2016 Leader Post Golf Digest

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LOCAL GOLFER REVEALS HER

FAVOURITE SASKATCHEWAN COURSES KIDS AND CLUBS

HOW TO SPARK AN EARLY INTEREST IN THE GAME

COURSE CUISINE SCORES A HOLE IN ONE

PHOTO: GRANT LIVINGSTONE

Southern Saskatchewan’s Top Links Style Golf Course

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LAURA SMALL ENJOYS VARIETY OF SASKATCHEWAN GOLF COURSES K A L E H AV E RV O L D POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

With spring finally here and summer right around the corner, golf is back, and thousands of people all across the province are itching to get out there and play. And in a province with nearly 300 courses (the most per capita in Canada), there is no shortage of breathtaking courses to choose from.

No matter what type of course you like to play, there is something in this province for every golfer’s taste. And one person in the province who appreciates golf in Saskatchewan is Laura Small.

Small has an extensive background when it comes to golf, and you can sense her passion for the sport within the first few seconds that you speak to her.

Despite not becoming a golfer until her early 30s, Small has been a competitive golfer for years, has been a club champion at various courses and has even represented Saskatchewan at the national amateur level on four separate occasions. But in addition to being a competitive golfer, she also feels it is very important to give back to the game, and has been involved with golf organizations on both the provincial and federal levels. In 2003, she was elected to the Golf Saskatchewan Board of Directors, a position she held for seven years, until going on to volunteer with Golf Canada as a member of the Governor’s Council.

Recently, golf courses in this province have finally been getting the recognition they deserve from around the country and it is a great thing to see. Small believes there is a combination of factors that have led to this, one of which is that people are now playing a larger variety of courses. It used to be that people would often have an allegiance to a certain club and

Laura Small. Supplied photo

would only play there, but now that people want a more varied experience at times, a place like Saskatchewan (with its large variety of vastly different courses) is becoming a hot spot for golf in the country. Also, she believes that the easy access and cost-friendly courses across the province also have a hand in making Saskatchewan an amazing destination for golf.

And yes, while golf in Saskatchewan is most definitely on the rise, there is one area in particular that Small believes can see some improvement. Saskatchewan has many young and talented boys in their junior programs, but there are not as many girls. She says that she would really like to see more young girls get involved with junior programs. And, with the increased interest and popularity of golf rising in Saskatch-

Saskatchewan boasts many scenic golf courses built along creeks, such as those in Swift Current. Above, golfers enjoy some early season play at Swift Current’s Chinook Golf Course. photo by Grant livinGStone

ewan, don’t be surprised to see many more young girls take an interest in this sport.

The variety of courses offered throughout the province is exceptional. There are courses that range from the forested and treefilled offerings of the north (such as Elk Ridge and Waskesiu) to the flat and open-links style courses of the south, and everything in between (including some brilliant courses built along creeks, such as the Chinook and Elmwood courses in Swift Current).

Small also said that a variety of courses throughout the province can even differ from the front nine to the back nine. An example of this, she said, is the course in Humboldt where nine holes are well-treed, and the other nine (which were built later) have much more open feel.

When asked about her favourite courses, Small said both Waskesiu and Riverside are among her favourites in a province full of great courses. She says she loves Waskesiu because of the iconic and beautiful design of the course and because it is not only a great place to golf, but is also a great place to be. Small also has a soft spot in her heart for Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, a club where she has had a membership since 1997. She loves how the course has a history that comes from being around for 100-plus years, but is also updated frequently to offer new and exciting play for golfers.

As for “hidden gems,” she offered up Nipawin and the ninehole at Riverhurst as gorgeous courses that not many people think about visiting, but should definitely check out.

While the course itself and the playability is still important to Small, she feels the surroundings, atmosphere and the natural beauty of the course can be just as important.

GOlf DIGEST WAS PRODuCED by POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS AS A RESulT Of ADvERTISERS’ INTEREST IN RAISING AWARENESS AbOuT ThIS SubjECT. POSTMEDIA’S EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT hAD NO INvOlvEMENT IN ThE CREATION Of ThIS CONTENT.

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HITTING THE CoURSE IN STyLE

KRISTEN CASTILLO C R E AT O R S . C O M

Whether you’re a golfer looking for new accessories for your game or someone who wants to give a great gift to the golfer in your life, there are lots of choices. Whether your budget is modest or generous, check out these gadgets, clothes and gear that are sure to please golf enthusiasts.

Lizzie Driver GoLf fashions

• Female golfers often want more style on the links. Lizzie Driver women’s golf-lifestyle fashions is meeting that need by mixing “country club fairway and your everyday.”

