Merry Christmas Everyone

Merry Christmas to all our On the Links readers, listeners, viewers, sponsors and tour members. I hope Santa was good to you can you got all those cool golf gifts you were hoping for. Santa left a few extra gifts here at the On the Links office so we thought we would pass them along. Some are actual presents while some are some wishes for 2010.

To Pine Crest Golf Club: one of your fine members to win the Wes Dixon tournament this year. It's been a while but this could be the year.

To Peterborough Golf and Country Club: the return of the Men's Invitational and a 120 players to fill the field and the brand new clubhouse.
To Kawartha Golf and Country Club: a retro fit of your current clubhouse keeping the feel and the tradition of the old one while bringing in the amenities of a new one.

To The Quarry: A driving range to go with your fantastic course.

To AGM Golf Memberships: even more members in your second year. 1st year was a great start, way to go and keep it up

To Pine Ridge and Katchiwano: buyers with big pockets

To On the Links Members: 8 great tour stops and at least 6 good scores to count towards your year end points

To OTL Tour and Pine Crest Member Al Crowe: more rounds of golf, 160 is just not enough

To Gary Dalliday: His first hole in one

To Marc Savard: A victory at the Kawartha Men's Invitational.

To All Beer Cart Girls: Less guys hitting on you and saying "This must be a cool summer job"

2010 Tour

Well it's been a while since we posted here but I thought I would just take this time to let everyone know that the On the Links Tour is getting set for the 2010 season. Already we have exciting news to announce. It's been confirmed that the Kawartha Golf and Country Club will return as a host venue for our 2nd last tour event next season. The date will be Monday August 23rd starting at 1pm. The other 7 tour dates will be announced starting in early January. Currently we are looking for new sponsors for the On the Links Tour. Conact me at pete@onthelinks.ca for details on how you can get involved either as a player on the tour, sponsor or both. Happy Holidays.

OG Invitational

The 1st Annual Oakland Greens Invitational was held recently (Aug 22nd and 23rd) at the Norwood area course and first round leader Len Sheenan was the overall winner edging out Jeremy Heffernan in a one hole play-off.

Heffernan settled for the second flight championship while Kenny Kent was the third flight winner. Brian Patterson and Grant Nelson won the 4th and 5th flights respectively. Sheenan along with Clayton Heffernan both established the new course record during first round play when they both fired rounds of 73.

Tournament co-organizer Mike Kidd says this year's inaugural event ran smooth and they hope to become part of the unofficial "majors" on the local invitational circuit. "Thanks to the help of all our sponsors and the players we are well on our way to joining the other clubs in the area and becoming perhaps the final big event of the invitational calendar" said Kidd. He added "The course was prepared well and the greens were fast and smooth and the players appreciated that, we also introduced".

The tournament also introduced tournament play to several area juniors who got their first taste of invitational style golf during the event. "We are hoping these young adults will grow with the tournament, we want to continue to grow the game here in Norwood and the eastern Peterborough area" Kidd said.

Sponsors included Accuracy Plus, Berretta Canada, Upper Canada Fuels and Remax Todd McRobbie.

Pictured: organizer Midd Kidd helps a young junior golfer with his scorecard duing the recent Oakland Greens Invitaitonal.

NEWS AND NOTES:

No one claimed the $1,000 AGM Hole-in-One Shoot Out on the 19th however OTL member Mike Kidd just rolled one by and missed my inches ... Wog Epping had the shot of the day , stiffing a five-iron to three feet on the difficult par-3 hole 16.... Any group or course wishing to host an international pairs qualifier can do so by calling 868-3574.... Next stop for the On The Links tour is Aug. 24 at Kawartha Golf and Country Club followed by Aug. 27 the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. To enter email pete@onthelinks.ca

Oakland Greens Men's Invitational

1st annual Oakland Greens Invitational
August 22&23

It's a men's tournament but we are encouraging juniors to play
hoping to increase their spirit to participate in competitive golf .

THIS IS A GREAT DEAL
ONLY $145.00 for men and $80.00 for juniors.

Included is a practice round, two rounds of tournament play and dinner Saturday night

Deadline to register is Sunday August 16th

Special thanks to our community minded sponsors:

UPPER CANADA FUELS-Peterborough & Norwood

BULLOCK INSURANCCE - Norwood

REXALL PHARMACY - Norwood

MILL LINE WOODWORKING - Norwood

NEWMAN INSURANCE - Campbellford

REMAX TODD MC ROBBIE - Norwood

ACCURACY PLUS - Peterborough

BERRETTA CANADA

Pairs Event Thursday at Baxter Creek

On the Links is hosting an International Pairs event presented by Alliance Golf Memberships on Thursday August 13th at Baxter Creek. It's a two person best ball with the winning team heading off to the Canadian Finals at Piper's Heath in September. Cost is $160 per team of $80 per person. Call 868-3574 or email pete@onthelinks.ca to sign up today.

