Establish Rapport With Students

Sean Casey is Teaching Professional at the ClubLink Academy at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont., and was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Canadian PGA. He discusses how the role of a teaching professional also involves developing a rapport with the student. At our facility, we’re getting an... ( Full Article )

We Can Learn From Everybody

Bob Paley is head professional of the Kananaskis Country Golf Course near Calgary and was recently named Club Professional of the Year and Merchandiser of the Year by the Canadian PGA. Below, he chats about learning from staff members of all ages. When I was an apprentice, there was a definite hierarchy... ( Full Article )

The Time To Act Is Now

Chris Miranda is president of the Ontario PGA and director of golf / owner of the Cambridge Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. He feels now is the time to make a move with capital expenditures instead of holding off until later in the year. I recently read a GNN blog by Kevin Thistle that illustrated his... ( Full Article )

Instill Confidence, Follow Up With Female Students

The first thing I like to know when teaching women is why are you taking lessons? Are you taking them because you’re a vice president of a company and you have to play in golf events or are you taking them because your husband and family plays? As much as we try to break it down, the intimidation... ( Full Article )

Making Life Easier For Junior Organizers

Winter tends to get in the way of golf at this time of year and so it was recently when I was scheduled to attend a Junior Golf 2010 and Beyond session held in partnership between the Canadian PGA, Royal Canadian Golf Association and provincial associations. A winter storm prevented me from being at... ( Full Article )

Capture Members’ Attention With An Early Splash

We’re into March and opening day isn’t far off as your members/clients anticipate the beginning of the 2010 season and looking at all that’s new in apparel and golf equipment. That first weekend, we’re planning to make our soft goods 20 per cent off. I know that sounds silly because those items... ( Full Article )

Memories Of A Hall Of Fame Mentor

Last week, the RCGA, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame announced its 2010 inductees. I would like to congratulate Graham Cooke and Brent Franklin on their selection under the player category. While not many in the Canadian golf scene would remember Brent, I can say that, having competed with him during... ( Full Article )

Focus On Fitness Continues To Grow

It’s no secret that fitness has become an important aspect of golf the past few years, but I’m finding that the emphasis is starting to pick up even more. At first, it was the really avid people who were taking an interest in fitness, but now it seems that for people just getting into the game,... ( Full Article )

There’s More To Communicating Than E-Mails

I get the importance of e-mail and text messages in today’s business environment, but a pet peeve of mine is that we’re pushing the boundary with the use of such tools and getting away from core verbal and written skills. The reason I say this is because I will get correspondence or resumes sent... ( Full Article )

Player Development Is Intriguing

I’m intrigued to see the proceedings this weekend at Junior Golf-2010 and Beyond, being conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association and Canadian PGA this weekend at Old Ashburn in Halifax. The main topic will be the player development side and I’m interested to see where they’re going with... ( Full Article )

Saving Big Expenditures For Later This Year

As I’ve mentioned in past contributions, I think there’s a good feeling in golf after the economic challenges of the past year or so. I think what’s happening is that people are realizing that the sky isn’t falling, but there’s a wait-and-see attitude as opposed to a “woe is me” attitude. A... ( Full Article )

Perception Is Paramount For Golf Professionals

In my last blog, I talked about the need for the Canadian golf professional to embrace change and in continuing on that theme, I want to talk about the how the golf industry views the role of the golf professional.  While my views won’t be earth-shattering, I don’t think as golf professionals,... ( Full Article )

Golf Courses Are Living An Olympic Dream

As I began this blog, I looked out the window and saw not a cloud in the sky. I can see the Vancouver Mountains and, contrary to popular belief, they do have snow on them, not a lot, but there is some.  It was like an April day and it was expected to stay that way at least into this week which, as... ( Full Article )

Promotion Takes Priority Over Equipment Rules

The controversy about Phil Mickelson using the Eye 2 wedge is a PGA Tour issue, but it may cause unnecessary concern among golfers across the country. There is still not a lot of education out there about new groove regulations brought in by the United States Golf Association this year. People might... ( Full Article )

Subtle Changes Make Good First Impressions

It’s about this time of year that golfers and people within the industry start to feel a little spring fever. The phones are beginning to ring, people are starting to ask about opening day, even if it won’t be tomorrow. We’re getting down to the wire, at least in Ontario, and we’re probably... ( Full Article )

Pros Should Embrace Change, Not Fear It

I never really contemplated the full possibilities of a blog and to be honest, my first few felt more like I was writing an article for a golf magazine than expressing what I really felt or thought about the golf business. However, as I have become a bit more comfortable with writing them, I realized... ( Full Article )

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