• The tops, bottoms, vests and other clothing items are available in coordinating combos and exclusive prints. The majority of the clothes are made in downtown Los Angeles.

ecco GoLf shoes

says its Biom Hybrid 2 golf shoes are the “perfect blend of fashion and function,” especially because the shoes are now 15 percent lighter than the original model, with an extra-thin midsole that helps bring players closer to the playing surface.

• The shoes, worn by pro golfer Fred Couples, have patented natural mo-

tion technology with an E-DTS outsole.

• All

bUbi boTTLe

voice caDDie T1

the information a golfer needs is available on his wrist. The Voice Caddie T1 blends fitness and golf into one device. The watch tells time, walking speed, calories burned during play and distance travelled.

It also has a timer, an alarm and a rangefinder. It lasts, too — with only one charge, the T1 provides eight hours of play. It also syncs with Voice Caddie’s database of 30,000 courses, so you’re ready to tee off as soon as you hit the course.

UnDer armoUr sUnGLasses

• Like wearing SPF or a hat, shielding your eyes from the sun is essential.

Under Armour’s new sunglasses UA Fire, have high-quality lenses to block UVA light and were designed by PGA player Hunter Mahan. Rubble temples fit comfortably under a hat, and the nose pads are adjustable.

• Ecco

soL repUbLic heaDphones

• Golfers who want to listen to music while training or playing know the value of headphones that stay in place and produce quality sound.

• Sol Republic Relays, which provide full sound while also being

Creators photos

lightweight and sweat resistant, are colourful, too, with choices ranging from blue to lemon lime to black and white.

• Legendary golfer Tiger Woods, who wears headphones when he trains, recently announced he’s partnering with Sol Republic.

cep compression socks

targets, which can catch golf balls from 360 degrees. Practice from any direction — just like at the driving range. Putt-A-Round targets can be customized with a base and flags of your choosing. The product is designed, manufactured and assembled in the United States

TaTToo GoLf

• Compression socks can help blood

• Golfers know you don’t have to be

circulation and muscle support.

They can also help reduce muscle strain and improve a golfer’s recovery time.

• CEP compression socks have extra-flat toe seams to prevent pressure points, as well as a stay-fit comfortable band. They also have air channels for foot ventilation and protection for the Achilles tendon.

a pro to like to hit the links. That’s why companies like Tattoo Golf are filling the fashion needs of unconventional golfers.

• Tattoo Golf prides itself on “personality, style and a bit of attitude,” and sells everything from tees to hats to tops and more for the modern golfer.

• Some of the edgier offerings include skull-and-crossbones designs. The clothes are ready for the course, too, featuring UV protection and moisture-wicking materials.

pUTT-a-roUnD

• Golfers

who enjoy practicing their putting will like Putt-A-Round ball

Experience...

Clear Lake, Manitoba

• Staying hydrated while golfing is a must, but carrying around a lot of gear can be a drag. The Bubi Bottle, a BPA-free beverage bottle, is foldable once it’s empty, and it also doubles as a hot or cold compress.

Jack nickLaUs GoLf baLLs

Although they are not yet available in Canada, Jack Nicklaus Golf Balls are now available in the United States with an industry-first monthly subscription service. The balls are “designed, tested and perfected” under active involvement of golfer Jack Nicklaus.

• The balls follow a colour-coding system: white balls for golfers who play the forward or white tees, blue for golfers who prefer the middle or blue tees, and black balls for those •

who use back or black tees.

• A percentage

of every dozen balls purchased is donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and benefits pediatric programs and hospitals across the U.S..

COPYRIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM

Growingg A New Tradition G • 18 beautiful, well-manicured golf holes minutes from Clear Lake.

• The area’s only driving range/practice facility with grass tees, a putting green, a chipping area complete with a sand bunker to hone your skills.

• CPGA golf instruction available.

• Green fees, annual memberships, or groups of any size are welcome. Call 204-848-2382 and one of our staff will be happy to help.

• Don’t have 4 hours to play 18 holes? Call the shop for our 10-hole rate.

Cal 204-848-2382 for more information Call or book onli online at www.golfpoplarridge.com lfpopl idg

2 Green Fees for the

Clear Lake, Manitoba

Price of 1

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ON-PAR MOVIES

Some of the beSt golf movieS ever made CHELLE CORDERO C R E AT O R S . C O M

Ask a crowd to name some great sports movies about golf and chances are you’ll hear titles such as the slapstick movie “Caddyshack” (1980), featuring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Ted Knight and a dancing gopher; funnyman Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” (1996), where he’s an angry, fired hockey player turned pro-golfer trying to save his grandmother’s home; and the drama/romantic-comedy “Tin Cup” (1996), starring Kevin Costner and Rene Russo, with Costner playing against a boorish pro-golfer, defeating him and winning the girl in the end.