Quarry Sr. Men's Invitational Results

Age 50-59

Low Gross Bill Goodchild 72

Low Net Paul Marlin 66

Closest To Hole Dave Edgerton

Age 60 - 69

Low Gross Bob Jamieson 70

Low Net Colin McKenzie 64

Closest To Hole Bob Jamieson

Age 70 plus

Low Gross Bob Stevens 73

Low Net Ben McKenzie 63

Closest To Hole Mac Allen

Kawartha Men's Invitational Round 1

Mark Brewer leads the Kawartha Men's Invitational after the first round. Brewer fired a tidy 70
Saturday for a one shot lead over Steve Fredericks and Jake Gerolamy both of the host club aa well as Tim Caine. Marc Savard (pictured) is two shots back after an opening round of 72. Round two is Sunday while the third and final round goes as always on holiday Monday. Everyone is welcome to come out and watch some great golf this weekend. The tournament is sponsored by Bud Light, Kelsey's and Sysco among others. Listen to On the Links Live Sunday at 10am for all the details on this year's 64th Annual event.

Battle At Bellmere Washed Out

Today's Battle at Bellmere OTL Tour was washed out becasue of 15 mm of rain that hit the area. The event will now be played next Thursday July 30th at 1pm. Cost is $55 and includes golf and cart and more. Contact pete@onthelinks.ca if you wish to play.

Final Local Major Set For Kawartha

Kawartha Invitational Aug 1-3rd

The first Kawartha Invitational was held in 1946 and was held as a three-day amateur tournament. The Invitational as it is better known has hosted many well-known golfers such as Ben Kern, Moe Norman, Warren Rehikopf, PGA Tour Player Jon Mills, Nick Weslock, brothers Paul & Don Davis, Dan O'Donaghue, Roger Self, Kirk Miller & Derrick Small Jr.. Today it is one of the only three day Invitational in Ontario to our knowledge.

The Invitational starts next Saturday August 1st and continues Sunday and Monday. The tournament wraps up with trophies being handed out late Monday afternoon.

Kawartha is well known for its hospitality and the Invitational is a tournament that has fostered many great memories, friendship and exceptional golf.

On the Links will be broadcasting live from 10:00-10:30am on Sunday August 2nd. Tune in to hear who is leading the tourney after round 1.

MAJOR SPONSORS include Labatt Breweries, Sysco Foods of Ontario and

Kelsey's Bar & Grill/Montana's Cookhouse.....

Local Pro Heading To US Open

After winning a playoff to become an alternate to play in the 2009 U.S. Senior Open John Rushnell of Black Diamond crossed his fingers and hoped he would get that fateful call to play. Fortunately for John that call came this morning from the USGA informing him he would be joining fellow Canadian PGA Professional Gar Hamilton (Mississaugua) at Crooked Stick for the U.S. Senior Open on July 30 - August 2, 2009.

"I have been waiting by my phone since the qualifier and now I feel like a kid in a candy store," said an elated Rushnell. "My first call was to my wife (Kim) and she screamed she was so happy," he added.
Rushnell's qualifying site was at Fox Chapel Golf Club just outside of Pittsburgh where the Oshawa native shot a round of even par 70 on June 25, 2009. After winning a playoff to become the first alternate at his site, USGA officials informed him that an alternate usually gets in from Fox Chapel.

"I think it has to do with the quality of the field and possibly the rating of the golf course in terms of difficulty," explained Rushnell. "I don't know for sure how I was selected but in the end it doesn't really matter, I'm in the Open!"Rushnell, who won last week's Ontario PGA Senior Summer Championship in Kleinburg will begin his preparation tomorrow at Black Diamond Golf Club where he is the Teaching Professional.

"Physically my game is there, but mentally I will be working on my pre shot routine and really concentrating on all my shots," said Rushnell. "My game this year has been great and I am playing for the shear enjoyment of the game rather than score, money etc..."

The simple fact that Rushnell qualified to play in the U.S. Senior Open is a Cinderella story on its own. You see Rushnell is a retired GM worker who began a second career as a golf professional in 1997. Working nights at GM and days at Oliver's Nest Golf Club, Rushnell moved through the Canadian PGA ELITE Apprentice program covering off all the requirements as quickly as he could obtaining his Class 'A' status in 2002. "I began playing golf when I was 28 years old and absolutely fell in love with the game," said Rushnell now 54. "I really started playing well when I was 40 and had aspirations of playing professionally as a senior," continued Rushnell who narrowly missed a European Senior Tour card in 2003 finishing in 33rd place after a disastrous 8 on a par 3. "I would still be chasing the dream, but it comes down to economics and I just can't justify it," he added. The chance to compete in the U.S. Senior open is a dream come true for Rushnell who retired from GM in 2002. "I am going to have a blast, this is a perk in life especially at our age," said Rushnell, who now focuses on helping other golfers achieve their golf dreams. "I really enjoy what I'm doing and to see my students do well is an absolute treat." Rushnell joins Gar Hamilton as the only other Canadian in the U.S. Senior Open field.

