It was meant to be for Manotick's own Brad Fritsch. After failing to finish in the top 125 on the PGA Tour money list or the FedEx Cup playoff standings. He had to go through the new four-event qualifying process. After 3 MCs in the first three events. He pulled out a round today that included nine birdies on his way to a 4-under-par 66 on Sunday and finished tied for second with a total of 272 in the Web.Com Tour Championship at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and his 2013/2014 PGA Tour Card.
The Gods were looking over him. He had putts Sunday of 53 and 55 feet. Amazing stuff.
Sep 29, 2013
Sep 26, 2013
How To Fix Your Ball Marks
My main job as part of Rideau View Golf Club's Turf Team is to cut the new hole positions each day. Unfortunately when I walk the greens of Rideau View I spend a good deal of time repairing ball marks - also called pitch marks - These are those little or sometimes larger depressions, or craters, made when a golfer impacts the green with his/her ball generally after hitting an iron shot.
When properly repaired you have a nice smooth-putting surface as well as a healthy green. When not done properly or not done at all (shame on you that don't) it can take up to twice as long for the green to heal.
So try and repair your ball marks. When you arrive on the green revel in the fact you hit the green. Repair your ball mark and at least one other one and the green will not only be better to putt on it's proper golf etiquette right?
Even though I do find him quite annoying sometimes Michael Breed from the Golf Channel has a good video on:
The Right Way To Fix Ball Marks
Be also sure to check out the GCSAA on repairing ball marks.
When properly repaired you have a nice smooth-putting surface as well as a healthy green. When not done properly or not done at all (shame on you that don't) it can take up to twice as long for the green to heal.
So try and repair your ball marks. When you arrive on the green revel in the fact you hit the green. Repair your ball mark and at least one other one and the green will not only be better to putt on it's proper golf etiquette right?
Even though I do find him quite annoying sometimes Michael Breed from the Golf Channel has a good video on:
The Right Way To Fix Ball Marks
Be also sure to check out the GCSAA on repairing ball marks.
Sep 23, 2013
The Match at Cabot Links - Video
It was hard not to check my phone today to get Twitter updates from The Match at Cabot Links that was going on today between PGA Tour pros Graham DeLaet and Graeme McDowell. I have such found memories of Cape Breton and playing Cabot Links last Summer. Having a caddy for the first time was amazing, being able to playing a world class golf course not once but twice was epic.
The charm of Cabot Links shines through regardless of the weather and damn do they make great chowder just ask Graeme McDowell.
At the end of the day the Irishman, McDowell came away with the victory, shooting a 5-under-par score, beating DeLaet’s 2-under-par round. McDowell's 65 is now the course record at Cabot Links.
Cape Breton Post has a great video of some of the media scrum and action from today's match.
The charm of Cabot Links shines through regardless of the weather and damn do they make great chowder just ask Graeme McDowell.
At the end of the day the Irishman, McDowell came away with the victory, shooting a 5-under-par score, beating DeLaet’s 2-under-par round. McDowell's 65 is now the course record at Cabot Links.
Cape Breton Post has a great video of some of the media scrum and action from today's match.
Sep 17, 2013
Fall Cleaning My Golf Closet
Having a golf blog definitely has its perks. Getting to play some of Canada’s and the World’s best golf courses is something I’m very fortunate to be able to do. Writing about these golf adventures I try to bring out my passion and enthusiasm.
I also receive a ton of clothes, shoes and other golf paraphernalia each season to review. Most by the end I like to distribute to my kids, family and friends. It’s good to keep the golf vibe going especially among the young. Got to get kids involved in the sport right?
So I’m cleaning out my closet the other day, trying to regain some resemblance of order. I stumbled upon a plethora of golf shoes that in some golf stores would be considered a wide selection of golf shoes. I had the spike less, the running shoe look-a-like, the traditional, the bright, and the subdued. Considering you can only wear one pair of golf shoes, why had I so many still?
Shoes are a hard thing to give away. First thing is there size 12. Most of my friends are not that size. Second thing I love my golf shoes and I love to have options when I’m golfing and practising. Some shoes I wear for different weather or if I’m playing a early morning or later day round. Plus there’s the whole color coordination thing.
I ended up not getting rid of any shoes just yet for me. It’s not like I’m scouring the Internet for affordable golf shoes from Adidas, ECCO or Puma. I just can’t part with some of my golf shoes yet.