Golf has been a popular movie subject for decades and was possibly inspired by the number of studio executives who regularly enjoyed the game; to this day, golf is

associated with success. The comedy sequel “Caddyshack 2” (1998), although still filled with laughs, wasn’t remembered as a huge success in a poll about favourite golf movies.

“Follow the Sun” (1951), a biography of golfer Ben Hogan featuring Glenn Ford and Anne Baxter; and “Pat and Mike” (1952), a romantic comedy with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, are a couple of the earlier entries in the full-length golf-movie category. The 1942 short “Shoot Yourself Some Golf” starred Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman as a couple who learn the finer points of the game from reallife golf-pro Jimmy Thompson. In the comedy “The Caddy” (1953), starring Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Donna Reed, Lewis plays a shy golfer who becomes Martin’s instructor.

Eighteen holes allow plenty of time for scriptwriters to write in a

lot of variables, conflicts and nailbiting to spice up any movie plot.

Often stereotypes are used to pit the social classes against one another, such as country club snobs vs. the help. Life lessons are learned in movies such as “A Gentleman’s Game” (2001), where a young boy (Mason Gamble) learns the game of golf and life while caddying at an exclusive country club. “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” (2004) is a tribute to golfing legend Bobby Jones and tells the story of ambition and success on the greens.

“Seven Days in Utopia” (2011) with Robert Duvall is based on the book “Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia” by David L. Cook; the story follows a pro-golfer while he hits bottom and climbs back up again.

Stories about sports stars can be uplifting and motivational; these are about people who strive to be better than their best and encourage the rest of us. Each golfer puts on an incredible display of show-

Photo: creators

manship.

“Golf is like faith: it is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen; and not until it is personally experienced does the unbelieving change from the imprecatory to the precatory attitude,” writes Arnold Haultain in “The Mystery of Golf.” Movies about all sports, including golf, are popular during brutal snow-covered winters when amateur golfers hibernate in their homes – a good golf movie helps offer a reprieve from cabin fever as it puts the viewer on the green. Watching golf movies and catching glimpses of reallife pro golfers in the usually large casts is also exciting for the viewers who are often fans of the sport. Of course, the manicured look of golf courses make for incredible movie backdrops.

There are several golf legends

HARBOR GOLF CLUB HA AND A ND N DR RESORT ESORT

whose real life stories chronicle obstacles, heartbreak and inspirational achievements. “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (2005) is the true story of Francis Ouimet (Shia LeBeouf ), a 20-year-old workingclass caddy who goes from realizing his lifelong dream of defeating his idol, English champion Harry Vardon, to, in 1913, being the first amateur to win the U.S. Open. It’s a classic underdog story that leaves you cheering in the end. “The Tiger Woods Story” (1998) tells the story of the life of a golfer growing up struggling with racism and cultural identity to becoming the youngest man to ever win a Masters.

Even fictional accounts can be terrific motivators. “Dead Solid Perfect” (1988) was based on a novel written by American sportswriter Dan Jenkins and dealt with a “second-rate golfer who traversed the country trying desperately to make the PGA Tour, at the same time dealing with a foundering marriage and party-hearty lifestyle.”

It starred Randy Quaid, Kathryn Harrold and Jack Warden.

COPYRIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM

GET SWINGING!

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WINTER WORKOUTS FOR GOLFERS

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Set yourself up for summer success ANICA WONG C R E AT O R S . C O M

For golfers in most of North America, winter is a time to rest weary legs and sore shoulders from those sunny summers on the links. Because courses are most likely snowcovered and inaccessible, some golfers have the tendency to hibernate. But the off-season can play a critical part in your game once the snow melts.

“I find that there are two types of golfers here in Denver,” says Tyler Ferrell, a swing coach and cofounder of Golf Smart Academy, “ones who work hard during the season and then shut down for the winter and those who work hard on technique for the winter and then just play and have fun during the season.”

For those who are ready to put in the hours during the cold months, Ferrell suggests a balanced approach in the gym. Work in training that focuses on stability, core strength and flexibility.

“Many golfers want to focus on what they are already good at and don’t see big improvements,” he says. “If you are already strong, then look into yoga to help with flexibility and posture. If you are already flexible, then look into weight and stability training to use your flexibility better.”

You heard right – yoga for golfers.

Books, YouTube instructional videos or a class with a certified Yoga for Golfers instructor can help you not only get limber but also gain mental clarity and strength. Training your brain is another key component of a winter workout plan.

Ferrell suggests Thinq Golf’s app, which uses science-based games and other methods to strengthen your brain. According to Thinq Golf’s website, “golfers of all ages and abilities are able to benefit from these tools and work on their mental golf game in a way that is fun, easy and informative.” It’s like Lumosity for golfers.

