Don’t under estimate the value of practice. Your local practice facility is as essential to your golf game as your favourite club!

Pre-Game Practice Routine
A pre-game practice routine is essential to establishing your tempo, building your confidence and achieving consistent on-course results. Start your warm-up with some stretching and then move onto stroke practice.

Tiger Woods Preaches Benefits of a Warm-Up Routine
At a demonstration conducted by Tiger Woods before the 35th Ryder Cup, Woods preached the benefits of his warm-up routine, which he says he borrowed from Jack Nicklaus. He begins his warm up by hitting three sand wedges, then moves to the 8-iron, the 4-iron, the 2-iron, the 3-wood, the driver, and then reverses the entire process. According to Woods, “it’s really simple…I hit the same shot with a different club…when I hit my first three sand wedges I don’t care where they go…I just try to feel the club and the ball on the face….from there on out, I hit every shot to a target.”

Loosen up before your round
Try to allow yourself some time before your round to take advantage of your course practice facilities. Loosen up with some easier shots and then work your way up the bag.

Driving Range Practice
When hitting at the driving range, work on your technique, tempo and consistency. It’s better to focus on hitting a few “good” shots with each club, rather than a multitude of bad ones.

At the Putting Green
If time permits, move to the putting green. Start by chipping and putting around the fringe (collar) of the green. Try to take about 10 chip shots before taking out your putter. When putting, start slowly, and get a feel for the speed of the green. It’s a good idea to start putting from a fairly close distance to the pin, taking about 3 or 4 shots, and then slowly work your way back away from the pin in increments.

Buy A Bucket and Practice
If you use the Tiger Woods method on the driving range, hitting 3 balls every time you use a different club, you can get away with a small bucket of balls (40 balls) at the range. Practice — like the pros! Bottom line — give yourself time to practice your game. Enjoy an outing at the practice range, and always allow yourself some time before your round for a proper pre-game practice routine. It definitely pays off in the long run — and if it’s good enough for the touring professionals, we should probably consider it too!

Yours in golf,
Kevin Purcell
CPGA Professional

Practice Facilities at Caledon Country Club

Have you tried our driving range?

Hit a bucket of balls before your round, or if you don’t have time for a round, just make time to practice at the range and putting green. Practice will pay off in taking strokes off your game in 2008!

Our practice green/chipping area is located next to the clubhouse and first tee. The green is large and a very good representation of what you will encounter on the course. We also offer ample area to practice your chip/pitch shots before teeing off. Our driving range is a short walk from the Pro Shop. We offer several hitting stations with mats, a large grass area to hit from, a smaller grass tee deck and a practice bunker. The range is about 230 yard long, but netting at the far end allows you to hit with any club in your bag to warm up! Hit a bucket of balls before your next round, or grab a bucket and give every club a work out before you hit the course — the perfect tune up for for the 2008 golf season!

Large Bucket of Balls (80 balls) $9.00
Small Bucket of Balls (40 balls) $6.00

Tuesday, May 6th Ladies’ Night Open House
Newcomers definitely welcome. Come out and find out all the details on how you can enjoy a fun weekly golf outing. Something for everyone, including brand new golfers and more experienced golfers. Pay-as-you-go and play when you can — no full season commitment required! Join us on May 6th at 5:30 pm for cocktails and nibblies, meet other ladies and learn about all the instruction and fun you can have this summer.

Saturday, May 17th
Demo day for TaylorMade drivers from 11 am - 2pm

GOLF ETIQUETTE:
Proper Golf Attire

Golf was originally developed as a “gentleman’s” game, and as such golf clothing reflects the civilized rules of this gentleman’s game. Each golf course may have its own rules and regulations regarding appropriate golf attire, so it’s always best to check first.

In most cases, however, golfers and caddies usually abide by an industry standard that includes slacks, a collared shirt and golf shoes for men, and slacks or knee-length skirt or shorts, collared shirt and golf shoes for women. At virtually all courses, prohibited items of attire include short-shorts, swimwear, denim of any type, t-shirts and tank tops.