Kawartha Club Champs

Mike Weir Charity Classic Kicks off RBC Canadian Open Week

The Mike Weir Charity Classic will kick off the 2009 RBC Canadian Open Championship at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario next Monday. The event boasts a star-studded roster of celebrities and professional athletes including:

Michael Jordan
Rick Nash
Martin Brodeur
Joe Thornton
Paul Coffey
Kevin Costner
George Lopez
Tom Cochrane
Thomas Gibson
Lorie Kane
And many PGA Tour veterans

All proceeds will go to the Mike Weir Foundation in support of children's wellness initiatives.

Tickets are only $15 and children under the age of 15 are free with a paying adult.

visit rcga.org or rbccanadianopen.com for more details.

Be sure to check the blog next week for photos, results and interviews from the event!

Kawartha Club Champions Crowned

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=16532

Black Diamond Pro Wins OPGA Sr Crown

John Rushnell Adds Second Simmlands
Ontario PGA Senior Summer Title to His Trophy Case

(Kleinburg, Ont. July 6, 2009) - John Rushnell (Black Diamond) shot 5-under-par 66 en route to victory at the Ontario PGA Senior Summer Championship. This was Rushnell's second Senior Summer victory with the last coming in 2005 at Glendale Golf and Country Club.

The victory couldn't have come at a better time for Rushnell, who will tee it up next in the Canadian PGA Senior Championship which goes later this week in Ottawa. Rushnell attributed his fine play to a recent round that was played in a U.S. Senior Open qualifier in Pittsburgh, PA.

"I played well today, the course was great and I'm feeling good about my game," added Rushnell who will head to Ottawa tomorrow. "I've had a hot putter as of late," added Rushnell, who shot 70 and grabbed the first alternate spot at his qualifying site for the US Senior Open.

Oakland Greens To Glo

Friday July 24
Oakland Greens Golf and Country Club
Glo Ball
Fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital
$40.00 per Golfer
starts at dusk (approx 9 pm)
Contact the pro shop @ Oakland Greens for more details or to sign up
705-696-2915

Freddy Wins Wes Dixon

Congratulations to Steve Fredericks who won a 6 hole playoff against fellow Kawartha member Mitch Starr to claim the 26^th annual Wes Dixon Memorial golf tournament on Sunday. Because of the rain the first round was washed out so it became a 18 or as it turned out 24 hole shootout.

Both Steve and Mitch are class acts and it’s too bad there had to be a loser on this day but I’m happy for “Freddie”. He’s a solid family man who I’m sure was excited to win this one on Father’s Day.

The event itself is a tribute to the late great Wes Dixon who’s son and daughter, Bob and Jan have taken the course he built into one of the best spots in all of the Kawarthas. Pine Crest is like family to many, it’s a place you can always return to and it always feels like home no matter how long you have been gone.

Check it out when you get the chance. www.pinecrestgolfclub.com

Pete

Great Jr Golf Event

Heron Landing is hosting an 18 hole Jr. tournament for all skill levels on Monday June 29th. Tee times begin at 12:30pm. Cost is only $13.95 for members and $26.95 for non members. Price includes hamburger, chips, pop and prizes. Call 740-9726 or sign up at the front desk. All are welcome and On the Links will be giving away a great price including an On the Links shirt and mesh back trucker hat !!

Jerry Hinds Advances With King

The 2009 VIA Rail Canada Cup final is set for tomorrow at 12 noon EST. Representing the Ontario PGA will be Peterborough native and former Kawartha member Jerry Hinds (Heritage Hills) and Danny King (Academy Tee at Magna) and representing the Quebec PGA will be the team of Carl Desjardins (Le Blainvillier) and Yvan Beauchemin (Grand mere).

Hinds who was one of the top juniors at Kawartha Golf and Country Club back in the 80's and King battled the elements this afternoon in what was an up and down match verses the team of Dave Levesque (Rattlesnake Point) and Billy Walsh (Beacon Hall). Rain soaked metropolitan Montreal for the majority of the day while the players contested a seesaw battle.

"Those were the toughest conditions I've ever played in," said a rain soaked Jerry Hinds who made a clutch birdie putt on 17 to bring the match back to all square.

The real turning point in the match came when Danny King jugged a 7 Iron from 158 yards into the wind on the par 4 14th hole, which brought the match to all square.

"We had good communication with one another today and that really helped us, especially in these conditions," said King. "Tomorrow we will have to do more of the same in order to come out on top."

Both teams cruised through their respective moring matches. Levesque and Walsh beat Eddie Maunder and former Peterborough Golf and Country club member Reggie Millage 4 & 3 while Hinds and King beat Colin Murray (Peninsula Lakes) and Mark Napier (Rattlesnake Point) 3 & 2.