So now you’re hitting the gym (or your local yoga studio) and playing games on your phone to increase your mental stamina. While these routines are no doubt making you stronger for the summer months, there’s still nothing quite like getting onto the course, hitting balls and practicing your swing without having to worry about breaking the living room lamp.

Most cold climates have indoor practice facilities that can be a

great supplement to your other workouts. “Imagine you were a marathon runner: While running on a treadmill isn’t perfect, it still beats taking months off during the winter,” says Ferrell. “Golf is no different. I have seen golfers take one to two weeks of practice to reach midseason form, instead of the months it takes most golfers who just pack up the clubs and start over each March.” Find your local indoor driving range or outdoor driving range with heated stalls to get some practice in.

If you’re snowbound and end up

on a Netflix binge, keep your golf club by the couch. Several trainers suggest gripping your club for several minutes at a time while watching TV or movies. You can up the ante by wrapping a piece of paper around the club and making sure not to crinkle it when you grip it, teaching your body to hold a club without tension in your arms or hands.

If you decide to use all or some of these suggestions, know that you are setting yourself up for a successful season ahead.

COPYRIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM

“PANORAMIC VIEW OF WASCANA VALLEY”

Just 15 Minutes West of Regina

CONFERENCES, COMPANY SOCIAL EVENTS, WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARIES, BANQUETS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES

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BOOK TEE TIMES ONLINE OR CALL:

306 • 545 • 0330 CAMPGROUND & CLUBHOUSE INFO: 306.545.0330

• MEETINGS • CATERING • GOLF • WiFi

Barry Wiebe: General Manager Nick Loiselle: Golf Course Superintendent Email: info@sherwoodforestcc.com Website: www.sherwoodforestcc.com

9 HOLE EXECUTIVE GRASS GREENS (2213 YARDS) • SCENIC REFRESHED CLUBHOUSE AND POWER CART RENTALS • LICENSED RESTAURANT • CORPORATE PICNICS AND& LOUNGE GOLF TOURNAMENTS WELCOME • • SEASONAL MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

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11 ROUND PUNCH CARDS PASS MON-FRI $190.00 • MON-SUNDAY $230.00 REG00236081_1_1

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SASKATCHEWAN IS A GOLFER’S PARADISE! According to Golf Canada, Saskatchewan has the highest number of golf courses per capita in the country! Everywhere you go, you’ll find an inviting golf course close at hand.

Sage View

Photo credit:

Golf Cours

Lindbjerg Ph

e, Lake Die

otography

fenbaker

DID YOU KNOW? 9

Saskatchewan is home to 208 golf facilities.

Saskatchewan leads the world in sand-greens courses.

25% of people 12 years or older in Saskatchewan play at least 5 rounds of golf annually.

PACKAGES INCLUDE:

KENOSEE LAKE KENOSEE LAKE

Hotel room-Kenosee Inn & Cabins 2 rounds of golf-Golf Kenosee Shared power cart for each round

Saskatchewan has the secondhighest number of 9-hole courses in Canada.

Source: Golf Canada

Free continental breakfast at Kenosee Inn & Cabins 2 for 1 range balls Guests book own tee times

* Based on double occupancy, plus taxes. Prices will vary if single, triple, or quad occupancy, or if a cabin is required. Weekend polices and regular booking policies apply.

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ONE

OF SASKATCHEWAN’S TOP GOLF COURSES

Long Creek is an 18 hole championship golf course with century old ash and maple trees gracing fairways in a beautiful valley setting. As one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the province, it is a must to play. The club’s 11,000 sq ft clubhouse is beautifully situated overlooking the valley and course. The clubhouse seats 150, providing a first class restaurant and a separate lounge with cosy fireplace.

Tournament packages are available that can include golfing fees, meals and golf carts.

GREAT LOCATION TO BOOK YOUR TOURNAMENT OR CONVENTION

THE LONG CREEK CLUBHOUSE FEATURES: • First class restaurant and lounge • Meeting facilities • Fully stocked pro-shop Every great golf course has to have a pro shop and Long Creek is no exception. The pro-shop carries a wide selection of golf equipment and clothing, making it an ideal place to shop for all your golfing needs.

SEASON PASS

Only 40 minutes from Regina 4km east of Avonlea on Highway #334 7-Day Advance Bookings

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for more information call

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Fine cuisine on the green

JENN SMITH NELSON POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

There’s never been a better time to dine in Saskatchewan. It seems like no matter where you turn, everyone has upped the ante on fabulous fare. This increasingly diverse food phenomenon isn’t limited to inner city hotspots.

Small towns, off-the-beaten-path destinations and even golf courses have found success satisfying palates province-wide.