I also receive a ton of clothes, shoes and other golf paraphernalia each season to review. Most by the end I like to distribute to my kids, family and friends. It’s good to keep the golf vibe going especially among the young. Got to get kids involved in the sport right?
So I’m cleaning out my closet the other day, trying to regain some resemblance of order. I stumbled upon a plethora of golf shoes that in some golf stores would be considered a wide selection of golf shoes. I had the spike less, the running shoe look-a-like, the traditional, the bright, and the subdued. Considering you can only wear one pair of golf shoes, why had I so many still?
Shoes are a hard thing to give away. First thing is there size 12. Most of my friends are not that size. Second thing I love my golf shoes and I love to have options when I’m golfing and practising. Some shoes I wear for different weather or if I’m playing a early morning or later day round. Plus there’s the whole color coordination thing.
I ended up not getting rid of any shoes just yet for me. It’s not like I’m scouring the Internet for affordable golf shoes from Adidas, ECCO or Puma. I just can’t part with some of my golf shoes yet.
Sep 14, 2013
RukkNet Pop-Up Golf Practice Net Review
With my busy schedule I sometimes don't get to practice as often as my inner "golf nut" will let me. Hitting a few balls and sinking a few putts before a round doesn't always cut it. For the last month I've been testing out a handy practice net that has really helped my game mainly because I have it set up in my backyard and whenever I have a free moment I can use it.
The company is called Rukket and their golf practice net is called the RukkNet.
Check out my Instagram video with my son using the RukkNet Pop-Up Golf Practice Net
The first thing I liked about the RukkNet is it comes in a handy carrying case. Real easy to store in my shed and hardly takes up any room (folds flat to 32" diameter).
E-Z Setup
I was amazed at how easy setting up the RukkNet was, after watching Rukket's video on their website it took me about 30 seconds to set up the RukkNet outside in my backyard.
Outdoor Use
For me it was great using the RukkNet outside. I could hit full shots with all my clubs into the net. It took me awhile to not worry that I was going to launch a few balls into my neighbors backyard but the RukkNet with it's two net barrier system seems to be perfect to ease any safety concerns. Only when my five year old son hit a few low shots did I see a ball scoot under the RukkNet. No damage done as the ball got caught up in the grass and wasn't hit with that much force. That being set when you set up your RukkNet outside make sure you use the metal pegs to secure the net to the ground. As well don't have anything directly behind the RukkNet as well for added safety.
Indoor Use
The RukkNet stands about six and a half feet tall so you'll need a bit of room to be able to use the RukkNet indoors. Sadly my RukkNet does fit in my basement but my ceilings aren't high enough for full shots so I'm limited to just using the ChipIt! attachment. So that's obviously a little disappointing as I'll only be able to hit chip shots and not any full shots.
Ball Returning Net
The 4 ply knot-less ball returning net that is standard on the RukkNet I found only worked indoors. During outdoor use I had to pick up any balls hit into the net. Not a deal breaker for me as I might experiment with cutting the grass shorter where I place the RukkNet.
ChipIt! Attachment
The ChipIt! attachment is a fun add on that is included with your RukkNet Portable Driving Range. My son and I love using it for different fun competitions. Easily attaches to the main RukkNet and is made from heavy duty 600 D material. The RukkNet includes multiple points for attachment of your ChipIt! so you can test out different configurations and angles to practice more aspects of the game.
Multipurpose
Leave it to my kids to find multiple uses for the RukkNet. So far they've used it as a fort, soccer net, tag, garage for various trucks, and batting practice . Oh the imagination!
Conclusion
At $209 CDN the RukkNet is not cheap but if your any avid golfer the RukkNet will become your instant friend. With it's durable construction, portability, fast set-up, quick fold down, and practice anytime and pretty much anywhere. Golfers will be adding this to their Christmas lists for sure.
Rukket has just recently started selling directly in Canada on Amazon.ca. Good for them as this avoids any extra duty and higher shipping charges.
The company is called Rukket and their golf practice net is called the RukkNet.
Check out my Instagram video with my son using the RukkNet Pop-Up Golf Practice Net
The first thing I liked about the RukkNet is it comes in a handy carrying case. Real easy to store in my shed and hardly takes up any room (folds flat to 32" diameter).
E-Z Setup
I was amazed at how easy setting up the RukkNet was, after watching Rukket's video on their website it took me about 30 seconds to set up the RukkNet outside in my backyard.
