CGIA Voices Concerns About Buying Shows

The Ontario PGA hopes a meeting with executives of the Canadian Golf Industry Association in early June will lead to CGIA member companies participating in its 2011 buying show, which has moved to new dates in August. You can read the original announcement on those new Ontario dates and venue by clicking here.

Ontario PGA president Dustin Kerr-Taylor met with CGIA executive director Keith Keindel last Thursday to discuss the CGIA’s concerns about the August show and it was agreed to bring his association’s and the CGIA’s boards of directors together at a date yet to be determined.

The main concern on the part of the CGIA is whether Ontario golf professionals will attend the August show in significant numbers, but there are others, according to Keindel.

“One of the problems with the date is when you move it back into August, you’ve got all the hard goods suppliers who don’t have samples and I guess one of the questions is do you believe that you’re going to get more pros out in August than what you get out in October?” said Keindel.

Many of those concerns have also been voiced by the CGIA to the PGA of British Columbia, which has been planning a couple of shows, one in August and one in November, according to Keindel.

“We sent them a letter telling them what our concerns were and we haven’t heard back,” said Keindel, adding that attendance is a concern in both provinces.

“(B.C.) switched venues. They’ve moved from being out in Penticton to moving into Vancouver. Their claim there is that that will improve the attendance, but we have some of the same issues, which is do you believe you’re going to get more pros to show up in August when they wouldn’t come in October,” he added.

Kerr-Taylor believes Ontario pros will respond to the new dates and he hopes to get that message across.

“The Ontario PGA is right now working forward to find the best possible solution that best fits our partners and our association,” he said.

“For us, we firmly believe that our professionals will support the show. The reality is that the PGA show in October, the numbers were decreasing every year,” said Kerr-Taylor, pointing out that was the reason for changing to summer dates.

“It needed a change. Our reasoning for doing the show was listening to the apparel manufacturers wanting to get their orders in at such an early date,” he said, adding that the hard goods selling cycle is ongoing throughout the year.

“In August, most (golf facilities) have more staff. At the end of October, you’re on a skeleton staff – some people have a hard time going. This way, there’s more staff around and the reality is there’s time to take a day (to attend the buying show),” said Kerr-Taylor.

Keep an eye on GNN for more developments on this story.

Trowbridge Had Golf’s Best Interests At Heart

If you check out the previous blog, you’ll read about Gar Hamilton’s experiences with the late Seve Ballesteros, whose personality and talent enthralled the longtime Mississaugua Golf and Country Club head professional in his limited exposure to the Spanish star.

Due to the tragic circumstances that surrounded the posting of that blog, I was forced to go back to Hamilton at an inopportune time to discuss the passing of somebody closer to him, a close friend for about 50 years.

The personable Ken Trowbridge, as we understand, had recently been diagnosed with liver cancer and was in hospital to discuss treatment options when his heart stopped. He was 63 and leaves behind his wife Mary Jane and daughters Jamie and Courtney. Read more

Canadian Golf Loses A Friend

Canadian golf has lost one of its more colourful golf professionals with the passing Monday of Ken Trowbridge.

“It’s a sad day with the passing of a great Canadian PGA professional, a mentor to young, aspiring professionals and somebody who did so much for the association and the game of golf,” said Dustin Kerr-Taylor, president of the Ontario PGA.

Canadian PGA president Glenn Cundari echoed those thoughts.

The Canadian PGA passes on its deepest and sincere thoughts to Ken’s family, friends and his golf community,” said Cundari

“The energy and creativity Ken brought to the golf industry was unique. We are proud of the legacy that Ken has left for all of us to work with. Golf in Canada is better because of Ken Trowbridge,” he added.

“Ken was not only a member of the Canadian PGA, but a friend of the association, the staff and the volunteers,” said Cundari.

Few details were available Monday evening. Check in with GNN for more as they become available.