Speaking of golf, there is nothing more rewarding after a day of hitting the links than sitting down to recharge, refuel and rehash the day’s highlights. Not only are there incredible greens to be found in Saskatchewan, several private and public courses featuring topnotch talent chefs are serving up delicious dining options.

Regina Wascana Country Club It’s all about the experience at the Wascana Country Club’s Clubhouse. With a view of peaceful and scenic wetlands, guests dine in the elegant yet not overstated Clubhouse featuring exquisitely prepared food by renowned Executive Chef and two-time Gold Medal Plates champion, Milton Rebello. Chef Rebello came to the Wascana Country Club in 2014 after four years as Executive Chef for the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan.

“My culinary style has definitely evolved and I have simplified my approach to cooking … I keep it simple and allow the ingredients to speak for themselves,” says Chef Rebello.

Rebello describes his team as being the city’s best saying it’s similar to a “mini United Nations in the kitchen,” with staff hailing from different backgrounds and boasting individual cooking styles. Taking pride in sourcing local products, they work with local farms to exclusively source produce. Rebello and his team also grow a number of ingredients

Moon Lake’s Red Seal Certified Chef, Barry Johnston, prepares some of his signature dishes for golfers and other visitors at the course’s Station Restaurant and Patio.

Photos by Jeff Lyons

in an onsite greenhouse.

Guests can expect an approachable, seasonal, local-ingredientfocused and globally inspired menu when dining in at the Spike Lounge, while the newly renovated Wetlands Dining Room offers a more upscale steak house menu. Suggested must-try dishes include the mustard and pistachio crusted rack of lamb, big bang shrimp, duck confit spring rolls, spicy chicken wings and blue cheese pizza.

SaSkatoon the Willows When you’ve made it through the rolling dunes of the Willow’s 36-hole public course, beeline for a carb refill at onsite Italian restaurant, Il Salici, where you’ll experience “classic Italian dining with a modern twist,” says Chef Curtis Yanciw.

Starting with The Willows in

2006, Executive Chef Yanciw was born and raised in Prince Albert before relocating to Saskatoon where he spent many years cooking in various city venues.

Il Salici Ristorante offers guests scenic course views and even features live piano musings.

Through seasonal menu changes, Yanciw is committed to using Saskatchewan products whenever possible but also sources authentic products directly from Italy. His philosophy of “simple food, done well,” shines through the menu selections, notably his authentic lasagna, a well-known in-house specialty. Be sure to also stop by Il Salici’s on Sunday as their brunch known as “second to none in town.”

Moon Lake golf and Country Club When you mix a beautiful, 27hole, Scottish links-style, cham-

pionship golf course with the Station Restaurant and Patio’s Red Seal Certified Chef, you’ll surely leave beaming. At the Moon Lake Golf and Country Club, 15 minutes southwest of Saskatoon along scenic Valley Road, guests can expect a casual and comfortable environment and complementary menu from Executive Chef Barry Johnston, who’s in his eighth season at the club.

With a culinary approach that has evolved with time and inspired by travel, Chef Johnston says what sets Moon Lake apart from many other establishments in town is the Station’s signature items that guests find unforgettable.

You don’t have to be a golfer to eat at the Station and enjoy popular menu items that feature comfort food and Asian or Eastern inspired fare such as the spicy peanut noodle bowl and “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese sub) to classic nachos or a great hamburger.

PRinCe aLbeRt nationaL PaRk elk Ridge golf Course and Resort Relax and recharge onsite over lunch or dinner at the Copper Ridge Dining Room where you can enjoy a sweeping view of the landscape in an upscale dining environment.

"I really focus on cooking lo-

cal cuisine from our area … lots of game meats and birds,” says Executive Sous Chef Brodie Denslow, who started with Elk Ridge Resort in 2013.

While dining in at the resort, be sure to try the walleye “signature” chowder, elk meatloaf or the chef's choice, ‘Elk Cut of the Day,’ to truly taste the region. With an ever-changing menu, Chef Denslow likes to showcase different cuts of elk you might not traditionally see on other menus. Also expect dishes to include locally grown garden herbs, raspberries and Saskatoon berries.

Another onsite option is Walleye’s, which offers a laidback and cozy atmosphere (kids are welcome) to unwind, and features locally inspired fare.

Waskesiu golf Course Once you’ve spent the day perfecting your swing over 18 holes at the number 2 ranked public golf course in Saskatchewan, known for its superb scenery and legendary clubhouse, take a midday refuelling break.

Enjoy lunch at the aptly named 10th Hole, best known for serving their hot Kaiser ‘bunwiches’ – sandwiches promising to keep you satiated so you can make your way through the back nine. Also, don't miss trying their famous butter tarts before heading back out onto the fairway.