Outdoor Use
For me it was great using the RukkNet outside. I could hit full shots with all my clubs into the net. It took me awhile to not worry that I was going to launch a few balls into my neighbors backyard but the RukkNet with it's two net barrier system seems to be perfect to ease any safety concerns. Only when my five year old son hit a few low shots did I see a ball scoot under the RukkNet. No damage done as the ball got caught up in the grass and wasn't hit with that much force. That being set when you set up your RukkNet outside make sure you use the metal pegs to secure the net to the ground. As well don't have anything directly behind the RukkNet as well for added safety.
Indoor Use
The RukkNet stands about six and a half feet tall so you'll need a bit of room to be able to use the RukkNet indoors. Sadly my RukkNet does fit in my basement but my ceilings aren't high enough for full shots so I'm limited to just using the ChipIt! attachment. So that's obviously a little disappointing as I'll only be able to hit chip shots and not any full shots.
Ball Returning Net
The 4 ply knot-less ball returning net that is standard on the RukkNet I found only worked indoors. During outdoor use I had to pick up any balls hit into the net. Not a deal breaker for me as I might experiment with cutting the grass shorter where I place the RukkNet.
ChipIt! Attachment
The ChipIt! attachment is a fun add on that is included with your RukkNet Portable Driving Range. My son and I love using it for different fun competitions. Easily attaches to the main RukkNet and is made from heavy duty 600 D material. The RukkNet includes multiple points for attachment of your ChipIt! so you can test out different configurations and angles to practice more aspects of the game.
Multipurpose
Leave it to my kids to find multiple uses for the RukkNet. So far they've used it as a fort, soccer net, tag, garage for various trucks, and batting practice . Oh the imagination!
Conclusion
At $209 CDN the RukkNet is not cheap but if your any avid golfer the RukkNet will become your instant friend. With it's durable construction, portability, fast set-up, quick fold down, and practice anytime and pretty much anywhere. Golfers will be adding this to their Christmas lists for sure.
Rukket has just recently started selling directly in Canada on Amazon.ca. Good for them as this avoids any extra duty and higher shipping charges.
Sep 12, 2013
The Golf Club at Lora Bay Golf Course Review
A few weeks ago, I played at The Golf Club at Lora Bay with my Father-in-law. I was visiting my kids, who were staying with family in the Georgian Bay area, and a good friend suggested I play Lora Bay as it was the "best course" in the area.
Needless to say, I was pumped to play the course. I remember watching on TSN the Telus Skins Game, which Lora Bay hosted back in 2007.
The first hole is a beauty. Great view overlooking the shores of Georgian Bay. Although the fairway is generous, I played a hybrid to ensure I hit the fairway. Your second shot is the all-important, over a creek to a green that slopes quite pronounced back to front. I managed a double even though I was middle up of the fairway for my second shot. Did I mention the sloping green? This is the #3 Handicap hole.
Onward, I ended up parring the next two holes, including #3, which was the longest par 3 I played at Lora Bay. Although it's the largest green on the course, with water and bunkers down the left side, this is one intimidating par 3. My Father-in-law had a bit of an odyssey on this hole. Be sure to pick the right club and let it rip.
I managed a bogey on the first par 5, #4, a dogleg right hole that has some bite with well-placed bunkers but shouldn't be too difficult for most from any tee deck.
Number 5 is an excellent par 4 where you can let it fly with the driver. The fairway is generous, although the bunkers can be intimidating.
While #6 has many bunkers (9) to navigate your closing hole on the front, there are none, and it could be more spectacular from the tee. When you hit your second shot to a smallish green overlooking Georgian Bay, you get a beautiful vista. Take a picture. You'll want to remember this hole regardless of your score.
Opening the back 9 at Lora Bay #10 gives you some breathing room. I managed to be just off the back part of the green in two but couldn't get it close enough for a make-able birdie putt, as this green has many slopes. For the first time in a while, I was actually disappointed in a par.
#11 was one of my favourite holes to play, although my score could have been better. The old barn in the background is a perfect visual setting for golfing on the Nipissing Ridge. From any tee deck, this hole is a beast.
You can score well with smart decisions in holes #13 and #14, especially with #14, where, depending on wind conditions, the driver might not be the best choice.
The Par 3 15th is another hole at Lora Bay where you might want to get out your iPhone for a picture. The hole drops over 200 feet to a heavily bunkered green that slopes back to the front again. This isn't a shot you hit that often, so have fun with it—I did.