Extreme golf: million dollar Par 3 Forget pitch and putt - this tee-off point on top of a 430m mountain in South Africa is the hardest golf shot in the world, and more than $US1 million awaits the player who can score a hole in one. Players must take a helicopter to the top to play the longest - and highest - par three on the planet. Taking the shot also requires courage - a player needs to teeter terrifyingly close to the edge of the mammoth hillside. Indeed, the Extreme 19th Hole is so high the ball takes almost 30 seconds to reach the ground. Channel Nine cricket commentator Mark Nicholas recently joined an elite list to have the shot in just three swings. "It was awesome, riveting and phenomenal," he said. "It's like the end of the world when you get up there and it's an awful lot of fun. "It's such an adrenalin rush taking the helicopter up and then rushing back down." The hole is based at the Legends Golf and Safari Resort, within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in South Africa 's north-eastern Limpopo Province . The other 18 holes were designed by world golfing legends including Trevor Immelman, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Australia 's Robert Allenby. A round of golf - including a buggy and lunch - will set you back R450 ($70). The Extreme 19th costs is R6700 ($1060) per four ball, that includes helicopter ride, souvenir cap and glove and a DVD of you playing the hole. So far, no one has even come close pocketing the million-dollar prize, but Harrington became the first golfer to conquer the hole within par. Harrington said: "This is the type of innovation and excitement we need to get more people playing golf. "There aren't many new innovative ways to play the game but this is certainly one of the best. "I think this hole is awesome - I love the whole experience, the helicopter, the views, the drama and having the green the shape of Africa . "And now I've got bragging rights over all the other professionals who have played this and not managed to make a three. I love everything about it."

VanderVelden Wins Tamarac Title

Tamarac Golf & Country Club’s
40th Annual Men’s Invitational
Final Round Results – Winners of each Flight


Overall Champion Jurgen VanderVelden 74-76 = 150
1st Flight – 1st Colin Wraight 150
2nd Mike Vieria 158
2nd Flight 1st Todd Gregory 158
2nd Ken Gilmour 162
3rd Doug McLean 163
3rd Flight 1st Rob Ball 159
2nd Brock McDonald 164
3rd Lou Clarke 167
4th Flight 1st George Douglas 165
2nd Jeff Gilmour 169
3rd Earl Ireland 171
5th Flight 1st Ken Young 172
2nd Ken Kent 182
3rd Lee Tomlinson 182
6th Flight 1st Jerry Shilling NET 136
2nd Tal Kirkwood NET 148
3rd Joe Rogers NET 149

Submitted by Scott Scheller,
Golf Professional - June 14, 2009 7:28 pm
292-8761

On Sunday June 14th, and the 40th year of the Tamarac Men’s Invitational, Jurgen VandeVelden lead wire to wire and won the championship for the second time in three years. Congratulations to all the winners and Tamarac’s own Todd Gregory, Ken Young and Jerry Shilling for finishing 1st in their flights. See you next year at the 41st Tamarac Annual Men’s Invitational.

Demonstration Day at Liftlock Golf Club

Presented by Tony's Clubhouse

It's Golf Season! Finally!

That means it's time for the always popular Tony's Clubhouse Demo Days.
We quickly discovered that offering this for just one day just wasn't enough so in answer to your requests we're expanding it to two days.

I hope you'll have a chance to visit me and my good friends from Golfworks Canada on Friday, June 12 from 5 -8 pm &
Saturday, June 13 from 10 - 3 pm
at Liftlock Golf Club in Peterborough.

(Pssst... everyone who drops by will have a chance to enter a draw to win some fabulous prizes.)


And for the first time ever - we're hosting a special "ladies hour" from 10-11 am on Saturday, giving our female golfers an opportunity to try out specially designed clubs and get tips from our on-site experts.

I look forward to seeing you there ..... Tony

Former PGCC Star Wins OPGA Event

On a day where the field scoring average was just over 78, former Peterborough Golf and Country Club memeber Reggie Millage stuck to his game plan and won his first Ontario PGA Spring Championship. Reggie's round of 2-over-par was enough to secure a playoff with Danny King, who finished at even par for the day and the tournament.

On the first hole of the playoff Reggie hit his tee shot on 18 into the left rough. King hit a solid drive down the centre of the fairway. Millage's second shot which was over 200 yards from the green stayed under the tree line and ended up just short of the green. From an uphill lie King hit his second shot into the left greenside bunker. From the bunker, King hit his third to four feet. Millage hit his third shot to two feet and made his putt while King missed his.

"It was a grind today, but I knew par would be a good score," said Millage. "This is my first win on the Ontario PGA regular tour and winning against this caliber field feels great."

Millage is a former guest of On the Links Radio and we congratulate him on his victory.

Tour Kicks Off

The 2009 On the Links Tour season kicks off this Thursday May 28th at Six Foot Bay.

It's the first of 8 events on the season this year and is sponsored by Ricarts.

Cost to play is only $65 however if you are an Alliance Golf Member you'll save $10. Price includes golf, cart and a hot dog at the turn.

Format is a stableford scoring system and we'll also be playing AGM closest to the pins on all par 3's as well as 2 long drives.

If you would like to sign up for all 8 events you can do so as well. Test drive the tour on Thursday and decide after if you want to play full time. If you do we'll put your daily fee from the day towards your 2009 membership.

