Picture
See things differently
What is the best golf lesson you ever had?  Was it on a range? Or was it on a golf course?  Most people would answer that depending on if they work with a golf instructor.  I think if you work with a golf instructor, most of your time has been working on a driving range.  I know when I was growing up, I used to play golf with my dad and during or after play, he would critique my game.  Essentially giving me a playing lesson.  When someone that instructs, teaches, or coaches you is able to get on the course and see how you respond to different situations, it's the best way to formulate a plan to get you saving strokes.  Lots of students come to the academy telling me they played poorly, and proceed to hit solid shot after solid shot in our session.  I then ask "How was your short game?" They always respond by saying "Terrible!" Or "It needs work."  I always like to hear how each of my students are PLAYING.  Not how well they are hitting it.  We can save plenty of shots if we can pinpoint where the errors are occurring while we play....       


 
 
Picture
golf course management
When I speak of golf course management, I'm not speaking of running a great golf business or facility.  I speak of managing your game around a course and playing smart, consistent, sound golf.  My strengths have always been confident decision making and a solid short game.  I've been criticized in the past for being to methodical or thinking too much on the golf course.  But I feel it's the opposite, I've been very passive in my course management skills.  One side of my game that was greatly improved last season, was managing my game around golf courses.  I don't over power the layouts and I've never had the ability to do so.  I keep the ball in front of me and pick my spots wisely.  The great thing to know about managing your golf game is... you don't have to be the world's #1 player.  All you need is to be educated like him.  Here's the top 5 tips that I use and trust will help educate you more in your golf course management.....  


 
 
At Tees Golf Academy we have a great new offer that's sure to make you do a double take.  We know the difficulty of getting golfer's and students to practice and train indoors during the Spring/Summer months.  But our new Summer Lesson Membership is guaranteed to help you improve and show you the benefits of getting golf instruction inside.  The deal is so good that when I was doing the proof for our brochure, I had to call and check to see if I was reading the correct information. In short, here's what our Membership offers... 
 
 
Picture
PGA of Canada Logo
I've been around a golf course or golf facility for 22 of the 32 years of my life.  I probably know more about the game and industry then most people think when they first see me.  I have a deep background in the game and come from a family that was obsessed with golf.  If you get me talking about the game, I will generally throw out stats, names, and stories of players and people that you've never heard.  A family dinner at my house would be a golfer's dream if they were seeking inside knowledge of golf.  My dad is 72 years old and has been playing golf for over 50 years and currently holds a six handicap and if not for an honourable call on himself in his Club Championship this year, he would've been the runner up to a 25 year old young gun.  My oldest brother is a PGA of Canada Professioanl and in 2010 was our Ontario PGA Champion.  My other brother is a 3 time Club Champion at his home club.  So again, golf is in my blood and it's the game, stories, and people that intrigue me and made me turn professional....

 
 
Picture
As a golf professional and a highly competitive player I feel we need a break after a long season of playing golf.  It's actually recommended that we take a good 8 weeks after the season, to relax and let our bodies recharge before getting back into a winter practice schedule.  If you're a person who aspires to play better golf, it's almost imperative that you put together a good solid off season program.  As a coach and player I always break things down into four parts of the year (Southern Ontario). 

January 1 to March 31 - Off Season
April 1 to May 31 - Pre-Season
June 1 to September 30 - In Season
                                     October 1 to December 31 - Post Season

In brief, Off Season is where we put together a plan of action and work on the major areas that need to be tightened up.  For me, the Off Season is a time to work on my fitness focusing on cardio, core, and overall mobility.  Also, I make sure my practice time is spent using swing trainers, cameras, and launch monitors to make sure my numbers are improving.  Pre Season is a time to put the changes to work on the golf course and periodically using cameras and launch monitor technology to fine tune my shot making.  In Season is a time to play and compete with what I have.  I don't practice hard at this time year, except for my short game.  The Post Season is a time of year I play fun tournaments, reflect and relax, and give my body and mind the rest it requires.  For the serious golfer the post season and off season are the most important times of year, and I often see guys/gals spending their time unwisely and improvements seldom happen.  I have compiled a list below that will help people see the importance of winter training and become involved over the long winter months.....

 
 
Here's our finished Online video commercial that was directed and shot by local film artist Jay Irving.  He did a phenomenal job on the project and deserves lots of credit working with a couple golf pros who were true newbies in front of the camera.  We are excited to release the commercial video and you can view it here or on the home page of our academy site.  We outline our objectives and give you a glimpse of what we do at Tees Golf Academy.  Enjoy!
 
 
Well this is my first post and I promise to bring many more in the weeks, months, and years to come.  For all the fans and customers of Tees Indoor Golf, I am excited to serve you as the new Assistant Golf Professional.  I am a member of the PGA of Canada and have more experience in the golf industry then even I know.  I come from a family that's very passionate about golf, and my father taught me the history and etiquette of the game first before he taught me the fundamentals. My older brother won the Ontario PGA Championship in 2010, after many years of close calls and consistent play, he finally broke through for his first major win. 

I never back away from a conversation about the game and welcome anyone to tell me their stories as I love talking about the game and it's history.  I'm looking forward to helping the customers of Tees and can't wait to see what path this new position takes me down.  Please come back often as I will be sharing my thoughts and insights about the game.  There will be much more to come.... I promise.