Did you know…
In the 1800 and early 1900s, tartan patterns were the style of the day on the course! Even in the 1970s tartan was held in high esteem (think Caddyshack…)

A well-balanced training program will benefit you not just on the course but in your everyday life, as well. Consider the following areas of training in preparation for the golf season:
(more…)

Caledon Country Club will be at the show again this year (in the Play Golf Ontario Pavilion), and we invite you to visit us and take advantage of our Spring Twosome Special:

Two can play any day for just $99, including cart, until May 31st/08.

These special Spring Twosome packages will be available for sale at the Golf Show and to our newsletter subscribers until March 14/08.

We’ve also included a $3.00 savings coupon for entry to the show - so there’s no excuse not to attend.
Toronto Golf & Travel Show Hours:
Friday, February 29th - 12 noon to 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 1st - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 2nd - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Single $3.00 off coupon
Foursome $3.00 off coupon

Golf Show Web Site >

Tournament play - a different game!
From a golfer’s point-of-view, playing in a golf tournament is completely different than playing with your regular golf buddies at your favourite course. Depending on type of tournament you are entering, your game strategy may be completely different.

Charity & Social Tournaments
If the tournament is a fundraiser or charity event, or an event for your company’s employees, you may find yourself playing with golfers with little or no experience on the course. In this type of tournament the event is usually all about fun and camaraderie - enjoy it for what it is. There are usually prizes at these type of tournaments, and while it is great to win one of the top places, remember that the primary goal of the event is not just about winning - so play your game accordingly.

Playing in Competition
On the other hand, you may find yourself playing in some more challenging tournaments, where your score definitely matters and where you want to come out on the leader board.

This type of tournament requires a different type of mindset. After all, you will be playing with three different players than you regularly play with - and they are definitely trying to beat you. In fact, there may be up to 154 other players in the tournament who also want to end up on top!

Winning a golf tournament is usually a combination of skill and luck. Not only does your game play affect your score, but sometimes the very combination of golfers you are playing with can impact how well you play.

Stay Focused on Your Game
Ultimately, you need to stick to your game basics. Plan a strategy for your round and stick to your game plan. Stay focused on your game, and be less concerned what others are doing.

Do your Homework
There’s nothing like preparation and practice. Do your homework before you head to the course. What are the yardages to the front, centre and back of the green? Plot yardage not just from the tee, but from other every possible location you think may play a factor in your game. Consider fully charting the course you will be playing on. Study slopes and plot out what clubs you will use on each hole.

Check out the Course Beforehand
Get to the tournament course early on the day of the tournament. Take this opportunity to breath in the atmosphere and surroundings, but don’t be overwhelmed by them. Rather pay attention to weather and wind conditions and consider how they will impact your game, and make any adjustments to your game strategy. Not matter what the format, golf tournaments are another opportunity to hit the links. Play your game according to the type of tournament your are entering, and remember to have fun!

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

PS Check out our Tournament Planning Check List and 2008 Early Booking Promo.

Just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thanks so much for all your help with putting the wedding together! We had a great day and all of our friends and family really enjoyed themselves! One of my mother’s friends said it was the best mix of classic and comfortable that she’d ever seen at a wedding, which is exactly what I wanted - traditional with out being stuffy

Lauren and Ryan

There’s still lots of time for great golf, so be prepared and enjoy the rest of the season.

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

Did You Know?

• According to Harvey Penick, in his “Little Red Book” when playing in windy conditions be sure to pay extra attention to your balance, even when putting and when driving, tee your ball lower when hitting against the wind, and a little higher when the wind is at your back.
• When playing in the fall, consider using old balls, since there’s a good chance you will lose some balls among the leaves.
• Cold air is heavier than warm air, causing more resistance for the flight of your ball.
• Remember anything in the bunker (which is a hazard) is considered part of the bunker - therefore you are not allowed to move or touch anything in the bunker, including leaves!
• How cold does it need to be for a golf ball to shatter upon impact? Between minus 22F and minus 40F - so we’ve still got lots of time left to play!
• When temperatures cool, do NOT leave your balls in the garage or car overnight!

