players. Rounding out the Under-15 Division, Rachel Steeves completed a final round of 33-Over Par (105). The Sussex Golf & Curling Club member secured a third-place finish in the competition after a combined tournament score of 314. A stacked Under-15 field provided no lack of competition for the trio as they continued their title race throughout all three rounds.
Mackenzie Deveau of Royal Oaks captured Golf NB’s Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge. The Par-3 Challenge has been added to Golf NB’s events this season to reward the player who performs the best on the Par-3’s during the course of the championship. As the champion of this event’s challenge, Mackenzie will receive a custom prize from Dormie Workshop.
This year’s NB Junior Girls Championship has seen three champions crowned, Addison McClune of The Riverside as the Girls Bantam (Under 15) Winner, Stéphanie Roy of Fox Creek as the Juvenile (Under 17) Winner, and Julie Gauvin of Fox Creek as the Junior (Under 19) Winner.
CLICK HERE to view the results from Round #3 at Fox Creek Golf Club
Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick. In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province. Programs offered by Golf NB to its 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs, and member club marketing initiatives.]]>
It’s not about your ability, says Rick Young. It’s about your level of commitment.
“It makes zero sense to buy golf clubs without getting fitted,” says Young, SCOREGolf’s longtime equipment expert. He warns against purchasing new clubs off the rack as well as new or used clubs online.
His point is repeated by every expert in the field. Many compare buying a standard set of clubs to purchasing apparel. While that might be a touch trite, it is undeniably accurate.
The average Canadian man is 5’8” tall and weighs 182 pounds. The average woman is just over 5’3” and about 153 pounds. Chances are that doesn’t describe you so the odds that the clothing that fits those “average” Canadians wouldn’t fit you either.
So why are you playing their golf clubs? Essentially, that is what you are doing when you buy a standard set off the rack.
I’m 6’2” and weigh 220. Not average, by any means. So my clubs are a little longer than standard, the lie is a touch upright and the grips are slightly larger. As I get older, I’ve switched to regular shafts in my irons from the stiff version I played for years. There’s no chance my 5’4” wife (about the national average) was fitted for the same clubs as our 6’1” daughter. Thank goodness she got her looks from her mom and her height from me and not the other way around.
Like our dimensions and ages, our Handicap Indexes vary but we all saw getting fitted for clubs as an investment in our enjoyment of the game, not just an expense. Playing the wrong clubs can be discouraging, infuriating, and can dissuade you from playing more golf.
“Do you want to get better? Then get fitted, even if you’re terrible,” says Tony Covey, managing editor of My Golf Spy, an independent online reviewer and evaluator of all things golf.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money right out of the gate. As you improve and your scores go down, you can get re-fitted and either get your clubs adjusted or invest in a new set and sell the old ones or trade them in.”
Covey also cautions against some of the misconceptions that may influence your equipment choice.
“Don’t get sucked in by brand bias and some of the other mythology that’s out there. Do some research and then find a reputable expert and listen to them.”
Ian Fraser is the founder and CEO of TxG (Tour Experience Golf) with locations in Toronto and, soon, Mississauga, Ont. With a background in club fitting, he worked with beginners as well as superstars like Colin Montgomerie, Gary Woodland and Eduardo Molinari before coming to Canada to start Modern Golf, a leading-edge club-fitting company. In 2015, he left Modern Golf to found TxG.
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As a nod to his expertise, GOLF Magazine named TxG No. 2 on their 2020 list of the top club fitters in North America.
Fraser points out that the proliferation of golf club technology has made getting properly fitted more essential than ever. There are more than 30,000 potential combinations to ensure the client gets the correct “prescription,” as he calls it, for 14 optimized clubs to maximize their enjoyment and lower their scores.
A full-bag (driver through putter) fitting session takes 4 ½ hours. Don’t panic. Much of that time is spent discussing, analyzing and advising. It’s not a ball-beating marathon.
Not surprisingly, that philosophy is echoed at Fraser’s former hangout, Modern Golf, which has locations in Mississauga and Vaughan in Ontario, two in Calgary and one in Vancouver.
At Modern Golf, TxG and other sophisticated fitting facilities, the technology, such as ForeSight and other high-tech aids, is on par with the expertise of the humans doing the hands-on fitting. For example, Modern Golf has a “coach/build” concept that places a fitter and a coach in the fitting bay with you. That combination doesn’t come cheap but, remember, this is an investment.
At Modern Golf, the $400 full-bag fitting fee is waived if you purchase a new set of clubs. The fee is also waived for any of their other fitting options ranging from single clubs like the driver or putter to irons and wedges.