Industry Notes: April 29, 2011

The royal wedding caught a lot of attention early today, but with that over early by North American time, it’s all about another milestone for Nike Golf with the launch of its new premium 20XI golf ball in Canada. Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open champion, Canadian Stephen Ames. 2010 RBC Canadian Open champ Carl Pettersson, Richard Finch, Lucas Glover, Matt Haines, Kevin Kisner, Justin Leonard, Jamie Lovemark, Pablo Martin, Francesco Molinari, James Morrison and Michelle Wie are among the Nike players to put the 20XI into play. The 20XI replaces conventional rubber with new resin material for longer distance and better control. There will be two versions, including the 20XI-X (distance) and the 20XI-S (spin). For more information, see click here, here and here … Tommy Armour III, Russ Cochran and David Frost are the latest to sign on for the second Montreal Championship to be played this summer at Club de golf Le Fontainebleau. The Champions Tour event will take place June 30 to July 3 … The B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation and the FORCE Society for Kids’ Mental Health have been selected as the local community charity beneficiaries for the RBC Canadian Open, to be played July 21-24 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver …  Paloform will be title sponsor of the Ontrio PGA’s Head Professional/Assistant Professional Championship. Paloform creates fireplaces and modern fire pits. This year’s event will take place June 14 at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club in London, Ont. … Tournament Sports, based in Waterloo, Ont., is looking for a territory manager for golf, figure skating and curling products in Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Valley and Northern Ontario. For more information, contact Gary Pollock at gpollock@tournament-sports.com

New Head Pro At Thornhill

Todd McGrath has taken over as head professional at the Thornhill Golf and Country Club in Thornhill, Ont.

McGrath served as director of golf and tennis for the past six years at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ont.

As a junior in the Quebec Golf Association, McGrath played and worked at the Smith’s Falls Golf and Country Club in the Ottawa Valley and turned professional in 1997, when he joined the Canadian PGA.

After attending Carleton University, he joined the Professional Golf Management program at Toronto’s Humber College and graduated in 1999 before becoming an assistant professional at Greystone Golf Club in Milton, Ont.

After two years at Greystone, he joined the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont., as an assistant professional, where he helped institute a regional junior competitive tournament and played a role in the McMaster University golf team winning the OUAA title.

He joined the Cutten Club in 2005 and his golf shop was regularly recognized by local media among surrounding golf shops from 2006 to 2010.

He was also the recipient of a regional clubfitter award from PING in 2007 and was named Ontario PGA Merchandiser of the Year for 2010.

Ontario PGA Seeks Marketing Person

The Ontario PGA has a job posting for a manager of marketing and communications.

For more information, click here.

Titleist Cup to Toronto; Hamilton Returns As Captain

The 2011 Titleist Cup matches between Ontario and Quebec will be played at the Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Toronto head professional Doug Rankin pointed out that with this being the Canadian PGA’s centennial, “2011 is a very important year for the Canadian PGA and its zones and the Toronto Golf Club is looking forward to sharing in the centennial celebration by hosting this significant event.”

It was also announced that Gar Hamilton, who has led the Ontario team to victory the last two years, will coach the Ontario team for the next two years.

“It’s been an exciting two years and I’m confident we can make it another two years,” added Hamilton, who was recently named to the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and will retire from Mississaugua Golf and Country Club later this year.

The Titleist Cup or Ontario/Quebec Matches have been played consecutively since 1977. Prior to 1977 the matches were played intermittently from 1961 until the mid 1970s.

The Quebec PGA has won the matches 21 times while the Ontario PGA has won it 12 times. Teams are comprised of 12 Ontario and Quebec professionals and two apprentices.

All About Coaching

The Golf Association of Ontario and the Ontario PGA have announced the inaugural Ontario Golf Coaches Summit and the launch of a new GAO coaching website.

The first ever Ontario Golf Coaches Summit will focus on junior development and coaching and will be held at White Oaks Resort and Conference Centre in Niagara Falls, Ont., April 11-12.

“This event will provide coach participants with a toolbox of strategies for coaching the developing junior golfer,” said GAO director of sport development Mike Kelly.

“It will include topics such as long term player development, cognitive science, fitness, biomechanics and mental management and will help coaches become better facilitators of learning,” he added.

Presented in partnership with Golf Canada, the event will give participants the opportunity to interact with speakers including author and golf professional Fred Shoemaker.

Other speakers will include performance consultant Dr. Rick Jensen, junior coach Rudy Duran, biomechanics expert and ZenoLink founder Chris Welch, sport science expert Dr. Greg Wells, and leading coaching and physical activity professional Penny Werthner as well as former national cross country ski coach Jack Sasseville.

Those registering will receive:

• Full access to keynote and breakout sessions with renowned presenters in an interactive environment, including the Royal Niagara Golf Club practice facility and White Oaks’ performance and fitness centre.

 

• Accommodation at the five star White Oaks Resort and Conference Centre.

 

• Access to a number of coaching tools, training aids and presentations from on site exhibitors

·

• Welcome gifts including two books from presenters Rick Jensen and Fred Shoemaker.

 

• Full conference delegate package including USB key with all keynote and breakout presentations.

 

• Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks during both days of the event.