Clima technology Protects Against the Elements
The objective of Clima technology is to provide athletes with optimal comfort and protection against climatic conditions. The ClimaLite fabric wicks and transports sweat away from the skin to the outer fabric for quick evaporation, thus enhancing the body’s natural temperature functions.

The ClimaProof fabric stops wind and rain while maximizing sweat evaporation. Using a thin breathable membrane, the suit helps prevent the effects of wind chill and optimizes freedom of movement.

ClimaWarm Endurance Gloves feature a vented cuff with good grip and durability, and provide thermal insulation for cold weather conditions.

Techfit Clima Cool Apparel includes shorts, tops, track tops and pants. More than just a line of apparel, the Techfit line is actually a performance enhancer, with built-in technology for muscle energy, maximum power and endurance, with a fabric that sweeps perspiration away from your skin.

As the days get cooler, be sure to drop by the Pro Shop and check out our full line of Adidas TechFit apparel, for warmth & comfort.

Trouble getting up in the morning? Perhaps a round of golf is just what you need! Mondays to Fridays until September 30th Enjoy an 18-hole round at Caledon Country Club for just $50!
There’s no excuse not to get out of bed now!
Call the pro shop now to book:
905-838-0200 ext 1

Best Breakfasts in Town
Chef Mike has been thrilling golfers and area residents with his great food. Drop in and check out his famous toasted Western sandwich, or check out his twist on grilled cheese, with bacon on crispy panini bread - fast becoming an all-time favourite!

Every Tuesday is Ladies Night

September 1st & 2nd
Club Championship & Junior Club Championship

September 8th & 9th
Heart & Stroke Closest to the Pin competition

September 10th
Orangeville OSPCA Golf Tournament- limited number of spaces still available

Thanksgiving Weekend
3-Club Event

Caledon Country Club Yardage to Increase to 6500
Caledon Country Club Introduces New Irrigation system and at the same time, the Club will commence lengthening the 17th and 18th holes to increase total course yardage to 6500. These improvements to Caledon Country Club confirm to our golfers the continuing commitment to provide them with the best golf experience possible!

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Heat Plays a Major Role at PGA Championship
Earlier this month, conditioning played a major factor in the 89th PGA Championship, held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with temperatures reaching near 100°F.

2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson gave some sage advice before heading out for his round at the PGA Championship: “I’m not going to wear myself out before the tournament starts…I’m trying to drink as much water as possible…It’s going to be not only a test of golf, but also a physical test and a mental test.”

Most golfers know how the heat effects the greens and fairways. When the course is dry and the temperature’s hot the ball tends to bounce longer, and roll further.

Your Equipment & the Heat!
There are some tips that the experts give in regards to dealing with high temperatures on the course:

· Change your gloves periodically when they get too wet - it will help you maintain a firm grip on your club.
· Carry extra towels and towel dry your grips, or you might even consider using sandpaper to give them a quick rub for extra abrasion.

Practical Tips for Staying Cool
When temperatures rise it is also extremely important to stay hydrated. Golfers can easily lose a couple of pounds in an hour, so drink lots of fluids. Wear light colour clothing, use sun screen & wear a hat and sunglasses. A cold cloth for draping around the back of your neck is also a good idea. And try to get out on the course as early as possible, before the sun reaches its peak!

Mental Toughness to Stay Focused
When the temperatures rise, the game often becomes less about mechanics and more about overall physical conditioning, visualization and mental focus. Stamina and conditioning play as much of a role in a good round as does a long drive or a great putting game during intense heat. Take advantage of this great summer weather, but prepare yourself both physically and mentally for golf in extreme heat.

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

Golfing in the Heat

• According to Golf Journal (2002) when a golf ball is hit by a mechanical golfer it travels 15 yards further in 100°F temperatures than it does at 70°F temperatures.
• Extreme heat will not damage graphite shafts but excessive heat build up (ie in the trunk of a car) can possibly affect the bond of the shaft to the club head.
• There is no “official” rule in golf associated with extreme heat, however it is agreed that extreme heat might necessitate a Local Rule. This rule would apply to the effects of the heat on the golf course (ie burned out areas on the fairway), and would not apply to the golfer!