CHINOOK GOLF COURSE 6th Avenue SE • Swift Current Chinook Golf Course is a family-friendly, affordable and fun 18hole public course nestled in the valley along the Swift Current Creek. Facilities include a fully-licensed clubhouse, pro shop, power carts, equipment rentals and golf pros for lessons. Call or visit us online to book your tee time or inquire about rates today!

Come play around!

Phone: 306.778.2776

chinookgolf

www.chinookgolf.ca

@chinookgolf GREEN FEES

Sask Landing Golf Resort, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Diefenbaker features 7,000 yards of championship golf.

This 18-hole course is becoming known across the province for its uniqueness and challenging play. Scenic vistas from every tee box provide golfers with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills. Facilities include a clubhouse, full service pro shop, power carts and equipment rentals.

Call: 1-866-691-GOLF (4653) or, 306-375-2233 Email: sasklandinggolf@sasktel.net

9 HOLES (MON-THURS) Adult...$27.00 Adul $27.00 Senior (60 or Older)...$22.00 Junior...$13.50 18 HOLES (MON-THURS) Adult...$42.00 Senior (60 or Older)...$37.00 Junior...$21.00 9 HOLES (FRI-SUN/HOLIDAYS) Adult...$30.00 Senior (60 or Older)...$25.00 Junior...$15.00 18 HOLES (FRI-SUN/HOLIDAYS) Adult...$46.00 Senior (60 or Older)...$41.00 Junior...$23.00

www.sasklandinggolfresort.com

9 HOLE PUNCH PASS...$250.00 *All Green Fees Include GST

ELMWOOD GOLF and COUNTRY CLUB

• Fu Full service restaurant open to all golfers & non-golfers with the best view in town.

• Ou Outstanding junior golf program • Me Men’s Par 71 * White 6073 yds * Blue 6294 yds

9 Holes (Monday - Thursday) . . . . . . . . . . $27.00 9 Holes (Friday - Sunday & Holidays) . . . . $30.00 18 Holes (Monday - Thursday) . . . . . . . . . . $45.00

• Ladies’ Par 72 - 5440 yds • 18-hole Championship Golf Course • Driving range for practice • Golf professionals available for lessons

Elmwood Golf Club

@elmwoodgolf Call: 306-773-GOLF (4653) or 306-778-GOLF (4653) Fax: 306-773-3190

• Fully stocked proshop for all year merchandise and repair needs

www.elmwoodgc.com

18 Holes (Friday - Sunday & Holidays) . . . $49.00 Juniors (12 - 18 yrs) 9 holes . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00 Juniors (12 - 18 yrs) 18 holes . . . . . . . . . . . $21.00

Email: elmwoodgolfclub@sasktel.net REG00236092_1_1

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Young golfers learn fundamentals, etiquette at Deer Valley M I K E S H I PL AC K POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

How young is too young to start golfing? That really depends on the child and how badly they want to play. Miniature golf, pitch and putts and even indoor simulators are a great way to determine interest, but there is nothing better than getting outside and teeing-off on a beautiful day.

Grip, stance and posture are all core fundamentals of golf, but there’s more to the game than hitting a ball. And the best way to learn is to start young.

That’s why Deer Valley Golf Club teaches aspiring golfers — between seven and 18 years old — about the fundamentals and etiquette, and offers a few tricks from the pros. From May until August, the youth programs and camps teach girls and boys how to respect the green and play a better game.

“The earliest you can get a kid involved with golf the better. Our goal at Deer Valley is not to cre-

ate elite golfers, but to teach kids how to love and respect the game.

And that’s something they can carry for the rest of their lives,” says John Greenough, PGA of Canada member and facilitator of the youth programs and camps at Deer Valley Golf Club.

“Golf is an individual sport and that brings different challenges to the game, but there are great lessons to be learned on the course. Like how to deal with adversity, and taking control of your emotions, especially when things don’t go your way — which happens all the time in this game.

“I try to sit in on as many lessons as I can. I get to see Graham Coulter teach a lesson on bunker shots, then watch Pat Marcia teach his philosophy on putting,” says Greenough, who remembers attending the first Diamond in the Rough Junior Golf Camp back in the early 1990s. His father, Mark started the program and after a long hiatus, John brought the camp back in 2013.

GOLF CLUB

Located in Canmore in the Canadian Rockies 18 holes clubhouse, dining room, deck and 4 sheets of curling

Nestled in the quiet beauty of the Qu’Appelle Valley 15 minutes north of Indian Head or 15 minutes southeast of Fort Qu’Appelle on Hwy 56.