Tee Times begin at 11:30am. The last tee time available is 12:48.

To sign up please contact Pete Dalliday at 705 868-3574 or by email at pete@onthelinks.ca

2 for 2 For Alex

8 year old Alex Pineo has done it again. The Lakefield resident and St. Paul's student won his divison again this weekend at a CJGA event. Playing at the Rolling Hills Golf Club, Alex
shot a 3 over par 34 despite a double bogey on the first hole and won by two
strokes. He also won the Lexus closest to the pin competition but unfortunately for Alex's dad Rob the prize was not a Lexus ! Last week Alex won the first event of the season with a win in Oakville. Both tournaments were qualifying events for the 2009 World Junior Golf Championships in San Diego in July. With back to back wins Alex is all but a lock to earn a spot west later this summer.

Hole In One Club

Friday May 15th will be a day that stands out in Mike Lowry’s golfing career. Mike shot his first ace on the 17th hole at Timber Ridge. Using his pitching wedge and Callaway golf ball, Mike hit a beautiful shot that landed on the fringe of the green and released into the center of the hole! Congratulations Mike from Timber Ridge Golf Course and On the Links...

56th Peterborough Men’s Invitational

56th Peterborough Men’s Invitational Golf Tournament


This year’s tournament will be held Saturday July 11th and Sunday July 12th 2009. The field will consist of 120 players on a first come basis. They will have 5 flights based on entry with gross prizes only presented in each flight.

Entry fee this year remains the same as previous years - $200.00 for non members and $125.00 for members. Entry fee includes a practice round that can be played on any Saturday or Sunday after 2pm. For those residing more than 100km’s away, the practice round may be played July 10, 2009.

Format for the tournament is as follows:

Friday, July 10th
Saturday, July 11th
Sunday, July 12th
Competitor’s Reception 6:30 PM
1:00 – 3:00 PM Cross-Over Tee-times
7:00 – 9:30 AM Cross-Over Tee-times

Skins Game
Skins Game

Buffet Dinner


Pro Shop - 705-760-9665
Fax - 705-743-2461
Email – ptbogolf@nexicom.com

8 Year Old Pineo Wins One For Mom

8 year old Alex Pineo gave his mom a mother's day present she'll never forget. The youngster from Lakefield won the first event of the Canadian Junior Golf Season yesterday at Oakville Executive Golf Club.

Despite extremely cold and windy conditions Alex shot a four over par and won by one stroke over a field of 19 junior golfers from across Ontario.

This tournament was also a qualifying tournament for the 2009 World Junior Golf Championships in San Diego in July.

Alex is a grade 2 student at St. Paul's Elementary in Lakefield and is a member of the Katchawano Golf and Country Club.

Alex has been golfing since he was 3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3etGOWq4JjM

Tony's Clubhouse

So you’ve had lessons, play golf several times a week, and you still can’t figure out why your game hasn’t improved. You may have even bought a new set of clubs because you were so frustrated, but you are still hooking and slicing every shot. So what could the problem be? Are you just destined to be a bogey golfer for the rest of your life?

Tony Porter may have the answer.

He is the owner and operator of Tony’s Clubhouse in Peterborough, Ontario. Open for a 4th golf season, Porter has provided many golfers in the area with the answers to their golf games.

“Some people go out and spend thousands of dollars on new clubs, but they neglect to spend the time and get them fitted properly. It can make all the difference,” said Porter.

Porter offers many products and services including; golf equipment repairs, re-gripping, re-shafting, club fittings and new golf equipment sales.

“There are so many people that don’t have the right clubs. We all have different swings, the consistent thing should be the club. It makes a big difference,” stressed Porter.

A graduate of the golf repair and fitting program at Golf Works Canada, Porter likes to work with clients on an individual basis. He runs his business by appointment only, and takes the time to get to know each golfer’s swing.

“I like to meet up with clients out at a local driving range or course, have them hit some balls, and I critique their swing. It’s amazing how a few simple adjustments can improve someone’s game.”

Re-gripping costs range from five to twenty dollars.

Porter plans on being at this year’s Peterborough Home Show, and is having two demonstration days, tentatively at Liftlock Golf Club on June 5th and 6th.

“We bring in clubs, let golfers hit a few balls and try new clubs out with various shafts and grips. Most people end up walking away with a new club.”

Porter has been an avid golfer for 15 years and enjoys golfing in the Peterborough Area. You can find him roaming the fairways of his favourite course, Six Foot Bay, or at his other job at Trent University. He also plans on playing a few of the events for the On The Links Tour. So don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and talk about your golf game if you see him at one of the events.

Tony’s Clubhouse is an official sponsor of the On The Links Tour.

Call (705) 761-3836 to book your appointment and improve your swing today!

Tiger Flashback

As you watch today's coverage of the Players Championship there's no doubt with Tiger in the hunt they will flashback to one of Tiger's greatest putts of all time. It was back in 2001 and it was a crazy double breaker that turned out "Better Than Most". Enjoy the action today and look for Tiger to overcome the 5 shot deficit by the turn and win by two shots. Happy Mother's Day as well to all the Moms out there !!