 

• Sunday Masters reception offering the opportunity to eat, drink and relax while you watch the final round of the Masters on the big screen alongside colleagues and presenters.
• Coaches gala banquet featuring presentation of Coach of the Year Awards.

 

• Coaching membership with the GAO, which includes coach’s shirt, hat, access to the GAO coaching website and several other benefits.

 

Full information about the Ontario Golf Coaches Summit can be found on the new GAO Golf Coaches website at http://coaching.gao.ca

This new website will serve as a portal for golf coaches in Ontario and for users seeking information about obtaining a golf coach in the province. T

he first website dedicated exclusively to golf coaches in Ontario, it has been created in partnership with the Coaches Association of Ontario, Golf Canada, the Canadian PGA and all three of its Ontario zones.

Features of the website include a coach locator, apprentice and funding opportunities, parent education, an event calendar, and a host of sport-specific resources for coaches in the province.

A members-only section, set to launch in the spring, will include lesson plans and templates, multimedia resources and coach message board.  

For exhibitor information please contact scott@ontariopga.com

Hey, This Isn’t What We Talked About!

The usual conversation over several years when it came to changing the buying show landscape in Canada was about cutting down the number of them across the country each fall.

A popular alternative was one big super-show for all of Canada, or one eastern and one western event for convenience, with one in Quebec, perhaps.

Only in the past few years did the actual timing of the shows become a topic of conversation, but it grabbed our attention on Monday with this news that the Ontario PGA was moving its buying show from October to August, with a new site as well. Read more

Summer Dates, New Venue For Ontario Show

The Ontario PGA Buying Show, which has already undergone considerable change in the last couple of years, continues to evolve in a big way.

The Ontario show, which had become more of a rep show in a pipe-and-drape format, was handed back to the Ontario PGA last fall by Reed Exhibitions, who purchased the show in 2001.

After that transaction, It will be announced officially in a Monday release that the Ontario show is moving to summer dates and this year’s edition will be held Aug. 25-26 at the Toronto Congress Centre, a new venue after being held for years at the International Centre.

“In early December, I called key players in the industry. We got their opinions of what they thought of the potential to move it to those dates and the response was overwhelmingly in favour of moving it,” said Ontario PGA associate director Scott Pritchard.

“The reality of it is that the show, and it’s no secret, needed a change and it needed a drastic change because the structure and the format wasn’t working,” added Pritchard.

The show will officially be called the Ontario PGA Buying Show and its tag line will be “Back to Buying,” to reflect the show’s commitment to hardcore business.

“The show will only exist to accommodate buying, so in other words, there won’t be any distractions like education seminars. It’s strictly a buying show,” said Pritchard. “To keep in that spirit, we’re not going to have any companies that don’t have an interest in golf.

The show will come on the heels of a viewing show being held by Green Grass One at the Congress Centre the day before the Ontario show gets underway.

While Pritchard says the Ontario PGA does have a working relationship with Green Grass One, he stresses its show is in no way officially connected to that buying group.

“We’re trying to make it convenient for the industry,” said Pritchard. “Green Grass One has their viewing event there with several of the key players within the industry, so it was just a natural fit, we thought, to keep it succinct and easy for everyone.”

Other changes include a significant reduction in pricing for exhibitors, who once paid $2,500 for 100 square feet, but association sponsors and Canadian Golf Industry Association members will now pay $1,350.

“What we’ve heard from the industry is that the fence-sitters say that they’ll tell you they’re coming on or not when they see the pricing,” said Pritchard. “We want to make sure that this is a success on every level, so we’re going to make the pricing as attractive as possible.”

Due to timing, the annual Ontario PGA Awards Night will no longer be part of the show and will now move to October 25 when it will be held in conjunction with the association’s Fall Scramble at Angus Glen in Markham, Ont.

What Does The Future Hold For Buying Shows?

So, what do you think of the Ontario PGA’s decision to move its buying show to summer dates? See the story above for more information.

Is it a sign that summer dates may become the norm for the buying shows across the country, or will such a transition be limited to Ontario?

If you’re a golf professional or buyer, what would you think of leaving your shop at peak season to attend a buying show? Would it be a big deal or just a small price to pay to support your own PGA, especially with full staff still in place at most golf facilities at that time of year?

If you’re an exhibitor, are summer dates better or more inconvenient for you?

Is this the beginning of a trend that could reduce the number of shows to two, one in Eastern Canada and one in Western Canada, or perhaps one-big super show?

GNN would like to hear from readers about what they see in the future for the buying shows. You’re up, so we invite you to add your opinion in the Comments section below this story.

What’s Your Industry Story Of The Year?