Young golfers pick up a few tips – and a few life lessons – from the pros. Photos by

FOR BOOKINGS CALL (306) 332-CLUB (2582)

Mark taylor

OR BOOK ONLINE AT golfkatepwa.com REG00235778_1_1

Reasonably priced tee times available call 888-678-4785 canmoregolf.net canmoregolf net REG00236000_1_1

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Enjoying thE grEatEst gamE with your kids SARA MENDELL C R E AT O R S . C O M

It was a perfect summer day when I first took my five-year-old son to play golf. It is important to pick the right time of day to play with a child.

We decided to go at sundown to ensure that it wouldn’t be too crowded.

That way, if my son wanted to play around for a moment, he wouldn’t be holding up groups behind us.

Some courses even reserve times for families with young children.

I had done some research and knew the importance of having the right equipment for my five-year-old in order to build his confidence and ensure more success. I didn’t want him to have a club that was too long for him, because I knew that with a club that is too long, too stiff or too heavy, my small son would struggle to make contact with the ball.

We both walked over, and I showed him a tee and where to put the ball. I knew it was important to let him feel as though he was in control and not be too dogmatic on the way to hold the club or swing. I showed him the fundamentals but then allowed him to find his own way. For kids, it is very important to keep the game fun and exploratory.

He took his first swing and hit the ball! Wow, was he thrilled. I began to make a fun game out of it. Our game was based on a points system, but you can use whatever system your child enjoys. As the game progressed, even if he missed the ball, I would encourage him. It is very important to keep the game light and fun and encourage kids as they continue playing. Children yearn for praise, particularly when starting something new.

As the game continued, I knew

it was important to communicate with him on his level. I spent a great deal of time bending down to his eye level. When giving him instructions, I would say “big circle” instead of “wide arc,” trying to make the golf terminology more kid-friendly. You can get very creative and fun when trying to explain certain principles to your child.

Don’t try to teach golf to kids too early. If you do, the child will feel as though it is work and not fun.

I would say five or six years old is when you can begin to instruct kids on the right way to swing and some of the basic fundamentals. But before that, you may get them a plastic set and allow them to just have a fun idea of the game.

Out on our first course, it was tempting to make my son finish out the nine holes. Instead, I knew that allowing him to take breaks when he

It’s important to keep it fun when children are learning the game of golf.

Creators photo

needed would be best. For example, at the fifth hole, we went to the clubhouse for a break and to just talk.

After he was rested, we went back out to finish. The most important thing is to show your son or daughter that you are having fun, and then chances are that he or she will pick up on that and have fun, as well.

As we finished up our nine holes, we tallied up our points, and he had more points than I did. It is important to sometimes let your child win.

Kids love to beat adults. We decided

that the reward for the day would be our favourite homemade ice cream in town. I had mint chocolate chip, and the winner got a sundae with a cherry on top.

All in all, it was a great day. Golf is an amazing bonding sport to engage in with your children and can be a lifelong gift you are giving them.

Just remember that when starting out teaching your children, the most important thing is to build up their confidence and make the game fun.

306-664-4653 | www.dakotadunes.ca “Saskatchewan’s Top Ranked Course“ SCOREGolf #3 Value in Canada

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FIRST CLUBS How to find the right clubs for a beginning golfer T E R E S A C O RT E S C R E AT O R S . C O M

Do you have an insistent fatherin-law who has invited you to the golf range more times than you can count? Maybe you’re on the lookout for a new sport you can play in your free time. Whatever the reason, if you’re a beginner in the market for new golf clubs, you may be overwhelmed by all of the lingo and options. Don’t worry — there are only a few key components to keep in mind when shopping around.

The first step in deciding which golf clubs are best for you is evaluating your level of interest. Even

if you have grand plans to become the next Tiger Woods, it may be wise to make the investment on the smaller side as a beginner golfer. Golf clubs can be pricey, and it’s possible you will decide that golf isn’t “your thing” after a few outings. Try out a friend’s clubs at a local golf course to get a general feel for what works best for you.

Or consider buying used for your beginner set of clubs. It’s always easier to upgrade or add to your collection later on, once you have a better sense of your needs. Either way — if you’re planning on spending a little or your entire savings on new clubs — it’s important to un-

derstand what to look for in clubs as a beginner golfer.

Large specialty golf retailer Golfsmith recommends that beginner golfers start with a half-set.

This usually includes five irons: a 4-iron, a 6-iron, an 8-iron, a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. It should also include a putter, as well as a 3-wood and a 5-wood. These sets will not include the smallernumbered irons, which prove to be more difficult to hit for beginners.

You may wish to invest in a hybrid iron, which many golfers carry in their bags as a replacement for these long irons.

Getting the ball in the air may be one of your biggest challenges. Beginner golfers will want to focus on buying clubs that have more loft.