Pete

AUR, "Going Green" for 2009 Spring Clothing Line

AUR, formerly Aureus and Aurea, are “going green” for their spring 2009 clothing collection. They have added a fourth product collection that focuses on renewable resources; Aware. Aware’s environmentally friendly focus on new fabric technologies provides golfers with an earthy alternative, without sacrificing fashion. The line features apparel that is made from recycled polyester (EcoSmartT), cotton/bamboo blends (EcottonT), and nanoben fabric technology.

EcoSmart , available for men and women, is a fabric made from Recycled Polyester Yarn. Recycled polyester yarn is made from plastic post-consumer based products. The benefits of EcoSmartT are moisture management, anti-odor, fast drying, added UV protection, easy care and environmentally responsible. It reduces fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse gases when compared to regular Polyester fabrication.

E-CottonT by AUR, also available for men and women, is a Cotton/Bamboo fabric made by combining bamboo-derived fibers (bamboo is basically pounded until it becomes threads of fiber) and cotton. The benefits of E-CottonTby AUR are a luxurious hand feel that's softer than the softest cotton, anti-odor, easy care, hypo allergenic, thermal regulating, naturally four times more absorbent than cotton, breathable, anti-bacterial and environmentally responsible. It is environmentally friendly because it is made with a Bamboo component, which is one of the world's most sustainable resources.

Nanobon®, available for men only, consists of carbonized bamboo particles that are combined with a polyester yarn and knit into a garment. The benefits of Nanobon® are moisture management, anti-odor, fast drying, added UV protection and environmentally responsible since renewable carbonized bamboo, instead of a chemical finish, was used to attain these benefits.

"AUR is dedicated to improving every golfer's performance and enjoyment of the game by designing and crafting clothing that makes golfers look, feel and perform their best regardless of their skill level," says Mark Fletcher, President Fletcher Leisure Group Inc. "Times change, people evolve and yet philosophies persevere. Our philosophy for this authentic golf brand is and will continue to be that of providing the most aspiring golf fashion on the market."

Montreal-based Fletcher Leisure Group Inc., is the largest privately owned supplier of high-quality golfwear, lifestyle apparel and golf equipment in Canada, as well as snow sportswear. Fletcher, with 42 years of golf-industry experience, is expanding very quickly to international markets. In addition to North America, it is present in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Fletcher Leisure Group Inc. is the largest supplier of golf apparel to the Canadian golf market through its own Sunice®, Aureus & Aurea, AUR, and Storm Pack sportswear brands, and also distributes the top industry brands of Callaway Golf Apparel, Ashworth, and Adams Golf equipment. Fletcher brands are distributed across Canada through pro shops, specialty golf stores, sporting-goods retail stores, resorts and universities, as well as large corporations via its affiliation with promotional merchandise companies. You can visit http://www.aurgolf.com/ for the latest golf styles and photos.

Callaway Golf/CPGA Lesson Program

New state of the art golf clubs can help improve your game, but Callaway Golf is taking it one step further. Callaway has teamed up with the CPGA to offer a free 30-minute lesson to anyone who purchases a driver or iron set from the 2009 product line from a CPGA professional. To receive a lesson certificate, golfers must purchase a Callaway product between May 1 and July 31, 2009.

World-renowned golf coach, David Leadbetter, is spearheading the operation.

“The importance of instruction from a certified golf professional for players of all abilities cannot be overstated. The Callaway/CPGA lesson program was created to offer tangible benefits to help every golfer’s game.”

Many amateur golfers spend thousands of dollars on new clubs that they hope will improve their game, but neglect or are intimidated by seeking help from a professional. Lessons are expensive and usually hard to come by at times. Most golf clubs only have a single CPGA pro who most oversee hundreds of members throughout the shortened Canadian golf year.

Organizers of the program have set up a Website for golfers to validate their certificate and book appointments for lessons; www.mycallaway.ca/freelessons

The 2009 Canadian PGA lesson program is available at all Canadian Callaway Golf retailers.

So if you’re looking to upgrade your equipment this season, make sure to book your appointment with a CPGA pro near you.

Examiner Golf Guide

This past week the Peterborough Examiner published it's annual Golf Guide. It appeared on Wednesday and is full of great local golf information. There's a neat article on Steve Clancy and his vision to create a skins and fins event this year. Also be sure and grab a copy so you can check out the great tournament section where it runs down all the big events this coming summer. If you wish you can even read my article on "getting fit" for the upcoming season. Congratulations to the Examiner sports staff for once again putting together a great golf guide. Nice job. If you can't track down a copy you can always drop into the Examiner and I'm sure they will have some extra copies.

Pete

Alliance Golf Memberships

Tired of spending thousands of dollars on expensive golf memberships? Not only is the cost usually obscene to be a member at a golf club, the repetition of playing the same 18 holes all year long can leave you bored and unchallenged.

