FOREplay

Golf has never been known as a sport recognizable for creating scandals that the tabloids love. Rather, many people view golf as a boring old-person sport. Part of that perception comes from the fact that it is a participant sport, not a team sport (excluding the Ryder Cup, of course). The other part comes from the long duration of the sport, the tranquility, respect and focus required in the game. When you think golf you don’t think: sex but, when you think hockey you think: jocks and sex (right?).

But wait, stop the press! Or if you look it at differently, start it? Things changed when Tiger Woods’ sexual rendezvous’ in 2009 hit the headlines. These were the first major stories in golf to unite sex and sport.

An article I found online by Gerald Posner talks about the hidden ‘groupie’ scene in the realm of golf. You can find it here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2009/12/04/the-secret-world-of-golf-groupies.html. The article reveals that prior to Woods’ slip up and cheating scandal, this type of behaviour was not uncommon among golfers. Take a look and you may be shocked by what you learn – at least I was.

Ultimately, sex and golf are not as a detached as they may seem. According to sources in the article, male pro golfers often use their caddy as the middle man by getting them to pull a good looking lady into the autograph line. Also talked about in Posner’s article was the use of the clubhouse as a way to mingle with the single ladies after a round (of golf and drinks).

But outside of the professional world, what connection do golf and sex have? Well, for some players, it’s a way to bond with buddies and share some stories on the course – girl talk or guy talk if you will. For others, the sport is a way to meet people in order to get to the sex portion of the combo. Whether you’re single, married or it’s complicated, golf and sex have an undeniable connection – it’s up to you whether you find it or not.

Lucky Leagues

Golfing alone can be peaceful and help bring focus to your game. But you can’t always play alone – what fun would that be? Finding friends to golf with can be a challenge; not everyone may have the same appreciation or love for the game that you do. So how do you find people to golf with? Easy! Join a league. 

Bushwood offers many leagues:

• Monday Men’s League

• Tuesday Ladies' Lunch League

• Tuesday Ladies' League

• Wednesday Ladies' Links League

 

The benefits of joining a league are endless!

1.     MEET PEOPLE – joining a league is a great way to meet new people and find a new golf buddy!

2.    IMPROVE YOUR GAME – golfing with leagues provides the opportunity for league members to share tips with each other to help improve their game.

3.     GET SOCIAL – after a league, members socialize with a cool beer and some food in the clubhouse. It’s a great way to expand your social circle!

4.     NETWORK – the golf course is prime place for business deals to go down. Join and league and you could find an expected network connection for your career!

5.     GET A LIFE – joining a league guarantees you one night out per week. It gives you a break and some time away from the kids or your spouse! There is nothing more peaceful than the long stretch of a fairway ahead of you as the sun is setting.

So, next time you think about going out for a solo round, think about joining a league or calling up a friend that you met at a league night. It will change your game!

A Par-fect Day At The Course!

Golf is tough – mentally, physically, and even emotionally. It can be difficult to have a good, if not great day at the course. Here a few things I think can lead to a par-fect day on the course! 

1.  A good set of clubs! You want your clubs to fit your body size appropriately. Whether you have top of the line clubs or not, make sure they fit you properly. You wouldn’t wear a pair of shoes that were to small, so why should you play golf with clubs that make you hunch over and give you back pain by the end of the round?
2. Keep your head on straight! With the ups and down of golf, it’s important to remember to have a clear head. Whether it’s a birdie or a bogey, don’t get flustered!
3. Once your head is on straight, put a hat on it! As we approach the middle of July, the heat is on full force. To protect yourself from the sun, always make sure you’ve got a hat and some sunscreen in the bag.
4. Stay hydrated! Bring your own bottle of water, or grab a cold one in the Caddyshack. With a long day of golf ahead of you, keep your body hydrated. Don’t forget to have one cup of water for every tall boy you enjoy out there!
5. A nice set of wheels! No, I’m not talking about the type of car you drive. Take a set of wheels on the course with you – either a golf cart ($18 per rider) or a pull cart. Don’t worry if you don’t have a pull cart – you can rent one for $5!
6. Indulge in a cold one at the Caddyshack! After your par-fect round, end the day with a cold beer in the Caddyshack. With our new menu, it’s the perfect occasion to reward yourself for a job well done on the course.

Cheers! 

Oh Canada, Oh Cake

Bushwood celebrated Canada Day in fine fashion with its members, public, staff and campers in honour of our country’s 146^th birthday. Bushwood’s leading ladies, Mary and Heather, took to the kitchen to bake a red and white cake to celebrate. With red and white balloons, flags and banners to accompany the cake, festivities were in full swing. 

                                 

Speaking of swing, golfers grabbed their clubs and headed to the range for a free bucket of balls to do some pre-game practice. If you missed out on the freebies, you still have a chance! With the Canadian Open fast approaching, Bushwood is buzzing with talk about who will claim the title. With Tiger out of the mix, it’s time for a new fan fave. A native to the course with his own record, Bushwood staffers are routing for our own Bubba Watson.

Now it’s your turn! Post your thoughts on who you think will be the 2013 Canadian Open Champ for a chance to win a free pass for two to play our executive course! All entries will be entered to win.

Happy Belated Birthday Canada!

The Truth About Youth

Leading up to the nationwide “Take a Kid to the Course” program, my curiosity has been sparked about the interest in golf by today’s “youth” (I use this term loosely to talk about golfers aged 8-25). This week, Bushwood is participating in the “Take a Kid to the Course” program that runs across Canada, encouraging families and juniors to take up the sport.

Looking around our facility, and especially now that school is out, it is noticeable that the golf community is no longer limited to players fitting the stereotypical image: retired males. Rather, there are many tykes out on the course getting a feel for the game.

The shifting population of golfers to expand opportunities to the Gen Y and Millennial generations seeks the truth about how and why this change came about? Here are some of my thoughts:

·      New trends – in clothing and styles. As a woman, fashion is a fairly significant part of my life. As styles on the runway change, so do styles on the fairway. The trendy clothing the pros are wearing has shown kids that plaid is ‘rad’. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Inspiration – from emerging pros like Rory Mcilroy and Ricky Fowler, to name a few. These names are familiar to both golfers and non-golfers. Their commitment to the sport and personability through the media gives the kids a role model to look up to in the sport. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Social Media – like twitter, facebook, instagram. Just a few years ago, these words would’ve been foreign. But in both golf and social media, the times are changing. Social media outlets are great ways for kids to gain exposure and interest for the golf. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Camps – like Bushwood’s summer camp for kids. The summer golf camps offered at Bushwood are a great way to introduce the sport to beginners, as well as provide learning opportunities to strengthen the game for novices. Is this why they show interest in the sport?

·      Family outings – as a kid, going to play a round on the executive course at Bushwood was just another Saturday outing. It was normal for my sister and I, but it also wasn’t really a choice. At the time, I wasn’t so appreciative, but now I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop my skill. So do kids join the sport young with their families, or do they join in their later years?

What do you guys think? What has sparked the interest in youth to take up golf? When did you start to play? Post a comment to share your thoughts!