Hole #16: I didn't really like the way the tee shot was designed. You couldn't see your tee shot land, and it hit a hill. All that aside, once you get to your tee shot, this hole is one beautiful par 5. The hole narrows along the plateau to a green set amongst trees. I managed a birdie on this hole!
Number 18, the closing hole at Lora Bay, gives great views of the beautiful Clubhouse and Georgian Bay. We soaked it in, as it was a perfect Summer round of golf with friends.
I can't say enough good things about the staff at Lora Bay, especially the starter and the lad who got our bags/cart (very friendly and helpful). Lora Bay is definitely worth the drive wherever you're coming from. The scenic views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountain Escarpment were terrific while golfing. The course was in excellent condition, and even though it took me a while to figure out the greens, I managed a respectful 92 on a lovely Saturday. I'll definitely be back!
Located just minutes west of Thornbury, Ontario, Lora Bay is a 7,200-yard championship layout co-designed by PGA Tour Professional Tom Lehman and Canada’s premier golf course architect Thomas McBroom.
Needless to say, I was pumped to play the course. I remember watching on TSN the Telus Skins Game, which Lora Bay hosted back in 2007.
The first hole is a beauty. Great view overlooking the shores of Georgian Bay. Although the fairway is generous, I played a hybrid to ensure I hit the fairway. Your second shot is the all-important, over a creek to a green that slopes quite pronounced back to front. I managed a double even though I was middle up of the fairway for my second shot. Did I mention the sloping green? This is the #3 Handicap hole.
Onward, I ended up parring the next two holes, including #3, which was the longest par 3 I played at Lora Bay. Although it's the largest green on the course, with water and bunkers down the left side, this is one intimidating par 3. My Father-in-law had a bit of an odyssey on this hole. Be sure to pick the right club and let it rip.
I managed a bogey on the first par 5, #4, a dogleg right hole that has some bite with well-placed bunkers but shouldn't be too difficult for most from any tee deck.
Number 5 is an excellent par 4 where you can let it fly with the driver. The fairway is generous, although the bunkers can be intimidating.
While #6 has many bunkers (9) to navigate your closing hole on the front, there are none, and it could be more spectacular from the tee. When you hit your second shot to a smallish green overlooking Georgian Bay, you get a beautiful vista. Take a picture. You'll want to remember this hole regardless of your score.
Opening the back 9 at Lora Bay #10 gives you some breathing room. I managed to be just off the back part of the green in two but couldn't get it close enough for a make-able birdie putt, as this green has many slopes. For the first time in a while, I was actually disappointed in a par.
#11 was one of my favourite holes to play, although my score could have been better. The old barn in the background is a perfect visual setting for golfing on the Nipissing Ridge. From any tee deck, this hole is a beast.
You can score well with smart decisions in holes #13 and #14, especially with #14, where, depending on wind conditions, the driver might not be the best choice.
The Par 3 15th is another hole at Lora Bay where you might want to get out your iPhone for a picture. The hole drops over 200 feet to a heavily bunkered green that slopes back to the front again. This isn't a shot you hit that often, so have fun with it—I did.
Hole #16: I didn't really like the way the tee shot was designed. You couldn't see your tee shot land, and it hit a hill. All that aside, once you get to your tee shot, this hole is one beautiful par 5. The hole narrows along the plateau to a green set amongst trees. I managed a birdie on this hole!
Number 18, the closing hole at Lora Bay, gives great views of the beautiful Clubhouse and Georgian Bay. We soaked it in, as it was a perfect Summer round of golf with friends.
I can't say enough good things about the staff at Lora Bay, especially the starter and the lad who got our bags/cart (very friendly and helpful). Lora Bay is definitely worth the drive wherever you're coming from. The scenic views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountain Escarpment were terrific while golfing. The course was in excellent condition, and even though it took me a while to figure out the greens, I managed a respectful 92 on a lovely Saturday. I'll definitely be back!
Sep 9, 2013
Major Leaguer Pistol Putter Grip Review - Another Winner From BestGrips.com
Having been so impressed with Best Grips last grip (Gridiron) they sent along for me to test out. I was intrigued to put on one of their leather putter grips on one of my SeeMore putters and test it out.
Having the right grip on any of my golf clubs is important but having the right one on my putters at least for me is really important. Because your using your putter so much during a round. Having the right feeling grip that connects you to the putter should be of utmost importance to a golfer.