Kevin and Garrett Fitzgerald had a vision that would appeal to many golfers in 2007. They created Alliance Golf Memberships. It has created an opportunity for golfers in the Kawartha Lakes to have discounted green fees of up to 40% on numerous courses throughout the region.

Courses include:

Wolf Run Golf and Country Club
Lindsay Golf and Country Club
Whitetail Golf Club
Pine Crest Golf and Country Club
Baxter Creek Golf Club
Six Foot Bay Resort
Quarry Golf Club
Keystone Links Golf and Country Club
Warkworth Golf and Country Club
Salt Creek Golf Links

***And discounts for the On The Links Golf Tour and Ricarts***

AGM Membership Includes:

-Up to 40% off on green fees
-Online Access 365 days a year
-Last minute tee time bookings online
-Free online handicap tracker and shot tracker
-Full course details and contact information
-Free equipment testing
-course reviews by members

Registration is quick and easy online at http://www.alliancegolf.ca/ or call (705) 292 8065

Single members fees: $99.95
Couple members fees: $169.95
Junior (under 18): $49.95

Dundas Valley To Host 2009 Canadian PGA Women's Championship

The Canadian Professional Golf Association has announced that Dundas Valley Golf Club will host the 2009 Canadian PGA Women’s Championship. The tournament will begin on August 10th . The par 71, 6400 yard Stanley Thompson design will present a considerable challenge to the best female golfers in Canada.

The Niagara escarpment provides the backdrop for this picturesque championship course. The classic old-style setup presents some breathtaking views and terrifying shots. Consider yourself lucky if you find an even lie on this course. Downhill and uphill shots to well guarded greens make club selection a nightmare.

Assistant course superintendent, Alex Dickie, was ecstatic when he heard about the announcement.

“The tournament falls the weekend after our club championship….we will be conditioning the course for full championship playability. This is the biggest event that we have hosted since the 2004 CPGA Senior Men’s Championship.”

Dickie hopes that the exposure gained from holding this year’s event will skyrocket the private club’s rating.

“We want to get our course rated in the top 100….and in the next five years, the top 50. This event should put us over the top.”

If all goes well, Dickie sees no reason why the course shouldn’t be considered for the Men’s Amateur Championship in the future.

“The event that we eventually want to hold is the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.”

Course maintenance staff plan on letting the rough grow up to four inches, double mow and row the greens to add to the already difficult complexion of the golf course. Parking shouldn’t be an issue for the NIKE sponsored event, as a shuttle service could be made possible from nearby McMaster University in Hamilton.

Eventually, Dickie believes that the DVG could host the prestigious Canadian Open event given a few changes. They would have to initiate a “renaissance” plan that would convert their short nine-hole practice course into a 28 acre academy facility that would accommodate a driving range and an area for tents that are required for the open. The area is no stranger to hosting the tournament, as nearby championship courses include; Hamilton Golf and Country Club and Glen Abbey.

Sunday's Show

Be sure and join us Sunday at 10am for our second show of the season. We'll have On the Links Tour member Craig Williams on the show to talk about his quest to get his golf game on CBC's The Dragon's Den. We'll also talk with John Gordon of Club Link regarding a new Callaway Fitting Centre and Gary Morris will be along with another edition of Bam's in the Barn. This week Bam will interview Bob Dixon of Pine Crest Golf Club. Tune in and and enjoy.

Pete

On The Links Tour Dates Announced!!!

May 28th, 2009 @ The Quarry

June 11th, 2009 @ Six Foot Bay

June 25th, 2009 @ Timber Ridge

July 9th, 2009 @ Pine Crest

July 23rd , 2009 @ TBA-(Wolf Run, Tamarac, Bellemere Winds or Whitetail)

August 13th, 2009 @ Baxter Creek

August 27th, 2009 @ PGCC

September 15th, 2009 @ Wildfire-Wildfire includes green fee only. Cart $20/rider or
Fall Classic entry of $120 if you wish to take part in the full day.

Season Ending Banquet @ Ricky’s All Day Grill-TBA

***Most Tee times will be approx. 1pm. Tee times will be sent at least 3 days prior by email or call (705) 868-3575

Payment Options

Option #1 Pay in full for all 8 events and save. $525.00 for pre-April 30th registration. Receive a full registration gift pack including-Tour shirt, rain jacket and hat.

Option #2 First ½ of season-4 events for $249.00.
Or, Second ½ of season-4 events for $299.00. You will receive a full registration gift pack including-Tour shirt, rain jacket and hat.

Option#3 Tour trial membership: $75 registration and then pay as your play at each event. You will receive an On The Links shirt and hat.

***Please note Options #1 and #2 include green fee only at Wildfire. Carts, meals and gifting for the Fall Classic portion of the event will be charged the day of if you wish to participate in the full day.

Greg Warren

Sunday Should Be Fun

So Tiger is sitting well back at -4 going into the final round of the Masters. Tiger has never come from behind to win a Major. So there's always a first and playing in the same group as Lefty Phil might just give Tiger the fire in his belly that seems to have been missing so far this week.I'm sure it's been there all week but now it's ready to come out.