As I mentioned in Monday’s contribution, we’re shutting GNN down for a couple of weeks over the holidays to take a breather, but keeping an ear to the tracks in case anything breaks, which is always a possibility.

News doesn’t take a breather and 2010 was a good illustration of that point, with many breaking stories, some expected and some surprises, demanding our attention, but which one stands out the clearest for you?

T’is the season for news organizations to pick their stories of the year, but here at GNN, we look at such a topic as a discussion more than a contest, so think back or go into our archives to consider your pick and what future ramifications that story might have on the golf industry in this country.

To get you started, I’ve put a random list of stories that stand out to me below: Read more

In The Summertime, When The Weather Is Fine, Are You Fine For Shows?

Judging by the response to last week’s GNN Poll, the majority of readers feel that the Canadian buying shows will soon undergo a change from the way they were held in 2010.

You can see the latest results from that in the Poll Archives.

Personally, I’m a little more cynical about change to the shows, believing that change tends to come slowly when it comes to such a sensitive topic, especially with the various zones counting on revenue generated from the shows.

Then, there’s the age-old question about what would be a viable alternative to the current structure of the fall buying show season? For years, we’ve discussed the possibility of one big super show, or perhaps one east and one west. Read more

Reed Pulls Out Of Ontario Show

Reed Exhibitions has removed itself as owner of the Ontario PGA Show, citing the need to focus its resources on the international platform of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

Reed bought the Ontario show in 2001 for a reported price of just over $1-million and during that time, exhibitors and attendees have dwindled and the show has transformed from big booth to a pipe-and-drape production.

“I don’t know if we were expecting it necessarily this year, but we’ve definitely been anticipating a shakeup with respect to the show,” said Scott Pritchard, associate director of the Ontario PGA.

“To say that Reed came and said they’re going to focus on the (Orlando) PGA Show and their other initiatives no, that wasn’t a surprise,” he added.

“It’s not a secret in the industry that our show has been declining in overall support,” added Pritchard. “We’re looking to move in a positive direction that’s going to meet the needs of every stakeholder, more specifically our members and the industry.”

John McGeary, Reed’s PGA Golf Exhibitions Industry vice president, added that he will lend his support to efforts by the association in transition, adding that the Ontario show continues to serve the needs of the industry.

“We’ve had a really good run of it. We enjoyed having the show as part of our portfolio,” he said.

“We’re refocusing our efforts really on our PGA Merchandise Show and the Fall Expo (in Las Vegas),” said McGeary, adding that Reed will continue to host its annual Canadian golf industry reception in Orlando.

McGeary added that Ontario had slightly more companies at the 2010 show compared to last year, but admitted that there were challenges.

“It was kind of headed back in the right direction. It was pretty close to the same size as it was in 2009. Obviously, we’re not bringing the revenue we used bring on it, but it served the needs of the marketplace,” he said.

“We wouldn’t produce the event if we were losing money, so we still made money on the show. It wasn’t a losing proposition,” said McGeary.

Whether it was making enough money is the question. The writing appeared to be on the wall about a year ago when Reed closed its Toronto office and moved back to headquarters in Norwalk, Conn., but McGeary says that was done for other reasons.

“It was more of a portfolio issue at the time. It didn’t make sense to keep two different teams working in the same industry. The size and the scope of the portfolio that we had in Canada didn’t support us having an office anymore. It was much more efficient for the core U.S. team to produce the events.”

Pritchard says the split with Reed was amicable, but adds the show faces several challenges as the marketplace evolves in several ways. One of the primary concerns going forward is the October dates of the show.

“Part of the decline of the show is that the deadlines for placing orders, mainly for soft goods, are very aggressive in that their deadlines are towards the end of August, if not earlier. Our show then becomes irrelevant and that’s exactly what’s happened,” he said.

“The timing of the show in Ontario does not work. We’d like to move it. Let’s put it this way – it’s got to be in the real buying season. It’s got to be in the time frame of when buying actually takes place,” said Pritchard, adding that summer dates are a possibility.

“We’re going to explore a number of different options and the summer will probably be one of the options explored,” he said.

McGeary agrees that a change in date is necessary.

“Moving forward, what Scott or whatever producer he chooses to hire or if he runs the show himself, they will definitely have to address the date issue. The show no longer reflects the optimum buying cycle within the marketplace,” he said.

“As the market changes and buying cycles change, that’s something that I think the entire Canadian market’s going to have to look at,” said McGeary.

Show Challenges Aren’t Exclusive To Ontario

Keith Keindel, executive director of the Canadian Golf Industry Association, is hoping to get a jingle from the Ontario PGA sometime soon to discuss the future of its beleaguered fall buying show, which continued to evolve yesterday.