Color stitching options are available. Black is standard, but Red, White, Blue, Pink, Natural (Tan), and Yellow are available for an additional charge. (Custom stitching may take longer) For further customization (emboss or initials) visit the Custom Studio.
Conclusion
At a Price tag of $35.00 the Major Leaguer is at the high end price of putter grips. That said if you've never tried a leather putter grip before your going to love the classic look, feel and tackiness. Best Grips are all made in the U.S.A. and you'll love the customization options too. There is a difference in leather than rubber grips.
Major Leaguer Pistol Putter Grip Review - Best Grips Review
Having the right grip on any of my golf clubs is important but having the right one on my putters at least for me is really important. Because your using your putter so much during a round. Having the right feeling grip that connects you to the putter should be of utmost importance to a golfer.
The Look
Out of the wrap The Major Leaguer Pistol Putter Grip is a very classic looking putter grip. With the less noticeable and sleaker BestGripStitch the "Major Leaguer" has a distinct look.
The Feel
The "Major Leaguer" uses the same material MLB baseball gloves are made from and with that comes a beautiful feel. The leather is definitely soft to the touch but not too soft and yes it has that beautiful leather smell.
On the Course
I used the "Major Leaguer" extensively on one of my SeeMore putters over the last few months. It's not coming off anytime soon. The feel was great out on the course and it really complemented the SeeMore putter. I'm not going to say it made me hit a few more putts but it definitely set up well with my stroke and connecting me to the putter.
I used the "Major Leaguer" extensively on one of my SeeMore putters over the last few months. It's not coming off anytime soon. The feel was great out on the course and it really complemented the SeeMore putter. I'm not going to say it made me hit a few more putts but it definitely set up well with my stroke and connecting me to the putter.
From BestGrips.com
The Major Leaguer is available in Black and Tan in either Hand-laced or BestGripStitch.Color stitching options are available. Black is standard, but Red, White, Blue, Pink, Natural (Tan), and Yellow are available for an additional charge. (Custom stitching may take longer) For further customization (emboss or initials) visit the Custom Studio.
Conclusion
At a Price tag of $35.00 the Major Leaguer is at the high end price of putter grips. That said if you've never tried a leather putter grip before your going to love the classic look, feel and tackiness. Best Grips are all made in the U.S.A. and you'll love the customization options too. There is a difference in leather than rubber grips.
Major Leaguer Pistol Putter Grip Review - Best Grips Review
Sep 5, 2013
Best Resort Stay Deerhurst Resort Highlands Golf Course Review
This is the time of the year I start to ponder my golf adventures over the year and staying and playing golf at Deerhurst Resort was definitely one of the highlights.
From the spacious accommodations in the landmark Deerhurst Hotel to the scenic and playable Deerhurst Resort Highlands Golf Course. Deerhurst is my best resort stay of 2013.
Stellar Customer Service
Deerhurst gets top marks for great customer service from Liz in the Eclipse Restaurant to the servers in Steamers and the Maple Restaurants. Very friendly and informative when I had questions regarding the resort as well as the Muskoka area in general.
Deerhurst is a must play/stay if your heading to the Muskoka area, especially this Fall where the leaves will be amazing. My buddy and I ended up playing 32 holes of golf the Saturday we played Deerhurst. Deerhurst is one course you could play that many holes in a day and not get bored. So much variety in it's golf holes plus it's very playable.
Make sure you talk to Kyle the Highlands Golf Shop Manager before your round. He made our day perfect for two golfers that had never been to the Highlands Course before. Also make sure you get the Cedar Plank Salmon at Steamers, simply delicious.
From the spacious accommodations in the landmark Deerhurst Hotel to the scenic and playable Deerhurst Resort Highlands Golf Course. Deerhurst is my best resort stay of 2013.
Stellar Customer Service
Deerhurst gets top marks for great customer service from Liz in the Eclipse Restaurant to the servers in Steamers and the Maple Restaurants. Very friendly and informative when I had questions regarding the resort as well as the Muskoka area in general.
Deerhurst is a must play/stay if your heading to the Muskoka area, especially this Fall where the leaves will be amazing. My buddy and I ended up playing 32 holes of golf the Saturday we played Deerhurst. Deerhurst is one course you could play that many holes in a day and not get bored. So much variety in it's golf holes plus it's very playable.
Make sure you talk to Kyle the Highlands Golf Shop Manager before your round. He made our day perfect for two golfers that had never been to the Highlands Course before. Also make sure you get the Cedar Plank Salmon at Steamers, simply delicious.
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