I think the boys at the top will fall back and the winning score at the end of the day will be -8. Tiger can get there.

So can Phil but I doubt he will. The Nike boys will be happy Sunday night because the winner is either going to be Tiger, Anthony Kim or Calgary's Stephen Ames.

I know I'm crazy, they are all at -4 right now but it's just a hunch. If it doesn't work out, no big deal, I can make this blog disappear real fast.

A Fond Farewell.....

A little wind wasn’t enough to stop the assault on Augusta National on day two. Well, if you ask Padraig Harrington, he may tell you otherwise. The winner of the last two majors was issued a penalty stroke when he addressed the ball while putting and a gust of wind carried it away three feet behind him.

Round one leader, Chad Campbell, had an up and down round, but still managed to cling to the lead after round two. He shot 2-under on the day. (70) Good enough to sit 9-under overall.

Kenny Perry’s sweet putting stroke and precision driving earned him a share of the lead after he shot a 5-under par. (67)

The day belonged to youngster Anthony Kim. After shooting a disappointing 75 in the opening round, Kim set the record for single round birdies at the Masters with 11. He shot the lowest round of the day and now sits in a tie for sixth position overall.

Friday can be an emotional day at the Masters. The cut line took its toll on two former champions who said goodbye to Augusta for the last time.

Three-time Masters’ winner, Gary Player, received a standing ovation as he walked to the 18th green alongside Canadian Steven Ames, ending a 52-year career at the tournament. He dropped to both knees in a praying position and looked up to the sky once he stepped foot on the green for the last time. He finished in last place.

Crowd favourite, Fuzzy Zoeller, won the Masters in 1979 and also was playing in his final Masters. Although, I am sure he will still be back for the free booze at the champions’ dinner next year at Augusta. A tip of the cap and a standing ovation set Zoeller on his way after he finished up on 18.

Greg Warren

The Masters?

Someone should have told Chad Campbell that he was playing the Masters this weekend. Clearly the hype and anxiety associated with arguably the most prestigious golf tournament in the world wasn’t an issue. Sunny, warm, no breeze and favourable pin positions allowed the world’s best players to open up and fire at will. This is not the kind of Masters that we are accustomed to. Many players voiced their concerns during cold and windy practice sessions saying that the course would play too difficult and that the winning score could potentially be over par.

Campbell breezed through the opening five holes of Augusta National. Five birdies in five holes. It didn’t stop there. The American cruised to nine-under par after 15 holes and flirted with the course record of 63, before stumbling in to the clubhouse with consecutive bogeys on the 17 and 18th holes to finish atop the leader board at 7-under par. (65)

Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan sit one stroke back in a tie for second after shooting a solid pair of 6-under (66) rounds to open the major.

The man with the best hat collection in golf, Shingo Katayama, sits in a tie for fourth position after a round of 5-under (67) with 50-year-old, 1987 Masters’ champion, Larry Mize.

It was a good day for the two Canadian golfers in the field.

2003 Masters’ winner, Mike Weir, eagled the 13th hole to finish at 4-under (68) for the day, good enough for a tie for sixth position after round one.

Stephen Ames eagled the second hole to get off to a good early morning start, but would eventually bogey four times throughout the round, which led him to a round of 1-over (73), putting him in a tie for 51st.

But, what about Tiger?

After a mediocre start, Woods caught fire on the back nine at Augusta. Woods has never shot a round under 70 in the opening round of the Masters. Birdies on 13, 14 and 15, salvaged a good round for the four-time green jacket recipient. He finished with a round of 2-under, (70) putting him in a tie for 20th.

Don’t expect the pin positions to be as generous tomorrow. The Augusta board of directors will ensure that the golfers return to reality.

Greg Warren

Show Debuts This Sunday

This Sunday is a big day. Not only will the Easter Bunny be visiting the Dalliday house bright and early but also two other big events will be happening. The first one of course is the season debut of On the Links Live. Air time is 10am and we can't wait to get on back to what we love doing best, talking about golf while sitting back enjoying a coffee and a donut ! This season Andy and I will be joined by our new OTL Insider Greg Warren. Greg will also be doing some writing for us and some blogging here as well. Greg's a great writer and will provide us with some great insight into what's going on with the CPGA, OPGA, The On the Links Tour and a lot more. We also hope that Wilf Hughes and Karl Lawson will be able to join us from time to time this summer as well.

Oh I almost forgot, the third big thing happening this Sunday is the final round of the best golf event in the world, The Masters in Augusta. I'm sure Tiger is going to win but if he doesn't then I think it might be a real shocker, perhaps a member of the over 40 club. Fred Couples, Mark Meara, Rocco ?? It's crazy I know, but it's not always the guy who hits it the longest, in fact it's the guy who hits it the least who wins !! Enjoy Masters week.

Pete

Coming Soon

Petes On the Links Blog will return in March. Thanks for checking in.........