Golf expert Rob Green of Hitting The Green explains the importance of choosing clubs with higher lofts: “The higher loft encourages the ball flight to go upward rather than outward.” For your driver, this means a minimum loft of 10.5 degrees and as high as a 15-degree loft.

Choosing clubs with a larger clubface increases the sweet spot, which increases your chances of making contact with the ball.

When it comes to irons, those with perimeter weighting are ideal, as this also increases the sweet spot, which allows you to have better consistency.

The width of the sole of an iron also matters. The width of the sole should measure up to the width of at least two fingers. The wider width helps prevent the iron from sticking in the ground and also lowers the iron’s centre of gravity, which is a key aspect that you should be looking for in a club, as it makes it easier to launch the ball off the ground.

It is recommended that beginner golfers choose graphite shafts over their steel counterparts. Graphite is lighter and makes the club easier

When choosing your first set of golf clubs, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

CREATORS PHOTO

to swing, which is perfect for the beginner golfer who may have trouble swinging the club fast enough.

Graphite shafts are especially recommended for female golfers and the elderly. As a beginner, choosing a more flexible shaft may also make getting started easier. In fact, leading sports experts at About Sports note that most teaching professionals claim that many golfers often use too stiff of a shaft.

If buying used, remember to inspect the condition of the clubs you are considering. Look for worn-out grips, where you will have to take the cost of replacement into consideration.

Of course, it’s important to try out your clubs before you buy them. To get the best feel for your clubs be-

fore you make your purchase, visit a large pro golf shop with an indoor range. That’s also the best place to make a purchase, because professional advice can prove invaluable.

It may also be a better alternative to purchasing online, as you may not be able to return your clubs from an online vendor.

You also could consider getting measured for your clubs or getting a club fitting. Many clubs have a standard length that is made to measure up to a 5-foot-10 male golfer. If you’re anything other than this, you may wish to get a club fitting done to ensure the most comfortable match possible before jumping into your first round of golf.

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THE OLD 1-WOOD How to find the right driver for you

J U L I A PR I C E C R E AT O R S . C O M

If there's anything I've learned about golf, it's that all the little things make a huge difference.

For example, if you look up a second too early, it will throw off your entire shot. That's why making sure you have the right equipment is just as important as say, oh, I don't know, making sure you maintain your focus and patience longer than three holes. Not that I know anyone who needs to work on patience.

So how the heck are you supposed to pick out a driver? This is the club most often used for hitting those long, powerful shots from the tee to the fairway.

I was lucky enough to interview golf pro Dave Mahoney, a teaching and playing professional who spends half the year in Miami and the other half teaching in upstate New York.

Check out Mahoney's five tips for finding an appropriate driver, or 1-wood, something that will become a great tool for you to learn and improve with.

1) Get a club that is the proper length for you. If you are a woman, get a women's-length driver; don't use a driver that is men'slength unless you are built like a man. Beginning junior golfers should do the same. If the club is too big, it will hinder your development as a golfer and can contribute to bad swing habits.

If the club is too short for you, it will take away from your distance potential.

2) Get a driver with a big head on it. The bigger the head the more room for error you will have. The bigger the sweet spot,

the easier it is to hit decent shots.

3) Loft up. Get a driver that has at least 10 degrees of loft.

The more loft you put on your driver the easier it will be to hit the ball straight.

4) Make a rough estimate of how hard you can swing the club, and then pick a shaft that will work for you. Rate yourself against Tiger Woods. In other words, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being your grandma and 10 being Tiger Woods, establish how hard you think you can swing.

If you swing closer to your grandma's speed, you may want to get a club with a shaft that is very flexible. If you are somewhere in between, you may want something that is regular in flex. And if you think you can swing as hard as Tiger without falling over, get a stiff or extrastiff shaft.

Getting the right shaft will help you to maximize distance and control.

5) Go take a lesson or 10. You will progress much faster and enjoy hitting your driver much more. If you don't understand the fundamentals before you start practising, it will be very difficult to hit good shots at even a somewhat consistent level.

To find out more about Dave Mahoney and how you can schedule a lesson with him or read his eye-opening blogs about the psychology behind golf, go to http://www.davemahoneygolf.com/about-dave.

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It’s all the little things – like having a 1-Wood that’s perfect for you – that contribute to the perfect drive. Creators photo

Saska Saskatchewan’s atchewan’ss F Favourite avourite

GOLF DESTINATION

STAY & PLAY Select a golf package that blends golf with other outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping or stay right in the heart of Nipawin.

300 Evergreen Drive, Nipawin, Sask.

Phone:

306-862-4811

Visit our website:

www.evergreengolfcourse.ca

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