Written by Dwayne Tingley
Cecil Rasmussen calls it old home week for golfers.
Rasmussen is the director of Go Golf Moncton, an extensive pre-season golf show scheduled for this weekend.
“You see all of the golfers come out after a long winter and they enjoy each other’s company,” Rasmussen said.
“They get together and love to talk about golf,” she added. “They talk about their plans for the summer and they get to see what the golf clubs are offering. It’s a great gathering – it’s a lot like old home week.”
The third annual Go Golf Moncton will run Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily at the Moncton Lions Club on Mark Avenue, near Harrison Trimble High School.
Rasmussen, who is also the clubhouse manager of Maplewood Golf and Country Club, said the show attracted 1,200 visitors last year and there are indications the number will increase this weekend.
“Our feedback has been very good,” she said. “People liked the show last year and there has been a lot of talk on social media. Spring is here and the golfers are eager to get going. The show is like the unofficial start of the golf season in New Brunswick.”
The show will feature more exhibitors than last year, including 14 clubs. Maplewood, Lakeside, Hampton, Mountain Woods, Sussex, Stonehurst, Digby Pines, Amherst, Country Meadows, Memramcook, Hillsborough, Pine Needles, Petitcodiac and Bouctouche will all be represented at the show.
Representatives from Golf New Brunswick, Vesey’s (golf cart suppliers), Voxxlife (athletic socks) and Fair Haven funeral home will also be on hand.
“People are getting antsy and the golfers can hardly wait for the season to start,” the show’s director said. “Meeting old friends and talking golf is a great way to spend the day.”
Golf New Brunswick technical director Bari Gourley is looking forward to the show. Golf NB will meet officials from partner courses, talk about the association with visitors and sell its 2019 Golf NB 2 For 1 Cards that feature a single use 2 for 1 coupon at 23 courses in the provinces.
The association will also promote the benefits of becoming a gold member of Golf NB and Golf Canada.
“There will also be a putting mat for people to hit a few putts and challenge their friends,” said Gourley, who is also a PGA of Canada teaching professional.
“We will have our boom room, which is a 10-foot high inflatable driving range so junior golfers can come and hit golf balls,” she said. “It is a great way to get kids interested in golf and for those that already play, they can get a few swings in early.”
Gourley will be on hand to give swing tips. She will also hold seminars at 1:30 p.m. each day. Saturday’s theme will be: “Yes, you can hit a golf ball straight” and Sunday’s theme will be: Short game secrets.”
Golf NB will also be handing out a one-page sheet, explaining the “20 Must Know Rules of Golf For 2019”.
Admission to Go Golf Moncton is just $8 or $15 for two. Free green fees for Maplewood, Lakeside, Hillsborough, Bouctouche and Petitcodiac will be included in the admission fee.
There will be a putting contest with a $5 fee and all proceeds will go to breast cancer research.
“There is going to be a lot to do and see,” Rasmussen said. “Once the golfers go to the show, they’ll begin their countdown to actually get on the course.”