Reed Exhibitions, which has owned the show since 2001, announced that it was handing it back to the association and walking away, citing the need to focus on its PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and its Fall Expo in Las Vegas.

However, Reed isn’t likely to just hand back a property that’s a big money maker and it’s no secret that attendees and exhibitors have been dropping over the past decade for a variety of reasons. Read more

Ian Webb Named Professional Of The Year At Awards Dinner

Ian Webb, the executive professional/general manager at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, has been named the 2010 Ontario PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Webb, who began his career under Rocco D’Amelio at the Bridewater Country Club on the Niagara Peninsula, has worked at Credit Valley since 2000.

“It’s a huge thrill for me to have my name added to a list of such decorated and celebrated Professionals,” said Webb.

“I’ve looked up to a number of the past winners my whole life, so it’s a huge honour to be included on the list,” added Webb, a past president of the Ontario PGA.

Webb worked at Bridgewater from 1984-90 before being recruited to join the staff at St. George’s Golf and Country Club under the tutelage of Neil Verwey.

“Neil had a real passion for the game and it was contagious,” said Webb, 45. “Neil made everyone feel important and a part of the team and it’s something that has stuck with me.”

Webb secured his first Head Professional position in 1993 at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club at the age of 26. He recalls starting that journey with his wife Helen.

“We left Toronto with $15,000 in the bank only to be $250,000 in debt in one week later. The best part about it is we jumped in smiling,” remembers Webb, who is quick to credit his past and current staff members.

“This award is really all about the people that have helped me throughout my career,” he said.

This year’s Teaching Professional of the Year presented by FlightScope was awarded to Jason Helman, the director of instruction from Wyndance Golf Club in Uxbridge.

Teacher of the Year nominees are judged from innovative teaching techniques to instructional articles, videos or promotions.

“I’ve followed in some pretty big footsteps with all of the past winners being guys I’ve looked up to,” said Helman, 40, of Port Perry, Ont. “I’ve really got to thank my players who have done a great job over the last few years. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Helman, who began his career as a Canadian PGA Apprentice under Mike Schurman at the Toronto Board of Trade Golf, has been a Canadian PGA Class A member since 2008, Helman currently works with a number of male and female touring professionals including Tyler Martin of Oshawa and Seema Sadekar of Las Vegas via Stouffville.

This year’s Teacher of the Year for Juniors is Ron Webb of South Muskoka Golf and Curling Club. Webb, who has been the head professional at South Muskoka for 37 seasons, is a retired physical education teacher who taught in the Muskoka School system for 31 years.

Webb began his career as a golf professional in 1964 at the Kleinburg Golf Club, working under his mentor and ‘second father’ Len Diplock. Coincidently many of the juniors that participated in Webb’s successful program at South Muskoka often refer to him as a second father and mentor.

Among his many accolades and still his most proudest is that of his son Brennan and daughter Ryley. Brennan is a former Nationwide Tour Member and currently a professional golfer in Florida while Ryley, is the COO of the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, S.C.

Todd McGrath, the head professional at The Cutten Club in Guelph was named this year’s Merchandiser of the Year. Merchandiser nominees are judged on criteria such as merchandising philosophy to pro shop layout and display techniques.

“It’s a great thrill to win this award and I am thankful we have a great team at the Cutten Club,” said McGrath. “I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work for some of the best retailers and merchandisers and without that mentorship, I don’t think I would be here today,”

McGrath and his team at The Cutten Club pride themselves in offering great customer service and maintaining great relationships. That philosophy also emphasizes catering to the specific needs of member s and guests.

McGrath believes The Cutten Club differentiates itself with personalized touches such as special orders, complimentary shipping, gift wrapping, convenient return/exchange practices, accepting competitor’s gift certificates and offering a wide product mix.

Tayler Kimura, associate professional at Brampton Golf Club is this year’s Assistant of the Year. Nominees are judged on criteria such as staff management, teaching, member interaction and playing ability.

“It’s really special to win tonight, especially to win on the same night as Ian. “added Kimura, who began playing golf as a junior at St. George’s. “I have a real passion for golf and I’m always striving to get better, I think this award is a testament to that and I’m thankful I was chosen this year.”

Kimura, who began his career as a golf professional in the U.S., worked at both Credit Valley and Owen Sound before obtaining his Class A status in 2009 while at Brampton.  Kimura attributes his passion for the game of golf as well as having the opportunity to work with a number of esteemed Canadian PGA head professionals as well as associate professionals.

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